Input Costs Research Articles

The 4E theory-based performance benchmarking of aged care service provision in community care facilities: a case study of Nanjing, China

The global aging population is growing rapidly, and due to its large population, China is expected to become a ‘super-aged society’ within the next decade. Therefore, ensuring that older people can ‘age in place’ has become a major national priority. Community-care facilities (CCFs) play a key role in this process, but their service performance often faces challenges, with high input costs and limited output benefits. This paper aims to evaluate and improve the social and economic performance of CCFs by proposing a comprehensive framework based on the 4E (Economy, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Equity) theory. Specifically, based on the 4E theory, a literature review and correlation analysis are conducted to select performance indicators. The input–output relationships are then established according to the four dimensions of the 4E theory. These indicators and input–output relationships form the foundation for applying the δ-SBM DEA model, which is used to assess the performance of 75 CCFs in Nanjing. The study finds that the economic performance of CCFs generally lags behind their social performance, with many facilities showing inefficiency in economic indicators, characterized by high operational costs and limited profitability. Projection analysis reveals major issues in low-performing CCFs, including uneven regional distribution of facility performance, poor profitability, a shortage of skilled older people care professionals, and insufficient older people’s participation. Based on these findings, the paper provides specific policy recommendations for government authorities, industry associations, and CCFs, focusing on improving cost-effectiveness, increasing the number of professionals, and enhancing older people’s participation.

A review on way towards mechanized castor cultivation

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important non edible oil seed crop which is known for its oil content (48–60 percent) and it accounts for 0.15% of the global production of vegetable oil. In recent years, farmers have preferred castor cultivation due to its suitability for both rainfed and irrigated conditions. But the farmers face many challenges, which includes labour scarcity, pest incidence, high input and labour costs, inadequate market information, etc. Due to a significant labour shortage, the area under this crop is gradually decreasing. The high reliance on human labour which leads to the incompletion of various agronomic operations on time. In these circumstances, the cultivation of castor by adopting various mechanization techniques for critical operations such as field preparation, sowing, fertilizer application, weeding, irrigation, crop protection measures and harvesting will be the solution for getting higher productivity and profitability by spending minimum expenses. Adapting mechanization is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals by enhancing production through timely farm operations, minimizing losses and reducing operational costs through efficient management of expensive inputs.

Investigating the Impact of Sustainable Rice Cultivation Processes (Alternative Wetting and Drying and Direct Seeded Rice) on the Indian Agrarian Economy and its Contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainability has become an integral part of the United Nations’ development goals to ensure that the usage of resources in the present does not deplete the quality or quantity of resources available for future generations. The importance of sustainable agricultural practices has increased by manifolds when combating environmental and food security challenges. Rice cultivation in India alone comprises 26% of global rice production hence alternative rice farming methods are being explored for their potential contribution to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that the agrarian economy in India is growing at a sustainable rate.i This study aims to analyse the extent to which alternative sustainable rice cultivation methods (Alternative Wetting and Drying [AWD] and Direct Seeded Rice [DSR]) align with Social Development goals and impact the Indian economy. The research employs a qualitative analysis of secondary data from academic journals, government reports, and industry publications to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of sustainable rice farming methods. The findings indicate that practices such as DSR and AWD significantly reduce water usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health aligning with the SDGs (specifically SDG 12 [Responsible Consumption and Production] SDG 13 [Climate Change] and SDG 15 [Life on Earth]). Additionally, these practices are shown to offer long-term economic benefits for farmers through increased yields and reduced input costs and provide an external benefit to society by reducing the harmful impact of the wastage of water and greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. This study also discusses various government policies and private-sector projects that have incentivised farmers to adopt these sustainable rice cultivation practices. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how sustainable agricultural practices can be leveraged to achieve global sustainability goals, offering a model for integrating environmental and economic objectives in agricultural policy.

