Cost-benefit Ratio Research Articles

Selected Botanicals and Sticky Traps for the Management of <em>Thrips tabaci</em> in Onions (<em>Allium cepa</em> L.) as Good Agricultural Practices

Purpose: Thrips tabaci (Lindeman, 1889) is a polyphagous and severe sucking pest of onions causing huge economic losses. Although widely used, synthetic pesticides are less effective against it along with additional concerns to humans and the environment. Therefore, various good agricultural practices (GAP) were evaluated against it under field conditions.Research Method: Treatments used were GAP1= Marigold (trap crop) and Blue sticky trap; GAP2= Marigold and Aloe vera (botanical pesticide); GAP3= Blue sticky trap and Aloe vera; GAP4= Marigold, Aloe vera, and Blue sticky trap and Control (conventional farmer’s plot). Phulkara onion variety was used in the study. The plantation of marigolds and installation of blue sticky traps were done with the transplanting of onions. Aloe vera and synthetic pesticide i.e., Pirate 360 G/L (Chlorfenapyre) were applied depending on the threshold of T. tabaci.Findings: All the GAPs used effectively managed the T. tabaci population on onions. Overall, the lowest T. tabaci population was observed in GAP4- Marigold, Aloe vera, and Blue sticky trap (12.6±0.3 thrips per plant), not significantly different from GAP3- Blue sticky trap and Aloe vera (12.9±0.4 thrips per plant) and control (13.6±0.5 thrips per plant). The GAP1- Marigold and Blue sticky trap treatment suffered the highest T. tabaci population (34.1±1.1 thrips per plant). Maximum onion yield was recorded in control (2597.6±73.8 kegs per ha) but not significantly different from GAP4 (2484.2±59.2 kegs per ha), whereas the lowest yield was recorded in GAP1 (1933.6±46.0 kegs per ha). The cost-benefit ratio of the two best treatments (GAP4 and control) was recorded as 3.05 and 2.53, respectively.Originality: GAP4 should be adopted for better T. tabaci management in onions to get a higher profit margin.

Sensitivity Analysis of North Surabaya Hospital Investment Feasibility

The aim of this research is to analyze the feasibility of investing in North Surabaya Hospital, Bulak District, Surabaya City with the parameters Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) and Payback Period. This research focuses on the North Surabaya Hospital which was built by the Surabaya City Government Health Service with a budget for 2026. The research instruments used were interview guidelines and observation sheets, with data collection procedures via location with related parties in the construction of the hospital, site observation, as well as documentation that includes primary and secondary data. Based on investment analysis of North Surabaya Hospital and evaluation of sensitivity to operational costs and potential income, the conclusion obtained is: Alternative 1 is feasible because it produces an NPV value of Rp. 211,014,227,005, IRR of 9.85%, BCR of 1.23 and PP of 7.69 years, but will be sensitive to the point that it is not feasible if there is an increase in hospital operational costs above 2.05% or a decrease in hospital service levy rates above 1.39% . Alternative 2 is not feasible because it produces an NPV value of Rp. 28,416,192,984, IRR of 6.57%, BCR of 1.14 and PP of 8.34 years, but it will be sensitive and feasible if there is a decrease in hospital operational costs above 7.73% or an increase in hospital service levy rates above 5.59%. Alternative 3 is not feasible because it produces an NPV value of Rp. 66,444,241,124, IRR of 7.30%, BCR of 1.16 and PP of 8.20 years, but it will be sensitive and feasible if there is a decrease in hospital operational costs above 5.7% or an increase in hospital service levy rates above 4.08%. Alternative 4 is feasible because it produces an NPV value of Rp. 166,294,504,181, IRR of 9.26%, BCR of 1.20 and PP of 7.70 years, but it will be sensitive to the point of being unfeasible if there is an increase in hospital operational costs above 0.15% or a decrease in hospital service levy rates above 0.10%.

Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Red Gram, Sorghum and Blackgram-Based Intercropping Systems

A field experiment was conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai District, during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 to evaluate integrated nutrient management strategies for redgram-based intercropping systems. The study included two intercropping treatments: (I₁) Redgram + Sorghum (1:2) and (I₂) Redgram + Blackgram (1:2), along with three organic fertilizer treatments: (F₁) Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), (F₂) RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, and (F₃) RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha-1. Two biofertilizer treatments were also evaluated: (B₁) without Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and (B₂) with PSB. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study utilized the red gram variety VBN 3, intercropped with the sorghum variety K 11 and the black gram variety VBN 6. Results indicated that the redgram + blackgram (1:2) intercropping system produced the highest redgram plant height (347.6 cm), branches per plant (21.2), and number of pods (295.8 per plant). This system also achieved the highest redgram seed yield (858 kg ha-1), redgram grain equivalent yield (1139 kg ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.69). The application of RDF + vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 produced the tallest redgram plants (348.8 cm) and the highest number of branches (21.6), with significantly higher pod numbers (300.6 per plant) and seed yield (856 kg ha-1). PSB application further enhanced seed yields, with the highest redgram grain equivalent yield (1122 kg ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.76). The study concluded that the combination of redgram + blackgram intercropping, RDF + vermicompost, and PSB application offers an effective integrated nutrient management strategy, optimizing both grain yields and profitability.

Management of Leaf Blight and Node Blight Diseases Indian Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb)

A study on the management of important diseases of rainfed kuthiraivali was carried out through biological control and fungicides in combination with seed treatment and foliar application methods and different intervals of diseases incidence. The leaf blight pathogen was isolated from the affected leaf; the isolated fungus's dark grayish-colored, fluffy mycelia were observed on the PDA medium. The mycelium was grey to olivaceous green, profusely branched, and septate. Conidiophores were single or in small groups, straight to flexuous, septate, smooth, and dark brown. Measuring 3.5 µm x 0.865 µm (1 µm), The disease incidence was observed at 15-day intervals using the percent disease index. Among three years, the seed treatment (10gm/kg) of Pseudomonas fluorescens (TNAU Pf1) followed by foliar application of Carbendazim + Mancozeb 2 gm/lit decreases the leaf blight diseases (63.63% reduction over control) and also recorded an increased yield of 1075 kg/ha of kuthiraivali. Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1 combined with foliar fungicide sprays significantly enhances yield and cost-benefit ratio under rainfed conditions while effectively managing seed-borne and foliar diseases.

Efficacy of chemical and botanical insecticides against tobacco caterpillar, <i>Spodoptera litura </i>(Fabricus) in soybean

The field trial was conducted at Soybean Research Farm of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi during Kharif season of 2021 and 2022 using variety JS-335. Results revealed that two foliar sprays applied at 35 and 50 days after sowing with Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambda cyhalothrin (5%) ZC (Ampligo 150 ZC) @ 200 ml ha-1 recorded lowest cumulative mean larval population of tobacco caterpillar i.e., 1.48 and 2.22 larvae per meter row length (mrl) during 2021 and 2022, respectively. The next best treatments were biological insecticides viz., emamectin benzoate 5 SG @ 15 g ha-1 (1.68 and 2.33 larvae mrl-1) and spinosad 45 SC @ 75 g ha-1 (2.22 and 2.41 larvae mrl-1) with less larval population during 2021 and 2022, respectively. The treatment Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambda cyhalothrin (5%) ZC (Ampligo 150 ZC) @ 200 ml ha-1 also recorded highest mean seed yield (1915.5 kg ha-1) and highest benefit cost ratio (4.63).

