Agro-ecological Zones Of Punjab Research Articles

Distribution of mosquito species in various agro-ecological zones of Punjab

BackgroundThe presence and behavior of mosquitoes in various agro-ecological zones of Punjab are influenced by a combination of seasonal and topographical patterns, cropping schemes, and human settlement. These modifications have a significant impact on the occurrence of diseases. Therefore, determining the distribution of these species could help in halting their spread and disease outbreaks. MethodsUnder these prevailing conditions, surveillance studies were carried out at six zones of Punjab, to know the distribution of mosquitoes. Samples were collected in various seasons (once in winter and rainy seasons, and twice in summer), from all possible habitats, having stagnant water. ResultsOut of twenty-four (24) recorded species, three were included in Anophelinae and Culicinae, eleven from tribe Aedini, eight from Culicini and one each from Ficulbiini and Mansoniini. Sampling was done from 91 m (Ahmed Pur East) elevation to 1759 m (Fort Monroe). High and diversified population was recorded during rainy season. The Anopheline mosquitoes were found in rural as well as urban habitats, including rainfed, wet mountains and irrigated plains whereas Aedine species were confined to northern irrigated plains and mostly recorded from Changa Manga National Forest. Culicine species were more diversified and abundant, in all seasons. However, M. chamberlaini was collected from urban (rainfed lands) and rural (northern irrigated plains) settings. C. crassipes was recorded only from rainfed lands. ConclusionTwenty-four mosquito species from the Anophelinae and Culicinae subfamilies were observed in the current investigation. Anophelinae subfamily contained three species. Eleven species of Culicinae belonged to the tribe Aedini, eight to the Culicini, and one each to the Mansoniini and Ficalbiini.

MONITORING AND DETECTION OF WHEAT BLAST DISEASE CAUSED BY MAGNAPORTHE ORYZAE TRITICUM PATHOTYPE IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The wheat blast caused by the Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum pathotype has become a serious threat to wheat production in Pakistan and India after its severe outbreak in Bangladesh in 2016 and intermittent occurrence since then. Thus, planned systemic surveillance of wheat crops in two phases in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 began to determine the status of wheat blasts in Punjab, Pakistan. In the first phase, a survey of 160 wheat fields in districts in Punjab ensued for typical blast symptoms. The surveillance‟s second phase occurred after the threshing of the wheat crop, with composite grain samples collected from all over Punjab, then analyzed in the lab. The surveillance results indicated that all the wheat fields were free from the typical blast symptoms. Similarly, none of the analyzed samples showed the presence of wheat blast pathogens. Therefore, the study validates that this dreadful disease (blast) does not exist in Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, the reason to remain calm needs dissemination among the farming community and the training of technical agriculture extension staff for vigilance in the future for monitoring this disease in different agro-ecological zones of Punjab.

Towards Sustainable Water Use: Factors Influencing Farmers’ Participation in the Informal Groundwater Markets in Pakistan

Informal groundwater markets have spontaneously developed in Pakistan due to the heterogeneity of farmers’ resource endowments, irrigation water shortages, and productivity gains of groundwater. Evidence shows that water allocation through formal or informal water markets can result in significant benefits for buyers and sellers and improve sustainable water use. Existing literature on water markets generally takes only buyers’ perspectives into account when studying the factors influencing the purchase of groundwater for irrigation. In contrast, we look at the perspectives of both buyers and sellers to investigate farmers’ participation in informal water markets. We conducted this study in the three agroecological zones of Punjab. The data was collected from a sample size of 360 farmers, with an equal proportion of water buyers, sellers, and self-users. Cragg’s double hurdle model was used to investigate the factors influencing the extent of water buying or selling. Results of the demand side analysis show that educated has negative correlation with water market participation and level of water purchasing. In addition, large farmers are less likely to buy water, indicating that the majority of farmers in water markets are smallholders. However, the degree of land fragmentation, soil fertility, and adoption of improved seeds each have may increase water market participation. Water cost and farmers’ family size has negative impact on level of water purchasing. The results of supply side analysis show that tubewell capacity, degree of land fragmentation, and the number of operational tubewells at a given farm have a positive relationship with the likelihood of selling water. When it comes to the amount of water sold, two factors that positively influence the extent of water selling are the income from water sales and the degree of land fragmentation. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for sustainable water extraction in the water markets.

