Adoption Of Varieties Research Articles

Production technology adoption and electronic market participation intensity of chilli (dry) farmers in India: Application of triple-hurdle model

Agricultural and food system transformation helps increase farm productivity and encourages farmers to participate in updated value chains, adopt newer technologies, thereby helping farmers transform their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. Relatedly, value chain innovations depend on multiple decisions farmers make at various stages of the value chain, adequate participation being a primary factor. In this paper, we integrate farmers’ adoption decision of a new variety of chilli crop (“Teja”) along with their electronic market participation decision and e-market participation intensity, based on data from the chilli farming sector in India, where agricultural markets have been modernized through digitization (Kalgudi e-Market). Thus, the employed Triple-Hurdle Model (THM) integrates adoption decision of “Teja” variety of chilli, e-Market Participation Decision and e-market participation intensity thereby, allowing us to make inferences relating to chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India. Our results, showed that the drivers of “Teja” variety adoption, e-market participation, and e-participation intensity include education, reliable extension services, access to seeds of high yielding varieties, market information, and membership in farmer-producer organizations. Added to these, personnel training visits, prompt deliveries of inputs, and prompt payment of sales proceeds are also important in influencing participation and intensities. Results show that the three stochastic decisions of THM are strongly correlated implying that the adoption decision of “Teja” variety of chilli by the farmers influences the e-market participation decision and consequently, e-market participation intensity and these three decisions are sequential. On the contrary, the decisions viz., e-market participation decision and e-market participation intensity as input buyers and consequent adoption of “Teja” variety of chilli are simultaneous. So, the policy measures that promote production technology interventions (say, “Teja” variety of chilli) will definitely enhance better e-market access of chilli farmers. Accordingly, the breeding programs of the agricultural research stations should enhance the uptake of improved varieties in tune with modern marketing (e-market) technologies. Future farm policy and agricultural-research and innovations must recognize the potential that the digital marketing systems have to offer. Such considerations coupled with the provision of market infrastructure including assaying, grading, storage, and market information will promote digital transformation in agricultural value chains in developing countries like India.

Welfare impact of improved maize varieties adoption among smallholder farmers in Amuru district of Horo Guduru Wollega, Ethiopia

Government policy strategies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), are aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, which could contribute to improve household welfare. Hence, understanding smallholder farmers’ low and variable crop yields has been a central research and policy priority in addressing food security. Likewise, the purpose of this study was to assess the impact of adopting improved maize varieties on productivity and food insecurity in Amuru district of Horo Guduru Wollega, Ethiopia. The study utilized cross-sectional household data collected in 2020/2021 from 263 randomly selected sample households. The probit model’s findings indicate that factors that positively influenced households’ adoption of the improved maize varieties included the household head’s education level, the amount of livestock owned, access to credit, access to training, farm size, access to extension agents, and access to information from farmers associations, while factors that negatively influenced adoption included family size and market distance. The endogenous treatment effect model’s findings also showed that IMV adoptions considerably improve smallholder farmers’ welfare by lowering food insecurity and raising their average calorie intake and net crop values. Thus, it is advised that governments and other interested institutions should promote the adoption of improved maize varieties on a larger scale in order to boost maize yield and lower rural household food insecurity.

Dynamic diffusion of hybrid rice varieties and the effect on rice production: evidence from China

The widespread adoption of hybrid rice varieties in China is a successful example, showing the role of agricultural technology in terms of food security. However, the dynamic diffusion of hybrid rice varieties and their effect on rice production requires further study. Based on data on hybrid rice adoption at the provincial level from 1984 to 2011, we applied the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) models to investigate the spatial and temporal effects of hybrid rice adoption at national and provincial levels. Overall, the effects of hybrid rice adoption on rice production have decreased over time. However, the results showed possible spillover and crowding effects of hybrid rice adoption across provinces. In particular, the development of hybrid rice varieties in Hunan province has had a significant influence on changes in rice yield and the distribution of rice areas in other regions. This study, therefore, serves as a reference in understanding the dynamic distribution of high-yield rice variety adoption in relation to food security and for designing appropriate agricultural extension strategies. However, further research is needed to identify the determinants affecting changes in rice farming in complex environments and associated ecological systems.

