Crop Production Sector Research Articles

Effect of Partial Root Drying Stress on Improvement in Tomato Production

Several countries around the world are facing the issue of freshwater availability, where agriculture is highly dependent on irrigation, consuming 70% of this vital resource. Water availability is the most limiting factor for the crop production sector and one of the main regulators of the spatial distribution of plants. It is noted that in recent years, the methods of irrigation water application have been improved. Currently, research is directed towards irrigation strategies that reduce water applications. A partial root drying (PRD) technique involves irrigating one-half of the root zone while leaving the other half in relatively dry soil. This method is used in the production of various crops, such as potatoes and cotton. However, the mechanism of PRD, including the physiological and molecular biological processes involved, is not fully understood. In this study, tomato plants were treated with PRD and nitrogen (N) top-dressing. The results showed that PRD could significantly increase the fruit yield, photosynthetic activities, nitrate reductase activity, and fruit quality in the tomato plants, and PRD could also promote the concentrations of oxygen species (O2−), malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, PRD could enhance stress resistance by increasing disease resistance and NP1 and DRED3 antioxidant enzyme activity. Tomato plants treated with PRD compared to the control showed high photosynthetic activity, high yield, better quality of production, and low leaf blight incidence. Overall, the results indicate that PRD is a feasible approach that could be effectively utilized in tomato fields to improve plant growth and production compared with the control.

Hyperspectral crop image classification via ensemble of classification model with optimal training

Agriculture is a significant source of income, and categorizing the crop has turned into vital factor that aids more in the crop production sector. Traditionally, crop development stage determination is done manually by eye inspection. However, producing high-quality crop type maps using modern approaches remains difficult. In this paper, the hyperspectral crop image classification model is proposed that includes four stages, they are (a) preprocessing, (b) segmentation, (c) feature extraction and (d) classification. In the preprocessing step, the hyperspectral image is provided as input, where the filtering process will carried out using median filtering. The filtered image is then used as the segmentation’s input. The image is segmented in the segmentation step using the enhanced entropy-based fuzzy c-means technique. Subsequently, spectral spatial features and vegetation index-based features are derived from segmented images. The final step is the classification, where the ensemble of classification model will be used that includes models like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Deep Maxout (DMO), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (Bi-GRU), respectively. The proposed Self Improved Tasmanian devil Optimization (SI-TDO) approach has optimally adjusted the Bi-GRU model’s training weights to enhance ensemble classification performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed SI-TDO method compared to the traditional algorithm is examined for several metrics. The SI-TDO obtained the greatest accuracy of 94.68% in training rate 80, while other existing models have the lowest ratings.

Agricultural Sector of Ulyanovsk Region (1966-1970): A Focus on Crop Production

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the modernization processes in the crop production sector of the Ulyanovsk region during the Eighth Five-Year Plan. The research draws on unpublished documents sourced from the State Archive of the Ulyanovsk Region and the State Archive of Contemporary History of the Ulyanovsk Region, a significant portion of which is introduced into scholarly discourse for the first time, alongside statistical materials and periodicals. The study examines the efforts of party organs and farm leadership aimed at intensifying the development of crop production. It addresses the authorities’ personnel policies regarding the expansion of vocational and technical education institutions, the organization of training courses for specialists in mass professions, and the enhancement of their qualifications to meet agricultural needs. The dynamics of crop production development from 1966 to 1970 are analyzed, evaluating the achievements of regional farms in producing key agricultural products. The author concludes that, despite facing problematic farms and a slight reduction in areas allocated for grain crops, the authorities in the Ulyanovsk region managed not only to meet but also to exceed the planned targets for yield, total harvest, and state procurement volumes of primary crop products during this period.