ANALYSIS OF ADDED VALUE AND FEASIBILITY OF SEAWEEDS DODOL PRODUCTS IN UMKM MOFFIN SUMENEP

UMKM MOFFIN was established in 2017 and strives to continue to develop in producing seaweed-based products. UMKM MOFFIN is located in Pagar Batu Village, Saronggi District, Sumenep Regency. Added value is the added value that occurs because a commodity undergoes processing, transportation and storage in one production process with the use/provision of functional inputs. While the feasibility analysis includes the calculation of NPV, IRR, Net B/C, and PBP with a comparison between the income obtained and the total costs incurred by the company. This study is to determine the added value of seaweed dodol production in Moffin UMKM and to determine the feasibility of seaweed dodol products in Moffin UMKM using NPV, IRR, Net B / C and PP calculations. The analysis of added value obtained from processing 10 kg of seaweed dodol is 63.30 % of production results. The profit margin obtained from every 5 kg of seaweed is distributed for each factor, namely profit 65.15%, labor 3.87 % and other input contributions of 30.98 %. The feasibility value analysis has Eligible criteria from NPV (net present value) , IRR ( Internal rate of return ) , Net B / C ( Net benefit cost ratio ) and PP (Payback Period). This UMKM has positive added value so it must maintain, increase business activities and expand its marketing. As well as separating income and expenses, preparing profit and loss reports properly.

Eco-friendly management of pseudostem weevil, <i>Odoiporus longicollis </i>(Oliver) in banana

An investigation on environment friendly management against pseudostem weevil, [Odoiporus longicollis (Oliver)] in banana was carried out during year 2021-22 at farmers’ field in Siyod village of Surat district with ratoon crop and tissue culture plants. Though standard check and farmer practice were found effective, but among biopesticides and botanicals, stem injection with Azadirachtin 10000 ppm @ 4.0 ml l-1 was superior and minimized the plant damage, holes on pseudostem and pest population of pseudostem weevil as well as exhibited the higher fruit yield and incremental cost benefit ratio. After that, swabbing of Azadiractin 10000 ppm @ 2.5 ml l-1 and spraying of Beauveria bassiana (2 x 108 CFU g-1) @ 4.0 g l-1 + pseudostem trapping also proved their effectiveness than other treatments. These three treatments also exhibited higher plant height, pseudostem girth, hands per bunch and fingers per bunch than other biopesticides and botanicals. The ratoon crop plantation was found more susceptible than tissue culture plantation.

A Comprehensive Assessment of the Economic Performance of an Innovative Solar Thermal System: A Case Study

An economic assessment of an innovative solar thermal system called Application to Solar Thermal Energy to Processes (ASTEP) was conducted. It considered its three main subsystems: a novel rotary Fresnel SunDial, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and Control System. Current Fresnel collectors are unable to provide thermal energy above 150 °C in high-latitude locations. Therefore, the key contribution of this study is the assessment of the economic performance of the ASTEP system used to provide high-temperature process heat up to 400 °C for industries located at low and high latitudes. The ASTEP system is installed at two end-users: Mandrekas (MAND), a dairy factory located in Greece at a latitude of 37.93 N and ArcelorMittal (AMTP), a manufacturer of steel tubes located in Romania at a latitude of 47.1 N. The life cycle costs (LCC), levelised cost of energy (LCOE), energy cost savings, EU carbon cost savings and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of the ASTEP system were assessed. The results showed that AMTP’s ASTEP system had higher LCC and LCOE than MAND. This can be attributed to the use of two TES tanks and a double-axis solar tracking system for AMTP’s ASTEP system due to its high latitude location, compared to a single TES tank and single-axis solar tracking system used for MAND at low latitude. The total financial savings of the ASTEP system were EUR 249,248 for MAND and EUR 262,931 for AMTP over a period of 30 years. This study demonstrates that the ASTEP system offers financial benefits through its energy and EU carbon cost savings for industries at different latitudes while enhancing their environmental sustainability.

