Agricultural Sector Research Articles

A Novel Decomposition Framework for Agricultural Growth Accounting: A Global Supply Chain Perspective

ABSTRACTIn this article, we delve into the traditionally opaque total factor productivity (TFP) “black box” by dissecting it into its constituent elements—technology and efficiency—based on input–output variables from a global supply chain vantage point. Utilizing growth accounting methods, the article seeks to discern the variety of routes through which technology (frontier movement) and efficiency (catch‐up effects) propagate their effects on TFP. Our primary objective is to identify the most potent mechanism for fostering productivity enhancement, a task that previously eluded systematic examination. The methodology involves creating an empirical approximation of the agricultural production frontier from a selection of national data. Bounded‐adjusted linear programming techniques are subsequently employed to disentangle the observed TFP growth within the agricultural sector of each country into its technology and efficiency facets. It is important to note that this study also integrates resource and environmental footprints as additional input–output variables, quantified via the multi‐region input–output (MRIO) model. The analysis, spanning from 2000 to 2016, reveals that the most advanced nations demonstrate the most vigorous growth in agricultural productivity, with a global upward trend in agricultural productivity over the sampled years.

Farmers’ Compliance with the Recommended Doses of Pesticides on Watermelon in Yobe State, Nigeria

The study investigated farmers’ compliance with the recommended doses of pesticides on watermelon in Yobe State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select one hundred and seventy-three (173) respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected on socio-economic characteristics, training in pesticide application, awareness of hazards associated with pesticides, access to information on hazards associated with pesticides and compliance with recommended doses of pesticides. The results revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 43.19, 97.7% were married 73.4% did not have English language reading ability. Training in application of pesticides (0.18), awareness of hazards associated with pesticides (0.28) and access to information (0.43) were low. Most (91.9%) respondents did not comply with the recommended doses of pesticides. Awareness of hazards (B= 2.74, p = 0.01) and access to information (B= 1.45, p = 0.08) significantly influenced compliance with the recommended doses of pesticides. Stakeholders in the agriculture and food sectors should plan and implement schemes to train, inform and boost awareness of the farmers on hazards associated with pesticides to motivate compliance with recommended doses of pesticides, produce safe watermelon and sustain a healthy environment.

Promoting decent work in supply chains of the agrifood sector of Hass Avocado in Colombia: A Colombian MNE case study

Thanks to the production massification in the world coupled with the increase in global production chains, it is urgent to review from different points of view, perspectives and sectors how supply chains adopt strategies to promote and encourage fair, equitable and decent labour guarantees. this article addresses the case of the MNE Avofruit S.A.S. BIC - Cartama, currently the principal exporter of Hass avocado in Colombia, which promotes through different strategies adopted by its corporate governance, decent work in its supply chain, as well as in that of its allies. To contextualize the reality in the productive sector, an analysis of sources in which there is data related to employment in the Colombian countryside, in addition to interviews with the staff of the company analyzed as a case study who provide information for the documentation and analysis of the case. The findings reveal that this company, being a reference in the sector, is promoting decent work in its supply chain and that of its allies, as well as encouraging fairer guarantees in the Colombian agricultural sector, becoming an example to follow for other products in the agroindustry sector.

Postharvest Management Techniques for Improved Shelf Life of Horticultural Crops: A Review