Growth Performance and Interrupted Time Series Approach to Estimate Immediate and Sustained Effects of Oilseeds Mission on Groundnut in India

Oilseeds are mostly grown in marginal lands with inadequate irrigation facilities (only 10% is irrigated) as a result yields tend to be low leading to a widening gap between domestic production of vegetable oil and demand. Production growth in the early eighties was slow due to insufficient technologies and the turning point was the year 1985-86. Since then, oilseeds production in the country has increased due to implementation of technology mission. The present study was attempted to examine the growth performance of groundnut in the major states of India and assess the immediate and sustained effects of oilseeds mission on groundnut production in order to identify the potentials for future expansion of area and scaling -up the yield of groundnut-based production system. Growth and quasi experimental time series analyses were employed to assess the growth performance and intervention’s effects (oilseeds mission) using time series data. Increase in groundnut production has been contributed mainly by increase in productivity. Though the maximum productivity growth was 6.24% per annum in India, overall growth rate in yield was 2.28 % per annum due to yearly aberrations indicating the high instability. Groundnut yield grew by 3.84, 3.06 and 2.16 % per annum respectively in Rajasthan, Madya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for the overall period (1992-93 and 2020-21). However, these states witnessed production shortfalls and production fell by 0.94, 6.42 and 2.05 % per annum, respectively. Except Gujarat the other major states also exhibited negative growth in production and the rate of drop was higher in the Uttara Pradesh (7.91%) followed by Madhya Pradesh (6.42%), Maharashtra (4.94%), Andhra Pradesh (3.69%) and Karnataka (3.03%). Groundnut production in India also fell by 2.13 % per annum mainly due to fall in area and marginal growth in yield. The estimated yield increase was 450 kg/ha in India, which is higher by 48 % after the intervention. The estimated positive and significant coefficient of interrupted time series for India (50.36) reveal that the oilseeds mission has created sustained effects as a result there was a yield improvement. Sustained effects of intervention are noticed in most of the states. Sustaining the productivity in those states with high yield potential and improving the productivity in other major states by prioritizing and disseminating the seeds of suitable varieties and production technologies are vital as there is lackluster response from the farmers in adoption of varieties and technologies.

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Stress-Tolerant Rice Varieties: Evidence from Bangladesh

Climate change, through exposure to submergence, salinity, and droughts, affects crop production and leads to food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. Various climate-stress–tolerant rice varieties have been developed in many countries in the world to mitigate climate-related production losses. Despite the benefits of stress-tolerant rice varieties (STRVs), adoption rates are still low. This paper uses panel data from Bangladesh to analyse the factors influencing the adoption of STRVs. A random-effects probit model with the Mundlak approach is used to control for the farmer- and plot-level heterogeneities and to avoid the incidental parameters problem. The study finds that smallholder farmers are more inclined to adopt STRVs, proving that this technology is related to a type of adaptation in the form of adoption. The main drivers for adopting STRVs are information and knowledge transferred by extension workers, sharing knowledge by membership in an organisation, and learning from peers. Policy measures such as providing capacity enhancement activities, strengthening social capacity and local institutions, and implementing a site-specific policy are suggested to encourage the adoption of STRVs in climate-stress-prone areas.

Effects of Irrigation Regimes and Rice Varieties on Methane Emissions and Yield of Dry Season Rice in Bangladesh

Adoption of the right rice variety and water-saving irrigation method could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in lowland rice cultivation. A study was conducted at the research farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, in 2019 during the Boro (dry) season to determine the impacts of different rice varieties (BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan47, BRRI dhan69, Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, and Binadhan-17) on methane (CH4) emissions under two irrigation methods, i.e., alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and continuous flooding (CF). The treatments were laid out in a split-plot design, considering water regime as the main plots and rice variety as the sub-plots. The emission rates of CH4 were determined by collecting air samples using the closed chamber technique and measuring the concentrations using a gas chromatograph. CH4 emission rates varied with the growth and development of the rice varieties. The lowest cumulative CH4 emission rate was observed in Binadhan-17, particularly under AWD irrigation. Across the rice varieties, AWD irrigation significantly reduced the cumulative CH4 emissions by about 35% compared with CF. No significant variation in rice yield was observed between AWD (5.38 t ha−1) and CF (5.16 t ha−1). This study suggests that the cultivation of Binadhan-17 under AWD irrigation could be effective at reducing the carbon footprint of lowland rice fields.