Agronomic Practices Adopted by the Maize (Zea mays) Farmers in Horowpathana DS Division in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop globally and a vital crop in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Dry and Intermediate zones. This survey was conducted to assess the major challenges faced by maize farmers and the agronomic practices they adopt in the Horowpathana area of the Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka. A total of 60 farmers from 12 Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey, and descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. The findings revealed that the majority of maize farmers were aged between 36 and 40 years, with both men and women engaged in cultivation. The majority of farmers were educated, yet a significant proportion did not use organic fertilizers, relying primarily on chemical fertilizers. Herbicide use was common, with all farmers applying it to control weeds after planting maize. The study identified several challenges faced by farmers, including adverse weather conditions such as drying and high winds, which were reported by 18.3% of the farmers. Strong winds were found to cause significant damage to maize plants, particularly during the rainy season. Additionally, farmers experienced financial constraints, spending significant amounts on land preparation, chemicals, seeds, labor, transportation, and harvesting, leading to a low-income economy. Price fluctuations of maize grain, lack of storage facilities, and high transportation costs were also major issues affecting the marketing of maize. Biotic and abiotic constraints, such as weeds, drought, low soil fertility, and high input costs, were identified as key factors limiting production. The study concluded that most farmers did not adhere to recommended management practices, resulting in severe yield losses. Therefore, it is crucial to implement awareness programs to encourage proper management practices, ensuring the sustainability of maize production and safeguarding the local economy.

Controlled release urea combined with normal urea maintains the N balance and improves the environmental and economic benefits in wheat–maize multiple cropping

Controlled release urea combined with normal urea (CRUNU) can potentially improve crop yields and reduce the associated environmental risk. However, the effects of CRUNU on farmland environmental benefits and the agroecosystem nitrogen (N) balance have not been evaluated in the winter wheat–summer maize multiple cropping system in northwest China, and few studies have quantified the impacts of CRUNU on N losses with this cropping system based on life cycle assessment. Therefore, we performed a field experiment for two years during 2020–2022 with two types of N fertilizer (normal urea (NU) and CRUNU) and at three N application rates (low: 135 kg N ha–1, medium: 180 kg N ha–1, and high: 225 kg N ha–1) at Caoxinzhuang experimental farm to comprehensively evaluate the effects of CRUNU on the agronomic, N balance, environmental, and economic benefits in winter wheat–summer maize cropping. Compared with NU, CRUNU helped to synchronize the N supply and demand for wheat and maize, and under all three N application rates, the annual average grain yield and grain N uptake increased with CRUNU, as well as reducing the volatilization of NH3 by 16.69 %, N2O emissions by 25.16 %, and N losses due to nitrate (NO3–) leaching by 44.23–61.65 %, thereby maintaining the total N storage. Considering both the N input and output, CRUNU achieved a lower N surplus than NU and maintained the N balance in the farmland ecosystem. In addition, CRUNU significantly reduced the reactive N losses at the three N application rates to decrease the N footprint (NF) by 25.48–42.85 %, where CRUNU obtained the lowest NF at the medium N application rate. More importantly, the benefits of CRUNU for increasing the grain yield at different N application rates offset the higher agricultural input costs and reduced the environmental costs due to N2O emissions, NH3 volatilization, and NO3– leaching losses, so the net benefits increased by 23.14–29.25 %. Furthermore, the net benefits under CRUNU did not differ significantly at the medium and high N application rates. Therefore, we recommend CRUNU application at the medium rate as an effective strategy for improving the N balance, environmental effects, and economic benefits in wheat–maize multiple cropping systems

Can biologicals lower input costs in soybean?

Brazil has always been a reference in the competitive world soybean market, however recent years have been difficult when it comes to keeping production costs at low levels, making it extremely important to study new tools and techniques to reduce production costs. The objective was to study the costs of inputs applied in soybean production in conventional and mixed management, where chemical products were replaced by biological products whenever possible. Both areas were located on the same farm, in Rio Brilhante, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. It is concluded that the mixed system was more expensive compared to the conventional one, but it provided greater productivity, therefore it has greater potential at the end of production and consequently provides more profit to the producer.

