Pesticide Costs Research Articles

Effective removal of atrazine pesticide residue from wastewater using transition metal-doped zinc oxide photocatalyst

Frequent use of pesticides results in the release of large quantities of their residues in the environment, raising various concerns for humans and the ecosystem. This work introduces a simple and cost-effective method for removal atrazine pesticide residue (APR) from agricultural wastewater using Cu doped-ZnO photocatalyst (Cu-ZnO). The modification of ZnO with Cu significantly improved its optical and photoelectrochemical properties, with the band gap narrowing from 3.3 to 2.64 eV. The photodegradation of APR was 93.6 and 91.7% in aqueous solution and agricultural wastewater, respectively. After being reused four times, Cu-ZnO did not display a notable drop in degradation performance, with the rates of 93.6, 91.2, 86.8, and 83.1% during the first, second, third, and fourth recycles, respectively. Also, the release of Cu from Cu-ZnO after six cycles was <2%, suggesting the excellent stability of the modified photocatalyst without any issues related to secondary pollution. Under natural sunlight, 83.9% of APR was removed, confirming the benefit of Cu-ZnO in reducing the treatment costs of pesticides by utilizing renewable energy. In addition, the degradation mechanism of APR by Cu-ZnO was proposed based on the outcomes of radical quenching and TOC removal tests.

Optimal control analysis of a mathematical model for guava nutrients in an integrated farming with cost-effectiveness

Because of its high nutritional value and easy availability, guava fruit has become more popular as a crop in tropical regions in recent decades. Unfortunately, its cultivation faces multifaceted challenges, with increasing the guava borer due to global warming posing a significant threat to crop yield, while the cost of pesticides adds to the economic burden on farmers. To overcome this difficulty, an integrated cultivation method has been devised to simultaneously cultivate guava and tuberose flowers for the purpose of biological pest management, while also earning money through the sale of the flowers to support the integrated agricultural plan. The present mathematical modeling study has focused on the optimal control problem using the strategy of spraying pesticides and flower harvesting, to achieve the highest possible profit. Characterization of the proposed optimal control was then carried out using Pontryagin’s maximum principle, where the objective of our farming would be higher when optimal management of our strategies would be provided compared to other scenarios. To find the most efficient and least expensive approach, cost-effectiveness analysis has been performed. According to the findings, an optimal strategy for harvesting flowers is the most economical and efficient way to increase the amount of earnings from this integrated farming. However, the results of this study can help the farmers in developing beneficial strategies to gain maximum profit by reducing the cost.

Weather based forewarning model for cotton pests using zero-inflated and hurdle regression models

Early forewarning of crop pest based on weather variables provides lead time to manage impending pest attacks that minimize crop loss, decrease the cost of pesticides and enhance the crop yield. This paper is an attempt to forewarn incidence of Cotton pests using weather variables. The pest incidence data from 2015 to 2023 for Aphids, Jassids, Thrips, and Whiteflies has been used for the study. The pest incidence being count variable, different count regression models such as zero inflated Poisson &amp; negative binomial, hurdle Poisson &amp; negative binomial, negative binomial and generalized Poisson regression models have been developed for forewarning of pests. Results indicated that zero inflated Poisson regression model outperformed the other models with improved performance of nearly 30 to 75%. Thus, the zero inflated Poisson regression model is a reliable tool in prediction of cotton pests, thereby aiding towards better pest management strategies.