Proximate composition and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of phytochemicals in Agave sisalana Perrine (sisal) adapted in different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan.

Exploring extractable phytochemicals from locally adapted sisal plant vegetation vary seasonally at different locations. This study elaborated proximate composition and phytochemical heterogeneity in sisal due to varying environmental conditions analyzed from five districts, i.e., Chakwal, Khushab, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Layyah in Punjab, Pakistan. Extensive surveying and plant sampling across 2years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, during mid-spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons were carried out for understanding the seasonal impact on sisal. The present study was designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and analyzed considering seasonal, yearly, and locational impact. The spatial differences in phytochemicals concentration were strongly associated with environmental conditions prevailing in different seasons. Autumn season reflected saponins, tannins, and flavonoids in higher concentrations during 2018-2019 while steroids and terpenoids were higher during spring 2018-2019. Spatio-temporal variations in the proximate analysis were more apparent in different samples collected from different districts. Data recorded for the Khushab district and autumn season reflected the higher composition of a proximate analysis and phytochemical contents as compared to other seasons. Overall, the spatial differences in phytochemicals concentration were strongly associated with soils and environmental conditions prevailing in different seasons in selected districts.

Investigating Relationship of Food Security with Market Approachability with respect to Household Food Insecurity Access Index

Globally rural households with less landholding, especially from developing countries, are more food insecure due to a lack of resources accessibility and fewer marketplaces. This study was planned to inspect the relationship between household food security and market approachability concerning Household Food Insecurity Access Index (HFIAS). For data collection, 200 farming households from five districts (Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Rahim Yar Khan and Mianwali) from five agro-ecological zones of Punjab were selected as respondents. So, the results can be comprehensive and widespread at the provincial level. Interviews with household heads were conducted with the help of a well-structured and pre-tested interview questionnaire. Food security was calculated with the help of the household food insecurity access score, which calculates food intake for one month and indicates the level of food security based on food consumption during the last thirty days. According to research findings of 46 percent are severely food insecure, and the main reason behind so much food insecurity is rising food prices, increasing fuel prices, transportation costs, lack of agricultural input, and very few marketplaces. Binary logistic regression shows that landholding, earning hands in family, and the distance of farm from the market have a significant effect on the food security status of the family. As the distance of farm from market place increases labour costs, transportation costs, and fuel charges that affect household livelihood inversely. The results suggest that local food security can be enhanced by creating off-farm employment opportunities, improved transportation facilities, and road infrastructure.

What determines the time to gypsum adoption to remediate irrigated salt-affected agricultural lands? Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan

Soil salinization is a serious environmental problem in arid and semi-arid regions, affecting crop yields and jeopardizing the food security of affected households. A common prescription to ameliorate salt-affected soils is the application of gypsum. However, little is known about the factors that motivate land managers to adopt gypsum and its likely effect on crop yields in different agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts. This study investigates the gypsum adoption process to rehabilitate irrigated salt-affected farmland, using survey data from 252 farm households in three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. An accelerated failure time model is used to investigate factors that affect the speed of adoption and the propensity score matching method to evaluate the impact of gypsum adoption on crop yields. About 56% of farm households adopted gypsum, and the average time to adoption was 4.3 years. Key factors reducing the time to gypsum adoption include secure and legal land entitlements, exposure to demonstration trials and field days, access to extension services, and access to credit facilities. In contrast, the distance to soil and water testing laboratories and input markets increases the time to adoption. On average, gypsum adoption increased wheat and rice yields by 17% and 23%, respectively. Our findings suggest that gypsum adoption will increase with the implementation of policies that increase land managers' exposure to the technology and formal information about the technology, reduce barriers to credit access, and provide secure and legal land entitlements.