Yields, nutrient-use efficiencies and production economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by foliar nano urea

The nano fertilizers are becoming popular in crop production sector due to their higher nutrient use efficiency and also enhance the productivity and quality while requiring less input and being environmentally safe. In order to assess the effect of foliar application of nano urea on growth and yield performances of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and to evaluate nitrogen-use efficiency under integrated use of nano urea, this study was undertaken during the rabi seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized block design (RBD) having 13 treatments consisting of foliar application of water, nano urea (once at tillering and twice at tillering and jointing) and 5% urea in combination with each of 50,75 and 100% of recommended nitrogen doses (RDN) along with a control (without N), and each treatment was replicated thrice. It was observed that foliar application of nano urea (0.4%) twice at tillering and jointing stages with 100% (RDN 5,759 kg/ha) was statistically at par with 100% RDN + 5% foliar spray of urea twice at tillering and jointing stage (5,985 kg/ha) in terms of grain yield, the latter being the highest yielder. Foliar application of either urea or nano urea by curtailing 25-50% RDN did not brought about superior growth and yield performances. Under each level of RDN (100%, 75% and 50%), foliar application of 5% urea was a bit superior to nano urea, though the difference was not statistically significant. However, nano urea reflected higher nitrogen-use efficiency under all levels RDN; partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) and agronomic nitrogen-use efficiency (ANUE) values be- ing the highest under 50% RDN along with two spraying of nano urea (56.76 and 24.50 kg grain/kg N). The treat- ment comprising 100% RDN+ 5% spray of urea at tillering and jointing stages resulted in the highest net return (69608 `/ha) and B: C ratio (2.58), closely followed by the treatment comprising nano urea application twice (gross return, net return and B: C ratio of 109,426 `/ha, 63,748 `/ha and 2.40, respectively) with 100% RDN, being statis- tically at par with each other. It can be concluded from this two-year trial that only foliar application of nano urea by curtailing soil nitrogen application to 25-50% resulted in reduced yield performances of wheat; nano urea had pro- motive effects on yields when it was applied along with 100% RDN.

Effects Of Rural Agriprenuership Investment On Income Generation And Poverty Reduction In Southeast, Nigeria

The study assessed the effects of rural agriprenuership investment as nexus for poverty reduction and income generation in southeast Nigeria using 200 respondents selected through random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire administered in the form of interview schedule. Data collected were analyse using descriptive statistics such as frequencies percentages, and multiple regression. Results indicated that agriprenuership investors were mainly male (63%) investors with average age of 41years and were married with average household size of 6 persons. Furthermore, the agriprenuers investors’ had 10 years average experience in agriprenuership investment that earned average annual household income of N676,176.00, and were members of co-operative societies. Result also showed that the income distribution of female agriprenuerial households was at high inequality as seen in the convex nature of the Lorenz curve to the line of equality. Results also showed that the income distribution of male agriprenuers where evenly distributed as it was almost parallel to the line of equality. Result further showed agricultural enterprises accounted for 72% changes in income generation of agriprenuers as evident from the R2 of 0.72 that income from livestock production (3.390), crop production (2.710) and processing sector (1.301) were positive and significantly related to the income generation. Similarly, agricultural enterprises accounted for 84% changes in poverty reduction as production (1.674) and processing sector (3.688) were positive and significantly related to poverty reduction. From the finding, it was concluded that rural agripreneurship investment had positively and significantly influenced agriprenuers income generation and poverty reduction in Southeast, Nigeria. The study recommended for the creation of environment that favours investment in the rural areas especially in linking rural areas with microfinance

Проблемы современного состояния сельского хозяйства Пермского края

The modern world food market is showing stable trends due to increasing demand for agricultural products. The article examines the state of agriculture in the Perm region, analyzes the structure of the livestock complex, the dynamics of sown areas and agricultural products in the context of livestock and crop production sectors.

Innovation and investment activities in crop production in Kazakhstan based on the example of grain industry: modern approaches

Innovative and investment development of agro-industrial complex, based on modernization of technical equipment, introduction of digital technologies, and increase in investment flow, helps to increase labor productivity and create competitive products, which determined the relevance of the study. The goal is theoretical and methodological substantiation and development of practical recommendations for stimulating innovation and investment activity in crop production sector of the republic based on the example of grain subcomplex. Methods – study of statistical, economic information, systematic approach to identifying general trends and effects, graphical representation. Results – lack of modern agricultural machinery, insufficient level of modernization of rural infrastructure and access to the market, low degree of renewal of fixed assets of enterprises, wear and tear of machinery and equipment, limited influx of investments due to seasonality and high risks for investors have become the main obstacle to sustainable growth of the main indicators of this sector of economy. The authors conducted correlation analysis of the dynamics of investment in crop production and gross production, which was confirmed by strong positive relationship. Conclusions – by summarizing, the authors recommend increase investment capital in the use of environmental and green technologies, implementing training and consulting programs for farmers on advanced technologies and innovations in crop production farms, leasing financing, and partnerships with research institutes for the exchange of knowledge and experience. Joint research and experiments should become the main tools of state regulation of innovation and investment activities in agriculture in order to ensure the country's food security. Investments and innovations should be considered as a single system, on the successful functioning of which the economic recovery and stabilization of agricultural production depend.