Impact of Organic Farming in Economic Development in Agriculture

Organic farming is valued for its self-sustaining, environmentally friendly methods that protect surrounding ecosystems of plants and animals. It reduces weed growth through techniques like crop rotation and integrates traditional knowledge alongside natural processes. This approach optimizes inputs, strengthens regenerative abilities, and ensures effective conservation of resources and nutrients. The cost-benefit ratio in sustainable agriculture is notably better, as it requires fewer primary inputs compared to conventional methods, which often incur high costs for fertilizers and pesticides, lowering profit margins. Additionally, conventional farming's heavy reliance on chemicals can lead to significant health risks, both mental and physical. Organic farming, by following natural principles and using non-synthetic, traditional practices, creates a balanced environment that allows crops to thrive. This approach helps counteract the negative impacts of chemical-dependent agriculture, increasing production sustainably and supporting population growth without harming the ecosystem. Core principles of organic farming include health, ecology, fairness, and care. The benefits range from natural pest and disease resistance, specialization potential, healthier soil, support for pollinators, no GMO concerns, safer work conditions for farmers, and on-farm input production. Farmers and companies must meet stringent, government-approved standards, undergo regular certification, and comply with inspections to ensure the high quality of organic products produced with renewable resources. This paper aims to delve into the origins of organic farming, its environmental, social, economic, and agricultural advantages, and underscore its importance for the future. Similarly, on a larger scale, it can provide rural populations with greater earnings, better resource management and more chances to generate revenue Keywords: Organic Farming, Sustainability, Farmers, Health, Ecology.

Pendapatan dan Kelayakan Usahatani Tomat (Solanum lycopersicum L.) di Kecamatan Merdeka Kabupaten Karo

This research aims to determine the level of income and feasibility of tomato farming in Merdeka District, Karo Regency. Determining the research location was carried out purposively. The number of sample farmers was 34 people using the Slovin method. The research results show that on average farmers manage 0.46 Ha of farming land. The largest component of production costs incurred by farmers in tomato farming in Merdeka District is pesticide costs amounting to IDR 13,302,852.92 or 31.76% of the total production costs. Meanwhile, the smallest cost component is the rope cost of IDR 600,000 or 1.43%. The average income of tomato farmers per planting season is IDR. 58,008,029.4 or Rp. 9,668,005 per month. Feasibility of farming with the R/C Ratio value per farmer in tomato farming is 2.385 and the B/C Ratio value is 1.385 which shows that the farming is economically feasible to operate. Keywords: farming, tomatoes, costs, income, feasibility

What Explains Hop Growers' Fungicide Use Intensity and Management Costs in Response to Powdery Mildew?

Methods for causal inference from observational data are common in human disease epidemiology and social sciences but are used relatively little in plant pathology. We draw upon an extensive data set of the incidence of hop plants with powdery mildew (caused by Podosphaera macularis) collected from yards in Oregon from 2014 to 2017 and associated metadata on grower cultural practices, cultivar susceptibility to powdery mildew, and pesticide application records to understand variation in and causes of growers' fungicide use and associated costs. An instrumental causal forest model identified growers' spring pruning thoroughness, cultivar susceptibility to two of the dominant pathogenic races of P. macularis, network centrality of yards during May-June and June-July time transitions, and the initial strain of the fungus detected as important variables determining the number of pesticide active constituents applied by growers and the associated costs they incurred in response to powdery mildew. Exposure-response function models fit after covariate weighting indicated that both the number of pesticide active constituents applied and their associated costs scaled linearly with the seasonal mean incidence of plants with powdery mildew. Although the causes of pesticide use intensity are multifaceted, biological and production factors collectively influence the incidence of powdery mildew, which has a direct exposure-response relationship with the number of pesticide active constituents that growers apply and their costs. Our analyses point to several potential strategies for reducing pesticide use and costs for management of powdery mildew on hop. We also highlight the utility of these methods for causal inference in observational studies.