Enhancing water productivity of solar still using thermal energy storage material and flat plate solar collector

In this research, the impact of integrating solar still with thermal energy storage material and flat plate solar collector (FPSC) on the freshwater productivity was experimentally investigated. The experiments were conducted on three types of similar-sized solar stills under climate conditions of Saudi Arabia. The first type was a conventional solar still (CSS), without any modifications. The second type was a modified solar still (MSS-1), CSS integrated with natural stones in the still basin. The third type was a modified solar still (MSS-2), CSS integrated with both natural stones and FPSC. Three types of natural stones with same quantity were selected and individually tested in the MSS-1 and MSS-2 simultaneously (each stone type on one day). The corresponding experimental results of MSS-1 showed a 11–32% increase in the daily freshwater yield, compared to CSS, indicating a minimal effect of natural stones utilization on the freshwater productivity. The MSS-2 showed a 155–183% increase in the daily freshwater yield, compared to CSS, indicating a significant effect of basin water heating on the freshwater productivity. The total dissolved solids (TDS) level was measured at 112 ppm, which complies with the permissible limits for drinking water quality standards. The economic analysis revealed that the cost to produce one liter of freshwater is 0.028, 0.022, and 0.027 $ from CSS, MSS-1, and MSS-2, respectively. Additionally, the benefit–cost ratio (BCR) analysis demonstrated the economic feasibility of the constructed solar still, with a BCR value of 2.1.

Boundary-work of genomic medicine: safeguarding the future of diagnostic next-generation sequencing in the clinic

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies – which allows to look at large parts or even the whole genome at once - are making their way into diagnostic clinical care. With trends towards ‘mainstreaming’ genetic services into general medicine, significant ethical challenges, and a disputed clinical utility and cost-benefit ratio, genomic medicine’s autonomy and dominance in defining and offering NGS care may come under increased pressure from the outside (e.g., regulators, other healthcare providers and facilities, ethicists, and patients). In this paper, we show how the field of genomic medicine engages in substantial boundary work in reaction to these circumstances. Building on multi-sited fieldwork in two centres for human genetics in Belgium and the Netherlands, we show how acts of demarcation serve to uphold an image of expertise and authority which helps to maintain the field’s autonomy and dominance. Through examining the delineations put forward in interviews, practice (based on observations in multidisciplinary meetings and consultations), and grey and academic literature, we show the politics involved in moving NGS forward fairly seamlessly in a way that suits the field. First, we show how genetic healthcare professionals have redefined what makes a genetic test ‘valuable’ so that it underlines its current value. Secondly, we examine how a genetic imaginary is put forward that both emphasizes the extraordinary character of genomic medicine and the normalcy of NGS testing. By underlining the need for their expertise whilst simultaneously normalizing the ethical challenges and positioning themselves as most capable of reflecting on these, the field minimized external regulation and kept a close grip on defining ethical issues and policy. Despite their current dominance in shaping the future of genomic care, we argue that the closedness of the field hinders it in benefiting from external expertise, reflection and monitoring to ensure enduring and broad support for this future.

Impact of cutting size and IBA concentration on underexploited leafy vegetables of Assam

Underutilized leafy vegetables are essential for a balanced human diet, offering vital micronutrients, vitamins and minerals, but they lack national or global recognition due to limited commercial exploration. This research aimed to standardize production techniques and ensure the availability of planting material for commercial cultivation. The experiment focused on three lesser-known leafy vegetables of Assam: Masundari, Pirali paleng, and Xoru manimuni, using treatments of N1: 1 node, N2: 3 nodes, N3: 5 nodes cutting size, and H1: distilled water, H2: 25 ppm, H3: 50 ppm, H4: 75 ppm IBA concentration to assess growth performance in both nursery and main field conditions. The results indicated that 5-node cuttings treated with 75 ppm IBA, followed by 50 ppm, showed the best growth performance in terms of rooting, growth, and yield parameters with the highest benefit-cost ratio, making this treatment highly effective for large-scale propagation and commercial cultivation.

