Cost-benefit Ratio Research Articles

Analysing Growth Trend, Profitability and Resource Use Efficiency of Summer Mungbean in Eastern Haryana

Background: Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is the most extensively sown crop among commonly produced Asiatic Vignas, viz., urdbean, mungbean, mothbean, ricebean and azukibean. In Haryana, the crop covered 28.5 thousand ha area with annual production of 19.6 thousand tonnes having productivity of 688 kg ha-1 in 2020-21. To prevent the perils of mono-cropping (paddy-wheat system) in the state, there is a need for deep transformation through inclusion of pulses like summer mungbean, in the existing cropping system. Hence, the present investigation critically examines the growth trends, economics and efficiency of resource use in summer mungbean cultivation in eastern zone of the state. Methods: This study uses both primary and secondary source of data. The primary data was collated from 80 summer mungbean growers using multi-stage random sampling technique. The secondary data was retrieved from various published and unpublished sources for a period of 30 years from 1991-92 to 2020-21. For measuring the growth trends and instability in the area, production and productivity of mungbean, compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and Cuddy-Della Valle index (CDVI) were computed. Simple budgeting technique was employed for calculating the economics of summer mungbean. For resource use efficiency, Cobb-Douglas production function was used. Result: The results show a positively significant growth rate in mungbean area, production and productivity but with irregular trends. The instability in mungbean production is more pronounced in Haryana than India and is mainly attributed to area instability, while it is because of productivity instability at the country level. The mungbean is a profitable enterprise in summer season as the net returns realized to the tune of ₹ 26024 ha-1 with benefit-cost ratio of 1.43 in the study area. Further, the efficiency of resourceuse in summer mungbean exhibits increasing returns to scale. Hence, the inclusion of mungbean cultivation in summer season is profitable.

Field Efficacy and Economics of Certain Biopesticides and Chemicals against Gram Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

In the kharif season of 2023–2024, a field experiment was carried out at the in Eight treatments—Spinosad 45SC, Ha NPV 1X109ml/min, Neem seed kernel extract 10% WP, Emamectin Benzoate 5%SG, Azadirachtin (Neem oil) 0.03% WSP, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC, Bacillus thuringienssis 4% WSP, and untreated Control—were used in the RBD experiment. Each treatment was replicated three times. After the first and second sprays, data on the Helicoverpa armigera larval population showed that all treatments were much beter than the control. Following Chlorantraniliprole (18.5%SC) (0.323) as the least amount of larvae was recorded among all the treatments, Spinosade (45%SC) (0.456), Emamecttin benzoate (5%SG) (0.578), Azadirachtin (Neem oil) 00.03%EC (0.712), Neem seed kernel extract (10% The highest documented larval population in this case was 1x108CFU (1.112) of Bacillus thuringiensis. However, the treatment that produced the best yield (15.36 q/ha) was chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC. An intriguing outcome was obtained when the cost-benefit ratio was calculated. The study found that, when compared to a control plot of 1:1.04, the most effective and cost-effective treatment was Chlorantraniliprol 18.5 SC (1:3.65), followed by Spinosade 45% SC (1:3.26), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (1:2.94), and Azadirachtin (Neem oil) 00.03%EC (1:1.89), Neem seed kernel extract 10% WP (1:1.92), Ha NPV 1X109 POB ml/min (1:1.62), and Bacillus thuringiensis 1x108CFU (1:1.58).0.978, 1X 109 POB/ml/min. WP) (0.845), and Ha NPV 1X 109 POB/ml/min (0.978) were the next five treatments.

ANALISIS INVESTASI PADA GEDUNG BARU PASAR MARDIKA MILIK PEMERINTAH DAERAH PROVINSI MALUKU

Buildings are an important element in the development of an area and play a significant role in people's lives, so they become attractive investment objects. The availability of buildings, especially markets, affects the smooth running of people's trade facilities and the improvement of people's welfare. The construction of the Mardika Market New Building in Ambon City is expected to facilitate buying and selling transactions and provide jobs. This study aims to analyze the feasibility of market development investment by reviewing the financial aspect. The research method used in this study is a quantitative calculation method, by knowing the investment cost, calculating annual income and expenses, then conducting a feasibility analysis using the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), and Payback Periods (PP) methods. The results of the analysis show that the Mardika Market New Building, which covers four floors with a total area of 20,400 m² and a capacity to accommodate 2,061 traders, has a total budget of Rp. 132,185,886,068, with a construction period of 480 days. From the calculation results, BCR 1.08, NPV Rp. 10,108,469,676, and PP 13 years, 2 months, 1 day were obtained. So it can be concluded that a BCR value greater than 1, the investment is considered feasible. In addition, NPV has a positive value, meaning that the investment project is considered feasible. The project has a payback period of 13 years.Keywords:Benefit Cost Ratio, Building Investment, Mardika Market, Net Present Value, Payback Period