Medium-term economic impacts of cover crop adoption in Maryland

Cover cropping has the potential to generate private economic benefits to farm operations as well as larger-scale environmental benefits to the broader community. However, cover crop adoption remains limited in the United States (US) (i.e., 4.7 % in 2022 (USDA-NASS, 2024)), primarily due to uncertainty in economic outcomes, with several studies showing potentially negative net returns from cover crop use in the short-term (1–3 years). This study investigates the medium-term (5–7 years) economic impact of cover crop adoption using plot-level data from field experiments in the state of Maryland. The empirical analysis employs ordinary least squares (OLS) statistical models and partial budgeting techniques to achieve the study objective. Our results show that cover crops do not have a statistically significant effect on crop yield, fertilizer costs, or pesticide costs, but we find that cover crop use statistically increases field operation and seed expenses. As a result, the private net return from cover crop adoption in the medium term is generally negative based on the Maryland field trial data used in the analysis. Specifically, the average net return per acre with cover crops is approximately $60-$90 lower for corn and around $60 lower for soybeans compared to fields without cover crops. This empirical finding suggests that public support through incentive payments may help further incentivize cover crop adoption in the US, which can then provide environmental and ecosystem services that are of benefit to the general public.

Socio-economic advantages and climate adaptation in sustainable vs. conventional cotton: evidence from Pakistan

Two groups of cotton growers participated in this study; the first, referred as “conventional cotton producers” (CCPs), continues to use traditional techniques. The second group, known as sustainable cotton producers (SCPs), adheres to practices that are socially acceptable, economically feasible, and environment friendly. This study was designed to undertake a thorough socio-economic analysis of CCP and SCP in terms of cost of production, yield, and adaptations for climate change. The data were collected from a total of 275 farming households (138 SCPs and 137 CCPs) from two districts, namely, Bahawalpur and Rajanpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The data were analyzed using the benefit–cost ratio (BCR), paired sampled t-test, and log–log regression model in SPSS. The results of the study revealed that the cost of production for SCP was significantly less than CCP and the value of BCR for SCP is higher than CCP. The results of the study also revealed that the land preparation costs, irrigation costs, and fertilizer and pesticide costs decrease the cotton yield of CCP, while land area owned and picking costs showed no significant influence on the yield of CCP. On the other hand, all cost items except fertilizer cost have a positive impact on CCP’s cotton yield. The results also indicated that SCP farmers adopted more of adaptation practices for climate change than CCP. This study concluded that SCP has significant advantages over CCP. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should prioritize incentives for SCP adoption to enhance yield and environmental sustainability in cotton farming.

Sustainable practices for cotton production in Bangladesh: economic and environmental perspectives

Cotton is a major cash crop in the agriculture of Bangladesh, primarily fueling its substantial textile industry. Although local production is limited, cotton has the potential to bolster the country’s economic growth by supporting local economies and improving agricultural sustainability. An in-depth sustainability assessment of this integral crop is essential to ensure its long-term economic and environmental viability. This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of cotton production in Bangladesh and suggest strategic enhancements and policy measures to improve its environmental, economic, and social aspects. Data were collected from 60 farmers in two villages of Jashore district using a simple random sampling technique. A combination of descriptive, mathematical and statistical techniques was used to analyze the data. The findings highlighted a profitable benefit–cost ratio of 1.88 for cotton production. Positive impacts on cotton profitability were notably linked to the costs of labor, land preparation, and insecticides and pesticides. Despite this, 60% of farmers faced substantial challenges, including financial barriers, limited access to modern agricultural technologies, and a lack of training in sustainable practices. Economic constraints were a major barrier, although the environmental benefits of sustainable practices were widely acknowledged. To address these issues, the study recommends optimizing inputs like labor, land preparation, and pest management, and advocates for policy actions such as subsidies, tax incentives, and enhanced training programs to support the widespread adoption of sustainable practices across Bangladesh.