Postharvest management in horticulture is important for maintaining the quality, safety, and shelf life of produce, significantly impacting global food security and economic stability. This review explores critical advancements in postharvest practices, focusing on quality control, safety standards, and emerging technologies. Postharvest quality assessment involves the evaluation of physical, chemical, and sensory attributes, supported by microbiological testing to ensure food safety. Global standards like HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., and ISO 22000 provide frameworks for ensuring compliance and market access. Technological innovations, including near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and smart sensors, enable precise, real-time monitoring of produce quality, enhancing operational efficiency. Emerging technologies are revolutionizing the field; nanotechnology offers advanced packaging solutions that improve shelf life and food safety, while drones and AI enhance postharvest monitoring and logistics through real-time data collection and predictive analytics. Blockchain technology introduces unprecedented levels of traceability and transparency, ensuring accountability and rapid response to food safety issues. The integration of these technologies not only improves the efficiency and sustainability of postharvest systems but also aligns with consumer demands for high-quality, safe, and sustainably sourced produce. This holistic approach reduces post- harvest losses, enhances market competitiveness, and contributes to global efforts in ensuring food security. The synergy of traditional quality control methods with cutting-edge technologies paves the way for a resilient and adaptive post- harvest management system that meets the evolving challenges of the agricultural sector.

Evaluating Temporal Price Behaviour of Rice in Bangladesh

Aims: The agriculture sector in Bangladesh is predominantly centered on rice production and it is the staple food. High prices of rice can affect the consumers adversely. This study aimed to analyze the annual price dynamics of rice in Bangladesh. Study Design: The study was based on secondary time series data of prices of different category of rice at wholesale and retail level. Both nominal and deflated prices were sued to analyze for achieving the objectives of the study. Place and Duration of Study: Secondary time series data of price for different category of rice from country as a whole from 1991 to 2021 were used to assess its annual price behavior. Methodology: Descriptive statistics were employed to assess the annual price fluctuations, while linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the annual price trends. Results: The analysis revealed significant variations in the annual wholesale and retail prices of rice (both fine and coarse). Notably, coarse rice exhibited greater price fluctuations compared to fine rice in both wholesale and retail markets. Price fluctuation at retail level for fine rice is greater than the wholesale level but in case of coarse rice, price fluctuation at retail level is lower than wholesale level. The study further found that the wholesale price trend for fine rice increased more sharply than that of coarse rice, a pattern that was also reflected in retail prices. Conclusion: The study indicates that over the study period, the price of fine rice experienced a more pronounced fluctuate and increase compared to coarse rice.

Citrus Industry Agglomeration and Citrus Green Total Factor Productivity in China: An Empirical Analysis Utilizing a Dynamic Spatial Durbin Model

In the context of increasingly severe resource and environmental constraints, examining the impact of citrus industry agglomeration on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of citrus is of great importance for the sustainable development of the citrus industry and is crucial for promoting the green, high-quality growth of China’s agricultural sector. In this study, the global Malmquist–Luenberger productivity index (GMLPI) model was used to measure the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines based on inter-provincial panel data from China’s major citrus-producing regions between 2007 and 2022. The dynamic spatial Durbin model was employed to empirically analyze the effects of citrus industry agglomeration on the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines, including the disaggregation of its spatial spillover effects. The results indicate that, in terms of temporal dynamics, the GTFP, technical progress index (GTC), and technical efficiency index (GEC) of mandarins and tangerines significantly fluctuated, especially during the period from 2007 to 2015. Regional disparities in GTFP and the GTC are more pronounced for mandarins than for tangerines, while the GEC shows greater regional disparities for tangerines than for mandarins. The intensification of citrus industry agglomeration has had a significant positive impact on the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines, both locally and in neighboring regions. The spatial correlation of the green total factor productivity of mandarins and tangerines fluctuated; mandarins showed significant spatial aggregation in some years, while tangerines showed significant spatial dispersion in several years. The local Moran scatterplot further reveals the significant negative spatial autocorrelation of mandarin and tangerine green total factor productivity from 2007 to 2022. The direct, indirect, and total effects of citrus industry agglomeration on the GTFP of mandarins and tangerines are significant and positive in both the short- and long-term, with short-term benefits exceeding long-term effects. Consequently, enhancing regional cooperation and exchange while advancing citrus industry agglomeration is essential for sustained productivity growth.

Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: Application in Developing Countries

The economic sector is significantly impacted by agriculture. Artificial intelligence is being applied in agriculture to automate numerous tasks, reduce hazards, and provide farmers with a comparatively easy-to-use farming system but a revolution is taking place in the field of agriculture, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to solve major issues confronting the agricultural sector in developing nations. A focus on the impact and potential benefits of AI in developing nations is explored in this paper. The widespread adoption of AI in agriculture in developing countries has been confronted by challenges such as infrastructure deficits, high investment costs, and a lack of capacity building. Governments, policymakers, researchers, and technology providers must work together to ensure sustainable and inclusive deployment of AI technologies in agriculture. A critical examination of the state of agriculture in developing countries is the primary objective of this study, as well as the identification and mitigation of farmer challenges with the use of AI technologies. But a revolution is taking place in agriculture, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to solve major issues confronting the agricultural sector in developing nations.

Promoting Agripreneurship as a Means of Employment in Ogun State

The integration of entrepreneurship into Nigeria's agricultural sector presents a promising avenue for addressing the country's persistent youth unemployment and food insecurity challenges. This study explores agripreneurship as a viable means of employment in Ogun State, focusing on various agripreneurship options, their perceived viability, and their potential to foster economic sustainability. A survey of 1,200 farm owners and workers randomly selected across diverse agriculture value chain in the three senatorial district of Ogun State was conducted. Data obtained were analysed with descriptive statistics and the hypothesis were tested with logistics regression analysis of the specified logit model. The results revealed that production-related activities, particularly poultry, livestock farming, and fishery, are perceived as the most viable agripreneurship options. However, input supply and support services require further development to enhance their attractiveness and viability. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to promote agripreneurship, particularly in underdeveloped areas, to maximize its potential for job creation and economic growth. However, challenges such as access to land, capital, and technology persist, hindering the full adoption of agripreneurship. The study concludes that promoting agripreneurship through targeted interventions could create sustainable employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to broader economic growth. The results also highlight the need for further development in areas like input supply and support services to make them more attractive to potential agripreneurs.

Plant Disease Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks

The agricultural sector faces significant losses due to plant diseases, particularly in major crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and bell peppers. This paper presents a machine learning-based approach to classify diseases in these crops using leaf images. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model was constructed and trained on datasets of healthy leaf images and diseased leaf images from potato, tomato, and bell pepper plants. The model successfully classifies diseases such as Bacterial Spot (for bell peppers), Early Blight, Late Blight, Mosaic Virus, Leaf Mold (for tomatoes), and with a classification accuracy of 93%, this system provides early detection, helping farmers take timely action to reduce disease impact and increase crop yield.

Public Preparedness for Agricultural Investment and its Contribution to Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria

Purpose: The study investigated public preparedness for agricultural investment and its contribution to and economic growth in Nigeria. The study was guided by the following objectives; to assess the level of individuals' awareness on the current condition of the agriculture industry in Nigeria, public's perspective of the substantial influence of agricultural on Nigeria's overall economic growth, the preparedness of citizens to invest in the agriculture sector for the enhancement of Nigeria's economic growth and delineate the agriculture sector's contribution to GDP. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on Lewis (1979) theory of impacting economic growth. Method: The study utilized a descriptive research approach involving 133 respondents across the 36 states, including the federal capital territory, whose major vocation is food production. The samples were selected by a convenience sampling method, considering the respondent geographic closeness and included only those present throughout the survey. Closed-ended questionnaire was utilized as a data-collecting instrument to assess the variables under study; the data on the contribution of agricultural practices to GDP was access from Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (2022-2023). To ensure content validity, the survey instrument was validated utilizing the Lawshe's template. A threshold of 0.99 was noted, signifying that the questionnaire was both representative and comprehensible. The Cronbach alpha technique yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.83, affirming the instrument's homogeneity. The data was analyzed using frequency counts (f) and percentages (%) while the results was presented in graphs. Findings: The survey revealed that most respondents are aware of the current state of agriculture in Nigeria. The heightened awareness has impacted public perception of agriculture's significant role in national economic growth, as the majority of respondents acknowledged that agriculture not only provides food for the populace but also improves farmers' living standards by reducing poverty and hunger, thus promoting economic development. They are willing to invest in agriculture despite a decline in production and a reduced contribution to the national GDP. Conclusion: Although the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP has diminished, individuals are inclined to invest in agriculture therefore, enhanced engagement in agriculture, along with Nigeria's extensive arable land and various people and material resources, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural innovations, will result in significant economic growth.