The role of Zai pits and integrated soil fertility management options in improving crop productivity for smallholder farmers in the drylands of Sub-Saharan Africa

The drylands of Africa are experiencing food insecurity due to prolonged drought and water scarcity which has a negative effect on crop production. In the drylands of Sub-Saharan Africa, many small holder farmers are experiencing low crop yields and economic returns as a result of poor soil fertility and water scarcity. This is because of the inappropriate soil and water conservation strategies used in the region. Zai pits have been used as a soil and water conservation strategy in the drylands of Africa in combination with integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) options to improve soil fertility, increase the overall crop yields and the economic returns. This review deals on the role of zai pits and integrated soil fertility management options in improving productivity for the small holder farmers in the drylands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Zai pits have been used to harvest water which ultimately improves soil moisture for crop production with the different fertility inputs applied in the pits for nutrient efficiency. To evaluate productivity and profitability in zai tillage system, yield, benefit cost ratio (BCR) and net benefits are used. In this study, different studies by researchers on the use of zai pits and integrated soil fertility management options have been discussed and this would be beneficial for other researchers who have interest in this field. Most studies have indicated that the zai pit technology is an important soil and water conservation strategy which in combination with the integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) options improves crop productivity in terms of yield and economic returns.

Influence of Sulphur and Zinc on Yield, Yield Attributes and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy. The objective of this study is to asses the influence of sulphur and zinc on yield attritibutes of baby corn and to evaluate the economics of different treatment combinations taken. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of Sulphur viz., (15, 30 and 45 kg/ha) and 3 levels of Zinc viz., (10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) along with recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as control (60- 60-40 kg N-P-K/ha). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and replication thrice. Application of Sulphur 45 kg/ha along with Zinc 30 kg/ha (Treatment 9) recorded maximum cob yield with husk (10.6 t/ha), cob yield without husk (3.91 t/ha), green fodder yield (28.43 t/ha). The aforesaid treatment also recorded maximum gross returns (1,43,144.00 INR/ha), net returns (955,19.00 INR/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (2.01).

Efficacy of Certain Insecticides against Shoot and Fruit Borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Gueenee) on Brinjal Crop Solanum melongena (L)

A field experiment was conducted at the Central Research Farm (CRF), Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif season 2023. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments replicated thrice along with untreated control plot. Eight treatments viz. Novaluron @ 10% EC 0.5ml/lit, Spinetoram 11.7% SC @0.4g/lit, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @0.4g/lit, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC@0.5ml/lit, Flubendiamide 39.35% SC @0.5 ml/lit, Neem oil 2% @20ml/lit, Beauveria bassiana1x108 CFU @ 2.5g/lit and untreated control were evaluated against shoot and fruit borer. During the investigation, it was revealed that the lowest percent shoot and fruit borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) infestation after 1st and 2nd spray was observed in the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC i.e. 2.32% and 2.16%, followedby Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (3.21 and 2.97), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (3.81 and (3.30), Novaluron 10% EC (4.62 and 4.05), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 5.39 and 4.903, Neem oil 2% 5.98 and 5.38 and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48. The treatment Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU 6.35 and 5.48 was found to be least effective among all the treatments against Leucinodes orbonalis. The plot treated with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC (241.75 q/ha, 1:13.14) was found most effective with highest yield and cost benefit ratio among all the treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (190.61 q/ha, 1:10.34), Spinetoram 11.7% SC (150.58 q/ha,1:7.92), Novaluron 10% EC (124.49 q/ha, 1:6.38), Flubendiamide 39.35% SC (104.34 q/ha, 1:4.34), Neem oil 2% @ (85.81 q/ha, 1:3.01) and Beauveria bassiana 1x108 CFU @ (65.83 q/ha1:2.80) as compared to untreated control plot (59.06 q/ha, 1:2.68).