Perceptions, Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Mitigating Climate Change Effects among Small Livestock Herders in Punjab, Pakistan.

Pakistan is an agrarian nation that is among the most vulnerable countries to climatic variations. Around 20% of its GDP is produced by agriculture, and livestock-related production contributes more than half of this value. However, few empirical studies have been conducted to determine the vulnerability and knowledge of livestock herders, and particularly the smaller herders. Comprehending individual perceptions of and vulnerabilities to climate change (CC) will enable effective formulation of CC mitigation strategies. This study intended to explore individual perceptions of and vulnerabilities to CC based on a primary dataset of 405 small livestock herders from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab. The results showed that livestock herders’ perceptions about temperature and rainfall variations/patterns coincide with the meteorological information of the study locations. The vulnerability indicators show that Dera Ghazi Khan district is more vulnerable than the other two zones because of high exposure and sensitivity to CC, and lower adaptive capacity. However, all zones experience regular livelihood risks due to livestock diseases and deaths resulting from extreme climatic conditions, lower economic status, and constrained institutional and human resource capabilities, thus leading to increased vulnerability. The results indicate that low-cost local approaches are needed, such as provision of improved veterinary services, increased availability of basic equipment, small-scale infrastructure projects, and reinforcement of informal social safety nets. These measures would support cost-effective and sustainable decisions to enable subsistence livestock herders to adopt climate smart practices.

Role of Agricultural Diversification in Improving Resilience to Climate Change: An Empirical Analysis with Gaussian Paradigm

Agricultural diversification efforts towards sustainable agriculture generates environmental and economic benefits. Climate change and agricultural production are characterized by a complex cause-effect relationship. In the present study, the primary dataset is collected through an interview-based survey from 410 farmers in 3 districts located in different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. Detailed analysis is conducted by employing the Gaussian treatment effects approach. Results of the study show that the farmers who adopted agricultural diversification to mitigate the impact of climate change were less and insignificantly benefited e.g., on an average of RS 95,260 (US $635) per annum whereas non-adopted farmers lost their farm income on an average of RS 115,750 (US $772) per annum if they had practiced the agricultural diversification. Moreover, determinants of agricultural diversification such as demographic and institutional indicators were significant and larger effects to adopt as compared to social indicators. This study suggests that policies should be designed in the regional context particularly related to the improvement in demographic characteristics and institutional factors such as providing subsidies, training, and awareness to the farmers, particularly to those who practice agricultural diversification. These measures will help to raise the farmers’ adaptive capacity for the adoption of agricultural diversification, and it will enable them to generate tangible benefits by increasing income through adopting sustainable agricultural livelihood.

Measuring Crop Productivity Index of Agro Ecological Zones of Punjab and Its Relationship with Climate Factors

measure of crop productivity index and test its validity for climate variables in agricultural ecological zones (AEZs) of Punjab province. Our study followed the FAO’s definition of AEZs in this regard. Crop productivity index is developed with the application of principal component analysis, including major crops like Maize, Sugarcane, Rice, Jowar, Cotton and Wheat. The data on crops from the year 1981-2018, are used. To develop productivity indices on AEZs with same ecological conditions is one of novel features of the present study. Study reveals diverse empirical results. The zones 2, 4 and 6 are ranked as highest productive areas. These zones include D.G. Khan, Rahimyar Khan, Multan and Muzaffargarh areas. The empirical findings confirm the validity and stability of this new construct. Among the climate factors, average maximum temperature plays a significant role for productivity.

Farmers' perception and adaptations to climate change: findings from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan.