Strategic Competency and Growth of Aquaculture-Based Small Enterprises in Kenya

Purpose: This study evaluated the role of strategic competency on growth of aquaculture based small enterprises in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design using mixed methods approach. The target population was 600 fish farmers in Nyeri County, Kenya. The study utilized purposive sampling to select fish farmers within Nyeri County, then cluster sampling to identify fish farmers in their various sub-counties. Simple random sampling was then utilized to select respondents for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. A pilot study was conducted to test validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Statistical package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Regression analysis and chi-square were used to test for significant associations between the dependent and independent variables. The findings were presented in frequency tables, pie charts, bar graphs and scatter diagrams in the final report. Findings: The findings indicated a positive statistically significant relationship on strategic competency and its effect on growth. Further, regression analysis of the results established that strategic competency was found to account for 5.8% of the variation in the growth of aquaculture-based small enterprises in Kenya. 94.2% of variation in the growth of aquaculture based small enterprises in Kenya is explained by other factors outside the model. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the study findings, the sector should sustain government and NGO support by subsidizing input costs, promoting cottage industries, and employing trained extension officers. In addition, the management should facilitate knowledge sharing through farmer excursions and disseminate information on region-specific fish farming techniques. Lastly, it should develop public-private partnerships to coordinate markets and reduce post-harvest losses through a demand-driven approach.

Multi-agent behavioral evolutionary game analysis of digital twin technology adoption in manufacturing enterprises

ABSTRACT Digital twin technology is crucial in breaking through the bottleneck of integrating the physical and information worlds in the manufacturing industry. However, manufacturing enterprises lack sufficient economic motivation and subjective willingness to adopt due to concerns about technological challenges and cost inputs. To elucidate the mechanisms that influence the adoption of digital twin technology, this study establishes an evolutionary game model from a stakeholder perspective, dynamically analyzes the strategy selection and system stability conditions of each participant and conducts numerical simulations. The findings reveal that the adoption process of digital twin technology in manufacturing enterprises occurs in phases. The coefficient of product attribute enhancement emerges as a key factor in promoting adoption. Government financial and consumption subsidies further encourage the adoption of digital twin technology and enhance customer preference for twin products and derivative services. The customer digital collaboration coefficient and demand matching coefficient significantly affect customers’ perceived utility benefits, which in turn influence manufacturing enterprises’ decisions to adopt digital twin technology by converting them into spillover benefits. Finally, this study provides targeted recommendations to various stakeholders to further promote the adoption of digital twin technology.

Resource Utilization and Profitability of Rice Production in The Terai Region of Nepal

Rice is the most important staple food crops in Nepal; however, the national yield of rice is low which has led in insufficient supply and heavy annual import. So, this study assessed the profitability and resource utilization of main and spring season rice production. A Semi-structured interview schedule was administered in 2022 among 360 randomly selected main-season rice-producing farmers across three major rice-producing districts of the Terai region of Nepal. Similarly, it conducted four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to collect necessary data for spring season rice from two Terai districts within similar agro-ecological regions. Cobb-Douglas production function was used to assess the resource utilization in main season rice production. The result revealed that the total cost and revenue of spring season rice production per hectare was higher, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.63 compared to the main season. It was found that major resources such as the cost of seed, farm yard manure (FYM), chemical fertilizer, micronutrients, and pesticides were underused. On the other hand, the cost of labor, tillage, and harvesting were found to be overused in the main season of rice production. The proportion of the increase in rice income to the increase in costs of inputs for main season rice production was less, as indicated by the return to scale being less than unity. Hence, the study recommends to focus on addressing on prioritization to increase the cropping area under spring season rice and optimization in the use of resources supported by improved technologies to improve profitability and increase farmers’ income from rice this can eases the constraints in the domestic supply of rice and thereby contribute to lowering the annual volume of rice import. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 153-167 (2024)

A two-stage robust optimization model for emergency service facilities location-allocation problem under demand uncertainty and sustainable development

Under the backdrop of frequent emergencies, the rational layout of emergency service facilities (ESF) and the effective allocation of emergency supplies have emerged as crucial in determining the timeliness of post-disaster response. By adequately accounting for potential uncertainties and carrying out comprehensive pre-planning, the robustness of location-allocation decisions can be significantly improved. This paper delves into the ESF network design problem under demand uncertainty and formulates this problem as a two-stage robust optimization model. The presented model defines a generalized budget uncertainty set to capture victims’ uncertain demand and minimizes the sum of the costs involved in the two stages. The objective function integrates the input cost in the preparedness phase, the deprivation cost from the victims’ perspective and the environmental impact cost responding to sustainable development in the response phase, which respectively correspond to the comprehensive optimization of the deployment of ESF, the distribution of emergency supplies and the implementation of sustainable measures. Subsequently, we employ the column and constraint generation (C&CG) algorithm to solve the proposed model and take the COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan as a case to verify the effectiveness of the model and algorithm. Finally, we examine the influence of demand uncertainty and environmental impact cost on the optimal solution, yielding valuable managerial insights.

