Agricultural Inputs Research Articles

Vermiwash: An effective nutritive blessing to crops

Under alarming situation of poor soil health, reduction in produce, increase in incidences of pest and disease and environmental pollution due to the application of chemical fertilizers over a period, it is necessary to look for alternatives which are effective and eco-friendly for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it is very important to seek alternative as a supplement for chemical fertilizers. To cope with these problems, vermiwash can play an important role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system. A review was conducted on vermiwash to assess the characteristics, potentiality to use and ultimately beneficial effects in sustainable agriculture. Vermiwash is coelomic fluid extraction contains significant quantities of nutrients, a large beneficial microbial population, biologically active metabolites particularly gibberellins, cytokinins, auxins and group B vitamins which can be applied alone or in combination with organic or inorganic fertilizers, so as to get better yield and quality of diverse crops. Evidences proved that qualities of vermiwash depend on the used organic bed producing vermicompost. Vermiwash can serve as a valuable foliar spray, because it is a combination of earthworm mucous discharges, nutrients, microorganisms and plant growth promoting materials composed of excretory products and mucus secretions from earthworms and micronutrients from the organic molecules in the soil. These nutrients are absorbed and then transported to the leaves, shoots, and other parts of a plant. Application of vermiwash improves plant health, yield and nutritional quality. Vermiwash proves to be an effective fertilizer which contributes the growth of plants when sprayed directly as well as mixed with a definite ratio of vermicompost. It was also observed that the plants treated with vermiwash were disease resistant and no any worms like leaf eaters were seen on the leaves and other parts of plants. Vermiwash can be used as a substituent of commercial fertilizers available in the market. Vermiwash acts not only as a liquid organic fertilizer but also act as mild biocide. It can be used as an effective input in organic agriculture for both soil health and disease management for sustainable crop production with low cost which could be ensure food security. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 38(1): 21-40, 2024

Peatlands changes analysis in Banjar District using three decades of Landsat imagery

Abstract Peatlands are a multifunctional wetland ecosystem, so it is essential to know the changes in their presence. Observation of the changes in peatlands can be done in two ways, i.e., indirect and direct observation. Indirect observation can be done with remote sensing technology. This study aimed to analyze the distribution and peat land cover change from 1990 to 2020 and calculated the land’s rate changes. This research uses the maximum likelihood classification with seven classes of land cover input of agriculture, plantations, forests, bare lands, settlements, shrubs, and water bodies. The classification result covers a map of Banjar Regency peatlands covering 1990, 2000, 2009, and 2020, and then analyzes to know the land’s rate changes. The results of this research inform Banjar’s peatland area is 58,048.76 ha, which is spread over eight districts, i.e., Astambul, Beruntung Baru, Gambut, Martapura, Martapura Barat, Mataraman, Simpang Empat dan Sungai Tabuk. The land’s rate changes in 1990 and 2000; almost all of the land cover has the addition of wide each year, most of it is shrubs around 870.47 ha per year, only covering the reduction of forest land with an area of approximately 1,293.80 hectares per year. In 2000 to 2009 shows that four land covers experience and increase in area per year, namely settlements 11.71 ha, agriculture 30.69 ha, water bodies 6.76 ha and the largest oil palm plantation 1,098.5 ha. While those that experienced a reduction in area per year were bare land around 335.61 ha and shrubs around 812.11 ha. While the rate of change from 2009 to 2020 which experienced an increase in area each year was 15.19 ha of water bodies, 422,9 ha of bare land, 1,073.07 ha of oil palm plantations and around 1,508.2 ha of agriculture. While those that experienced a reduction in area per year were shrubs 3,184.2 ha, and settlement 32.76 ha. The data from these findings is crucial to the national wetlands inventory database for upcoming assessments, even though they offer valuable insights into using conservation measures in the context of wetland sustainability.

Exploring the influence of polymers on soil ecosystems: prospective from agricultural contexts

The utilization of advanced polymeric materials has indeed emerged as a significant trend in sustainable agriculture, offering a range of innovative applications aimed at enhancing productivity, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting resource efficiency. Smart polymeric materials enable the controlled release of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, thereby enhancing their efficacy while reducing the quantities needed. Superabsorbent polymeric materials act as soil conditioners, assisting in alleviating the negative impacts of drought by retaining moisture and enhancing soil structure. This fosters improved plant growth and resilience in water-scarce environments. Polycationic polymers play a role in plant bioengineering, facilitating genetic transformation processes aimed at enhancing crop productivity and disease resistance. Advanced polymeric systems contribute to the arsenal of precision agriculture tools by enabling precise delivery and targeted application of agricultural inputs. This approach enhances resource efficiency, reduces waste, and minimizes environmental impact while optimizing crop yields. In reviewing recent developments in the design and application of advanced polymeric systems for precision agriculture, several key considerations emerge.

ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURE IN RURAL AREAS: DIAGNOSIS AND MAPPING OF POTENTIAL POLLUTION SOURCES AFFECTING WATER RESOURCESIN THE WATERSHED HEADS OF THE OUEME AND PENDJARI RIVERS IN THE COMMUNE OF COPARGO (NORTH-WEST BENIN)

Critical in assessing the quality and quantity of watercourses, headwaters of watersheds have been under anthropogenic pressure for several years, which has had negative impacts on water resources and soils. This study aims to assess the state of anthropogenic activities within the headwaters of the Copargo watersheds, followed by identifying and mapping potential sources of pollution to the water resources of the Oueme and Pendjari river headwaters in the Copargo municipality. To achieve this, data were collected through surveys, interviews, direct field observations, and remote sensing using Google Earth Engine. The results indicate that agriculture is the main activity, practiced by 90.84% of the population. Livestock farming (8.9%) and wood exploitation (7.2%) follow. The surveys reveal that the land is rarely left fallow, indicating overexploitation. The average duration of land cultivation during an agricultural season is 7.77 months. The agricultural inputs used include chemical fertilizers (NPK fertilizers and urea) and pesticides (herbicides and insecticides). On average, 120.5 kg of NPK fertilizer, 63 kg of urea, and 6.99 liters of pesticides are used per season per farmer. 2% of the producers attribute soil depletion to the use of agricultural inputs. The results of this study show that the potential sources of pollution in the study area remain anthropogenic activities, particularly agriculture, through the increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides (herbicides, insecticides). The absence of industrial units in the study area eliminates any risk of pollution from factories. Given the activities carried out in the area, this study will be followed by a physicochemical characterization of water resources and soils to evaluate their physicochemical and chemical quality.

Determinan Keputusan Petani Mengelola Usahatani Padi Di Lahan Suboptimal

The conversion of paddy fields seriously impacts rice availability for national food reserves, so the government is implementing a sub-optimal land extension program. Indonesia has suboptimal land that has the potential to become a national rice barn if appropriately managed. The types of suboptimal land most widely used in rice cultivation are lowland and tidal swamps, where the community can work. This research analyzes the determinants of rice farmers' decisions in managing suboptimal land. This research was conducted in West Tanjung Jabung Regency, Jambi Province, with a sample of 90 rice farmers. Data were analyzed using the multinomial logistic regression method. The determining factors are seen from the demographic and economic aspects. The research results show that factors that significantly influence farmers' decisions to choose tidal land from the demographic aspect are age and farming experience; from the economic element are the number of family dependents, land ownership status, and non-farming income. The significant determining factors in farmers' decisions to manage lowland swamp land from the demographic aspect are age and farming experience, and from the economic element are the number of family dependents and non-farming income. From the research, recommendations that can maximize the use of suboptimal land are increasing promotion and education to the community about rice cultivation on suboptimal land, providing easy access for farmers to rent land, and it is hoped that farmers will continue to have non-farming income to balance household needs and procurement of capital and farming input.

Changes in root nodules dynamics under mixed cropping with varying nutrient management of berseem crop and succeeding fodder cowpea

Intercropping is a sustainable way to achieve the growing demands for food and fodder of expanding population of tropical areas. Combined application of nutrient sources along with inclusion of fodder crops in cropping system will influence soil as well as plant characteristics above ground as well as below it. These sustainable approaches may increase nutrient use efficiency by rhizosphere management at soil and plant level giving better understanding of soil plant atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and seed ratios on dynamics of root nodules of berseem as well as succeeding crop cowpea at Agronomy Research farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India. Intensive root studies had been done regarding root parameters in berseem as well as residual succeeding crop cowpea in this research. The study revealed that 100%RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer)+PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) had given maximum number of nodules (118.60) and other traits for three cuttings in terms of nutrient management and sole berseem in terms of seed ratios number of nodules (112.92), whereas 50%RDF (Recommended dose of Fertilizer) +50% FYM (Farm Yard Manure)-(62.5) and sole berseem (54.30) at harvest had shown better results in terms of residual activity on roots nodules of succeeding crop cowpea where number of nodules (62.5) and fresh wt. of root nodules (622.1 mg) at harvest in 50%RDF + 50% FYM. This research revealed that employing organic sources of nutrients like FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and biofertilizers like PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) along with inorganics in correct proportions enhances the root traits of leguminous fodder crops and reduce sole dependency on harmful agricultural inputs. Hence, this would fulfill the long-term nutritional requirement of crop and preserve crop status in terms of quality and quantity.