Effect of Daucus carota subsp. sativus on pigmentation and profitability of Cobb 500 broiler chicken

Background: The quality of chicken meat, essential for consumer satisfaction, is influenced by skin pigmentation. The lack of carotenoids in conventional diets motivates the search for cost-effective alternatives to enhance these aspects in poultry production. Objective: This study assessed the impact of partially replacing commercial balanced feed with different levels of carrot flour (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) on productive parameters and the pigmentation of broiler chickens. Methods: 64 Cobb 500 birds were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, each with eight replicates of two birds. The control group (T1) received a standard diet, while experimental groups received a diet with 10% (T2), 15% (T3), and 20% (T4) replacement with carrot flour. Variables such as feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion, mortality, skin pigmentation, and profitability were evaluated. Results: Treatments with 15% and 20% carrot flour showed higher feed consumption. Birds in experimental groups exhibited higher weight gain and improved feed conversion, with no reported mortality. Regarding pigmentation, carrot flour influenced skin color as its concentration in the diet increased. In terms of profitability, the 15% replacement treatment stood out by generating higher income and a superior cost-benefit ratio. Conclusion: Orange cultivar carrot flour can be a viable dietary source of natural pigment for broiler chickens. It may also be beneficial in promoting weight gain and reducing mortality, translating into economic advantages.

Views and opinions of the general public about the reimbursement of expensive medicines in the Netherlands.

Solidarity-based healthcare systems are being challenged by the incremental costs of new and expensive medicines for cancer and rare diseases. To regulate reimbursement of such drugs, the Dutch government introduced a policy instrument known as the Coverage Lock (CL) in 2015. Little is known about the public opinion regarding such policy instruments and their consequences, i.e., reimbursement of some, but not all, expensive medicines. We aimed to identify the preferences of Dutch citizens regarding the reimbursement of expensive medicines, and to investigate the views of the public on the use of the CL as a healthcare policy instrument and their input for improvement. Web-based survey of a representative sample of 1999 Dutch citizens aged 18 years and older (panel of research company Kantar Public). Potential respondents were approached via e-mail. Several policy measures, real-life cases and statements related to the CL were presented in the survey to respondents. Their responses were analysed by tabulating descriptive statistics (proportions and percentages). 1179 individuals (response rate 59%) filled in the questionnaire. Although a majority considered the CL policy unjustified, they preferred it to the alternative policy measures that were presented. In four real-life case descriptions of patients in need of expensive medicines, respondents most often indicated effectiveness, lack of availability of alternative treatment and improved quality of life due to treatment as reasons for a positive reimbursement decision. An unfavourable cost-benefit ratio was their main reason to be against reimbursement. Some argued that withholding reimbursement was a way of informing manufacturers that extremely high prices are unacceptable. There is public support for patients in need of expensive medicine. Many respondents supported the CL as a reimbursement policy. However, there is a wish to optimize the interpretation of the assessment criteria and the weight these are attributed in decision making about reimbursement of expensive innovative medicine for patients.

Evaluating the Performance of High Density Planting System of Cotton in Alfisols of Vikarabad District in Telangana, India

A demonstrations were conducted in farmers field during the Kharif 2023 and 2024 in the Vikarabad district of Telangana to evaluate the performance of High-Density Planting System (HDPS) against traditional farmer's practices in cotton cultivation under ICAR-CICR special project on cotton by DAATT Centre Vikarabad. The results indicated that the HDPS treatment (T1) recorded a lower average plant height (101.35 cm) and a reduced average number of bolls per plant (23.5) when compared to the farmer's practice, which achieved an average plant height of 126.3 cm and an average of 36.5 bolls per plant. Despite of this, the HDPS system recorded 24.51 q/ha over farmers practice 18.03 q/ha, which is 36% higher than the farmer's practice. Economic analysis revealed that the HDPS system generated substantially higher net profits of ₹77,999 with a benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 1.79, compared to ₹43,489.50 and a B:C ratio of 1.49 under the farmer's practice. This system of HDPS cotton ensures a viable and profitable alternative to traditional cotton farming practices, offering a pathway to enhanced productivity and sustainability for cotton growers in the region.

