Agricultural Economics Research Articles

Environmental Efficiency Analysis on Rice Production in Ciamis Regency: Agricultural Economic Development Perspective

Environmental Efficiency Analysis on Rice Production in Ciamis Regency: Agricultural Economic Development Perspective

Predicting climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices using machine learning: A prime exploratory survey

The paper aim and novelty is the development of technology-based tools able of providing realistic insights on farmers’ future adaptation decisions by developing an ML algorithm to predict Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices and highlight modeling challenges to account for. And proposing a theoretical approach that grounds the selection of data (i.e. input and response variables) with well stablished theories on adaptation decision making process; with the aim of demonstrating ways of improving data science and ML publication quality in the field of agricultural economics. Data used are farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, farms’ features, agro-ecology’s features, climate indicators (temperature, rain, etc.), etc. In this paper, the optimized Gradient Boosting ML was trained and tested using households’ level data from Rakai district in Central Region of Uganda. The modeling approach was framed in climate adaptation analytical frameworks. Data extracted allows generating CSA clusters giving two response variables (i.e. yCSA_pratices and yCSA_clusters), used separately to train two different algorithms. The developed CSA predictive algorithm demonstrates that adaptation practices can be predicted using households’ level parameters. And both models are revealed to have fair performance metrics, with yCSA_clusters algorithm reaching up to 60% of accuracy. To further improve accuracy scores, deep-learning algorithms are suggested in future research. The developed CSA prediction algorithm could be used at both households and value chain levels, to select appropriate adaptation strategies, to plan adaptation, to estimate adaptation costs and develop investment’ plans.

GIS spatial optimization for agricultural crop allocation using NSGA-II

This study focuses on the shift from traditional farming methods, reliant on farmer intuition and manual processes, to modern, automated approaches crucial for Thailand’s agricultural sustainability. Despite its vital role in the country’s economy, outdated practices lead to supply imbalances and perpetuate poverty among smallholder farmers. Using geographic information systems (GIS) and mathematical optimization, the present study aims to determine optimal agricultural crop allocation. A multi-objective optimization crop spatial allocation model leverages geospatial data, including crop, soil and climate suitability, to enhance the accuracy of our model. Additionally, we incorporate agricultural economics data, such as market price, crop yield, production cost, distances to secondary producers, production budget limitations, and minimum crop production requirements. To speedup the convergence of the algorithm, we introduce more suitable crossover and mutation operators in NSGA-II, aiming to direct the search towards the Pareto optimal solutions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in a case study of the agricultural area in Chiang Mai province, Thailand, focusing on three major industrial crops: corn, cane, and rice. Our model suggests land allocation that adheres to both the budget constraint and the minimum production requirements, while retaining only a small surplus for each crop. The successful implementation of this approach in our case study marks a significant advancement in Thai agricultural research, paving the way for long-term economic and environmental sustainability.

Low-Cost Classification of Close and Open Shell Antep Pistachio Nuts based on Image Analysis and Machine Learning

The effectiveness of post-harvest industrial processes is critical to maintaining the economic worth of pistachio nuts, which play an essential role in the agricultural economy. To achieve this level of efficiency, updated applications and technology for pistachio separation and categorization are required. Different pistachio species target different markets, highlighting the need for pistachio species classification. This work aims to develop a classification model that is distinct from existing separation approaches, based on image processing and machine learning, and can provide the required categorization. A computer vision application was done to identify between three types of pistachios. A high-resolution camera was used to capture 385 images of these pistachios. The photos of the pistachio samples were processed using image processing techniques like segmentation and feature extraction. On the given dataset, an advanced classifier based on Decision Tree and Random Forest predictions was constructed, as well as a simple and successful classifier. In the research, an application with feature extraction based on the dimension and pixel measurement is proposed. The proposed approach attained a classification success rate of 100% at 70% train and 30% test, and also, 80% train and 20% test data rate with Random Forest prediction, according to the experimental data. The provided high-performance classification model fills an important demand for the separation of pistachio types while increasing the economic worth of the species.

Analysis of the Promotion Effect of Agricultural Economic Management on Rural Economic Development Based on VAR Model

Under the background of my country’s new rural construction and the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, the rural economy has ushered in an unprecedented opportunity for development. Agricultural economic management plays a catalytic role in providing direction guidance for rural economic development, promoting sustainable rural economic development, and providing a good environment for rural economic development. However, there are some drawbacks in agricultural economic management, which are mainly reflected in the imperfect agricultural economic management system and the lag in information infrastructure construction. In view of this, the author puts forward corresponding the advanced VAR model from the aspects of improving the agricultural economic management system, improving the application level of information technology, and improving the quality of the agricultural economic management team. Research shows that: through effective management of agricultural economy, the obstacles to agricultural economic development can be reduced from the source, thereby promoting the healthy and sustainable development of rural economy.