Estimating the effect of time‐invariant characteristics in panel data: wheat adoption in Western Canada

AbstractA growing global population and the challenges of climate change have made the need to develop new and improved wheat varieties increasingly important. Creating varieties that are more disease resistant and tolerant to changing environmental conditions such that they will be widely adopted requires breeders to understand the needs of producers. Existing literature suggests that time‐invariant traits such as disease resistance and brand matter in crop adoption decisions; however, studies using common panel data approaches are unable to identify the individual effects of time‐invariant variables, as they are captured by fixed effects dummies. This study uses a recently developed econometric approach—the fixed effects filter model—that can estimate the effects of time‐variant, slowly changing, and time‐invariant traits. Using wheat variety adoption in the Canadian Prairies as our empirical setting, we find that both time‐variant traits, such as varietal adaptability, and time‐invariant traits, such as resistance to stripe rust infection, are positively correlated with adoption. We also find that seed brand has a statistically significant effect on adoption. Prior panel data studies on crop adoption have not given much consideration to time‐invariant variety characteristics like disease tolerance and seed brand, but a better understanding of their impact on adoption can assist breeders in responding to emerging problems, particularly new diseases, more quickly and more efficiently. This will also enhance the work by crop research institutions, prevent considerable economic loss to farmers, and improve crop production.

Assessment of molecular diversity among pearl millet (Pennisetumglaucum (L.) R. Br.) maintainer (B) and restorer lines

Pearl millet is predominantly cultivated in western arid and semi-arid region. Pearl millet productivity has drastically increased in the seven decades mainly due to adoption of hybrid varieties in large. Hybrid development programme mainly depends upon exploitation of diverse genetic stock. In the present study a set of 48 maintainer line (B) and 52 restorer ® parent were assessed for molecular diversity using PCR based RAPD and ISSR markers. The Jaccard's similarity coefficient was used to create pair-wise comparisons of distinct and shared polymorphic amplification products. The dendrogram represented the classification of all 100-pearl millet genotypes into two major groups. First group was formed with single genotype J-2296 and second group consisted of 99 genotypes further grouped in three sub-clusters. In second major cluster, maximum genotypes were grouped in subcluster I (45) followed by subcluster II (35) and subcluster III (19).  Grouping of B lines and R lines were random no specific grouping was observed. The observed divergence can be useful for selecting B lines and R lines from different clusters for developing hybrids. J-2296 seems to be highly diverse from rest of the genotypes, it can be used for hybrid development as well as for R line improvement. &nbsp

English

The production and adoption of sorghum-improved varieties are faced with biotic and abiotic stresses affecting both its utilization and marketability by different actors in the sorghum value chain. This study aims to understand why and how different social groups and value chain actors make decisions on the utilization of sorghum and how these decisions influence the choice and adoption of the sorghum cultivars introduced and promoted by the breeding programs. This study was conducted in Mali’s Sudan and Savanna zones, wherein the different agroecological zones have differentiated production and utilization realities and traits demand. Mixed methods (surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews) combined with intersectional and value chain approaches were used for data collection and analysis. The data were collected from 836 respondents in 12 villages including 384 females (46%) and 452 males (54%) representing sorghum growers, processors, consumers, and traders. While the findings show gender-specific trait preferences, actors’ traits choices revealed the gender dynamics in value chains in which the different roles, interests, and challenges of men and women influence their choices and adoption of sorghum cultivars. The results also revealed there is an increased opportunity for the sale of sorghum grains (38%); this may be explained by the continuous efforts made by research institutes to develop high-yield sorghum varieties and the evolving processing sector in Mali.   Key words: Sorghum, gender, traits preferences, breeding, Mali.