STATE SUPPORT AS A FACTOR OF REGULATION OF THE DOMESTIC MARKET OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY IN UKRAINE

The article analyzes the state of agriculture provision with agricultural machinery and it is clarified that despite the extremely important importance of this branch for the country's economy, today there is a critical situation with the technical provision of the agro-industrial complex. Agricultural enterprises not included in the structure of agricultural holdings provide only 45 to 58 percent of the technological need to machinery, of which almost 90 percent of the units need replacement. The number of worn-out equipment, which each year is written off by enterprises, far exceeds the amount that is procured. The article also analyzes the state of state support of material and technical support of agricultural commodity producers in Ukraine. It has been determined that agrarian policy during the transformation period was characterized mainly by the predominance of tactical rather than strategic goals and programs, and the regulatory activity of the state was not systematic and consistent. Taking into account the above, it was concluded that the problem of increasing the effectiveness of the state influence on the development of the agrarian sector as a whole, and on material and technical support of the crop production sector in particular, is particularly relevant to Ukraine. It is concluded that the state policy in the direction of funding activities aimed at their support is not weighed, formed on the residual principle and can not fully contribute to the accomplishment of the tasks. A number of measures have been proposed for correction of the negative situation, which consist in the necessity of: streamlining of normative acts regulating the financing of programs; increase their funding; strengthening control over the implementation of public funding programs; redistribution of funding directions. An analysis of state support programs for agricultural enterprises makes it possible to conclude that their implementation does not have the desired effect due to: lack of funding by the state; unbalanced fiscal and customs policies, lack of incentives to increase scientific research and accelerate the implementation of their results in agricultural machinery; the general crisis of the country's economy since 2014, connected with the loss of territories, military actions in the east of Ukraine, inflationary processes and the political crisis. Keywords: state support, technology market, efficiency, technical and technological updating, material and technical base, financing

CONTENT OF HEAVY METALS IN THE PHYTOMASS OF THE NATURAL MEADOWECOSYSTEMS OF VINNYTSIA REGION UNDER GENERAL BACKGROUND POLLUTION AND AS A RESULT OF ANTHROPOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF LAND

Meadows as plant ecosystems of the Forest-Steppe zone are secondary in origin. They were formed on the site of indigenous (primary) vegetation types – forest or marsh ecosystems – after being transformed by humans to meet the needs of agriculture or livestock. In ancient times, the areas that are now occupied by meadows were mostly covered by forests or swamps. With population growth and livestock development, these forests were cut down, swamps drained, and the land was used for agricultural production as pastures and hayfields. Meadows on the plains of former forest or marsh ecosystems are unstable dynamic phytocoenoses in different stages of succession. Therefore, dominant species' botanical composition and projective cover change rapidly, requiring constant human intervention to maintain their high productivity. Following the principles of sustainable development, one of the most urgent tasks is to provide the population with a sufficient amount of high-quality and safe food of both plant and animal origin. It is known that the quality and safety of food products are directly dependent on the environmental conditions of food raw material production. Vegetation of natural fodder lands is an important element of livestock production, which is characterized by low cost compared to cultivated lands. However, in some areas, natural fodder lands undergo a strong anthropogenic load in technogenesis, leading to soil contamination with various toxicants, particularly heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu. The main sources of pollution of natural fodder lands are industry, motor vehicles, chemicalisation of the crop production sector, and others. Under such conditions, the use of phytocoenoses as feedstock for both domestic and wild animals increases the risk of heavy metals entering their bodies, which threatens the production of safe and high-quality products, and contaminated soils may be withdrawn from agricultural use. The study aimed to determine the levels of accumulation of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cu in the ecosystems of natural fodderlands under different anthropogenic loads in the conditions of Eastern Podillia in Vinnytsia region.