The main objective of this study was to capture farmers' perceptions and adaptations to climate change in agriculture sector. Along with this, it also identified farmers' adaptations to perceived climate change. Binary logit models were applied on data of 386 farmers, collected from three different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan, to present a comprehensive analysis of different adaptation strategies missing in the existing literature. The coefficients of a binary logit model only explain the direction of change; therefore, to see the magnitude of change, marginal effects were also estimated. Findings revealed that farmers perceived climate change and opted different adaptation strategies. Results of binary logit models described age, education, farming experience, landholding, access to climate information, access to credit facilities, and access to extension services as important determinants of adaptation. This research also found lack of access to climate information, lack of irrigation resources, and knowledge about appropriate adaptations as key constraints in adaptation process. This situation can be improved by enhancing institutional support and capacity. It is suggested that improved agricultural education with better access to climate information and extension services affects the farmers' well-being directly and hence is good for the economy of Pakistan.

Does adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices improve farmers’ crop income? Assessing the determinants and its impacts in Punjab province, Pakistan

The agriculture sector, particularly in developing countries, is the more victim of the impacts of climate change due to less adaptation. The low response to the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices raises questions about the factors influencing adaptation determinants. Therefore, the present study is designed to explore the adoption of CSA practices and the intensity, assessing through its determinants, and estimating its benefits in terms of its impacts on crop yield and farm income. For this purpose, 420 farmers were interviewed across three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. The study employs multinomial logistic regression to examine the factors that determine the adoption of single to a full package of CSA practices. Further, it uses a two-stage least square estimation technique to control the endogeneity problem and to estimate its conditional impact on crop yield and farm income. The study reveals interesting findings and demonstrates that the adoption of single to a full package of CSA practices is mostly explained by the institutional factors, financial resources, size of land holding, and level of education attained by the farmers. Similarly, more affected farmers due to climatic shocks were more intended to adopt CSA practices. Findings confirm that farmers who adopted a full set of CSA practices gain higher yield 32% and 44% kg/ha, and higher farm income 45% and 48% US$ per ha than non-adopted farmers for cotton–wheat and rice–wheat crops, respectively. Further, the impact of adaptation also varies to the intensity of CSA practices adopted by the farmers. This study suggests effective institutional and policy implications for creating awareness and financial support to the farmers to accelerate the adoption of CSA practices. These measures can enhance the farmers’ adaptive capacity that is needed for the sustainable livelihood of rural masses and food production.

Prevalence of ticks from buffaloes in different agro ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

Prevalence of ticks from buffaloes in different agro ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

Farmer Perceptions of Climate Change, Observed Trends and Adaptation of Agriculture in Pakistan.

Farmers' willingness and ability to adapt agricultural systems depend on their knowledge about changes in climate and perceived risks of extreme events. Using cross-sectional data of 450 farmers collected from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan, this study investigates farmer perceptions of climate change and their agreement with observed climatic trends. In addition, this study explores the correlation between different adaptation stages (perceptions, intentions, and adaptation) and their key drivers using a Multivariate Probit Model. This study also explores the adaptation measures adopted by farmers. The results of the study show that the perceptions of increasing mean temperature match well with locally recorded data. However, a discrepancy is found in some cases between farmer perceptions of rainfall changes and local climate records. Moreover, education, experience, land tenure, land holdings, extension, cooperation, access to weather forecasting, and marketing information are the factors influencing the three adaptation stages. A strong association is found among the three adaptation stages. Particularly, the study confirms the hypothesis that accurate perceptions lead to stronger adaptation intentions compared to underestimated or no perceptions. Further, farmers prefer basic adaptation measures including changing crop varieties, input use and planting dates over advanced measures, such as planting shade trees, soil conservation, and crop diversification. The study recommends providing farmers, especially small landholders and tenants, easy access to information, institutional services and training on the use of advanced measures to reduce negative impacts of climate change at the farm level.

Molecular characterization of Hepatozoon canis from farm dogs in Pakistan.