Assessing the transmission of global market volatility to Moroccan food prices: a VECM-based analysis with forecast error variance decomposition

PurposeThis paper examines the transmission of global food (GF) and global energy (GE) volatilities to the Moroccan food market, focusing on both aggregated and specific commodities such as dairy, meat and oils and fats.Design/methodology/approachUsing monthly data from September 2009 to June 2024, a vector error correction model (VECM) was estimated to capture short-run and long-run dynamics. The analysis is complemented by impulse response functions (IRFs) and forecast error variance decomposition (FEVD) to provide insights into the transmission mechanisms.FindingsThe results indicate an increased sensitivity of the Moroccan food market, particularly following the 2021 price spikes. The study identifies energy input costs, particularly related to fertilizers and transportation, as primary transmission mechanisms. Additionally, the real effective exchange rate (REER) also significantly influences the Moroccan food market.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research could explore the transmission from oil derivatives, such as gasoline and fuel, which are directly used in agricultural activities, to provide a more comprehensive understanding.Social implicationsUnderstanding the transmission of global shocks to domestic markets can help in developing strategies to enhance food security and protect consumers from price volatility.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by comprehensively analyzing the direct and indirect transmission mechanisms from global food and energy markets to the Moroccan food market, with policy implications to enhance price stability.

KVK Institute-Led Initiatives and their Effect on the Knowledge and Adoption of Improved JAKI-9218 Chickpea Cultivar

The research was conducted during 2020-21 to study potential and economics of improved Chickpea varieties to improve the productivity as well as income of the farmers in Dharwad district of Karnataka. The KVK - Dharwad has been promoting varietal interventions in chickpea under Cluster Frontline Demonstrations since 2018-19. These demonstrations and extension activities have created awareness among farming community on improved technologies with special focus on IPM practices. An attempt was made to study the level of knowledge and extent of adoption of improved practices of chickpea farmers in Dharwad district of Karnataka using ex-post facto research design. Sample size consists of 120 farmers selected randomly from the beneficiary list obtained from KVK- Dharwad. The analysis indicated that 40 per cent of farmers possessed medium level of knowledge whereas 49.17 per cent farmers had medium adoption rate with regard to improved technologies. The economic analysis of Chickpea variety (JAKI- 9218) showed higher net returns of Rs.51, 165/ ha over farmers practice Rs. 44, 325 / ha and B: C ratio of 2.11 under demonstrated practice while it was 1.78 under check practice, indicated the positive effect of improved chickpea cultivar JAKI-9218. Majority of respondents revealed high cost of inputs (Chemicals, fertilizers) and lack of knowledge about balanced use of chemical fertilizers and plant growth regulators was constraint to adopt IPM technologies.

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

A value chain mapping exercise was carried out in Taita Taveta County, focusing on the agro-processing value chain. The survey carried out by the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), was conducted as part of the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP), supported by the World Bank. The aim of the survey was to explore the technological challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses to help them grow, innovate, and compete more effectively. By looking closely at value chains like rice, dairy, bananas, mushrooms, beekeeping, leather, and engineering services, the study mapped out the specific technology needs of local enterprises. To do this, researchers used both qualitative and quantitative methods, gathering insights through interviews, group discussions, and on-site visits with key players in these sectors. The findings from the mapping exercise, revealed several challenges holding these businesses back which include; outdated equipment, limited opportunities for value addition, poor access to markets, and weak infrastructure. On top of that, the high cost of inputs adds more strain to farmers and processors. The outcome of the survey doesn't stop at identifying problems; it offers practical solutions in an intervention matrix, laying out clear steps to help businesses improve productivity, enhance product quality, and boost income. With the right support, Taita Taveta’s agricultural and livestock sectors have strong potential for growth and transformation.