The BCPC Congress 2023

The 2023 British Crop Production Council (BCPC) Congress was held at the Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate, UK from 7–8 November and was entitled "Shaping the future of crop protection". On the evening before the main Congress, Sarah Cowlrick (Association of Independent Crop Consultants) and Hazel Doonan (Agricultural Industries Confederation) were presented with the BCPC Award for their outstanding contributions to the crop production sector. In presenting the awards, BCPC Advisory Board Member Jim Orson commented "both recipients, in different organisations, are at the very centre of training and support for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) within the sector, carefully and brilliantly ensuring that farmers receive informed advice on managing their crops. Not only do they do that, but they also give of their time to support other industry initiatives."

Methodology of Establishing the Limit Sizes of Lot Lands for the Agricultural Use

This study aims to develop a methodology for determining and calculating the limit size of agricultural land plots that can be leased by individuals and legal entities of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The article substantiates agricultural production after the current long-term lease terms end. The basic condition is the formation of land use, in which there is a close dependence on conditions and factors of production, where land, material resources, and labor are in certain proportions and balanced. The main criteria for determining the limiting sizes of land are: land area, leased to a single entity should not exceed 1/3 of the area of farmland rural district specific administrative area, and the physical person no more than 15% of the area of agricultural enterprises of the same specialization. Emerging land uses should be subject to zonal specialization by natural and agricultural zoning; take into account the minimum thresholds for the area of crop rotation in the crop production sectors and the size of livestock in herds of different types of livestock by the breed composition in the livestock industry.

Environmental and Agro-Economic Sustainability of Olive Orchards Irrigated with Reclaimed Water under Deficit Irrigation

Increasing the economic and environmental sustainability of irrigated agriculture is a vital challenge for the Mediterranean crop production sector. This study explores the effects of the adoption of reclaimed water (RW) as source of irrigation in conjunction with the application of deficit irrigation strategies in an olive orchard (different genotypes) located within the “Valle dei Margi” farmhouse (Eastern Sicily). Specifically, the RW was obtained in situ by treating the wastewater coming from the farmhouse throughout a nature-based treatment wetland system (TW). The effects of RW on crop water status (CWS) was assessed by conducting plant-based measurements (i.e., leaf water potential, Ψ; and leaves’ relative water content, RWC) and determining satellite-based biophysical indicators. An economic and environmental evaluation of the proposed sustainable irrigation practices was carried out using the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The RW quality showed high variability due to fluctuations in the number of customers at the farmhouse during the COVID-19 pandemic period. A strong impact on the variation in Ψ was observed among the olive orchard under the different water regimes, evidencing how CWS performances are conditioned by the genotype. However, no differences in leaves’ RWC and in satellite-based biophysical indicators were detected. Finally, the results of the LCA analysis underlined how the use of RW may permit us to obtain important economic and environmental gains, representing an added value for olive growing for operating in accordance to more sustainable development models.

Accounting for and Comparison of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions between Crop and Livestock Sectors in China

The synergistic greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction of the crop production (CP) and livestock farming (LF) sectors is of great significance for food security and low-carbon development, especially for China, the world leader in agricultural production. In this paper, the GHG emissions from the CP and LF sectors are accounted for and compared, and the spatial econometric model is adopted for comparative study based on the panel data from 1997 to 2021. The results show that: (1) The total amount and intensity of GHG emissions from both sectors showed obvious spatial heterogeneity and spatial dependence, and the spatial distribution pattern was relatively stable. (2) The influence of each factor on the GHG intensity and spatial characteristics of CP and LF varies widely. For the CP sector, economic development (local effect −0.29, adjacent effect +1.13), increased urbanization rate (−0.24, +0.16), agricultural structure (−0.29, +0.05), and urban-rural disparity (−0.03, +0.17) all reduce the GHG intensity of local region, while increasing the GHG intensity of its adjacent areas, signifying leakage. The economic structure (+0.06, +0.16), agricultural finance support (+0.02, +0.26), mechanization level (+0.05, +0.03), and land occupancy rate (+0.54, +0.44) all play a role in increasing the GHG intensity of CP in the local region and its adjacent areas. The disaster degree (−0.03, −0.03) also reduced the GHG intensity of CP. For the LF sector, economic structure (+0.08, +0.11), urban-rural disparity (+0.11, +0.21), agricultural development level (+0.03, +0.50), and increased land occupancy rate (+0.05, +0.01) can improve the GHG intensity of the one region and adjacent areas. Economic development (+0.03, −0.15), urbanization rate (+0.04, −0.30), agricultural structure (+0.09, −0.03), and disaster degree (+0.02, −0.06) can increase the GHG intensity of the local region while reducing the GHG intensity of adjacent areas. Based on the results, under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutralization(dual-carbon) goals, this study first puts forward collaborative emission reduction measures for CP and LF, respectively, then further rises to sector synergy and regional synergy, and constructs the countermeasure system framework of collaborative emission reduction from three levels, to provide guidance and reference for the realization of dual goals of agricultural GHG reduction and food security.

