Sustainable Agricultural Practices Research Articles

Smart and Sustainable Crop Protection: Design and Evaluation of a Novel α-Amylase-Responsive Nanopesticide for Effective Pest Control.

In this study, an α-amylase-responsive controlled-release formulation was developed by capping polydopamine onto β-cyclodextrin-modified abamectin-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The prepared Aba@HMS@CD@PDA were subjected to characterization using various analytical techniques. The findings revealed that Aba@HMS@CD@PDA, featuring a loading rate of 18.8 wt %, displayed noteworthy release behavior of abamectin in the presence of α-amylase. In comparison to abamectin EC, Aba@HMS@CD@PDA displayed a significantly foliar affinity and improved rainfastness on lotus leaves. The results of field trail demonstrated a significantly higher control efficacy against Spodoptera litura Fabricius compared to abamectin EC at all concentrations after 7, 14, and 21 days of spaying, showcasing the remarkable persistence of Aba@HMS@CD@PDA. These results underscore the potential of Aba@HMS@CD@PDA as a novel and persistently effective strategy for sustainable on-demand crop protection. The application of nanopesticides can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of pesticide utilization, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.

Investigating consumers' experiences with community supported agriculture: Convergent parallel design methods.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) represents a collaborative model where local farms and community members form partnerships to facilitate the direct delivery of fresh produce from farms to consumers. This study primarily investigates the experiences of current CSA members, focusing on the key factors influencing their retention intentions. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods approach, this study gathers and analyzes both quantitative data (such as factors affecting members' retention intentions) and qualitative data (derived from interviews reflecting members' perceptions of their CSA experiences). The integration of these datasets provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape CSA membership dynamics. The research findings underscore that Convenience, Product Quality, and Positive Interactions are pivotal factors that contribute to members' Intentions to continue their CSA memberships. These insights are crucial for enhancing the services provided to CSA members and hold significant implications for the broader scope of CSA membership research. This study not only fills a critical gap in understanding the Chinese CSA context but also contributes to the global discourse on sustainable agriculture practices and community engagement.

An Empirical Analysis of Farmer’s Perspectives on Custom Hiring Service Centres in Tumakuru District of Karnataka, India

The perception of farmers regarding the usefulness of Custom Hiring Service Centre’s refers to their opinions and attitudes toward these facilities, particularly in terms of accessing machinery, cost-effectiveness, productivity benefits, technology adoption, and labor reduction. The study conducted in Tumakuru district of Karnataka during 2020-21 was an "ex post facto" research focusing on farmers' perceptions of the usefulness of hiring centers. Eight taluks were chosen, where Custom Hiring Service Centre’s were operated effectively. The results pertaining to the perception towards objectives of Custom hiring centers showed that more than two-fifths of respondents (45.38 %) falling under the medium category with Mean = 32.65 and SD = 3.42, perception towards availability of services in also saw positive outcomes through the services of Custom Hiring Service Centre’s. With 42.13 per cent of respondents in the high category and perception towards benefits of CHSC with 46.15 per cent of respondents were categorized as low. The Custom Hiring Service Centre’s had a notable impact on overall perception of farmers i.e., more than one third (36.15 %) of the respondents falls under high perception level. The statement farmers pay only for the number of acres or the number of hours used has component loading of 0.83 followed by overcome the problem of labour in agricultural operation with 0.76 component loading. Through the provision of affordable access to a diverse range of farm machinery and equipment, Custom Hiring Service Centre’s have significantly enhanced operational efficiency, minimized input losses, and promoted sustainable farming practices.

