Agricultural Efficiency Research Articles

Fine-scale characterization of irrigated and rainfed croplands at national scale using multi-source data, random forest, and deep learning algorithms

Knowledge of the extent and distribution of irrigated and rainfed croplands is critical in providing the necessary baseline data for enhancing agricultural efficiency and making informed policy decisions. Accurately identifying and mapping irrigated and rainfed croplands can hasten the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 and 2, aimed at reducing poverty and hunger, respectively. However, traditional methods employed to identify and map cropland areas are expensive and require substantial labour, particularly in extensive environments. As a result, this study presents a comprehensive and spatially explicit methodological framework for identifying and mapping national-scale irrigated and rainfed croplands in South Africa. This framework leverages low-cost earth observation technologies (Sentinel-2 MSI) and employs highly accurate classification algorithms, namely Deep Learning Neural Network (DNN) and Random Forest (RF). The proposed methodology strategically integrates data from multiple sources, including public repositories (e.g., cropland data, evapotranspiration), ongoing research (e.g., land cover maps), and field data, to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the results. The methodology begins by employing a robust random forest model to classify the study area into distinct land cover types. Leveraging the power of a deep learning neural network (DNN), the method accurately distinguishes between irrigated and rainfed croplands in South Africa. The random forest model achieved a notable classification accuracy of 0.77 when identifying the main land-use and land cover types. Meanwhile, the deep learning neural network (DNN) model achieved an accuracy of 0.71 in differentiating rainfed and irrigated croplands at a national scale. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in providing baseline information relevant to crop monitoring, yield forecasting, and understanding agricultural food supply systems. Furthermore, the proposed methodology has the potential to offer timely and accurate information on cropland areas and their extent which could assist in implementing targeted interventions for optimising agricultural productivity. With its potential to be upscaled to other sub-Saharan countries, this methodology enriches agricultural decision-making and plays a vital role in bolstering food security and advancing the attainment of SDGs.

Technical Efficiency of Irrigated and Rain-fed Rice Farms in North Sumatra, Indonesia

The present paper compares the efficiency of irrigated and rain-fed farming in North Sumatra using a household farm survey for the 2022 growing season. The authors use the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model, mean difference test, and Tobit regression. Empirical results reveal that irrigated farming is more efficient than rain-fed based on CRS and SE assumptions. However, access to irrigation was found to harm rice farming efficiency. Unequal distribution of water, scarcity of water during the growth period, and excess water during the harvest cause a decrease in the efficiency of irrigated farming. The age of the head of household, education, and access to credit was also found to harm technical efficiency. In contrast, the experience variable in participating in farmer groups because it has a positive impact on the efficiency of rice farming. The results provide valuable insights for transforming water management and strengthening the need for investment in irrigation infrastructure as a poverty alleviation mechanism and means to achieve rice farming sustainability in North Sumatra.

Optimizing Nursery Trays for Minimizing Seedlings per Pick of Transplanter in SRI

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) revolutionizes rice cultivation through innovative practices. It is a methodology that enhances rice yields by optimizing plant growth and resource utilization. This study, conducted in 2023 at TNAU, Coimbatore, India, focuses on the optimization of nursery tray configurations for enhanced seedlings per pick during rice transplantation, contributing to more efficient SRI cultivation. The selection of nursery trays plays a crucial role in determining seedling distribution, impacting crop yield and agricultural efficiency. Through the manipulation of seed density, depth of filling, and tray configuration, the research aims to improve the seedlings' per-pick outcome during mechanized transplantation. The investigation involves 12 tray combinations with varying seed density (40 gm, 60 gm, 80 gm, and 100 gm) and depth of fillings with different heights in tray (15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm). Seedling growth parameters are meticulously assessed, including shoot length and root length to evaluate tray efficacy. The study also analyzes transplanter compatibility and the influence of seed density and depth of filling on seedling growth. Results highlight the tray configuration with an 80 gm seed density and 25 mm soil height as optimal, offering 1-3 seedlings per pick and minimal missing hills less than 1%. The endeavor to minimize picks per hill through precise tray combinations represents a crucial step in addressing the challenges of modern agriculture and shaping a more sustainable and productive future.