Evaluation of selected crops for rearing predatory mite (Phytoseiulus persimilis), a predator of two-spotted red spider mites

The damage caused by two-spotted spider mites, and the risks associated with chemical pesticides, including health and environmental risks necessitate the exploration of sustainable pest management methods. Predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, are effective biocontrol agents against pests like the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the suitability of different crops for rearing predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) and assess their effectiveness in controlling two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). Linear regression analysis showed significant effects of selected crops on mite populations across all collection times (Collection 1: F (3, 8) = 22.46, p = 0.0003; Collection 2: F (3, 8) = 11.45, p = 0.0029; and Collection 3: F (3, 8) = 9.17, p = 0.0057). ANOVA showed significant differences in mite counts among the crops (F (3, 32) = 18.06, p < 0.001), corroborated by bootstrapping analysis. Beans demonstrated the highest potential for supporting predatory mite populations, followed by eggplant and black nightshade, illustrating that crop diversification can enhance predatory mite production while suggesting adoption of Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce pesticide costs and environmental impacts. There is the need for collaborative research and policy support to drive innovation and promote sustainable pest management practices in agriculture, thus addressing pesticide-use related environmental issues.

Original Research Article Analyzing Price Behaviour and Constraints in Marketing of Small Onion in Tamil Nadu, India

This study examines market trends and seasonal patterns in small onion Markets in Tamil Nadu, while also investigating challenges faced by various stakeholders in the onion supply chain. The various analyses have made use of secondary data that has been gathered from different sources. The NHRDF office in Coimbatore, NHB website and AGMARKNET website are the sources of the monthly data on wholesale market prices and arrivals of small onions f markets of Dindigul, Chennai, Coimbatore and Idukki from 2014 to 2023. Primary data also obtained to fulfill the one of the research objectives by surveying the sample of respondents. Two districts were selected purposefully: Perambalur and Trichy districts, based on the top onion producing districts in Tamil Nadu. The sample size constitutes 180 respondents (80 farmers, 40 retailers, 20 wholesalers and 40 consumers) were randomly interviewed with help of pre structured interview schedule. Trend analysis revealed increasing price trends across all markets, with Idukki experiencing the highest rate of increase. Seasonal index analysis indicated that prices in Tamil Nadu markets are influenced by arrivals, with lower prices during peak arrival periods., while Idukki market in Kerala prices less influenced by arrivals. Farmers struggle primarily with high labor costs (78%) and high cost of fertilizers pesticides and machineries (68.7%), while consumers face problems with price fluctuations (68.8%) and quality concerns (68.6%), retailers face problems with lack of storage facilities (76.27%) and absence of facilities for grading (64.85%), and wholesalers struggle with financial risks (79.2%). The study's findings will aid policymakers to focus on improving market infrastructure, regulating intermediaries, and supporting farmers in managing costs. Leveraging existing labor schemes could help alleviate workforce shortages. Furthermore, customers would gain from initiatives to maintain price stability and raise quality standards.

Extraction of crop canopy features and decision-making for variable spraying based on unmanned aerial vehicle LiDAR data

Implementation of precision agriculture aerial applications using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents a pivotal technological aspect in precision agriculture. However, current UAV applications are still far from realizing true precision variable spraying. The use of UAVs to analyze and model crop growth, pest and disease conditions, and other pertinent information to enable targeted precision spraying poses a formidable challenge. Herein, a UAV variable-rate spray system with adaptive flow control based on crop canopy morphology was developed using a UAV equipped with a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor to support precision spraying of cotton. Point cloud data captured by the LiDAR sensor initially undergo processing using the simple morphological filter (SMRF) algorithm and feature extraction function. Subsequently, cotton canopy volumes measured by the alpha shape algorithm, convex hull by slices shape algorithm, and voxel-based method were compared with manual measurements with coefficient of determination R2 values of 0.89, 0.78, and 0.82, respectively. The results of the validation experiments denote that the cotton canopy volume obtained using the alpha shape algorithm is in good agreement with that obtained using manual measurements; thus, this algorithm is employed for volume calculations in this design. Models were constructed to relate UAV flight parameters, cotton canopy volume, and spraying parameters to the duty cycle of variable control signals, which enabled the UAV to adjust the flow rate in real time to match the cotton canopy structure. In addition, a polygonal prescription map decoding algorithm based on the cotton canopy morphology was introduced. This algorithm is used for real-time decoding of prescription maps and extraction of flow, latitude, and longitude information. Finally, field experiments were conducted, and the results indicate that the UAV variable-rate spray system designed in this study exhibits biological efficacy (effective application thresholds provided by the pesticide manufacturer) comparable to that of the constant-rate spray system at a lower application rate. Furthermore, it exhibited superior spray deposition efficiency and coverage compared with the constant-rate spray system. Notably, the use of the variable-rate spray system in cotton crops resulted in a 43.37% reduction in spray volume while maintaining high application quality, providing an opportunity for pesticide and labor cost savings.