Assessment of whole-body vibration and development of mitigation intervention for single-axle tractor–trailer combination

IntroductionTractarization is synonymous with farm mechanization in India. Tractor-trailers are extensively used for the transportation of farm inputs and produce on and off-road, exposing drivers to excessive vibration.ObjectivesThe study was undertaken to assess tractor drivers’ vibration exposure while using trailers and to develop low-cost mitigation interventions.MethodologyThe whole-body vibrations were measured at the tractor seat during the transportation with a no, half (3715 kg soil) and full payload (5910 kg soil) trailer on two terrain conditions, namely, asphalt and farm terrains. The speeds recommended by ISO 5008-1979 of 10, 12 and 14 km/h on asphalt roads and 4, 5 and 7 km/h on farm roads, as well as actual working speeds preferred by the operator (18, 20 and 22 km/h on asphalt road and 8, 10 and 12 km/h on farm terrain), were selected for experiments. Two vibration reduction interventions, namely spring suspended single point hitch (I1) and polyurethane (PU) bush (I2), were developed and installed between the tractor and trailer. Whole-body vibration (WBV) was measured by repeating the experiments.ResultsThe maximum vibration reduction on asphalt road at 22 km/h with I1 was found as 14.3, 19.03 and 23.1%, whereas on-farm terrain at 12 km/h was found as 15.16, 22.43, and 25.56% for no, half and full payload. Similarly, with I1 + I2 interventions, the maximum total vibration reduction at 22 km/h was 16.86, 21.12 and 25.51% on asphalt roads, whereas on-farm tertian at 12 km/h was 17.07, 23.77 and 28.67%. The average value of lower health guidance caution zone (HGCZ) limits on asphalt roads increased by 1.11, 0.95 and 0.92 h and on-farm tertian 1.55, 1.14 and 0.83 h with no, half, and full payload. The average value of upper HGCZ limits on asphalt roads increased by 3.13, 3.21 and 3.68 h and on-farm tertian by 2.24, 2.94 and 3.31 h with intervention.ConclusionsThis infers that with developed interventions an operator can safely perform for a longer duration and at higher operational speeds because of the reduced vibration.

Agro-Processing Value Chains Mapping and Technology Needs Assessment for Nyeri County, Kenya

A sectoral value chain mapping of the County Government of Nyeri, Kenya was initiated and implemented with regard to agro-processing of various forms of plant resources: food crops, textile/natural products, honey/animal feeds/ bio-energy/ICT, environment & biotechnology, essential oils, engineering services and Blue Economy. In this case, the following value-chain processes were assessed: Tea, Coffee; Oil crops; Banana & Dairy products with the support of service providers and prototypic environments. It also looked into value-addition practices and other cross-cutting factors. The cross-sectional study uncovered distinctions and issues including variability in the power supply, absence of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), minimal value addition, existence of counterfeit inputs, and unsuitable equipment. Recommendations include provision of standby power supply, provision of standard operating procedures, potential innovation in value addition, procurement of adequate equipment, and formulation of measures concerning genuine farm inputs. Therefore, by providing an enabling environment and putting into practice the strategies articulated in the study, sustainable agricultural-based growth and hence economic development in Nyeri County will be inevitably achieved under the Kenya Vision 2030.

Assessment of Total Quality Management Practices on Sustainable Food Security Project in Nigeria

Most developing nations encountered various challenges due to unsustainable food security projects, despite huge financial commitment and time invested on food sustainability, the impact is not really sufficient. This raises a concern to conduct a study on how total quality management practices affects sustainable food security project in Nigeria, This study adopted a survey research design, using a structured questionnaire. A formular developed by Cochran was used to determine the sample size of 246 farmers from the North-Western state of Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed using percentage distribution statistics and multiple Regression analysis. The findings revealed that, there was a significant relationship (R2 = 0.401; p<0.05) between leadership commitment and measurement index on food accessibility. From the findings of the study, it was discovered that effective leadership commitment and measurement could enhance food accessibility in Nigeria Therefore, it could be concluded that government developing policies based on farmers input could promotes food security in Nigeria.