Effectiveness of higher education in Central European universities towards climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector: A comprehensive survey

Effectiveness of higher education in Central European universities towards climate change adaptation in the agricultural sector: A comprehensive survey

Utilizing virtual communities of practice in the national campaign of wheat in Egypt: action research

Abstract Background Virtual Community of Practices (VCoP) simply is a method to use social media in extension, yet its roots depend on a combination of four concepts: community of practice, social media, social learning theory, and pluralistic extension. The technical action research design was followed to put the VCoP into action and explore its profile. This study aimed to introduce a community of practice using social network applications to policy makers in the agricultural sector. Methodology Action research was conducted to validate the use of a VCoP in the National Campaign of Wheat in Egypt. A baseline survey, a content analysis of VCoP conversations, and an assessment study were used to collect the data. The frequency, range, percentage, mean, and average score were used for statistical analysis. Results The VCoP reached 22.22% and 10.40% of the wheat farmers in the two target villages, respectively. A high degree of knowledge exchange was detected among members, while messages crossed the VCoP borders as friends were invited to join the group. The VCoP helped its members establish new relationships with other stakeholders, and they expressed their need to expand membership to include other stakeholders. The media used in the VCoP was satisfactory; however, the need for more video messages and internet links was expressed. Extension agents believe that the VCoP complements other extension methods. Farmers see greater potential for cooperation than conflict, while bias is minimal among research, extension, traders, and company agents. Conclusions Farmers and other service providers in a village can be aggregated in a VCoP. This approach has proven to be valid as an extension community method for generating and sharing information with high “reach”. Coordination and training are essential for running and managing groups. Yearly programs, rather than seasonal programs, are more suitable for sustainability.

Omics-centric evidences of fipronil biodegradation by Rhodococcus sp. FIP_B3.

The widespread use of the pesticide fipronil in domestic and agriculture sectors has resulted in its accumulation across the environment. Its use to assure food security has inadvertently affected soil microbiome composition, fertility and, ultimately, human health. Degradation of residual fipronil present in the environment using specific microbial species is a promising strategy for its removal. The present study delves into the omics approach for fipronil biodegradation using the native bacterium Rhodococcus sp. FIP B3. It has been observed that within 40 days, nearly 84% of the insecticide gets degraded. The biodegradation follows a pseudo-first-order kinetics (k = 0.0197/d with a half-life of ∼11 days). Whole genome analysis revealed Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, peroxidase-related enzyme, haloalkane dehalogenase, 2-nitropropane dioxygenase, and aconitate hydratase are involved in the degradation process. Fipronil-sulfone, 5-amino-1-(2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-4- ((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonitrile, (E)-5-chloro-2-oxo-3- (trifluoromethyl)pent-4-enoic acid, 4,4,4-trifluoro-2-oxobutanoic acid, and 3,3,3- trifluoropropanoic acid were identified as the major metabolites that support the bacterial degradation of fipronil. In-silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation-based analyses of degradation pathway intermediates with their respective enzymes have indicated stable interactions with significant binding energies (-5.9 to -9.7 kcal/mol). These results have provided the mechanistic cause of the elevated potential of Rhodococcus sp. FIP_B3 for fipronil degradation and will be advantageous in framing appropriate strategies for the bioremediation of fipronil-contaminated environment.

Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance: Implications for Food Safety and Public Health

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global health issue, aggravated by antibiotic overuse and misuse in human medicine, animal care, and agriculture. This study looks at the different mechanisms that drive AMR, such as environmental contamination, horizontal gene transfer, and selective pressure, as well as the severe implications of AMR for human and animal health. This study demonstrates the need for concerted efforts across the scientific, healthcare, agricultural, and policy sectors to control the emergence of AMR. Some crucial strategies discussed include developing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs, encouraging targeted narrow-spectrum antibiotic use, and emphasizing the significance of strict regulatory frameworks and surveillance systems, like the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and the Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe) classification. This study also emphasizes the need for national and international action plans in combating AMR and promotes the One Health strategy, which unifies environmental, animal, and human health. This study concludes that preventing the spread of AMR and maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and internationally coordinated strategy.

Milk production and composition in warm-climate regions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Milk production is a key component of the agriculture sector in the tropics and subtropics, contributing 47.32% to global milk production. This study aimed to quantify milk production and composition (fat and protein) in warm-climate regions located between 30 degrees north and south of the equator. A meta-analysis was conducted using the standardized mean (SM) for milk production, fat percentage, and protein percentage, all adjusted for dry matter intake (DMI), focusing on lactating ruminants. A total of 42, 11, 15, and 16 research papers were selected for cows, buffalo, sheep, and goats, respectively, encompassing 2421 animal records from experiments published between 1992 and 2024. The SM for milk production was 10.38, 9.77, 0.79, and 1.13kg/day/animal for cows, buffalo, sheep, and goats, respectively. Due to the significant variance between different cow breeds, the study divided the cows into three main groups based on breed type crossbreds, foreign, and local breeds. The SM for milk production per animal was 11.49kg/day for crossbreds, 22.95kg/day for foreign breeds, and 7.13kg/day for local breeds. The effect of DMI on the SM of milk production for cows, sheep, and goats was highly significant. For milk fat, the SM was 3.95, 6.64, 4.70, and 3.56% for cows, buffalo, sheep, and goats, respectively. Regarding milk protein, the SM was 3.36, 3.91, 4.34, and 3.45% for cows, buffalo, sheep, and goats, respectively. The results of this meta-analysis highlight that warm-climate regions are significant contributors to global dairy production. Furthermore, improving ruminant milk production and quality in hot climates need further efforts.

Comparing the Growth Rates of Ipomoea aquatica Using Washed Rice Water From Different Rice Varieties

Numerous agricultural sectors rely on chemical fertiliser to accelerate crop development, as demand continues to expand each year. Synthetic fertilisers may leak into groundwater, increasing its toxicity and resulting in water contamination. Alternatives such as washed rice water may be utilised to mitigate the environmental impact of chemicals. This research aims to assess the effects of washed rice water on the growth rate of Ipomoea aquatica. Three types of rice water were used in this study: washed white rice water, washed brown rice water, and washed sticky rice water. Two of the rice water served as the control and each was treated with distilled water and NPK fertiliser. Significant values were determined using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests for multiple comparisons. Resultantly, washed white rice water demonstrated the most significant effect in increasing the growth of the plant height, length of root, number of leaves, circumference of the stem and suitability of soil pH. Alternative methods such as washed white rice water could be employed to reduce the cost of agricultural operations to protect the environment from further degradation.

Investment Priorities for Technological Breakthroughs Based on Scale Effect

The article presents an analytical approach to calculating the value of technological scale effect in regional industry clusters using econometric models. This approach allows for the identification of production zones in Russia with the highest technological potential. The authors propose a method for calculating investments based on the traditional investment multiplier. This method enables rapid technological advancements in specific regional and sectoral clusters within the country. The methodology has been tested on two groups related to the agricultural sector: the main group and the control group, each consisting of seven territorial entities of the Russian Federation. The article also discusses the implementation of a selective investment policy to foster economic growth and enhance the performance of existing advanced industries.