Pepper transplanting mechanisms and kinematic simulation analysis: A review

Pepper production plays a significant role in the global agricultural economy, yet traditional manual transplanting methods lead to labor intensity challenges, inconsistency, and time constraints. Transplanting mechanisms of pepper transplanters significantly affect the efficiency of the entire transplanting process. This study reviewed the available transplanters used in pepper seedling transplantation, transplanting mechanisms, and the kinematic simulation analysis. Pepper transplanters are categorized into manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic types. Manual types include handheld and pulling types, while semi-automatic types involve manually seedling feeding with automatic planting such walking-behind, riding, and tractor-drawn models. Fully automatic transplanters synchronize seedling extracting, transfer to the conveyor, and continuous planting into the soil. Picking mechanism utilize pick-up pins, pushing action, and grippers, while planting mechanism is achieved through link-driven, wheel-driven, and rotary gear-driven hoppers. Recent advancements have emphasized 4- and 5-bar pick-up pin-type link-driven hoppers with 1 or 2 degrees of freedom for efficient seedling handling and planting. Kinematic simulation analysis emerges as a crucial tool used by engineers to better understand complex interactions, identify strengths and weaknesses in designs for the evaluation and optimization of mechanisms by modelling forces, motion, and system behavior. The transplanting mechanisms survey, the role of kinematic simulation, and key trends involved, such as increased automation, precision planting, and the integration of sensor technologies, could provide valuable information to farmers and manufacturers for identifying current gaps and improvement areas for enhancing innovation in pepper production.

Neocolonialism and Imperial Dominance of the Post-Colonial African States

The study examines the impact of imperial dominance on the socio-economic development of the Post-colonial African States. There is a core search to the argument that globalizing the world with developing countries, has grossly embedded a horizontal gap among the nation states. The consequences of these interactions and impacts, have incredibly premised such dominant structures on the continent as they are examined to be colonial legacies. These apparently, control a state of international dependency and a culture of corruption within the new states. Imperialism and neocolonialism, created a structurally weak nations in Africa and beyond. Having incessantly exploited the indigenous populations. The political aspects of the menace, have deeply asphyxiating as these weak political structures which were created by the western imperialist nations, received political and socio-economic functions at Independence, which they are not developed enough to handle. Subsequently, after Europe was through by under-developing the continent of Africa, it simply left. No measures were taken to help Africans migrated to self-governance or to be better organized. This of course, was argued that Africa was not prepared for a modern economy that would benefit from industrialization and it consequently plunged the Post-colonial African States into a primarily subsistence farming economy. Hence, the state of economy and socio-cultural values of African States as at the time were not properly structured to govern as this resulted the continent into poverty and civil war. At the end of the Second World War, Europe’s two major and remaining colonial powers (French and British) found that they could no longer rule their African colonies as before. For reasons mostly economic but also geopolitical and nationalistic, they were not willing to give them up entirely. Thus, sought mechanisms to maintain control of Africa as the second wave of colonial rule. Therefore, came in form of ‘’neocolonialism and imperialism” as these imply the external control and dominance of economic, political, technological, educational and military strength of the continent with respect to a globalizing paradigm. Keywords: Globalization, Imperialism. Neocolonialism, Post-colonial African States, International Dependency

State regulation of agricultural sector based on the example of cultivation of industrial crops in the Zhetisu region of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The goal is to study the mechanisms of state support for agricultural sector (using the example of industrial crops in the Zhetisu region), analyze the current state of agro-industrial production in the Republic of Kazakhstan, consider problems and ways of their solution. Methods – theoretical basis of the work consists of the works of foreign and domestic scientists; the analysis method assesses the development of agro-industrial complex of the Zhetisu region, regulation of the price level for industrial crops and food. Using the statistical method, conclusions on the current situation and prospects for their production. The modeling method made it possible to form effective model for managing agricultural sector. Results – problems associated with raw materials orientation of agricultural sector, incomplete utilization of production capacity, low level of introduction of innovative technologies and technical equipment slow down the pace of development of agricultural industry. Ways to solve these problems have been outlined: proposals aimed at improving the availability of financing for small businesses through investing in agricultural infrastructure and expanding the network of production and service cooperatives, increasing the efficiency of state support for agricultural economy of the Zhetisu region have been prepared. Conclusions – the main scientific principles obtained during the study can be used as information and analytical material for the development and implementation of effective policies for cultivation, processing and sale of industrial crops in the region. Natural and labor resources will allow the region to become self-sufficient in food supply. The main directions of modern state policy for regulating agricultural production are indicated: creating conditions for maintaining sustainable growth in demand for food products and raw materials; creation of infrastructure, system of wholesale and retail markets; support of price system that satisfies the population's demands for food.