Perspectives on the clinical use of anti-amyloid therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Insights from the fields of cancer, rheumatology, and neurology.

The advent of disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has raised many questions and debates in the field as to the clinical benefits, risks, and costs of such therapies. The controversies have resulted in the perception that many clinicians are apprehensive about prescribing these medications to their patient populations. There also remains widespread uncertainty as to the economic impact, cost benefit ratio, and safety oversight for use of these medications in standard clinical care settings. To contextualize such issues, the present study compared anti-amyloid biologic therapy (lecanemab) to four commonly used biologic agents in other fields, including trastuzumab for breast cancer, bevacizumab for lung cancer, etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis, and ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis. The data presented demonstrate comparable costs, clinical benefits, and risks for these biologic agents in their disparate disease states. These results provide context for the costs, clinical benefits, and safety regarding the mainstream use of anti-amyloid biologic agents for the prevention of cognitive loss. While the era of disease-modifying therapies for AD is now in its infancy, there is an expectation that these discoveries will be followed by improved therapies and combination treatments leading to greater efficacy in ameliorating the clinical trajectory of AD. Anti-amyloid therapy costs are comparable to other commonly used biologics.Anti-amyloid therapy efficacy is comparable to other commonly used biologics.Anti-amyloid therapy safety is compatible with other commonly used biologics.

Economic evaluation of the hospitalist care model in an acute medical unit: a benefit–cost analysis

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the economic efficiency of the acute medical unit (AMU) hospitalist care model, utilising patient outcomes (length of hospital stay, emergency department (ED)-length of hospital stay,...

ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER USE EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CROPS IN PAKISTAN: EVIDENCE FROM BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE

Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of area, and most of its population depends on agriculture. It has an arid/semi-arid climate with frequent drought and dry spells. Almost half of the cultivated area is irrigated, and the primary source of irrigation is groundwater. Indus water available in Balochistan remains underutilized. Drought and tube well subsidy and other factors have resulted in over-exploited groundwater and unsustainable groundwater table. This situation affects agriculture, hence the livelihood of the residents. The study focused on analyzing the impact of using groundwater for irrigation on agricultural productivity and farmer’s livelihood in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. For this purpose, five villages were randomly selected from the district Quetta, where groundwater was the only source for irrigation. In each village, 20 farmers were interviewed through well-structured and pre-tested questionnaires. For each significant crop cultivated in the area, ‘Water Productivity’ was measured as Yield ⁄ Volume of water required in cubic meter/acre, ‘Crop Profitability’ was analyzed using ‘Benefit-Cost Ratio’ and ‘Impact of Groundwater Use on Gross Value Product’s was estimated using double log model. Results revealed that the net revenue generated from cropping was Rs. 32168 per month, whereas the monthly household expenditure of the farmers was Rs.33960, on average. Cropping alone cannot sustain the households’ livelihoods. With net income from livestock and non-farm income, farmers can meet their monthly household expenditure. Results of BCR show that all the crops are profitable, but this profitability is at the expense of over-fetching scarce groundwater. Wheat is the only crop with more than 1.19 kg/meter water productivity. Crops’ water productivity may decline if the water table keeps reducing. GVP of wheat and maize is negatively affected by the cost of groundwater. Cost sensitivity can be decreased if cost-efficient methods of irrigation are available. The government should regularize groundwater use through proper legislation and provide infrastructure/incentives for using other sources of water for irrigation as well. Availability of good quality seed to farmers should be ensured to enhance crop yield.

Investment analysis of solar power plant installation on the roof of the central business district office building with the best investment value

The Central Business District (CBD) office building is making efforts to reduce building electricity costs, and one alternative is solar power plant installation. PT. Rancang Prima Sejahtera, engaged in the solar energy industry, conducts consulting services with Central Business District office buildings, so PT. Rancang Prima Sejahtera made an indicative proposal with several solar power plant installation scenarios to be installed on the roof of the Central Business District office building. Four scenarios are created from the combination of 2 PV modules and two inverters. Each scenario created will be assessed for the level of opt, and the investment value will be calculated. In combining components using the principles of the Vereun Deutsche Ingineuer (VDI) 2222 method and assessed each scenario using six aspects of assessment.Meanwhile, the investment analysis assessment uses the parameters of Cost of Energy (CoE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (B-CR), and discounted payback period. The results of the analysis conducted found that the third scenario was the best scenario with a percentage of the design value of 82.5%, CoE value of Rp398.31/kWh, NPV value of Rp2,451,719,005, IRR percentage of 23.75%, B-CR value of 7.8, and DPP value for 6.8 years with a project life of 30 years. The findings of the investment research indicate that the implementation of solar power plant installations in office buildings located in Central Business Districts yields long-term cost reductions in electricity expenses over a 30-year period, as opposed to relying solely on the services provided by the State Electricity Enterprise.