Exploring Disease Resistance in Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Germplasm Collection Using Fluidigm SNP Genotyping

This study utilized a diverse Capsicum accessions (5658) sourced from various species and geographical regions, deposited at the National Agrobiodiversity Center, Genebank. We employed 19 SNP markers through a Fluidigm genotyping system and screened these accessions against eight prevalent diseases of pepper. This study revealed accessions resistant to individual diseases as well as those exhibiting resistance to multiple diseases, including bacterial spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, phytophthora root rot, and potyvirus. The C. chacoense accessions were identified as resistant materials against bacterial spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and phytophthora root rot, underscoring the robust natural defense mechanisms inherent in the wild Capsicum species and its potential uses as sources of resistance for breeding. C. baccatum species also demonstrated to be a promising source of resistance to major pepper diseases. Generally, disease-resistant germplasm has been identified from various Capsicum species. Originating from diverse locations such as Argentina, Bolivia, and the United Kingdom, these accessions consistently demonstrated resistance, indicating the widespread prevalence of disease-resistant traits across varied environments. Additionally, we selected ten pepper accessions based on their resistance to multiple diseases, including CMV, Phytophthora root rot, potyviruses, and TSWV, sourced from diverse geographical regions like Hungary, Peru, the United States, and the Netherlands. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into disease resistance in Capsicum, crucial for fostering sustainable agricultural practices and advancing crop improvement through breeding strategies.

Spatial distribution of CH4 emissions from livestock farming in Poland: a comparison of 2010 and 2020

ABSTRACT Among greenhouse gases (GHGs), methane (CH4) is a major contributor to global warming. Agriculture accounts for about 40% of CH4 emissions, with livestock being a crucial source. CH4 emissions from livestock primarily arise during enteric fermentation and manure management in livestock. This study aims to estimate Poland’s CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation and manure management in 2010 and 2020 at the municipal level (LAU-2). Data from the National Agricultural Census (NAC) and the UNFCCC National Inventory Report (NIR) for 2010 and 2020 were used for the analysis. The results reveal a slight overall increase in total CH4 emissions from livestock farming in Poland over the decade. The highest emissions were observed in regions where livestock farming was predominant, while significant changes in emissions occurred in regions experiencing considerable livestock production growth. Conversely, the lowest emissions were found in areas where the decrease in livestock population was most prominent. Understanding the spatial distribution of CH4 emissions from livestock farming at the municipal level is essential for effective climate change mitigation efforts. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and analysis of livestock farming in Poland to assess its impact on GHG emissions and facilitate informed policy-making for sustainable agricultural practices.

Restoration of the soil fertility under Cr(VI) and artificial drought condition by the utilization of plant growth-promoting Bacillus spp. SSAU2.

The study explores the potential of an indigenous halo-tolerant microbe identified as Bacillus spp. SSAU-2 in enhancing soil fertility and promoting plant growth for sustainable agricultural practices under the influence of multiple abiotic stresses such as Cr(VI), high salinity, and artificial drought condition. The study investigated various factors influencing IAA synthesis by SSAU-2, such as pH (5 to 11), salinity (10 to 50g/L), tryptophan concentration (0.5 to 1%), carbon (mannitol mand lactose), and nitrogen sources (peptone and tryptone). The highest IAA concentration was observed at pH 10 (1.695mg/ml) and pH 11 (0.782mg/ml). IAA synthesis was optimized at a salinity level of 30g/l, with lower and higher salinity levels resulting in decreased IAA concentrations. Notably, the presence of mannitol and lactose significantly augmented IAA synthesis, while glucose and sucrose had inhibitory effects. Furthermore, peptone and tryptone played a pivotal role in enhancing IAA synthesis, while ammonium chloride exerted an inhibitory influence. SSAU-2 showed a diverse array of capabilities, including the synthesis of gibberellins, extracellular polymeric substances, siderophores, and hydrogen cyanide along with nitrogen fixation and ammonia production. The microbe could efficiently tolerate 45% PEG-6000 concentration and effectively produce IAA in 15% PEG concentration. It could also tolerate high concentration of Cr(VI) and synthesize IAA even in 50ppm Cr(VI). The findings of this study provide valuable insights into harnessing the potential of indigenous microorganisms to promote plant growth, enhance soil fertility, and establish sustainable agricultural practices essential for restoring the health of ecosystems.

Modeling the impact of measured and projected climate and management systems on agricultural fields: Surface runoff, soil moisture, and soil erosion.