Forest Biological Disaster Control Behaviors of Forest Farmers and Their Spatial Heterogeneity in China

With more and more loss caused by forest biological disasters (FBDs) in China, forest farmers, as one of the most important stakeholders, are participating in the control. In this study, the ordinary least squares model, simultaneous equation model, and propensity score matching method were used with the data from 818 surveys conducted in the typical FBD outbreak provinces, to reveal the FBD control behaviors of forest farmers and their differences between western and eastern regions of China. The results indicated the following. (1) Household factors: forest farmers could timely take control measures. An increase of 1 ha in the area of occurrence would increase the control measures by 3.26 ha. However, the control measures can only reduce 50% of the economic loss caused by FBDs and cannot effectively control the spread trend of FBDs. There are issues, including an insufficient and old labor force, insufficient technology support, and low consciousness of ecology protection. (2) External factors: forest farmers would increase control when the temperature rises, and reduce control when rainfall increases. After village committees unify organizing the control, their participation enthusiasm would increase, which would have a substitution relationship with the household investment. (3) Regional difference: the eastern region of China has higher figures than the western in terms of outbreak area, economic losses, control measures, and pesticide cost. If the western forest farmers have the control funds as the eastern forest farmers have, and the eastern forest farmers have the control intensity as the western forest farmers have, the overall FBD control effect would be better.

Unearthing Study in Asnafs' Large-Scale SMART Paddy-Field (SMART SBBA): An Exploratory Case of Farmers in Yan, Kedah

The Asnafs' Large-Scale SMART Paddy Field (SMART SBBA) project is an initiative to consolidate rice paddy land through contract farming through a management system. It is to optimize the use of existing resources and increase the efficiency of planting activities and post-harvest production. The project initiative appears to be successful in helping rice farmers manage their fields systematically and increase the yield of higher-quality rice. SMART SBBA by the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) has the potential to eradicate the poverty rate among asnafs in Kedah, in addition to boosting the local economy. Therefore, this preliminary study is to explore the SMART SBBA project through the experience and involvement of paddy farmers in the first season and the second season. This study applied exploratory and descriptive methods from focus group interview data. Results showed that the farmers were satisfied with the overall SMART SBBA LZNK management. However, most rice farmers face the challenges of agricultural input costs, including the high cost of seedlings, fertilizers, and pesticides, which is a huge obstacle for rice farmers in carrying out rice planting activities.

Improving Household Income by Growing Medicinal Plants in Hoa Binh Province, Vietnam: A Case Study of Celastrus hindsii

The study focused on surveying and evaluating factors affecting the income of households growing medicinal plants in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. To ensure the sample size, the expected number of samples was 120 to survey medicinal herb growers in Lac Thuy, Luong Son, Yen Thuy districts, and Hoa Binh City (it was expected that 30 samples were to be collected in each district or city). After screening the survey results, the collected data was reduced to 109 samples that met the requirements for providing all necessary survey information for analysis. These are good signs in the transformation of crop structure in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. Factors affecting mixed income of farmer households growing medicinal plants include fertilizers and pesticide costs, selling prices, infield transportation, and propaganda – incentives. Therefore, necessary solutions in the coming period to improve household income of farmers growing medicinal plants in Hoa Binh province include: (i) Promoting training, propaganda and encouragement for farmers to grow medicinal herbs; (ii) Investing in upgrading the internal transport system in medicinal herb production areas; and (iii) Strengthening linkages in promoting the consumption of medicinal products. Developing the cultivation of medicinal plants is an effective solution for raising household income in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam.