Assessing Efficiency Of Paddy Farming In Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia

The use of agricultural input is significant for farm management. It would relate to productivity and efficiency. The problem is that the paddy farmers still needed to determine the appropriate agricultural input use level to achieve efficiency. This study aims to assess the efficiency of paddy farming in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study evaluated the efficiency of paddy farming with three types: technical efficiency, allocative efficiency, and economic efficiency. A survey was conducted with 40 paddy farmers to obtain data on paddy production and agricultural input use such as seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and labor. Data envelopment analysis with an input approach was employed to analyze the data. The scores of technical efficiency, allocative efficiency, and economic efficiency were 0.935, 0.711, and 0.668, respectively. This study indicated that paddy farming in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia, was technically efficient. However, it was allocative and economically inefficient. The unachieved cost minimization was the driving factor of the allocative inefficiency. Furthermore, this study also found that the condition of paddy farming increased the return to scale (IRS). This condition implied that the paddy farmers could escalate the paddy production and achieve efficiency by improving agricultural input use. Moreover, eco-friendly agricultural input is encouraged to minimize costs to improve allocative efficiency and support sustainable agriculture. Also, the government should take some actions and policies to improve the efficiency of paddy farming in Deli Serdang.

Seeking sustainable efficient global agricultural production with nexus approach

This study aims to estimate the shadow prices of water and carbon dioxide (CO2) in global agriculture under three scenarios: pursuing economic efficiency, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and environmental protection. It assesses the social cost of environmental impacts compared to actual prices. This study also evaluates substitutability among water, labor, and capital in the three scenarios for developing relevant agricultural policies depending on distinct agricultural conditions. Social costs tend to be underestimated because they are not directly observed. Our society has faced an overproduction of agriculture in terms of CO2 emissions and the exploitation of water. This study employs a method of a directional technology distance function for global agricultural production based on Food and Agriculture Organization data on agricultural inputs and outputs. The following three critical findings were obtained: First, the average shadow price of water under the economic scenario was close to the current actual water prices, and water prices would increase if agricultural production accomplished the three SDGs (Goal 2, 6, and 13). Second, labor is substituted for water under the environmental scenario because water prices increase rapidly. In contrast, water is complementary to labor under the SDGs scenario, implying that labor becomes more important for increasing food production. Third, the current CO2 prices are lower than those in the economic scenario. These values are significantly lower than those under the SDGs and environmental scenarios. Based on these results, we conclude that agricultural products are often undervalued because the appropriate value of water is overlooked in real markets. The contribution to reducing CO2 in agriculture is insufficient, owing to current low carbon taxes.

Economic Efficiency Of Pineapple Farming Using The Stochastic Frontier Approach

Central Aceh Regency is the province's largest pineapple producer. However, pineapple farming is facing the problem of low pineapple productivity and input use efficiency. The research aims to analyze the factors that influence the level of technical efficiency and the allocative and economic efficiency of pineapple farming in Pegasing District, Central Aceh Regency. The sampling process employs the stratified random sampling method. The total sample consisted of 62 respondents. The stochastic frontier is used. The research revealed that the production factor of land area, with a variable coefficient value of 0.0312, seeds with a variable coefficient value of seeds of 1.0152, and pesticides with a coefficient value of 5.6239, significantly influenced pineapple farming production in Pegasing District. Conversely, the labor factor, with a coefficient value of 0.0408, and fertilizer, with a coefficient value of 0.1198, had an insignificant effect. The use of inputs in pineapple farming has reached technical efficiency values, but there are ​still opportunities to increase optimally. However, neither allocatively nor economically have we achieved efficiency. The technical efficiency value for pineapple farmers was 0.80, the allocative efficiency value reached 0.427, and the economic efficiency was 0.351. Farmers, as actors in farming activities, need to pay attention to the use of the right combination of inputs; economic efficiency will be obtained from the use of production factors so that pineapple farmers' income will increase.