As global climate change poses a challenge to crop production, it is imperative to prioritize effective adaptation of agricultural systems based on a scientific understanding of likely impacts. In this study, we applied an integrated watershed modeling framework to examine the impacts of projected climate on runoff, soil moisture, and soil erosion under different management systems in Central Oklahoma. The proposed model uses measured climate data and three downscaled ensembles from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) at the water resources and erosion watershed to understand the impact of climate change and various climate conditions under three management systems: (1) continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) under conventional tillage (WW-CT; baseline system), (2) continuous winter wheat under no-till (WW-NT), and (3) cool and warm season forage cover crop mixes under no-till (CC-NT). The study indicates that the occurrence of agricultural drought is projected to increase while erosion rates will remain unchanged under the WW-CT. In contrast, climate simulations imposed on the WW-NT and CC-NT systems significantly reduce runoff and sediment while preserving soil moisture levels. Especially, implementing the CC-NT system can bolster food security and foster sustainable farming practices in Central Oklahoma in the face of a changing climate.

IoT Solutions with Artificial Intelligence Technologies for Precision Agriculture: Definitions, Applications, Challenges, and Opportunities

The global agricultural sector confronts significant obstacles such as population growth, climate change, and natural disasters, which negatively impact food production and pose a threat to food security. In response to these challenges, the integration of IoT and AI technologies emerges as a promising solution, facilitating data-driven decision-making, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing monitoring and control systems in agricultural operations to address these challenges and promote sustainable farming practices. This study examines the intersection of IoT and AI in precision agriculture (PA), aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their combined impact and mutually reinforcing relationship. Employing a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, we explore the synergies and transformative potential of integrating IoT and AI in agricultural systems. The review also aims to identify present trends, challenges, and opportunities in utilizing IoT and AI in agricultural systems. Diverse forms of agricultural practices are scrutinized to discern the applications of IoT and AI systems. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how the integration of IoT and AI technologies can revolutionize PA, resulting in improved efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in the agricultural sector.

Climate change adaptation for drinking water and ecological flows through sustainable agricultural practices

ABSTRACT Analysing the impacts of climate change on water resources is crucial to identify vulnerabilities and prioritize actions. We investigated climate change impacts on drinking water supply, emphasizing sustainable agriculture as an adaptation strategy, using the SWAT model in the Cávado River basin, Portugal. Our study highlights an increase in months with river discharge below ecological flow post water abstraction due to climate change. Notably, nitrate concentration was more influenced by sustainable agriculture practices than climate change. Our study highlights the vital role of adaptive strategies, especially sustainable agriculture, in securing water resources amidst challenges posed by climate change.

Effects of Microbial Inoculants Combined with Chemical Fertilizer on Growth and Soil Nutrient Dynamics of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)

Microbial inoculants derived from plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, maintaining microbiota balance in agricultural systems. However, limited research has explored the combined effects of microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizers on crop growth and soil properties. In this study, we investigated seven fertilizer combinations, ranging from no fertilizer to various proportions of chemical fertilizers with microbial inoculants, on timothy (Phleum pratense L.) growth, chlorophyll content, soil properties, enzyme activities, and soil microbial communities. A randomized block design was employed to analyze these effects. The results indicate that the combination of 85% chemical fertilizer with microbial inoculants significantly increased timothy yield and chlorophyll content. In addition, a reduction to 55% chemical fertilizer in conjunction with microbial inoculants resulted in comparable yield to that of 100% fertilizer with no inoculants. The microbial inoculants treatments notably elevated soil catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, and invertase activities, along with soil fast-acting nutrient content. The sequencing results show that the abundance of beneficial bacteria increased, while that of fungi decreased in the soil rhizosphere after the application of microbial inoculants. This study underscored the potential of microbial inoculants combined with reductions in chemical fertilizers to enhance soil microbiology, nutrient content, and beneficial microbial abundance while suppressing pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting timothy growth and yield. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of microbial inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices, providing valuable insights for optimizing microbial inoculants and chemical fertilizer formulations to mitigate the sustainability challenges posed by conventional fertilizers.