An Assessment of the Weather and Technological Change on Agriculture Revenue of Maize Crop in Karnataka

Presently the agriculture economy influenced by the weather and technological implication. In state maize has occupied top fourth place (10.79%) in total area of cultivation, is highly sowing in rainfed area (65.94%). Study estimates the revenues over a period form 2002-2018 and estimated moving average of revenue to the capital-intensive technology and labor- intensive technology based on the market arrivals data. The implication of capital-intensive technology in agriculture production brings higher output than labor intensive technology even a change in weather, but not more than 2010. The study found that changes in production to the weather and technology has direct relation, but weather negatively impacts on maize crop. Due to the weather extreme events, the prices have positive relation with drought and inverse relation to quantity arrival and rainfall helps to maintain economic stability by the consumer and producer surplus with higher income. To fulfill the loss of agriculture output and to reduce the risks from weather extreme events Maize was converting commercially as a food crop, it greatly caused to increase the amount of cultivation and revenue to the farmers across the State.

A Study on Educational and Training Needs Assessment of Professionally Active Agronomists in the Area of Central Macedonia, Greece

The aim of this study was to investigate the educational and training needs of agronomists in the region of Central Macedonia in Greece, a region with significant contribution to the Greek agricultural economy. Data was collected through an electronic survey by a sample of 127 agronomists. A quantitative survey with a non-probability sampling was conducted, snowball sampling method was applied and descriptive tools were used to present the results in the form of means, percentages, standard deviations, analysis of variance and correlation analysis. Conclusions indicate differences in gender as they prioritize educational needs and a positive linear correlation between professional experience and the number of training programmes attended. High need of training declared in the subjects of Precision agriculture, Precision livestock farming & Use of new technologies. Low need for training declared in the subjects of Livestock production and farm animal disease control, Dairy farming, Protected agriculture, Floriculture management, Poultry farming and Fish farming technologies.

Tending to Tradition?

From 1901-1942, the Ethical Policy era in the Dutch East Indies was a period when ‘ethical’ colonial policies, which sought to retain the cultural integrity and welfare of the Indonesian people were introduced by Dutch colonial authorities. These ethical policies included strengthening Indonesia’s agricultural economy to bolster local welfare, as well as integrating traditional Indonesian laws and values (adat) into their labour policies—particularly for female labourers. This paper explores the effects of Dutch Ethical Policy on the labour conditions for Indonesian women by examining the consequences of agricultural expansion, how adat is retained in labour policies, perceptions of Dutch versus Indonesian women, and the female night labour bill of 1925. It posits that the Netherlands used pretenses of promoting Indonesian welfare and retaining traditional customs to justify and cover their complacency in the hazardous labour conditions for Indonesian women as a means to earn more profit from crop yields.

Transition Paths of Brazil from an Agricultural Economy to a Regional Powerhouse: A Global Supply Chain Perspective

This study examines Brazil’s evolution from a primarily agricultural economy to a pivotal player within global supply chains, contesting the traditional view of emerging markets as mere suppliers of raw materials and labor. It closely examines Brazil’s assertive efforts and the obstacles it encounters, focusing on its role within the context of Latin America. Utilizing macroeconomic data, the research reveals the barriers to Brazil’s deeper integration into global supply chains and outlines novel strategies to enhance its global position. The findings highlight Brazil’s capacity to significantly influence and advance the global economic framework, emphasizing its vital role in redefining the narrative on global supply chain engagement from a Latin American perspective.

Detection of antibodies against Ornithodoros moubata salivary antigens and their association with detection of African swine fever virus in pigs slaughtered in central Uganda.