Perception of climate change and coping strategies among smallholder irrigators in Zimbabwe

IntroductionAcross sub-Sahara Africa, governments and international aid agencies are making huge investments in smallholder irrigation schemes to enhance food security, climate resilience and economic transformation in rain-fed farming systems. Unfortunately, a majority of the smallholder irrigation schemes have performed dismally on these fronts. Climate change is a major exacerbating factor to existing challenges resulting in the poor performance of the schemes. Hence, it is crucial to understand smallholder irrigators' perceptions of climate change and current adaptation strategies to co-design appropriate and acceptable adaptation strategies to address water stress in the schemes. This area had received less significant research attention. This study aims to determine the perception of climate change and coping strategies in smallholder schemes.MethodsA mixed-method research strategy was used to collect data from 317 irrigation scheme farmers in three schemes (Exchange, Insukamini, and Ruchanyu) in Midlands Province. A binary logistic regression (BLR) method was used for data analysis.ResultsThe results suggest that scheme farmers have noticed changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. Results obtained from the model show that climate change perception was mainly influenced by age, gender, location, irrigation experience, and plot size. Farmers perceived that climatic change has resulted in decreased irrigation water availability, thus leading to poor yields. This study also shows that the main adaptation strategies to water stress include improving soil moisture conservation, construction of small-scale reservoirs, water charging and trade, setting clear water use priorities, and adoption of climate-resilient and short-season crop varieties. Perception of high temperatures, long dry periods, late rainfall, increase in the frequency of drought, shortening of cold season, and shortening of rain season influence adaptation strategies adopted by scheme farmers.ConclusionThis study offered useful data for policymakers and irrigation developers to develop appropriate policies and programs to improve the sustainability of schemes given current and projected water stress in Zimbabwe and sub-Sahara Africa in general.

Impact of Improved Sorghum Variety (MELKAM) a Doption on Smallholder Farmers Food Security in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia

Extreme drought condition is a serious challenge for agricultural production and threating food security in sub-Saharan country including Ethiopia. Adoption of improved crop varieties like sorghum is very important to improve household food security. However, adoption of improved sorghum in our country is very limited due to several factors. The aim of this study was to examined adoption of improved sorghum variety (melkam) and its impact on smallhol der farmers’ food security in Babile district Eastern Harerghe zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A combined research approach (a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis) was employed. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select five (5) kebeles and 320 sample household heads. Primary data was collected through an interview schedule assisted survey questionnaire, focus group discussion, key informant interview and secondary data was collected through document review. Descriptive, Household calorie acquisition and econometric were applied for data analyses. The descriptive statistics revealed that age of household head, years of schooling, land size, farm income, market distance, access to extension service, access to credit service, and farmer cooperative were found to significantly differentiate adopter and non- adopter households at various levels. Moreover, the result of binary logistic regression revealed that years of schooling, farm size, annual farm income, access to credit service, access to extension service, farmer cooperative, age of households and market distance were significant factors determining improved (melkam) sorghum variety adoption in the study area. The results of propensity score matching also showed that the adoption of melkam sorghum variety had a positive and significant impact on household food security. Those who adopted improved (melkam) sorghum variety were found to have about 528.67 Kcal/Adult/Day than non-adopter households. Therefore, this result implies that improving educational level, creating a special line for credit access, enhancing farmer cooperative in the area needed government attention to enhance improved sorghum variety adoption. Furthermore, to enhance and sustain the positive impact of improved (melkam) sorghum variety adoption local leaders should work on the dissemination of improved (melkam) sorghum variety in the area.

The effect of information networks on the scaling out of new agricultural technologies: The case of pulse variety adoption in Southern Ethiopia

We investigate how information networks influence smallholder farmers’ learning and decisions that lead to the adoption of improved pulse varieties in two Ethiopian villages. Using data from a mixed methods study (snowball sampling, egocentric networks, unstructured interviews, and focus group discussions), we find that farmers with more connections had adoption rates that were more strongly associated with their relative positions in the network than farmers with fewer connections. All other factors being equal, a one-percentage-point increase in centrality is associated with a 22-percentage-point increase in the adoption of new pulse varieties. This finding offers additional insights into the role that social networks may play in technology adoption as well as the measurement of network effects.

Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Agronomy and Utilization: A Review

Currently, there are increased interests in growing grain and fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as well as in large-scale hemp products. Cannabis has been grown/utilized for thousands of years as a fiber, grain, and drug/medicinal plant. However, the strict control of cannabis cultivation to combat illegal use, the spread of new yarns and oilseeds, and the advent of cheap synthetic fibers caused a decreased/eliminated hemp production. Hemp has been banned in most of the world for more than seven decades; it missed out on the Green Revolution and the adoption of new technologies and varieties, creating a knowledge gap. After the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bill in the USA, hemp became legal and the land grand universities launched research programs. The ability to utilize the entire plant for multiple purposes creates opportunity for the market to value hemp products. Hemp production technology varies depending on the type of hemp cultivated (grain, fiber, or cannabinoids), soil characteristics, and environmental factors. Hemp has the potential to be a very sustainable and ecologically benign crop. Hemp roots have a significant potential for absorbing and storing heavy metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, and other harmful substances. In addition, hemp has been proven to be an excellent carbon trap and biofuel crop. Hemp has the ability to successfully suppress weeds, and it is generally regarded a pesticide-free crop. The purpose of this paper is to examine historic and recent industrial hemp (grain and fiber) literature, with a focus on hemp agronomy and utilization.

Correction: Decision factors influencing new variety adoption in western Canada by the seed industry

Correction: Decision factors influencing new variety adoption in western Canada by the seed industry

The Impact of Land Transfers on the Adoption of New Varieties: Evidence from Micro-Survey Data in Shaanxi Province, China

Land transfers play a vital role in determining the level of farm machinery service and variety selection by scattered land reduction and contiguous land enhancement, which are also conducive to poverty alleviation and welfare utilization. Based on the micro-survey data of 898 kiwifruit growers in Shaanxi Province, this paper analyzed the effect of land transfers on the adoption of new varieties by propensity score matching (PSM) technology. A stepwise regression method was used to test the mediating role of land scale and the moderating role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The results suggest the following: (1) Farmers with land transfers had a significant positive effect on the adoption of new varieties, with a 12.5% increase in the likelihood of new variety adoption. (2) The impact of land transfers on the adoption of new varieties was partially mediated through land scale. (3) The positive moderating role of UAV services was empirically emphasized. With the goal of promoting the average income and boosting farmland productivity, the improvement of the land property rights trading market, joint efforts from government and rural cooperatives, and professional and regular training are proposed to optimize land-use structures and reduce machinery service costs, thereby encouraging farmers to adopt new, improved varieties.

Beyond average: are the yield and income impacts of adopting drought-tolerant maize varieties heterogeneous?

ABSTRACT Assessing the benefits of adopting climate-resilient farming technologies without considering the heterogeneity among farmers, may not provide a sufficient evidence base for policy. Yet, most empirical studies do not go beyond documenting the average effects of climate-resilient technologies. Using farm household survey data from Nigeria, this paper examines whether and to what extent the yield and income impacts of adopting drought-tolerant maize varieties are heterogeneous. We used the stratification-multilevel, matching-smoothing and smoothing-differencing econometric methods to analyse the heterogeneous effects of the varieties on maize yield, crop income and household income. Our results show that the adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties significantly increased maize yield, crop and household income. In addition, we find that the yield and income impacts of the adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties are heterogeneous and depend on the farm households’ propensity to adopt the drought tolerant maize varieties. Specifically, we find that the estimated yield effects of the drought-tolerant maize varieties are larger for farmers with the highest propensity to adopt the varieties, which suggests a positive selection. Our results emphasize the need for proper targeting of interventions to incentivize the uptake of climate-resilient farming technologies in order to improve the outcomes of households in drought-prone areas.