Biochar in Agriculture: Enhancing Crop Productivity and Disease Resistance

Biochar, derived through pyrolysis, presents a promising solution to the challenges faced in sustainable agriculture. This review delves into the diverse advantages of employing biochar to enhance crop yields while promoting environmental responsibility. Its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature not only enrich soil fertility but also contribute to carbon capture, aiding in the fight against climate change. Additionally, while its effectiveness in disease control may vary, biochar shows potential in bolstering crops against environmental pressures. By altering soil characteristics, it encourages the growth of beneficial microbes and improves nutrient availability, ultimately supporting plant vitality. Moreover, integrating biochar into agricultural systems may prompt biochemical and physiological changes that activate plant defences against pathogens. This study thoroughly assesses biochar's impacts on soil health, crop output, and disease prevention, emphasizing its crucial role in advancing sustainable farming practices. Embracing biochar as a strategic resource offers great potential for cultivating resilient and environmentally friendly farming methods, marking a significant step towards sustainable crop disease management.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Indian Diet

Micronutrient deficiency in the Indian diet poses a significant health challenge, impacting millions across the nation. The inadequate intake of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine, can lead to severe health issues, including anaemia, impaired cognitive development, and compromised immune function. One crucial factor contributing to micronutrient deficiency is soil pollution, which directly affects the nutritional content of vegetables and fruits. Soil pollution results from the presence of contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste, negatively impacting soil health and composition. As plants absorb nutrients from the soil, polluted soil leads to diminished nutrient uptake by crops, exacerbating the micronutrient deficiency in the food chain. The contamination of soil with heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals by plant roots. Consequently, vegetables and fruits grown in polluted soil may exhibit lower concentrations of vital micronutrients, even if individuals consume the same quantity of produce. This compromised nutritional quality directly contributes to the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in the Indian population. Addressing this issue necessitates a multi-faceted approach. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and soil remediation techniques, can help reduce soil pollution and enhance soil fertility. Additionally, promoting awareness about the importance of diversified diets and dietary supplements can empower communities to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Government initiatives, research collaborations, and public-private partnerships are essential to developing and implementing strategies that tackle both soil pollution and micronutrient deficiency in the Indian context, fostering a healthier and more resilient population. Keywords: Nutrients, Micronutrients, Indian diet, Vitamins, Supplements.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Neem oil and Microalgae in the Management of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Leaf Spot Caused by Alternaria spp.

The current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of neem oil and microalgae in controlling leaf spot caused by Alternaria spp. in cowpea (Vigna unguiculataL.). The research was conducted during the Zaid season of 2022 at the Central Research Field of the Department of Plant Pathology, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, using a Randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to draw conclusions from the data. Leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria spp poses a significant threat to cowpea crops, resulting in yield losses and decreased plant vigor. An in vivo study was carried out to evaluate the impact of different concentrations of microalgae combined with neem oil at 1% on plant growth parameters and Disease Intensity (%). The application of microalgae @540 grams in various splits and neem oil @1% was done. Among all the treatments, T4 (Microalgae 48gms @5 DAS 96gms@15,45 DAS + Neem oil @1% showed promising results. Notably, the T4 treatment significantly increased plant height (84.63 cm) and the number of branches(10.83) at60DAS. Moreover, an increased numberof nodules per plant (21.44) was observed at 75 DAS, indicating improved root health and nitrogen fixation. Additionally, the treatment led to longer pod length (34.44 cm) in three pickings, suggesting enhanced yield potential. Furthermore, the combined application of microalgae and neem oil resulted in a significant reduction in disease intensity, with a notable decrease of 24.47% compared to untreated plants and those treated with chemicals (Bavistin). This indicates that the use of microalgae and neem oil together effectively suppressed leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria spp. in cowpea, thereby improving plant health and productivity. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential use of eco-friendly alternatives like microalgae and neem oil for managing leaf spot disease in cowpea cultivation. Further research in this area is recommended for sustainable agricultural practices.