Factors Affecting Application of Modern Agrochemicals and Observance of Pre-Harvest Interval in Khat, Catha edulis (Miraa) Crops in Igembe South Sub County

In Kenya, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development as well as alleviating poverty in the households. Strengthening the agricultural sector will call for provision of requisite extension services and ensuring necessary agricultural inputs readily available to the farmers. Evidently, agrochemicals have boosted agricultural productivity over time. Categorized broadly as fertilizers and pesticides, agrochemicals were introduced to enhance crop yields and minimize crop losses due to soil infertility, pests, and diseases. However, use of agrochemicals has been associated with various issues including effects on the environment and specifically, problems related to human health, biodiversity, and the entire ecosystem. Thus, this study investigated factors affecting application of modern agrochemicals and the observance of Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. The specific objectives that guided the study were to investigate the effect of environmental factors on application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection and whether farmers observed recommended Pre-Harvest Interval in application of agrochemicals in Khat (Miraa) crops protection in Igembe south sub county. A descriptive research design was utilized with a target population comprising Khat (Miraa) farmers in Igembe south sub county. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample. Stratified sampling was adopted in selecting individual respondents from the various wards to with the strata being the ward. Yamane (1967) formula was utilized to estimate the sample size of 399 respondents. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a response rate of 79.4%. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in figures and tables. From the analysis, the correlation between environmental factors in the application of modern agrochemicals and the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops was positive and statistically significant (?=0.546, P=0.000). The regression coefficient of environmental factors in the model was positive (r=.221) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Based on the calculated averages and PHI risk factors, majority of the farmers are categorized as high risk or very high-risk users of agrochemicals. Further statistical analysis indicated that the coefficient of the risk factor is positive (r=0.572) and statistically significant (P=0.000). Therefore, the risk factor in observance of the PHI has a significant effect on the number of farmers using specific agrochemicals. The study concluded that environmental factors and non-observance of recommended PHI, positively and significantly affects the protection of Khat (Miraa) crops. The study recommends targeted extension to sensitize Khat (Miraa) growers on importance of observing recommended PHI. Finally, the study recommends that the national and county governments ought to formulate policy guidelines that identify agrochemicals suitable in Miraa crops protection, the recommended application rates, and Pre-Harvest Intervals.

Optimizing growth conditions and biostimulant application for enhanced growth, yield and quality in Butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) cultivar KKL 1

Butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are prized for their significant nutraceutical benefits, which are crucial in addressing malnutrition in developing countries. Given their nutritional advantages, global cultivation demand is increasing. This study aims to boost production and improve crop quality through effective agronomic practices. To minimize dependence on synthetic chemicals, the study investigates the use of biostimulants as an alternative, offering a promising method for enhancing crop growth and performance. The experiment took place under 2 different conditions: polyhouse (G1) and open field condition (G2) at Horticultural and Forestry Research Station, Kodaikanal, from December 2023 to June 2024. Various biostimulants were applied in foliar parts in different doses: control (B1) seaweed extract at 3 % (B2) and 5 % (B3), panchagavya at 3 % (B4) and 5 % (B5), vermiwash at 5 % (B6) and 10 % (B7) and fulvic acid at 6 g/L (B8) and 9 g/L (B9), each replicated 3 times. Among the treatment combinations, G1B3 (seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse condition) was most effective in all growth, yield and quality parameters including days to first flower emergence (48.50 days), number of pods per plant (96.33), pod yield (4.98 t/ha), highest soluble protein (37.36 %) than G2B1 (control group under open field condition). It resulted in a greater number of days for flower emergence (57.85 days), lowest values in number of pods per plant (69.91), pod yield (2.96 t/ha) and soluble protein (24.69 %). These findings suggest that seaweed extract has great potential as a sustainable agricultural input, enhancing productivity and crop performance in butter bean cultivation. The main goals were to investigate how different biostimulants and growing conditions affect the growth and yield of butter beans and to identify effective organic growth promoters that could improve the yield and quality of butter bean crops in various growing environments. The results of this study are discussed in the following sections.

Sesame, an Underutilized Oil Seed Crop: Breeding Achievements and Future Challenges.