African swine fever (ASF) is an important disease of pigs in sub-Saharan Africa and Uganda and is threatening the pig population and agricultural economy of other continents. ASF virus (ASFV) can be transmitted from wild suids to domestic pigs through soft ticks of the Ornithodoros species. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between domestic pigs' O. moubata tick exposure and ASFV status. Pigs were sampled from six abattoirs in the Kampala metropolitan area of Uganda from May 2021 through June 2022. Blood, serum, and tissue samples were collected. Serum was tested for antibodies against the rtTSGP1 salivary antigens of O. moubata ticks using an indirect ELISA assay. Blood and tissue samples from pigs were tested to detect ASFV using qPCR. Probability of tick exposure was categorized based on sample-to-positive ratio cut-off points. Out of 1,328 serum samples tested, there were 828 (62.3%) samples with a negligible probability; 369 (27.8%) with a medium probability; 90 (6.8%) with a high probability, and 41 (3.1%) with a very high probability of exposure to the O. moubata salivary antigen. There was a statistically significant association between the pigs' O. moubata exposure and ASFV status with a higher proportion of pigs having a very high probability of infection if they were ASFV positive by blood, tonsil, and lymph nodes. These results suggested that tick exposure was associated with ASFV transmission in Uganda. There were ASFV qPCR positive pigs that had no O. moubata exposure as well, which highlights that pig-to-pig and indirect contact transmission still play a significant role. This work highlights the need for further work in Uganda to investigate these transmission factors related to the O. moubata tick and ASFV transmission.

Financial Support for Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanization Service and Agricultural Economic Development -- An Empirical Study Based on Provincial Panel Data

Financial Support for Agriculture, Agricultural Mechanization Service and Agricultural Economic Development -- An Empirical Study Based on Provincial Panel Data

Amelioration in nanobiosensors for the control of plant diseases: current status and future challenges

The increase in global population has had a tremendous impact on sustainable agri-food practices. With the growth in world population, various modern technologies are being utilized that more often result in the opening of tremendous opportunities in the agriculture and food sectors. Nanotechnology is used in agri-food sectors for a variety of purposes, including enhancing flavor, pest/pathogen diagnosis, production, processing, storage, packaging, and transportation of agricultural products. Plant pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and nematodes have a significant impact on the global economy. In particular, advances in nanotechnology, including nanobiosensors, have been used in the detection of plant diseases and pathogens, the evaluation and examination of infections caused by microorganisms, the management of diseases and, thus, the promotion of food security. Apart from the management of plant diseases, nanobiosensors offer better opportunities for sustainable agri-food production by controlling physical, chemical, and biological processes, thus improving food safety and the agricultural economy. This review outlines the application of nano-integrated nanobiosensors for better agricultural and food practices.

An Overview of Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits as an Important Global Food Resource.

Dates are the fruits of the date palm belonging to the Arecaceae family; they comprise over 2500 species and 200 genera and constitute an essential part of the daily diet worldwide, with beneficial nutritional, health, and economic values. Several varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit exist globally, especially in hot and humid regions. This review is an overview of date palms as a significant global food resource, including their historical significance, nutritional composition, cultivation practices, economic importance, and health benefits. The historical journey of dates goes back to ancient civilizations where they were revered for their richness in essential nutrients and natural sweetness. Today, dates are a vital crop in arid regions, contributing substantially to the agricultural economy and livelihoods of communities. This paper further explores the cultivation techniques employed to enhance date production. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of dates is analyzed in detail, highlighting their high content of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. These attributes make dates a delicious treat and a valuable nutritional component, offering numerous health benefits. The potential health effects, including improved digestion, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased energy levels, are discussed. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic significance of the date industry and its global trade.

Immune system modulation & virus transmission during parasitism identified by multi-species transcriptomics of a declining insect biocontrol system

BackgroundThe Argentine stem weevil (ASW, Listronotus bonariensis) is a significant pasture pest in Aotearoa New Zealand, primarily controlled by the parasitoid biocontrol agent Microctonus hyperodae. Despite providing effective control of ASW soon after release, M. hyperodae parasitism rates have since declined significantly, with ASW hypothesised to have evolved resistance to its biocontrol agent. While the parasitism arsenal of M. hyperodae has previously been investigated, revealing many venom components and an exogenous novel DNA virus Microctonus hyperodae filamentous virus (MhFV), the effects of said arsenal on gene expression in ASW during parasitism have not been examined. In this study, we performed a multi-species transcriptomic analysis to investigate the biology of ASW parasitism by M. hyperodae, as well as the decline in efficacy of this biocontrol system.ResultsThe transcriptomic response of ASW to parasitism by M. hyperodae involves modulation of the weevil’s innate immune system, flight muscle components, and lipid and glucose metabolism. The multispecies approach also revealed continued expression of venom components in parasitised ASW, as well as the transmission of MhFV to weevils during parasitism and some interrupted parasitism attempts. Transcriptomics did not detect a clear indication of parasitoid avoidance or other mechanisms to explain biocontrol decline.ConclusionsThis study has expanded our understanding of interactions between M. hyperodae and ASW in a biocontrol system of critical importance to Aotearoa-New Zealand’s agricultural economy. Transmission of MhFV to ASW during successful and interrupted parasitism attempts may link to a premature mortality phenomenon in ASW, hypothesised to be a result of a toxin-antitoxin system. Further research into MhFV and its potential role in ASW premature mortality is required to explore whether manipulation of this viral infection has the potential to increase biocontrol efficacy in future.