Distinguishing direct N2O emissions from 15N-labeled manure compost, urea, and maize roots in a field study

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural activities are a significant contributor to global anthropogenic N2O emissions. Sustainable agriculture practices, including using manure compost to replace nitrogen (N) fertilizers, can reduce chemical fertilizer use and minimize negative impacts on soil health and water quality. However, the direct contributions of manure compost to N2O emissions have not been fully studied. We conducted a field study to distinguish the direct contributions of manure compost, urea, and residual maize roots to N2O emissions in an integrated crop-livestock agricultural system in Shandong Province, China. Using the 15N-labeling technique, we found that the majority (93.3%) of cumulative N2O emissions originated from the soil and other unaccounted sources. Notably, manure compost contributed 1.3%, while current-year urea, residual urea with root exudates, and maize root accounted for 3.4%, 1.9%, and 0.03% of cumulative N2O, respectively. Our results also demonstrated that applying manure compost in combination with urea resulted in lower seed yield-scaled N2O emissions (0.046 g N2O-N kg−1 seed) compared to applying urea alone, even when the total N input was identical, suggesting the potential of manure compost in a more sustainable agriculture model. The low emission factor of manure compost (0.005%) compared to urea (0.019%) supports this potential, indicating the slow-release nature of manure may mitigate N2O while maintaining crop yield. Additionally, the overall low emissions may be attributed to the relatively high soil pH (8.17), which influences the denitrification product ratio, favoring the conversion of N2O to N2. Our study provides valuable insights into the factors contributing to N2O emissions in integrated crop-livestock farming systems, and highlights the importance of distinguishing multiple sources of N2O emissions to develop effective strategies for reducing emissions while promoting sustainable agriculture.

Biology of Spodoptera Eridania (Cramer, 1792) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at Different Temperatures and Diet Sources

Objective: This work aimed to study the biological aspects of Spodoptera eridania, reared at different temperatures; and fed artificial and natural diets. Methods: In climatic chambers, the insects were subjected to six constant temperatures (15, 19, 23, 27, 31, and 35 °C). At all temperatures, both types of diet were offered to obtain data on cycle duration, viability, and total oviposition. Results and Conclusion: The different temperatures and diets influenced the insect development stages and the egg-adult cycle. The development of S. eridania is inversely proportional to the increase in temperature. Research Implications: The study confirmed differences in insect development in different diet sources and at different temperatures, and can be applied to S. eridania breeding techniques in research laboratories. Originality/Value: This research contributes by exploring the developmental biology of the pest organism, and can be used in research laboratory methodologies for pest breeding and commercialization for studies of more sustainable agricultural practices.

Smart Agriculture Using IoT

The project focuses on physical components and sensors to leverage the Internet of Things (IoT) for smart agriculture, presenting a myriad of applications with the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector. By connecting various physical objects, sensors, and machinery to the internet, IoT facilitates data collection and exchange for more effective agricultural management. The project introduces an in-house, user-friendly smart farming device designed to streamline farming operations, integrating essential information and communication technology with sensing technologies to provide efficient agricultural services. The goal is to acquire real-time data on temperature, humidity, water level, and soil moisture for environmental monitoring. Through the utilization of IoT technologies, farmers can enhance decision-making, increase output, and promote sustainable farming practices and effective agricultural systems.

Remote Sensing Crop Water Stress Determination Using CNN-ViT Architecture

Efficiently determining crop water stress is vital for optimising irrigation practices and enhancing agricultural productivity. In this realm, the synergy of deep learning with remote sensing technologies offers a significant opportunity. This study introduces an innovative end-to-end deep learning pipeline for within-field crop water determination. This involves the following: (1) creating an annotated dataset for crop water stress using Landsat 8 imagery, (2) deploying a standalone vision transformer model ViT, and (3) the implementation of a proposed CNN-ViT model. This approach allows for a comparative analysis between the two architectures, ViT and CNN-ViT, in accurately determining crop water stress. The results of our study demonstrate the effectiveness of the CNN-ViT framework compared to the standalone vision transformer model. The CNN-ViT approach exhibits superior performance, highlighting its enhanced accuracy and generalisation capabilities. The findings underscore the significance of an integrated deep learning pipeline combined with remote sensing data in the determination of crop water stress, providing a reliable and scalable tool for real-time monitoring and resource management contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.