Hepatozoon canis is a tick-borne pathogen of canids, which is distributed worldwide. However, very little is known about this protozoan parasite in Pakistan. This study provides the first molecular evidence of H. canis from farm dogs from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. A conventional PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene was used to characterize H. canis from farm dogs from three districts, namely Kasur, Rawalpindi, and Muzaffargarh, in Punjab. Of 341 blood samples tested, 155 (45.5%) were positive for H. canis, 73 (61.3%) from Kasur, 46 (42.5%) from Rawalpindi, and 36 (31.5%) from Muzaffargarh. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 18S rRNA sequences of H. canis from this study clustered in three clades with those of H. canis from previously published studies to the exclusion of all other Hepatozoon spp. included in the analysis. This study provides the first insight into H. canis from farm dogs in Pakistan. Furthermore, it lays a foundation for future studies of the parasite to assess the impact of canine hepatozoonosis in dogs from various agro-ecological zones in Pakistan where pet ownership of dogs is increasing.

Impact of Bt-cotton on soil microbiological and biochemical attributes

Transgenic Bt-cotton produces Bt-toxins (Cry proteins) which may accumulate and persist in soil due to their binding ability on soil components. In the present study, the potential impacts of Bt- and non-Bt genotypes of cotton on soil microbial activity, substrate use efficiency, viable microbial population counts, and nutrient dynamics were studied. Two transgenic Bt-cotton genotypes (CIM-602 CIM-599) expressing cry1 Ac gene and two non-Bt cotton genotypes (CIM-573 and CIM-591) were used to evaluate their impact on biological and chemical properties of soil across the four locations in Punjab. Field trials were conducted at four locations (Central Cotton Research Institute-Multan, Naseer Pur, Kot Lal Shah, and Cotton Research Station-Bahawalpur) of different agro-ecological zones of Punjab. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by following standard procedure from these selected locations. Results reveled that Bt-cotton had no adverse effect on microbial population (viable counts) and enzymatic activity of rhizosphere soil. Bacterial population was more in Bt-cotton rhizosphere than that of non-Bt cotton rhizosphere at all locations. Phosphatase, dehydrogenase, and oxidative metabolism of rhizosphere soil were more in Bt-cotton genotypes compared with non-Bt cotton genotypes. Cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, extractable phosphorous, extractable potassium, active carbon, Fe and Zn contents were higher in rhizosphere of Bt-cotton genotypes compared with non-Bt cotton genotypes. It can be concluded from present study that the cultivation of Bt-cotton expressing cry1 Ac had apparently no negative effect on metabolic, microbiological activities, and nutrient dynamics of soils. Further work is needed to investigate the potential impacts of Bt-cotton on ecology of soil-dwelling insects and invertebrates before its recommendation for extensive cultivation.

Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in maize of Punjab, Pakistan

Aflatoxin and ochratoxin levels were determined in maize samples collected from store houses of 15 districts belonging to three agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan. Toxins were extracted by Aflaochra immunoaffinity columns and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mean moisture content of maize kernels was recorded above the safe storage level of 15%. Results indicated that aflatoxin B1 and B2 contamination was found in 97.3% and 78.9% of the collected samples, respectively. Aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2 and ochratoxin A were not detected in any sample. Among positive samples, 77.3% contained aflatoxin B1 and 28% aflatoxin B2, exceeding the legal limits as set by the European Union (EU) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). It was concluded that a significant number of samples contained aflatoxin B1 and B2 above the legal limits.

Biochemical and molecular identification of Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa causing bacterial leaf streak of wheat in Punjab, Pakistan

Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa, (Xtu.), causal agent of Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) of wheat, was characterised through pathogencity, hypersensitivity, biochemical and molecular assays. Fifty symptomatic leaves of wheat were collected from eight agro-ecological zones of Punjab out of which 25 were isolated and purified. Maximum incidence and severity in Faisalabad were followed by Multan and Rahim Yar Khan. The pathogen isolated from diseased leaves was identified on the basis of colonies pattern, colour, biochemical and pathogencity test as X. translucens pv. undulosa and confirmed its pathogencity through pathogencity test. For molecular characterization, the bacterial 16S–23S rDNA spacer fragments were amplified by PCR with conserved primers (C1 and C2) and then in combination with specific primers (T1 & T2). 300 bp product amplified by C1 and C2 primer pair confirmed the presence of Xanthomonas, while specific primers T1 and T2 amplified a product of 200 bp, confirmed the presence of X. translucens pv. undulosa. This work will be quite helpful for wheat pathologist and breeders for future management strategy for this disease.