Economic analysis of smallholder dairy cattle farms: Case study of Nandi and Makueni Counties in Kenya

Kenya has the highest annual per capita milk consumption on the African continent (110 litres), and is projected to increase to 130 litres by 2030. This has supported the development of the smallholder dairy production system which supplies 80% of the milk. Dairy farming enhances nutrition and generates income for more than 1.8 million smallholder farmers in Kenya. This study aimed at analysing the economic performance of dairy cattle farms in Nandi and Makueni counties and compare their performances as farms practicing mixed farming and as dairy farming alone, using gross margins. Further, this study sought to determine exogenous variables influencing dairy farms’ economic performance. The study used a mixed research design (quantitative and focus group discussions) with key informants in the dairy sector in the 2 study counties. Purposive sampling was used to select the farms and the county based dairy data gathering and monitoring harmonized profit and loss tool developed by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), Kenya Dairy Processors Association (KDPA) and State Department of Livestock was used to collect data. The 2 counties differ in the level of smallholder dairy development. Nandi County was classified as a highly dairy county while Makueni County as a potentially dairy county hence their selection for inclusion in this study. Gross margins were determined for all farms by total cash income less total cash costs, while multivariable regression using Akaike Information Criterion was used to determine exogenous variables influencing gross margin levels. The findings revealed that dairy enterprises alone have positive albeit minimal gross margins while the typical smallholder mixed farming (dairy and other enterprises) result in losses in both study counties. On average, a farm in Nandi and Makueni counties made a profit of Kenya shilling (Ksh.) 2,848.30 and 880.80 per year respectively. Although the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.5) due to high variances, incomes in Ksh. from milk (Nandi: 21,470.3, Makueni: 51,555.3) and manure (Nandi: 7,609.2, Makueni: 605.9); and costs of feed (Nandi: 23,337.0, Makueni: 37,806.4), labour (Nandi: 10,792.9, Makueni: 13,943.4), mineral salts (Nandi: 20.9, Makueni: 33.9), artificial insemination (Nandi: 770.9, Makueni: 996.0), veterinary services(Nandi: 1,541.8, Makueni: 1,991.9), transport (Nandi1:130.0, Makueni:2,062.2) and water (Nandi: 187.6, Makueni: 363.5) were significantly different between Nandi and Makueni counties (p=0.00). Final models with exogenous variables had low prediction of gross margins, R2<0.30. Due to the high costs of dairy farm inputs accounting for 94% and 99% in Nandi and Makueni counties respectively, and the involvement in several farm enterprises at the same time, farmers in both counties risk making losses or getting very minimal profits. Policies focused on making farm inputs especially feed and water affordable and accessible to smallholder dairy cattle farmers are highly recommended.

Economics of Layer Poultry Production in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India

The study aims to analyze the economics and profitability of layer poultry farming in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The data was collected from three small, eleven medium and sixteen large layer poultry farms using purposive random sampling. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from poultry farmers. The economic analysis reveals a positive net present value and benefit- cost ratio greater than one for small, medium and large layer poultry farms, indicating economic viability. The internal rate of return for small firms is 39.15 per cent, while medium firms exhibit 72.07 per cent and large firms exhibit 78.03 per cent indicating substantial profitability in layer poultry units. Based on NPV, BCR and IRR, large layer farms were most profitable followed by medium and small layer farms. A layer produces a minimum of 22, 21 and 20 eggs in small, medium and large farms, respectively. The margin of safety stood at 277.51, 279.80 and 283.19 for small, medium and large farms, respectively. The higher margin of safety is on large farms over medium and small farms. The study revealed that poultry layer farming is a profitable business in West Godavari district. However, challenges such as adverse climatic conditions affecting birds with attack of viral diseases and high cost of inputs are major production constraints. High price fluctuations and lack of co-operating marketing facilities are major marketing constraints.