Changes in the performance of the agricultural sector in Hungary due to the 2008 economic crisis and COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: The paper examines two of the most important sectors of agriculture, crop and livestock production, in a time series analysis. The authors analyzed the number of enterprises, the number of employees, labor costs, turnover, and balance sheet total, and also assessed the evolution of liquidity and profitability in the two sectors, broken down by size. Materials and methods: The results of livestock and crop production were examined separately for the period 2008-2020. The analysis was based on aggregated data from the National Tax and Customs Administration in Hungary. Enterprises with the NACE REV 0140 for animal husbandry and 0110 for crop production were studied. In the research time series analysis and, where possible, trend analysis were performed. Results: In the research, the following indicators were examined using time series analysis in both crop and livestock production: the number of companies, the number of employees, the net sales revenue, the composition of net sales, the development of the balance sheet total, cost structure, labor costs, the quick ratio of liquidity, and the ROA indicator. Conclusions: Agricultural enterprises are most affected by the downward trend during the period under review, with the exception that the animal husbandry sector started to decline earlier than the crop production sector.

Symbiotic and Asymmetric Causality of the Soil Tillage System and Biochar Application on Soil Carbon Sequestration and Crop Production

Agriculture faces a significant challenge in maintaining crop production to meet the calorie demand of the ever-growing population because of limited arable land and climate change. This enforces a search for alternative multifarious agricultural-based solutions to meet the calorie demand. In search of alternatives, agricultural soil management has been highlighted and is expected to contribute to climate change mitigation through soil carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through effective agricultural management practices. The addition of biochar to the soil significantly improves the soil nitrogen status, soil organic carbon, and phosphorus, with greater effects under the different tillage systems. This symbiosis association could further change the bacterial structure in the deeper soil layer which thus would be important to enhancing productivity, particularly in vertisols. Biochar also has an environmental risk and negative consequences. Heavy metals could be present in the final food products if we use contaminated raw materials to prepare biochar. However, there is a need to investigate biochar application under different climatic conditions, seasons, soil tillage systems, and crop types. These indicate that the positive effect of proper biochar fertilization on the physiology, yield formation, nutrient uptake, and soil health indicators substantiate the need to include biochar in the form of nutrients in the crop production sector, especially in light of the changing climate and soil tillage systems.

The Development of Community Enterprise Entrepreneurs in the Crop Production Sector for Entry into e-Commerce

The spread of coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID -19) in Thailand has led to a lack of liquidity and income for entrepreneurs, increasing the variety of distribution channels compared to store sales. This will be a solution for businesses that are struggling. The objectives of this research are to provide training and guidance to community enterprise groups, build a platform and collect product data from community enterprises in the research area, i.e. community enterprises in Chachoengsao Province. This research is participatory action-based with a group of entrepreneurs and 25 groups of community enterprises with three main processes: first, selection and training on e-commerce, second, development of electronic databases and marketing consultation to collect data from the website and consult experts. Finally, advertising and publicity in the online media to make consumers and the general public aware of the project in order to increase the sales and revenues of the community enterprise entrepreneurs. The results of the study indicate political and practical recommendations. To begin with, the government should provide financial support such as low-interest funds or loans as well as have clear, concrete, and continuity policies to support and promote community enterprises. In addition,community enterprises should raise awareness about the importance of real participation, manage big data, and form online trading will facilitate which can ensure sustainability.

Effects of Digitalization and Intangible Assets in the Crop Production Sector

In economic research, the introduction of digital innovations in agriculture is identified as a critical factor for changing business models in terms of creating economies of scale, improving productivity and efficiency within a single farm, and creating and capturing value in the agricultural sector. The present study attempts, on the one hand, to systematize the effects of digitalization processes in relation to the crop sector from available research. On the other hand, it analyses empirical data of crop farms through the lens of digital transformation. An econometric analysis was carried out, using data from enterprises from the crop growing sector that carry out costs related to innovation activities. The scope of the study covers a period of five years.