Assessment of Integrated Crop Management for Enhancing Mango Yield through Front Line Demonstrations in Sangareddy District, Telangana, India

The study assessed the impact of Integrated Crop Management (ICM) practices on mango yield and profitability through frontline demonstrations conducted in Sangareddy district, Telangana, during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. The findings revealed a total yield gap of 63.5% between potential and actual mango yields, comprising a 27.75% gap between demonstration plots and farmers practice plots and a 35.8% technological gap. High adoption rates were recorded for key practices, such as water management during flowering and fruiting (93.3%), harvesting methods (90.0%), the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (83.3%), cultivating legumes as intercrops (80.0%) and applying the recommended amount of farmyard manure (76.6%). Additionally, adoption rates for mango-specific sprays (70.0%) and growth regulator sprays (40.0%) increased significantly following the demonstrations. The demonstration showed a 43.0% increase in mango yield, with demonstration plots outperforming traditional practices in both productivity and profitability. Economic analysis showed higher net returns and benefit-cost (B:C) ratios in the demonstration plots compared to farmers conventional practices. These results underscore the positive impact of ICM practices on mango productivity and profitability, emphasizing the need for adopting improved technologies to promote sustainable mango cultivation.

Assessing the efficiency of integrated pest management practices against fruitfly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) in snake gourd

The Present study was conducted to assess the efficiency of Integrated Pest Management practices with farmers practices of chemical control against fruitfly in snake gourd. The demonstration was conducted at farmers field in Irur village of the Perambalur District (Tamil Nadu) during Kharif season, 2019-20. The findings revealed that in IPM plot fruit fly infested fruit of 6.9 % with highest weight of healthy fruit of 229.7 q/ha and lowest infested fruit of 15.96 q/ha with more mean number of 42.90 no. adult fruit fly trapped in pheromone trap where as in farmers practices it was 15.8 Percent of infested fruit, healthy fruit of 126.46 q/ha and infested fruit of 21.41 q/ha respectively. The result revealed that the IPM practices was significantly effective in management of fruitfly damage in snake gourd plants and increased the yield with low cost of cultivation Rs.22052.5/ha with a benefit cost ratio of 4.19 whereas it was Rs. 24412.5/ha and 2.22 respectively in farmers practices.

Supply chain analysis of silage in Chitwan district of Nepal

Silage, anaerobically fermented green fodder, is valued worldwide as a source of animal feed during lean months. No studies have yet been documented exploring the supply chain map of silage and production economics of fodder used. Also, identification and prioritization of the major problems associated with fodder maize production, silage production and marketing is necessary. Chitwan district was purposively selected for this study as there are a greater number of commercial dairy cattle farms and silage-making agro-industries. A field survey and FGD was conducted among the fodder maize gowing farmers, Key Informant Interview was taken with the owner of six different silage producing farms during the time period between September, 2023 to February, 2024. A total of 90 sample farmers were selected for the study by applying the simple random sampling technique. The average productivity of the fodder maize was 539 qt/ha. The average land holding of the farmers growing fodder maize was found to be 0.38 ha. Moreover, the average price of the fodder maize was estimated NRs.345/qt. The positive gross margin and benefit cost ratio (BCR) greater than one showed both fooder maize production and silage production profitable and financially viable enterprises. Indexing identified the inadequate availability of fertilizers in time and the low price of fodder maize in the market as the first major problems associated with fodder maize production and marketing respectively. The role of cooperatives seemed to be important in the backward and forward linkages of silage as cooperatives were found to be closely associated with the marketing of fodder maize and silage as well. Assuring the timely availability of fertilizers, quality seed of suitable varieties and irrigation facilities must be the priority areras of government intervention to enahcne the production of fodder maize and silage. Moreover, price favour for the farmers, prioritizing the development of marketing channels, assuring the availability of market information, developing the transportation and storage facilities seemed to be primary areas of intervention to promote and strengthen the supply chain of silage. Assessing the demand for silage and exploring the more sustainable value chain could be an important area for further research.