Decision model to evaluate the cost of clinical events associated with switching from Apixaban to Rivaroxaban among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in the United States and Germany

ABSTRACT Aims Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have emerged as the preferred treatment for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, evidence concerning the economic outcomes of DOAC switching remains limited. This study aimed to assess the economic outcomes of DOAC switching in the US and Germany, two countries with a high AF prevalence and DOAC utilization. Methods A decision model was developed to assess the incidence and cost of stroke/systemic embolism (SE) and major bleeding (MB) associated with switching from apixaban to rivaroxaban in patients with NVAF. The model compared two scenarios: continuers (patients continuing apixaban) and switchers (patients switching from apixaban to rivaroxaban). Model inputs on clinical event rates were sourced from a published real-world study, costs inputs were from a standard costing database and published literature. The analysis was conducted over a 1-year time horizon from US Medicare fee-for-service and German public healthcare payer perspectives. Results Over one year, 47,036 patients among a hypothetical plan size of 1,000,000 US Medicare fee-for-service members and 1,019,079 patients among the German adult population size of 70,107,122 were estimated to be treated for NVAF with apixaban. Switching all patients from apixaban to rivaroxaban resulted in 1,498 and 32,447 additional clinical events (stroke/SE and MB) and deaths in the US and Germany, respectively, compared to continuing with apixaban. This led to a total incremental cost of $17.3 million and €153 million from Medicare fee-for-service and German public healthcare perspectives, respectively. Limitations The incidence and hazard ratios of clinical events informing this analysis were based on a US commercial and Medicare Advantage population and may not be generalizable to other populations. Conclusions Switching from apixaban to rivaroxaban was associated with increased clinical events, deaths, and higher medical care costs, potentially representing a less favorable strategy economically compared to continuing apixaban among patients with NVAF.

Modelling and Forecasting Future Retail Price of Capsicum Annum L. Var. Kulai for Food Security and SDG Issues in Perlis, Malaysia

Objective: This study focuses on the modeling and forecasting of the retail price of Capsicum Annum L. Var. Kulai in Perlis, Malaysia, as a measure to support food security initiatives. Theoretical Framework: Food security is a pressing global issue exacerbated by factors such as climate change, conflicts, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Malaysia, ranked 41st in The Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2022, has seen a concerning rise in food insecurity, driven by increased agricultural input costs and a high dependency on food imports. Method: Using historical monthly time series data from January 2018 to May 2023, various univariate time series models were employed, including Naïve, Seasonal Naïve, Holt’s Method, and ARIMA models. Results and Discussion: The study found that Holt’s Method provided the most accurate forecasts, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.4607. The model predicts a continued increase in chili prices, which could pose challenges to food security in the region. Research Implications: These findings underscore the importance of accurate price forecasting in formulating effective agricultural policies and supporting local communities in mitigating food insecurity. This research contributes to worldwide initiatives aimed at fulfilling SDGs for goal 2 (Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture), goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and goal 13 (Climate Action). Originality/Value: This study offers valuable insights into forecasting the price of Capsicum Annum L. Var. Kulai in Perlis, Malaysia. Food security challenges have increasingly affected this area as various univariate time series models have been applied, and Holt’s method has been identified as the most effective. Providing policymakers with reliable forecasts guide strategic agricultural policies and supports food security efforts.

Economics of Seed Spices in Gujarat: Analyzing Parity of Cost, Price, and Income

This study analyzes the cost, price, and income parity in three major seed spices cultivated in Gujarat by examining indices of average input prices, Farm Harvest Prices, cost of production, and gross income to evaluate the profitability and challenges faced by farmers. The secondary data on input cost, cost of production and gross income were collected for the period of eleven years from 2011-12 to 2021-22 from the reports of “The Scheme for Farm Cost Studies of Important Crops in Gujarat State” and “The Scheme for Creating a Permanent Machinery for studying Cost of Cultivation/ Production of Principal crops grown in Gujarat state, further analysis of parity indices were estimated by taking 2011-12 as base year. The results indicate that for cumin crop, input prices grew significantly, while farm harvest prices exhibited a non-significant increase. Parity indices between Farm Harvest Prices and input prices remained below 100, indicating that farm harvest prices did not cover rising input costs. However, in years like 2016-17, 2018-19, and 2021-22, the farm harvest price and gross income were favorable, indicating profitability for farmers. In fennel, input prices and production costs showed significant growth, while farm harvest prices and gross income had minimal increases. Parity indices suggested that farm harvest prices were insufficient to cover rising costs in most years, though 2012-13 and 2021-22 were favorable for farmers in terms of both price and income. Coriander, with significant growth in input prices, showed a slight increase in farm harvest prices and a decrease in production costs. Parity indices indicated that the farm harvest price consistently exceeded input prices and the cost of production, ensuring favorable profitability and encouraging investment in coriander cultivation. Overall, the findings underscore the need for policy interventions to stabilize farm harvest prices and control input cost inflation, ensuring sustained profitability for farmers growing seed spices.