COST AND RETURN ANALYSIS OF IRRIGATED UPLAND TOMATO (Lycopersicon Esculentum) PRODUCTION IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the cost and return analysis of irrigated upland tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) production, in Gombe State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select 459 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that Most of the types of farms implements use for dry season tomato production in the study areas were tractors (32.4%), hand tools (37.6%) and animal traction (30.0%). Capital for dry season tomato production, the respondents in Dukku, Nafada, funakaye and Yamaltu Deba LGA respondents had a mean capital of N212,747.36, N183,662.55, N261,540.30, and N204,785.956 respectively. The findings also revealed the result of maximum likelihood estimate of parameters of the stochastic frontier production function of dry season tomato farming in the study area reveal that farm size (P&lt; 0.001), labour (P&lt; 0.001), farming experience (P&lt; 0.001), and capital (P&lt; 0.001) were the major factors statistically affecting the respondents rice production at 1%. The analysis of dry season maximum likelihood estimate of the parameter of stochastic frontier cost of tomato production showed that ploughing (P&lt; 0.001), transplanting (P&lt; 0.001), harvesting (P&lt; 0.001) and capital (P&lt; 0.001) were the determinant of cost of output of the respondents. The result further reveals the costs and return of dry season tomato farming in the study area depicts that the total variable cost of production was ₦2,384,894 with a total cost of production which is the total variable plus the fixed cost of ₦3,266,031. The revenue realized was ₦4,070,558. The net farm income for the dry season tomato farmers for one hectare in the study area was ₦804,529.23. The profit index of the respondents was ₦1.7. The major constraints to the irrigated upland tomato production were inadequate water for irrigation (23.0%), lack of irrigation facilities (20.7%), heat stress and drought (27.2%) preventing maximum productions in the study area. In addition, constraints to irrigated upland tomato farming in the study area includes high cost of irrigation services (26.0%), high-cost fertilizer (19.3%), high cost of pesticide (20.9%) and high cost of insecticide (18.2%). It was concluded that the respondents are operating at a lost and again the labour cost looking at the high cost incurred from production which clearly shows that there was over utilization of resources especially in the area of labour cost. The study made the following recommendations; efforts should be made to improve access to adequate water for irrigation purposes, there is a need to provide modern irrigation facilities to farmers to improve water management and efficiency, there is a need to promote value addition in tomato farming through processing and packaging to increase the shelf life of tomatoes and reduce post-harvest losses and farmers should be encouraged to formed cooperatives to be united in one voice to have a bargaining power over labour cost and can also make request to government on their needs and access inputs and training from policy support programme to achieve optimal yield.

Effects of Liberalizing the Exchange Rate on the Production Costs for Cotton and Sugar Beet (Case Study: the New Lands of Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt)