Economic Impact of Droughts in Southern Brazil, a Duration Analysis

Hydrometeorological hazards are currently a cause for great concern worldwide. Droughts are among the most recurrent events, causing significant losses. This article presents a study on the duration of droughts in the southernmost state of Brazil, which has a large agricultural sector and experiences frequent drought events. The approach focuses on the economic recovery time of municipalities affected by the drought in 2020, 2022 and 2023, using the total value of invoices issued within each municipality between companies and from companies to consumers. The Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox regression models are applied, incorporating covariates such as the size of the municipality, geographic location, and primary economic activity sector. The results show that the longest recovery period is concentrated in small cities, particularly in those where agriculture or livestock is the primary economic activity. The greatest resilience is observed in cities within the metropolitan region, where economic activity is more concentrated in services and industry and where populations are generally larger. The study identifies that after each drought event, at least 75% of municipalities achieve economic recovery within 3 months. These findings support better planning for both drought prevention and impact reduction and they are relevant for the development of economic and social policies.

Selection of tomato genotypes for organic production systems

ABSTRACT The development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties adapted to organic production systems is crucial for meeting the demand for organic food and for supporting the sustainable agricultural sector. This study aimed to rescue, evaluate genetic diversity and select tomato genotypes suitable for growing under organic production conditions. To achieve this, the work involved assessing nine table tomato genotypes from different varietal groups in two environments (greenhouse and open field organic conditions). Morpho-agronomic and physical-chemical quality characteristics were evaluated. The experimental design used was a randomised block design with four replications. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, means tests, and Spearman’s correlations. Furthermore, hierarchical dendrograms and principal component analysis were performed to assess morphological variability between genotypes in each of the environments. Dissimilarity dendrograms revealed different clustering patterns under greenhouse and field conditions. In general, the genotypes grown in the greenhouse showed higher commercial yields and organoleptic quality, as well as an earlier crop cycle. The Jumbo, Santa Clara and Kada Gigante genotypes exhibited characteristics that were considered to make them suitable for organic cultivation in both environments, especially in the open field. Gaúcho Marmande presented characteristics (vegetative and physico-chemical) that made it suitable for the open field, while Coração-de-Boi, Bocaina and Roquesso were recommended only for greenhouse cultivation.

From Tradition to Innovation: The Role of Culture Tourism in Transforming Chinese Agriculture

After the merger of China’s Ministry of Culture and the National Tourism Administration into the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2018, there was a strong push to advance the strategy of culture–tourism integration, which has shown significant effects on the economy and society. Building on this success, the Chinese government proposed the strategy of agriculture–culture–tourism integration in 2023. However, its impact on the agricultural sector remains unclear. This study employs field theory to explain the impact of culture–tourism integration on the agricultural sector. Drawing from the relevant literature, we construct and statistically analyze the Culture–Tourism Coupling Coordination Degree (CTCCD). Utilizing provincial panel data from China from 2000 to 2022, we employ two-way fixed-effects panel regression to empirically estimate and analyze the effects of the CTCCD on the agricultural GDP, Total Factor Productivity (TFP), and various aspects of crop farming. Our findings reveal several key insights: (i) the CTCCD exhibits a significant negative impact on both agricultural GDP and TFP; (ii) the CTCCD negatively affects the proportion of crop farming within the agricultural sector, suggesting that culture–tourism integration results in weaker development of crop farming compared to forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries; (iii) the CTCCD demonstrates significant negative effects on the sown area, yield per unit area, and total production of food crops, while positively influencing the per capita income of agricultural workers. These empirical results highlight the complex relationship between culture–tourism integration and agricultural development. Our analysis provides quantitative evidence of the trade-offs involved in pursuing integrated development strategies, adding to the existing research on rural development. The findings indicate that promoting agriculture–culture–tourism integration should be balanced with efforts to accelerate agricultural technological progress.