Adaptation and Agricultural Significance of Syzygium cumini L. in Saline Environments: A Global Perspective on Jamun Cultivation and Salt Stress Resilience

Syzygium cumini L., known commonly as jamun, is a fruit tree with significant adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, particularly saline soils. This review comprehensively explores the adaptation mechanisms of jamun to saline environments and its agricultural significance on a global scale. Given the increasing soil salinization worldwide, understanding the resilience of crops like jamun is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices in salt-affected regions. Jamun is native to the Indian subcontinent but has been cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its ability to withstand various abiotic stresses, especially soil salinity, makes it an ideal candidate for cultivation in areas prone to such conditions. This review highlights the physiological and biochemical responses of jamun to high salinity, including ion regulation, osmotic adjustment, and antioxidant activity. These mechanisms help the plant maintain growth and productivity in environments where many other crops fail. Additionally, the review discusses the importance of jamun in traditional medicine and its nutritional benefits, emphasizing its potential for enhancing food security in saline-affected areas. The fruit's rich composition of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals underscores its nutritional value, making it a beneficial addition to the diet in regions with limited crop diversity due to salinity. Furthermore, the paper addresses the agricultural practices conducive to maximizing jamun's yield in saline environments, including suitable propagation techniques and water management strategies. It also explores the genetic diversity within Syzygium cumini species, which could be leveraged to breed varieties with enhanced salt tolerance and better fruit quality. In conclusion, the global cultivation of jamun not only contributes to biodiversity but also offers a viable solution for agricultural productivity in salt-impacted soils. Continued research and development efforts are essential to optimize cultivation practices and expand the use of jamun in saline agriculture.

The Effect of Furrow Opener and Disc Coulter Configurations on Seeding Performance under Different Residue Cover Densities

The performance of the no-till seeder is one of the most important factors that affect the success of the no-tillage. Striking the right balance between furrow opener design and residue cover is essential for optimizing seeding conditions and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that promote both soil conservation and high-yield crop production. This study investigates the impact of residue cover on no-tillage maize seeding after wheat harvest, focusing on plant spacing, seeding depth, mean emergence time, and percent emergence. Trials with hoe-type and double-disc-type furrow openers, accompanied by plain- or ripple-disc-type coulters, were conducted in Antalya, Turkey. The results indicate that residue cover had no significant effect on mean plant spacing, but a higher residue cover increased spacing variation. The seeding depth in hoe-type furrow opener trials remained consistent, while double-disc-type furrow openers showed lower depths with 80% and 90% residue covers. The percentage of plant emergence and mean emergence time decreased as the residue cover increased in double-disc-type furrow opener trials. At 90% residue cover, PE decreased to 60%. The impact of disc coulters on hoe-type furrow openers was limited, but they increased seeding depth and MET in double-disc-type furrow openers. These findings can help optimize residue management for improved efficiency in no-till farming systems.

Solar Energy's Role in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Agriculture

The adoption of solar energy in agriculture has the potential to significantly contribute to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy access (SDG 7), sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13). This review article examines the various applications of solar energy in agricultural practices, including irrigation, crop drying, greenhouse heating, and powering farm machinery. It analyzes the economic, environmental, and social benefits of transitioning to solar-powered agriculture, such as reduced reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved energy security, and increased income for farmers. The article also discusses the challenges and barriers to widespread adoption, including high upfront costs, lack of awareness and technical expertise among farmers, and inadequate policy support. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this article highlights the immense potential of solar energy in transforming the agricultural sector and contributing to sustainable development. It concludes by emphasizing the need for concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and the private sector to promote and facilitate the integration of solar energy in agriculture, particularly in developing countries where access to clean energy and sustainable farming practices are most crucial for achieving the SDGs.