Performance of Chara Chambelli Duck in Backyard System of Rearing at Adopted Village under NICRA at Darrang District of Assam

The Chara Chambelli duck, indigenous to the foothills of the Himalayas, has been gaining attention for its potential as a valuable genetic resource in small-scale poultry production systems. This research paper aims to evaluate the performance of Chara Chambelli ducks in backyard rearing systems under agro-climatic condition of Darrang district of Assam. In the context of the NICRA project, the study was carried out on 400 Chara Chambelli ducks that were raised in backyard systems at the NICRA adopted village of Darrang district of Assam to look into their environmental suitability, productivity, and financial viability. By the time the ducks reached their fifth month of life, the overall weight of the male and female was measured at 1480.02 ± 18.14 grams and 1365.46 ± 14.90 grams respectively. The duck was 155.03± 9.18 days old on average when it laid its first egg. The data showed that the annual production of eggs was 169.12± 6.04 numbers and the weight of eggs at 63.98 ± 2.84 grams. For ducks and drakes, the corresponding benefit-cost ratios were 2.26 and 1.80. It was found that rearing Chara Chambelli ducks in backyard systems with low input traditional systems is more cost-effective than raising Assamese native ducks. Results indicate that Chara Chambelli ducks exhibit promising performance characteristics suitable for backyard rearing, contributing to sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity conservation efforts.

Analisis Ekonomi Usaha Jasa Penyewaan Transplanter

This study aims to analyze the economic feasibility of renting transplanters at Brigade Alat Mesin Pertanian Tegineneng. The research was conducted from February to July 2023 at Brigade Alat Mesin Pertanian Tegineneng District, Pesawaran Regency. Feasibility- parameters used include Break-Even Point (BEP), Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (B/C Ratio), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period (PP). Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the impact of changes in working days on feasibility values.The study results indicate that renting transplanters at Brigade Alat Mesin Pertanian in Tegineneng has a BEP value of 27.96 hectares per year. Based on an NPV of IDR 9,175,366 per year, a B/C Ratio of 1.02, an IRR of 20.79%, and a Payback Period of 4.84 years, the rental of transplanters at Brigade Alat Mesin Pertanian in Tegineneng is economically feasible. Sensitivity analysis of transplanter use shows significant changes with each change in working days. For 40 working days, the BEP is 27.96 hectares per year, NPV is IDR 49,559,304 per year, B/C Ratio is 1.13, IRR is 29.99%, and Payback Period is 3.98 years. For 50 working days, the BEP remains at 27.96 hectares per year, NPV is IDR 89,943,241 per year, B/C Ratio is 1.20, IRR is 34.31%, and Payback Period is 3.59 years. For 60 working days, the BEP is still 27.96 hectares per year, NPV is IDR 130,327,179 per year, B/C Ratio is 1.26, IRR is 36.81%, and Payback Period is 3.37 years. Keywords: BEP, B/C Ratio, IRR, NPV, Payback Period, Rice Transplanter.

Effect of strategic supplementation of a novel feed supplement on zoo-technical attributes, metabolic profile, production and reproduction performance of buffaloes