Serum trace mineral variations in Nili-Ravi buffaloes suffering with prepartum vaginal prolapse in two different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

The present study was conducted during 2005 and 2006 on 200 Nili-Ravi buffaloes kept in two agroecological zones (irrigated [zone 1] and rain-fed [zone-2]) of Punjab, Pakistan, with the objective to determine the level of trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Se) in serum of the buffaloes suffering from vaginal prolapse and to compare them with their healthy counterparts. In each zone 50 buffaloes suffering from prepartum vaginal prolapse during their seventh month of gestation were identified through survey. Vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes belonging to zone 1 were identified as group VPB1 (N = 50), whereas buffaloes belonging to zone 2 were recognized as VPB2 (N = 50). The buffaloes of control group in zone 1 and zone 2 were identified as NCB1 and NCB2, respectively. The blood samples in all four groups of buffaloes were collected three times, i.e., first when these animals were in the eighth month of gestation, second during the eighth to ninth month of gestation, and finally when these animals were in the ninth or later month of gestation. The mean serum copper concentrations in buffaloes of group VPB1 were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2, whereas there were nonsignificant differences (P > 0.05) in copper concentrations between VPB1 and VPB2. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) of iron concentration in VPB1 compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, VPB2 also had significantly lower (P < 0.05) iron concentrations compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Serum zinc concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in animals of the VPB1 group when compared with NCB1 and NCB2. Similarly, lower zinc concentrations were observed in VPB2 in comparison with NCB1 and NCB2. There was significantly lower (P < 0.05) zinc concentration in affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2) from the ninth month of gestation to term when compared with those in the eighth to ninth mo of gestation, and with those not yet in the eighth month of gestation. Serum selenium concentration were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in control group buffaloes (NCB1 and NCB2) in comparison with vaginal prolapse-affected buffaloes (VPB1 and VPB2). During different stages of gestation, mean serum selenium concentrations varied nonsignificantly (P > 0.05) within each group of buffalo. Based on information obtained from this study, it was concluded that the low serum concentration of copper and selenium are linked to increased incidence of vaginal prolapse in buffaloes during the last trimester of gestation.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorous on Farm Plantations in various agroecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

Against a world average of 25% area under forests, Pakistan has around 5% and Punjab has only 2% area under manageable and productive forests. The present deteriorating condition of the forests in Punjab has bleak prospects of improvement and expansion in near future due to ever increasing demand for agriculture produce. In view of the present situation the best possible solution seems to be offered by Farm forestry/agroforestry that models planting trees and agricultural crops together, which unfortunately, has not been utilized to its full potential. Based on physiographic, climate and ecology, Pakistan is divided into nine major ecological or vegetative zones, which are further sub-divided into 18 habitat types – an arrangement for the development of protected areas system in terms of representative ecotypes. During the survey of farm plantations about 400 soil samples were collected and their physical and chemical analysis was conducted for the comparison of the four Agro ecological zones of the Punjab Province of Pakistan with regards to agroforestry. A comparison of the characteristics of soils taken from various farm plantations necessitated a prior evaluation of nitrogen and phosphorous as well as their composition in order to ascertain whether the soils were texturally similar or not. In case of Agroforestry, the type of soil is one of the major factors for the classification of different suitable species of plants. The results of the soil analysis of various Agro ecological zones and the consequent recommendation of the associated suitable species, aids the agrofarmers to pick out the best possible option. Key words: Soil analysis, agro-ecological zones, agroforestry, nitrogen and phosphorous