Micro Nutrient Management for Enhanced Growth, Yield, and Quality of Mango: A Comprehensive Review

This review paper delves into the intricate interrelationships among micronutrient interventions, carbohydrates, and osmostimulants, investigating their collective influence on diverse aspects of mango tree growth and fruit characteristics. Micronutrients, essential elements required in small quantities for plant health, play a pivotal role in shaping optimal plant development. The paper underscores the significance of these micronutrients by highlighting their roles in stimulating vegetative growth, influencing flowering dynamics, regulating fruit set processes, impacting yield metrics, and contributing to the nuanced attributes of fruit quality. This synthesis illuminates the complex network of processes governing mango tree growth and fruit production. Moreover, the study underscores the potential of well-structured nutrient management strategies as key catalysts for optimizing mango production outcomes. By carefully balancing the imperative of yield quantity and fruit quality, such strategies hold the promise of enhancing overall agricultural efficiency. Drawing insights from a comprehensive review of pertinent studies, this research paper contributes to a holistic comprehension of the intricate interactions involving micronutrients, carbohydrates, and osmostimulants, intricately connected with the diverse growth and fruit parameters within mango trees. Through this endeavor, the paper provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay of micronutrients within mango cultivation, offering a knowledge foundation for informed agricultural practices geared towards sustainable and high-quality fruit production. The paramount importance of micronutrients in fostering robust crop health and productivity underscores the broader implications of these findings for contemporary agricultural methodologies.

Some Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Technical Efficiency—The Example of European Union Agriculture

The main objective of this article is to better understand the category of technical efficiency of agriculture. To achieve this goal, empirical research was carried out, the subject of which was to estimate the average technical efficiency of agriculture in the European Union in the years 2004–2020. The technical efficiency of agriculture was estimated using the Data Envelopment Analysis method–Cooper Rhodes Input Oriented model. In order to estimate the level of technical efficiency, the value of Total output was adopted as the output, and the following inputs were adopted: Total Utilized Agricultural Area, Fertilizers, Plant protection products, Total livestock units, Feed for grazing animals, Labor inputs, Machinery and equipment, and Gross expenditure on fixed assets. The conclusions from the literature review indicate that technical efficiency is the main determinant of economic efficiency. The conclusions from empirical research have shown that agriculture in the European Union is characterized by a high level of technical efficiency for 2004–2020, TE = 90.24%. Moreover, the technical efficiency of farms was checked according to classes of economic size. The obtained results only partially confirm that the increase in the economic size of a farm increases its technical efficiency, because the highest level of technical efficiency is characteristic of farms that belong to the classes very small and very large.

The effect of social economy-water resources-water environment coupling system on water consumption and pollution emission based on input-output analysis in Changchun city, China

With the rapid development of social economy, water resources consumed excessively and water pollution emissions increased. However, few studies have considered the feedback of water resources and water environment on social economy. In this study, a social economy-water resources-water environment coupling system was constructed by multiple regression model and system dynamic model. Five scenarios were set to investigate the relationship among industrial restructuring, pollution treatment and water conservation in Changchun city, China. Based on input-output model, this study analyzed the effect of the coupling system on the economic efficiency of sectoral water consumption and pollution emission. The driving factors were identified and the contributions were quantified using structural decomposition analysis model. The results showed that pollution treatment and water conservation promoted economic development and increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 36.76%. The comprehensive effect of industrial restructuring, pollution treatment and water conservation was better than single measures, which made the GDP increment (44.39%), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) reduction (34.11%), Ammonia Nitrogen (NH3–N) reduction (52.50%) and total water consumption increment (7.56%) largest. Meanwhile, the comprehensive effect improved the water consumption efficiency of agriculture and service industries, reduced indirect water consumption in industrial sectors, and improved the economic benefits of pollution emissions in all sectors. The industrial restructuring further increased the contribution of population to COD emissions and the contribution of emission intensity to NH3–N emissions. Under the condition of comprehensive effect, the final demand level was the main factor for the increase of COD and NH3–N, contributing 36998.80 t and 821.07 t, respectively. Therefore, the government should pay attention to saving water resources and protecting water environment while developing social economy. The study quantified the coupling relationship between social economy, water resources and water environment, and provided guidance for water resources management in sectors.

Modelling technical efficiency of horticulture farming in Kosovo: An application of data envelopment analysis

With a view to integration into the European Union, the efficiency and competitiveness of the Kosovo’ different sectors (including agriculture) must be improved. This paper assesses the technical efficiency (TE) of horticultural farms through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) applying output orientation. It was founded that the TE of these farms is positively affected by their size, with large-size farms presenting overall higher technical efficiency. The research findings indicate that the degree of agricultural education does not have a significant impact on TE, whereas public assistance through subsidies and grants has a substantial and negative impact on TE, as confirmed by statistical analysis.