Sesame seeds and their edible oil are highly nutritious and rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bioactive compounds such as sterols, tocopherols, and sesamol provide significant medicinal benefits. The high oil content (50%) and favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid balance, as well as resilience to water stress, make sesame a promising candidate crop for global agricultural expansion. However, sesame production faces challenges such as low yields, poor response to agricultural inputs, and losses due to capsule dehiscence. To enhance yield, traits like determinate growth, dwarfism, a high harvest index, non-shattering capsules, disease resistance, and photoperiod sensitivity are needed. These traits can be achieved through variation or induced mutation breeding. Crossbreeding methods often result in unwanted genetic changes. The gene editing CRISPR/Cas9 technology has the potential to suppress detrimental alleles and improve the fatty acid profile by inhibiting polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Even though sesame is an orphan crop, it has entered the genomic era, with available sequences assisting molecular breeding efforts. This progress aids in associating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) with key economic traits, as well as identifying genes related to adaptability, oil production, fatty acid synthesis, and photosynthesis. Additionally, transcriptomic research can reveal genes involved in abiotic stress responses and adaptation to diverse climates. The mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) can identify loci linked to key traits such as capsule size, seed count per capsule, and capsule number per plant. This article reviews recent advances in sesame breeding, discusses ongoing challenges, and explores potential strategies for future improvement. Hence, integrating advanced genomic tools and breeding strategies provides promising ways to enhance sesame production to meet global demands.

In Good Times and in Bad, in Sickness and in Health: The Continuous Rise in Adoption of Labour-Saving Agricultural Technologies in Myanmar

Agriculture is rapidly transforming in many low- and middle-income countries – most often driven by the adoption of new agricultural technologies – but changes remain poorly understood in fragile and conflict-affected states. We look at the case of Myanmar, a prime example of such a state. After decades of isolationism and economic stagnation, it opened its economy in the beginning of the 2010s, leading to rapid economic growth. But the COVID-19 health crisis and a military coup in the beginning of 2021 – leading to heightened conflicts, forced displacements, and increased migration – dramatically reversed that outlook. Based on large-scale farm surveys, we find that adoption of labour-saving agricultural technologies – measured by the use of mechanization, herbicides, and direct seeding of rice – increased rapidly over the economic growth period and that the increase surprisingly persisted during the crisis years, but at a slower rate. This uptake was lower, however, for households in the most conflict-affected areas, partly due to differential agricultural input availability. Smallholders and more remote farmers also participated less. This finding suggests an increasing labour productivity gap for remote and conflict-affected smallholders, with important implications for their welfare.

Knowledge And Utilization Of Market-Oriented Agricultural Extension Service Among Farmers In Oyo State, Nigeria

Market-oriented agricultural extension services (MOAES) are pivotal in transforming subsistence farming into a profitable and sustainable venture, thereby reducing rural poverty. This study investigates the knowledge and utilization of market-oriented agricultural extension services among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study employs a two-stage cluster sampling technique to select 106 farmers from four agricultural zones in Oyo State. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules on knowledge, accessibility, utilization, and satisfaction with MOAES provided. The public extension (61.6%) was the primary provider of market-oriented agricultural extension services, with low knowledge and satisfaction. Utilization of the services on types of crops to grow, food safety standards, and sourcing of farm inputs were moderate. Overall utilization of MOAES by 55.7% of the farmers was low. Constraints were poor linkage (x̅=1.90), limited access to credit for input purchases (x̅=1.84), and inadequate price information for various inputs (x̅=1.68). Significant relationships existed between farmers sex (X2=3.259), marital status (X2=0.186), educational level of MOAES (X2=8.055). Strengthening the capacity of extension agents and focusing on value addition are recommended.

The Situation of Cross-Border Transportation of Goods through the 2nd Friendship Bridge Savannakhet-Mukdahan