Ecotourism proposal for the Las Ventanas property of the Mineral del Chico National Park in Hidalgo, Mexico

Alternative ecotourism contributes to the care and preservation of a nation's natural and cultural heritage and constitutes a response to the growing and constant environmental degradation of many sites and their attractions. The objective of this proposal is to elaborate an ecotourism project as a means to take advantage of the available unused resources, according to the geographical and productive characteristics of the site, based on the principles of sustainability, as an economic alternative to the owners of the site for the generation of income and improvement of their quality of life. The proposal presents a methodology that can be reproduced for the design and implementation of an ecotourism plan and is an alternative for the diversification of activities in the rural sector. The economic-financial evaluation of projects determines the main indicators of Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Benefit-Cost Ratio and Payback Period of the investment. The results indicate that the ecotourism model is economically and financially acceptable for the main indicators calculated at a discount rate of 15% over a 5-year investment recovery period.

Enhancing the Productivity and Economic Feasibility of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Through Foliar Application of Nano Fertilize

One of the world's most important field crops, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple diet for millions of people and is ranked second only to wheat. In Asia, rice consumption is projected to increase by over 51% by 2025 compared to the base year 1995. To sustain the growing population while considering environmental health, soil health, and the economic well-being of farmers, nano fertilizers could serve as an ideal alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. Keeping this in mind a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2019-2020 at the Main Experimental Station of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), to evaluate the impact of foliar application of nano fertilizers on transplanted rice. The experiment aimed to compare different fertilizer treatments on rice productivity, nutrient uptake, and economic returns. Six treatments were tested, including T₀ (Control), T₁ (100% NPK & 100% Zinc application - RDF), T₂ (50% N, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano Nitrogen), T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc), T₄ (50% N & 0% Zn, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn), and T₅ (50% N & 0% Zn, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn & Nano Cu), arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications. The results revealed that the highest grain yield was recorded in T₅, which involved the foliar application of Nano Nitrogen (Nano N), Nano Zinc (Nano Zn), and Nano Copper (Nano Cu) with 50% nitrogen (N) and 0% zinc (Zn), along with 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This treatment produced a yield that was statistically comparable to T₄ (50% N & 0% Zn, 100% P & K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn) and T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc). Treatment T₅ also yielded the highest gross return (Rs. 119,841 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 64,711 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (2.17). Additionally, the nitrogen (%), phosphorus (%), potassium (%), copper (%), and zinc (ppm) contents in both the grain and straw were significantly higher under T₅. These findings suggest that the foliar application of Nano N, Nano Zn, and Nano Cu in combination with reduced nitrogen and zinc can enhance nutrient uptake and improve the overall productivity and profitability of rice cultivation in central Uttar Pradesh.

Viability of the open-pit cultivation of bell peppers in Meoqui, Chihuahua

Chili bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) has its origin in South and Central America, domesticated in Mexico (Mendoza, 2010), and is part of the small genus of tropical herbs. In Mexico, there is a lack of sufficient economic information about the production costs of the chile bell pepper crop; however, it is considered an economic alternative due to the low input costs it requires. The objective of this study was to determine the economic viability of this crop in a plot established in the municipality of Meoqui Chihuahua, Mexico, where the costs of cultural activities and necessary inputs were collected from land preparation, establishment of the plantation until harvest, and the financial indicators net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and the benefit-cost ratio (B/C) were considered. A B/C ratio of 1.26 was obtained, an IRR of 22%, higher than the discount rate (12%), which indicates viability.