Management issues of cropping with sorghum in the production structure - a case study of Hungary

One of the goals of the developments is to improve the efficiency of the activity by making the currently used traditional production structure more flexible and by making the necessary changes to the technology in the case of farmers with large agricultural land, having necessary machinery and equipments required. Farms with larger arables land are able to offset the effects of changes affecting efficacy and profitability. The main sector of Hungarian agriculture is crop production, so performance is largely determined by the annual output of the crop production sector and the price development of crop products. In the course of our analytical work, we defined a farm of 2100 hectares, for which we examined crop production, crop machinery and economic aspects. From the enterprise data, farm level results compiled according to the crop structure were calculated. Sorghum is suitable for replacing corn in the crop rotation in areas with unfavorable conditions, so a stably growing crop can be added to the crop rotation of autumn ears of corn, rape, and sunflower, instead of corn. It does not hinder the machinery modernization efforts either, since the precision tools and developments already started in corn production can be used well, and it does not require a special equipment park. At the same time, in light of the increasingly frequent negative climatic effects, sorghum’s integration into the plant production structure is encouraging, because we have to count on 3-4 drought years in a decade. Based on our analysis, the inclusion of sorghum in the crop structure does not significantly reduce the available income, which is acceptable in the given economic environment. However, its stability can significantly contribute to improving the resilience of farming, especially in comparison with corn.
 JEL Code: Q12

Topical issues of public support for agricultural sector of Kazakhstan

Due to the specific features inherent in agriculture, public support is a prerequisite for the development of modern agro-industrial production and food market, and achievement of the country's food security. In the context of globalization of socio-economic processes, it is impossible to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of domestic agricultural sector without strengthening public financial assistance. Purpose – main directions of state regulation of agroindustrial complex are considered, which make it possible to stimulate the growth of labor productivity, ensure rational consumption rates, economic and physic al availability of food products, combination of imports and domestic production, and realize export potential. Methods – analytical, comparative analysis, generalization, logistical, systematic approach. Results – it is noted that the State is pursuing a systemic institutional policy. Taking into account international requirements, Kazakhstan is building a new system of financing AIC. Problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible are shown: low solvency of the population, significant difference in the level and quality of life of urban and rural residents, underdeveloped market infrastructure, shortage of qualified specialists in rural areas, the need to improve pricing mechanism, and low degree of investment activity. Conclusions – significant amount of allocated state funds are oriented to support crop and livestock production sectors, modernize agricultural machinery, use modern technologies in order to increase competitiveness of agricultural products in Kazakhstani and international markets. When implementing agricultural policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the experience and trends in development of agricultural production in developed countries, its profitability are taken into account.

Impact of Market Participation of Indigenous Crops on Household Food Security of Smallholder Farmers of South Africa.

Market participation by smallholder indigenous crop farmers holds significant potential for the alleviation of food insecurity and poverty amongst rural households. Smallholder farmers generally play a vital role in the production and marketing of indigenous crops in South Africa. However, smallholder farmers continue to remain among the food-insecure populations. This is more worrisome for indigenous crop farming households whose produce is far more limited in the market yet may contribute towards improving their food security status and livelihoods. This study analysed the impact of market participation of indigenous crops on the household food security of smallholder farmers in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. A sample size of 209 indigenous crop producers were selected from a population of 1520 smallholder farmers. The study adopted a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique. The data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative research and were analysed using descriptive analysis, Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and the Poisson regression model with the endogenous treatment model. The household size, marital status, household members living with HIV, and access to extension services were found to be positive and significant in determining household food security, whereas the disability of a household member was significant but negative. While the number of smallholder farmers involved in the production of indigenous crops is still limited, enhanced marketing of indigenous crops may improve the food security status of smallholder farmers. There is still a need for the government to channel its interventions towards the indigenous crop production sector, and this may include the provision of trained extension officers to assist smallholder farmers. Policymakers need to develop policies that support the production and marketing of indigenous crops. More awareness and promotion of indigenous crops are needed to encourage more smallholder farmers to adopt this farming practice. Further study of smallholder indigenous farmers across nine provinces of South Africa should be conducted to obtain deeper and broader insights into the role of these farmers on household food security.