Influence of Seed Priming, Plant Geometry and Conjunctive Use of Fertilizers, FYM and Vermicompost on Productivity and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Background: Nutrients requirement of crops can easily be met by the application various fertilizers alone but in long run their continuous use deteriorate soil health and may retard the productivity of crops also. Further cost escalation and timely availability of fertilizers and other inputs lead to uneconomic production. Integrated nutrient management (INM) practices including reduced levels of fertilizers with locally available organic sources of plant nutrients, low cost and no cost inputs may be answer to the problems. Very meagre work has been done in past on different aspects on green gram crop. Present study aimed at evaluating and quantify the performance of summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.) crop as affected by seed hydropriming, plant geometry and nutrient applications through fertilizers, FYM, vermicompost and their combinations for maximizing the productivity and economic viability. Methods: The low cost seed hydropriming, no cost treatments of 2 plant geometries of (i) G1 (30´10 cm) and (ii) G2 (30´20 cm) and 5 treatments of integrated nutrient management (INM) practices (N) viz; (i) N1 (20+40+20 kg NPK/ha (RDF), (ii) N2 (100% RDF equivalent FYM), (iii) N3(100% RDF equivalent vermicompost) (iv) N4(50% RDF from fertilizer+50% RDF equivalent FYM) and (v) N5 (50% RDF from fertilizer+50% RDF equivalent vermicompost) were evaluated in field experiments using split-split plot design having 3 replications. Result: The main conclusion is that practices of seed hydropriming and planting geometry of 30´10 cm proved superior for realizing maximum productivity and profitability. Integrated application of fertilizer equivalent to 50% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) coupled with 50% nutrients through organic sources like farmyard manure and or vermicompost (treatments N4 and N5) proved most effective over organic sources alone (FYM and vermicompost through treatments N2 and N3) and 100% RDF through fertilizers (N1) for summer green gram cultivation on sustainable basis. The results of the present work will be useful for majority of farmers particularly pulse crops growers to bridge the gap between present level of productivity and potentially realizable productivity of moong bean crop on cost effective and sustainable basis.

ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF RHIZOBIAL STRAINS ISOLATED FROM SOYBEAN NODULES IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

Limited nitrogen in the soil is a major constraint to sustainable crop production in most developing countries including South Africa. Soybean productivity in South Africa is limited by drought, poor soil fertility, and the ineffectiveness or unavailability of native strains. Most soil in South Africa contains low or ineffective rhizobium strains for biological nitrogen fixation in legume crops. The study aimed to isolate and characterize compatible rhizobial strains for soybeans in response to soil moisture conservation technologies and Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculation in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used a phylogenetic analysis of 21 bacteria' 16S rRNA gene sequences isolated from soybean root nodules in the Limpopo province. Experiments were conducted at Syferkuil farm and Lebopo sites in Limpopo province. DNA was extracted to perform PCR amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA using primer fD1 and rD1. Sequencing was done at Inqaba Biotec, Pretoria, and edited using Bioedit and Mega X programs. A total of 21 bacterial isolates were isolated from soybean root nodules. The isolated strains from Syferkuil and Lebopo sites had both medium-growing and fast-growing strains; however, they were dominated by fast-growing strains. Phylogenetic results showed four categories of bacterial genera: Agrobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Bacillus, and Rhizobium. Application of local rhizobium strains and efficient strains could enhance productivity and contribute to the low input cost of soybean production in Limpopo province