The policy of decreasing the local currency is considered one of the most important policies to achieve external balance by increasing exports and reducing imports. The exchange rate of the Egyptian pound has deteriorated compared to the US dollar in light of the liberalization of the economy from about 2.1 LE/$ in 1990 to about 3.4 LE/$. in 2000, then to about 5.95 LE/$ in 2010, and exceeded LE 8 in 2015, reaching about 8.88 LE/$ in October 2016. The problem of the study is the emergence of positive and negative effects on the national economy in general and the agricultural sector in particular, and the problem of high prices has led to Local demand for goods, especially agricultural and food, and the occurrence of fluctuations in the volume of agricultural trade and the agricultural trade balance affect the national economy, The research generally aims to measure the impact of changing the exchange rate on the production requirements for cotton and sugar beet crops in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate by achieving the following sub-objectives: studying the productive indicators for cotton and sugar beet crops in Egypt and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, studying the impact of liberalizing the exchange rate on agricultural production requirements in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, a study Productive problems of cotton and sugar beet crops in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate The study relied on the descriptive and quantitative analytical method to estimate and explain economic phenomena related to the economic and social effects of liberalizing the exchange rate on production requirements, using the descriptive analysis method to describe the problem, in addition to the quantitative analysis method using some different measurements such as the general trend. Regarding data sources, the study relied mainly on field data by selecting a random sample in the Al-Hamoul center in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate during the agricultural season 2022/2023. The most important results were an increase in the cost of an feddan of cotton from about LE 30,500 during the 2021/2022 production season to about LE 36,380 during the 2022/2023 production season, an increase of LE 5,880, representing about 16.16%. The highest increase was in the items of human labor costs, followed by the cost of pesticides, with percentages amounting to about 35.16%, 10.99%, and it was also shown that the costs of an feddan of sugar beets increased from about LE 20,601 during the 2021/2022 production season to about 28,245 pounds during the 2022/2023 production season, an increase of LE 7,644, representing about 27.06%, and that the highest increase was in the labor cost items. Human work is followed by automated work, with percentages of about 29.39% and 12.79%.

Benefits of ULV Application to Control Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia

This paper discusses the state-of-the-art of Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) spray application with rotary atomisers in the Caucasus and Central Asian (CCA) region to control locusts. The technology is widely used around the world for locust control and promoted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) as an effective and efficient control intervention that meets the scale and challenge posed by large area locust outbreaks. The technology utilises precisely controlled spray droplets in the range 50–100um using ready-to-use oil-based ULV formulations to target locusts more efficiently. Volume rates as low as 0.5–1.0 l/ha are utilised which greatly improves productivity of ground and aerial spray applications, timeliness, and reduces cost and waste of pesticide and water. ULV has become more widely adopted in CCA during recent years to control major economic pests such as Moroccan, Italian, and Asian migratory locusts. Its further adoption is hampered by the lack of available ULV formulations in the region and need for investment and training in the technology. ULV technology is highly appropriate for use of biological products to reduce risks to operators and the environment and efforts to increase regional cooperation and the registration of safer pesticides across the region present opportunities for its wider adoption.

Complementarity of field studies and RCTs: evidence from Bt eggplant in Bangladesh

Abstract Randomised control trials (RCTs) and field studies are two empirical approaches. We conducted a field study analysing the adoption of Bt eggplant in Bangladesh and compared the results of previous RCTs. We find that Bt eggplant raises yields, lowers total cost and pesticide costs and generates a price premium compared to non-Bt eggplant, increasing profits by 23 per cent. We also identify factors contributing to adopting Bt eggplant, including better access to credit, farm sizes and expected profitability. Our low-cost field study confirms the impact assessment results of RCTs and provides insight into factors affecting adoption.

A Study on the Constraints faced by the Vegetable Growers in Mallawan Block of Hardoi District in Uttar Pradesh, India

Training is the analytical process for human resource development as well as also playsan essential role in hastening of particular attitude among human behaviours. Moreover, training is a tool for accomplishingintervention of thelevel of human resource, that becomesincreasingly and pivotalfor the development substantially in all fields with an extending satisfaction in technology. The present investigation was aimed to observe the constraints faced by the vegetable growers in the production of vegetable cultivation. The data of constraints were assembled and analysed by using Garret’s ranking methodology to develop a quantitative position of each constraint. Likewise, data findings were showed that thevegetable growersfacedtechnological, resource, market and miscellaneous constraints. Among technological constraints, lack of knowledge about improved varieties, seed rate including sowing time were prominent. Similarly,regarding resource constraints, high costs of pesticides were more dominant. Furthermore, in case of market constraints, non- remunerative price and poor marketing facilities results, high risk which wasdominant. And last one is miscellaneous constraint, non-availability of labour during peak season and high wages. Therefore, numerous field level constraints faced by the vegetable growers had been recognized as well as categorized into the circumstances for training needs.