This study is about the situation of cross-border transportation of goods through the 2nd Friendship Bridge Savannakhet-Mukdahan. The purpose of the study is to 1) study the situation of development of transportation and logistics in the friendship bridge, 2) The condition of transporting goods through the friendship bridge, and 3) Difficulties of entrepreneurs using the 2nd friendship bridge service, the population represented in the study was the driver of a truck that passed through the Savannakhet-Mukdahan International Checkpoint, Specific types of imported goods a total of 138 people were identified. The statistics used for data analysis is descriptive statistics to find frequencies and percentages. The results of the study show that the world bank has determined the logistics performance index: LPI and published the results of the comparative efficiency ranking of 160 countries. In 2018, the Lao PDR was ranked 82nd in the world with a score of 2,8 and in which ranked 69th of 160 counties in terms of the ability to trach and trace consignments with an average score of 2,9. Laos can now export and distribute goods to Thailand with other countries in Asia and Europe: China, Hungary, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, Italy and France using Road NO 12 and Route 9. This is an important strategic route due to the ability to transport goods to countries in the region, which is a wholesale market and a channel to import cheap machinery, equipment, or inputs, making locally produced goods cheaper, which will increase domestic competitiveness and increase domestic competitiveness. Exports and imports across the 2nd Friendship Bridge, a five-year period from 2016-2020, see a year-on-year trade deficit due to the need to use agricultural inputs to boost agricultural production and boost agricultural exports in the future. The problems in transportation of goods in practice, the country has not yet been able to take full advantage of cross-border transport via the 2nd Friendship Bridge. Due to climate change, which is a barrier to delayed transportation, the overall infrastructure is still incomplete as there are still some areas of the road that need to be constructed and improved, along with the problems and obstacles of transport rules and regulations, such as: Problems with one-stop inspection, difficulties in customs clearance procedures and convenience of transport officials.

69 The Holos model for estimating greenhouse gases and soil carbon: Characterizing regionalized beef farm model systems

Abstract The objective of this work is to characterize regionally representative beef farm systems that represent dominant or typical surveyed management practices for 11 beef-producing regions across Canada. This work fulfills two further purposes 1) to improve and expand the Holos model interface; and 2) to facilitate the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil carbon (C) changes on beef farms in different regions of Canada. Holos version 4 is the whole-farm model of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s to estimate GHG emissions and changes in soil C on Canadian farms in response to shifts in management practices. Holos can be implemented in all 10 Canadian provinces and accounts for GHG emissions from crop and livestock production [enteric and manure methane (CH4), manure and soil N2O emissions], farm machines and infrastructure [on-farm energy carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions], as well as from the upstream production of some farm inputs (synthetic fertilizer and pesticides). The model is designed to utilize data readily available on the farm to answer, ‘What if?’ scenarios, whereby the user can test the effect of changing management practices on their whole-farm GHG budget. To reduce the data input burden on the user, Holos V4 has built-in model livestock systems for beef, dairy, swine and poultry production that characterize the dominant features of these operations in Canada at the national scale based on relevant literature/data and expert opinion. Regarding beef production, we have characterized regionally specific model beef farms for incorporation into Holos, one for each of 11 Canadian beef-producing regions. General characteristics and management practices for each farm were based on the 2011 Beef Farm Survey (Sheppard et al., 2015), which summarizes management information from 1,009 Canadian beef farms, combined with data from the Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network (Canfax 2023). Each regional farm includes cow-calf, backgrounding in confinement, backgrounding on pasture and finishing components, and considers all the specific feed (e.g., forage, grains, by-products) required for each stage of the beef cycle. These 11 model farms are simulated within the current Holos V4 model to explore the impacts of variation in beef management practices on farm GHG emissions across Canada and on soil C stocks on lands used to produce feed and graze cattle. An overview of the national-level dairy, swine and poultry components in Holos will be presented along with a more detailed perspective of whole-farm GHG budget and multi-decadal soil C dynamics in regionalized beef farms. The impact of management and environmental factors that lead to differences in GHG emissions and soil C stocks in beef farms will also be explored.

Profile Characteristics of Fertilizer Dealers in Kerala, India

In India, about 75 percent of the population is dependent directly or indirectly on the agricultural and allied sectors. Around 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture development not only involves crop production but also, the development of its stakeholders viz., farmers, fertilizer dealers, extension workers, NGOs, etc. Effective transfer of technology from research to farmers through appropriate stakeholders is crucial for achieving desired results. Fertilizer dealers, as key stakeholders, play an essential role in ensuring farmers have access to essential agricultural inputs needed to enhance productivity on their farms. Several programs have been launched to enhance the capabilities of these agricultural advisors. One such initiative is the 'Certificate Course on Integrated Nutrient Management for Fertilizer Dealers’. Consequently, this study was focused to study the profile characteristics of fertilizer dealers. Ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study with a sample of 300 respondents covering 7 districts of Kerala. From the analysis, it was found that majority of respondents were under medium profile characteristics. In light of these findings, it is advisable to implement refresher training during the off-peak season. This training will enhance dealers' knowledge and skills, enabling them to provide more effective guidance and support to farmers.