The present experiment aimed to establish the efficacy of a novel feed supplement (NFS) on nutrient intake, energy status, metabolic profile, milk yield, reproductive performance and its socio economic impact on problematic post-partum buffaloes under field condition. Twenty four post-partum buffaloes were randomly and equally assigned to CON and NFS groups for 120 days of experimental feeding period. The animals in CON group were fed on basal roughages and concentrate mixture @ 20% of DMI as per the farmers’ practices, whereas, buffaloes in NFS group were fed according to CON with additional novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW. The voluntary feed intake and average daily gain in body weight were increased in NFS than CON group. The buffaloes fed NFS diet exhibited higher Hb, haematocrit, serum glucose and lower NEFA. Serum minerals (Ca, iP, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn), metabolic hormones (T3, T4, GH, IGF-1) and total anti-oxidant capacity were enhanced in NFS group. The milk yield and conception rate were also improved significantly following strategic supplementation of NFS. Analyses of cost benefit of milk yield revelled that the benefit-cost ratio was improved in NFS fed buffaloes. Thus, it can be concluded that strategic supplementation the novel feed supplement @ 0.25% of BW significantly improved the nutrient intake, energy balance, metabolic profile, milk yield and reproduction performance of problematic buffaloes under field condition during early post-partum period.

우간다 동부 부탈레자 주 모자보건 증진 사업의 비용편익분석

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of a Uganda Butaleja Maternal Newborn and Child Health Project which has been implemented by a Korean NGO from 2015 to 2018. Originality: Economic evaluation has been acknowledged as a crucial method for gauging the effectiveness of international development cooperation projects in the health sector, but it is being carried out on a limited basis due to limitations in financial and human capabilities. It is significant that the economic evaluation was conducted to complement the limitations of existing cost-benefit analysis studies. In particular, it is meaningful in that it confirmed the economic feasibility of integrated maternal and child health projects that combine hardware and software, including capacity building, awareness improvement, and behavioral change. Methodology: This study employs cost-benefit analysis and evaluates the economics of the targeted project through (i) Net Present Value (NPV), (ii) Cost-Benefit Ratio (BCR), and (iii) Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR). Additionally, sensitivity analysis has been conducted to mitigate potential errors in the assessment process. Result: The cost-benefit analysis yields a NPV of $83,909,933, an EIRR of 71%, and a BCR of 21. The project is deemed cost-effective, as the net present value exceeds 0, the EIRR surpasses the social discount rate, and the BCR is greater than 1. Conclusion and Implication: The results of this study confirmed that integrated maternal and child health ODA projects that combine hardware and software are economically effective, even when long-term maintenance costs are included.

Financial feasibility of swallow business in Selerong Village, Kutai Kartanegara Regency

This study aims to analyze the financial feasibility of the swallow business in Selerong Village, Kutai Kartanegara Regency. This research uses quantitative methods. Sample withdrawal with nonprobability sampling technique. This research uses financial analysis, namely Net Present Value (NPV), Net Benefit Cost Ratio (Net B/C Ratio), Internal Rate Return (IRR), and payback period (PP). This research uses financial analysis with a discount factor of 18% showing Net Present Value (NPV) of Rp. 114,583,479, Net Benefit Cost Ratio (Net B/C) of 2.19, Internal Rate Return (IRR) of 32%, and payback period (PP) showing that the return on investment is 3.7 or 3.7 years. Based on this analysis, the swallow business is financially feasible.

Analyzing the potential for Padina gymnospora cultivation in the coastal waters of St. Martin’s Island, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: Determining the fluctuations of physicochemical property across seasons and locations

Cultivating seaweed presents an opportunity to enhance the livelihoods of the inhabitants of St. Martin's Island inhabitants. This research investigates the suitability of the island's coastal waters for seaweed cultivation, taking into account variations in physicochemical factors in different seasons. The water temperature and salinity at various locations ranged from 24.22ºC to 27.64ºC and 23.8 to 33.76 psu, respectively. pH remained relatively constant throughout the year, fluctuating between 7.71 and 8.22. Dissolved oxygen levels were highest during the dry, cooler winter season (6.47±0.21 ppm) and lowest during the monsoon season (4.96±0.09 ppm). Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 39.00 mS/cm to 53.46 mS/cm, while total dissolved solids (TDS) varied between 20.35 and 27.90 g/l. Water clarity was at its peak during the dry, cooler winter season, averaging 4.14 meters. This investigation confirms the feasibility of year-round seaweed cultivation in the coastal waters around St. Martin's Island. In our study comparing cultivation methods for Padina gymnospora during the dry, cool winter season, the long-line approach resulted in a higher daily weight gain compared to the floating net method. This trend extended to growth rates by length, with the long-line method demonstrating a 5.09% daily growth and the floating net method showing 4.46%. However, net biomass production was 289.32 g/m² for the long-line method and 381.28 g/m² for the floating net method. Furthermore, the Cost-Benefit Ratio values for the long-line and floating net methods were 2.57 and 3.27, respectively. These findings affirm the viability of cultivating Padina gymnospora in coastal waters using the floating net method. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2024, 10(1): 1-14