The economic efficiency of using protective measures in combating rice pests

In the conducted research in the conditions of the Karatal District of the Zhetysu Region, an analysis of the economic efficiency of rice pest control methods was performed. Among the main pests damaging the crops are the coastal fly, barley miner, and rice midge. The use of the insecticide dimethoate led to a significant reduction in damage from the coastal fly, increasing the biological efficiency to 90.9-94.2%. This, in turn, resulted in an increase in yield by 2.7-3.6 tons/ha compared to the control group. Data analysis also showed that the application of dimethoate is accompanied by a reduction in rice cultivation costs and an increase in net income. The profitability level of using this insecticide was 69.4%, indicating its high effectiveness in terms of agricultural economics. Additionally, the return on additional expenses for protecting rice crops using dimethoate reaches 2.1 times, confirming the economic feasibility of this protection method. Thus, the research results underscore the importance of applying modern rice protection methods and their positive impact on the economic outcome in the region's agriculture. They also justify the need for further research in this area to optimize the rice cultivation process considering economic aspects. Data analysis also showed that the application of dimethoate is accompanied by a reduction in rice cultivation costs and an increase in net income. The profitability level of using this insecticide was 69.4%, indicating its high effectiveness in terms of agricultural economics. Additionally, the return on additional expenses for protecting rice crops using dimethoate reaches 2.1 times, confirming the economic feasibility of this protection method. Thus, the research results underscore the importance of applying modern rice protection methods and their positive impact on the economic outcome in the region's agriculture. They also justify the need for further research in this area to optimize the rice cultivation process considering economic aspects.

Analyzing the relationship between natural resource management, environmental protection, and agricultural economics for sustainable development in China

Sustainable development is crucial for achieving a balance between economic growth, social well-being, and environmental preservation. This study aims to evaluate the dimensions of natural resource management, environmental protection, and agricultural economics for promoting sustainable development in China. In this regard, the fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy VIekriterijumsko KOmpromisno Rangiranje (VIKOR) approaches are used for the analysis. The hybrid approach combines the benefits of fuzzy logic and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, allowing for the consideration of uncertainties and imprecise data in decision-making. The study incorporates six criteria, twenty-four sub-criteria, and five strategies in a comprehensive evaluation framework. According to the results obtained using the fuzzy AHP method, it is evident that the primary criteria influencing sustainable development in China are economic viability, policy and governance, and environmental impact. Within these criteria, specific sub-criteria such as cost-effectiveness, policy alignment, air quality, and social inclusion emerge as key areas of focus. Furthermore, the results of the fuzzy VIKOR method show that investing in research and innovation, strengthening environmental regulations, and strengthening climate change adaptation are the most suited strategies to guide sustainable development efforts. To ensure sustainable development in China, policymakers need to give importance to implementing strategies stressing research and innovation, strengthened environmental regulations, and enhanced climate change adaptation.

Nourishing Earth, Nourishing Ourselves Part 3: Locally Adapted Communities as Medicine for an Ailing Planet

Once a species reliant on nature for food, medicine, clothing, and shelter, Homo sapiens is in the process of being consumed by the fossil fuel-based agricultural and technological economies that enabled warming climates, natural disasters, and the sixth mass extinction. These economies, based in competition rather than cooperation around natural resources, cause man-made shortages of clean water, fertile soil, biodiversity, wholesome foods, and unpolluted air. The resources that enabled unprecedented biophysical transformations are now diminishing in availability and increasing in costs. These changes are a defining moment that may lead to mankind’s demise or may catalyze the rebirth of a vastly different ecological economy. The challenge is to create economies where communities benefit from locally sourced plants and animal products, produced in ways that nurture relationships among soil, water, plants, animals, and people to sustain a collective wellbeing. To do so, humans will need to relearn what it means to be a part of nature’s communities and transform from a technological to an eco-logical relationship with landscapes. If up to that challenge, Homo sapiens will remember what it means to be locally co-evolving with one another and the environment. Ultimately, the trials faced in addressing these critical issues have little to do with the issues per se, and everything to do with healing divides that polarize and isolate people.