Decision factors influencing new variety adoption in western Canada by the seed industry

In the agricultural sector, innovation is a vital economic driver for increasing food production. New crop varieties are developed and commercialized, greatly contributing to improved global food security through higher yields, improved nutrition and climate resiliency. Canada is a competitive and innovative actor in the global seed market. This article quantifies the degree of improvement for numerous crop traits required for commercialization success. We use empirical data from seed producers in the prairies to identify their adoption criteria to multiply new seed varieties. Results show that yield potential, disease resistance and lodging resistance are the key traits for pedigreed seed growers regardless of crop type, while other agronomic traits depend on the crop type. Quality factors such as malting or milling properties for cereals, protein content for pulses and oil content for oilseeds are also part of the variety selection decision process for prairie pedigreed seed growers.

Adoption of Improved Sorghum Variety (Melkam) and Its Impact on Household Food Security in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia

This study aimed to examine the adoption of an improved sorghum variety (melkam) and its impact on smallholder farmers’ food security in Babile district, Eastern Harerghe zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A mixed research methodology was used to utilize both quantitative and qualitative strategies for data gathering and analysis. A multistage sampling process was applied to choose the 320 sample household heads. Literature was reviewed for secondary data. The results of the descriptive statistics indicated that 47.5% and 52.5% of the sample households adopted and did not adopt enhanced sorghum varieties, respectively. According to the findings of the binary logistic regression, factors that positively influenced farmers' decisions to adopt improved sorghum varieties included years of education, land holding, incomes, the availability of credit services, extension contact, and farmer cooperatives. In contrast, factors that adversely impacted farmers' judgments included household head age and market distance. Hence, this upshot concludes that improving educational levels, creating a fine line for credit access, and enhancing farmer cooperatives are needed to improve sorghum variety adoption.

Impact of adopting the climate-smart crop varieties on food security in southwestern Ethiopia

Climate-smart crop varieties (CSV) are vital in improving food security by enhancing productivity while reducing problems of climate change. However, there is a low adoption of these varieties by the farmers in the study area due to lack of awareness of their impact on food security. Therefore, this study was designed to analyze their impact on food security in southwestern Ethiopia. The data were collected from 385 randomly selected sample households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and econometric analyses were used to analyze the data. The propensity score matching (PSM) model was used to evaluate the impact of climate-smart crop varieties on food security. Descriptive analysis showed that about 59.74% of the respondents were adopters of climate-smart crop varieties. The PSM analysis result revealed that the adoption of climate-smart crop varieties had a significant positive impact on food security. This implies that the likelihood of being food secure would increase by a factor of 0.8 if the climate-smart crop varieties were adopted. Therefore, developing and disseminating the climate-smart crop varieties at the right time through educational improvement (strengthening collaboration) and allocating land for their development is suggested for policymakers to improve food security.

Gender-Disaggregated Consumer Testing and Descriptive Sensory Analysis of Local and New Yam Varieties.

Gender-disaggregated sensory evaluation has become an essential element that could enhance breeding activities by increasing the adoption of new varieties. The effect of age, sex and geographical location on descriptor preferences for boiled and pounded yam were studied using descriptive and consumer testing. Attributes with definitions and measurement scales were used to generate lexicons for boiled and pounded yam. Analytical tools employed for the inferential statistics were the independent t-test, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney test and relative importance index (RII). Descriptive testing showed that all the D. rotundata varieties were good for boiling and pounding. The D. alata varieties afase soanyinto and afase biri were most liked, while afase pa and ahodenfo were disliked. Age had no significant effect on descriptor preferences. Being a female or male, however, influenced preferences for pounded yam descriptors such as mouldability, lumpiness and colour. The RII for the D. rotundata varieties (0.22-0.28) showed that they are all good varieties for boiling and pounding. The local D. alata varieties were still highly acceptable compared the new CRI varieties due to the aroma. Rural consumers preferred all the descriptors of boiled D. rotundata than urban consumers, whereas urban consumers liked the pounded yam varieties better than the rural consumers. Availability of the new yam varieties on local markets could therefore increase consumption and improve adoption.