Technical and economic viability of the cultivation of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in Orinda, Chihuahua

Cilantro is marketed worldwide for its aromatic and gastronomic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate five cilantro varieties grown under pecan walnut coverage. The variables analyzed included yield, height, stem thickness, number of petioles, and economic performance, aiming to identify the best variety. It consisted of a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments (varieties), and an agro-cost scheme and financial indicators were used to analyze the economic viability of cultivation. The main results revealed that the American Long Standing variety stood out with a yield of 13.1 tons per hectare and a cost-benefit ratio of 1.27. This variety allows for environmental contribution by optimizing soil use through crop association and economically by improving producers' incomes.

Performance of bajra napier hybrid under varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 nutrition in humid tropics

A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on Forage Crops and Utilization, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to assess the influence of varying levels and frequency of MgSO4 application on the performance of bajra napier hybrid during the period October 2020-September 2021. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with nine treatments and a control replicated thrice. The treatment combinations included three levels of magnesium [m1: 80 kg ha-1, m2: 100 kg ha-1 and m3: 120 kg ha-1] and three frequencies of application [f1: Split application once in 6 months, f2: Split application once in 4 months and f3: Split application once in 3 months] and a control treatment. Considering the performance of bajra napier hybrid, varying levels and frequencies of MgSO4 application had a significant influence on the growth, yield, biochemical and quality attributes as well as the soil nutrient status after the conduct of the experiment and economics of cultivation. Interaction effect of the treatment combinations revealed higher tiller count (27.07), leaf: stem ratio (1.99), green fodder yield (GFY) (1891.30 q ha-1), dry fodder yield (DFY) (473.00 q ha-1), crude protein content (10.06 %) and benefit-cost ratio (2.11) with split application of 100 kg ha-1 MgSO4 once in 6 months.

Effect of different nutrient management practices on productivity, profitability and nutrient dynamics in forage-based cropping systems under mid-hill conditions of north-western Himalayas

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSKHPKV, Palampur, from Kharif 2018 to Rabi 2019-20 to study the effect of different nutrient management practices in forage-based cropping systems. Ten nutrient management practices in two cropping systems were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Integrated nutrient management, i.e., 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50% recommended N+ 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK behaving alike resulted in higher oat green fodder equivalent yield, nutrient uptake (N, P and K) and system productivity of sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson/wheat cropping systems. An increase in soil organic carbon content was observed with integrated nutrient management (50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + Jeevamrit) and organic nutrient management (10 t/ha FYM + Jeevamrit) over the initial status at the end of sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson/wheat cropping systems. Integrated nutrient management improved available soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents over the initial values. Significantly higher available soil nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents were recorded with integrated nutrient management as well as with recommended NPK through inorganic sources over other treatments comprised of organic and natural farming systems of nutrition in both the cropping systems. Recommended NPK proved most profitable with the highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio in sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson/wheat cropping systems. Sorghum + pearl millet - oat + sarson cropping system comprised of all fodder crops resulted in higher productivity and profitability but did not increase soil available nutrient status as compared to sorghum + pearl millet - wheat cropping system comprised of fodder as well as grain crops.

The challenge of closing the climate adaptation gap for water supply utilities

Many drinking water utilities face immense challenges in supplying sustainable, drought-resilient services to households. Here we propose a quantified framework to perform drought risk analysis on ~5600 potable water supply utilities and evaluate the benefit of adaptation actions. We identify global hotspots of present-day and mid-century drought risk under future scenarios of climate change and demand growth (namely, SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, SSP5-8.5). We estimate the mean rate of unsustainable or disrupted utility supply at 15% (interquartile range, 0–26%) and project a global increase in risk of between 30–45% under future scenarios. Implementing the most cost-effective adaptation action identified per utility would mitigate additional future risk by 75–80%. However, implementing the subset of cost-effective options that generate sufficient tariff revenue to provide a benefit-cost ratio that is greater than 1 would only achieve 5–20% of this benefit. The results underline the challenge of attracting the financing required to close the climate adaptation gap for water supply utilities.