Efficiency of cassava farming with an input-output analysis approach in the Wonogiri Regency, Indonesia

Wonogiri Regency was the area with the highest cassava production in Central Java in 2021, but the level of productivity is lower than the national productivity. The level of productivity is related to the inefficiency of inputs. The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficiency of cassava farming through the relationship between the inputs and outputs of cassava and socioeconomic factor which affects the efficiency. The basic method of the research is descriptive and quantitative, with primary data from 105 cassava farmers. Input-output analysis of the efficiency level use approach of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and analysis of socioeconomic factors affecting the efficiency level with Tobit’s regression. The input-output analysis with DEA results showed that 32% of cassava farmers in Wonogiri were already technically efficient, with an average value of 0.855. Increasing productivity through efficiency can be done by reducing the use of slack inputs, especially in the seed, organic fertilizer, and urea fertilizer. The Tobit regression results showed that farmers’ experience, education, and participation in the farmers’ group positively affected cassava’s efficiency in the Wonogiri Regency. The study’s implication is to increase farmer groups’ role in providing information on the efficient use of inputs needed to increase cassava productivity.

The Role of Information Technology in Improving Resource Management Efficiency in Sustainable Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the key sectors in the global economy that plays a key role in feeding the world's growing population. However, the agricultural sector is also faced with serious challenges, including climate change, environmental degradation, increasing demand for food, and pressure on natural resources. This research aims to analyse the role of IT in improving resource management efficiency in sustainable agriculture. This research is a literature review that adopts a qualitative method approach, which means it will analyse and interpret data by relying on information and text from various sources. The study results show that the role of information technology in improving resource management efficiency in sustainable agriculture cannot be ignored. Information technology enables farmers to better manage natural resources, optimise agricultural production, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and face challenges associated with climate change and global markets.

Efficiency Analysis of Aromatic Ginger Farming (Kaempferia galangal L.) in Kudus Regency, Indonesia

Farm efficiency were influenced by the use of inputs as well as production factors to manage a farm. The study aimed were to analyze technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of Aromatic Ginger Farming (Kaempferia galangal L.) in Kudus Regency. Survey was used in this research. The research location was chosen purposively, based on biggest production in Kudus Regency, namely Dawe District and Jekulo District. Determination of respondents was using quota sampling, with 180 respondents. Data was analysed using analysis of technical, allocative, and economic efficiency. The results illustrate that Aromatic Ginger farming was technically efficient with an average technical efficiency value of 0.9962. The production elasticity value of 0.979 means that the production scale was in a reasonable condition.

Impact of credit access on farm performance: Does source of credit matter?

Access to credit is crucial to improve farm performance as it allows farmers to procure inputs and technology. However, on the empirical front, evidence of the impact of agricultural credit access remains scanty. This study examines how access to credit from formal and informal sources influences the productivity and technical efficiency of maize farming in ten major maize-producing provinces in Indonesia. Secondary Food Crops Survey data by Statistics Indonesia were employed and analyzed using a quasi-experimental approach, i.e., the propensity score matching (PSM). The estimation shows that agricultural credit access improves farm performance. In fact, the ability to obtain credit from institutions increased productivity and technical efficiency more effectively than from informal sources. This study suggests that agricultural credit access remains relevant in Indonesia and needs to be improved continuously.

Assessing the Impact of Digital Transformation on the Indian Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

The Indian banking sector faces several challenges, particularly as the digital shift transforms corporate competitiveness and the global economy increasingly relies on digital platforms. This trend underscores the necessity for both public and private sectors to continually innovate and adapt to remain competitive in the internet age. To fully harness India's potential for digital transformation, it is crucial to recognize the diverse applications and benefits of digital technology across various industries and to develop strategic policies accordingly. The report highlights the disruptive impact of Industry 4.0 on Indian SMMEs by examining these key areas: IIoT, Cloud Computing, Digital Simulation, CPS, Autonomous Robots, Big Data Analytics, Additive Manufacturing, and Augmented Reality. Digitization has promoted leaner processes, sustainability, new employment opportunities, skill development, and more efficient farming practices. India aims to become a knowledge economy and digitally empowered society through the Digital India program. Achieving equitable growth necessitates bridging the digital divide. The primary factors driving change include government support, legislation, the business environment, human resources, infrastructure, innovation, technological advancements, cybersecurity, and digital awareness.

Econometric analysis of profit efficiency of broiler farms in Ondo state, Nigeria

Researchers have recently focused their attention on the chicken producers' inability to produce in sufficient quantities and quality, which contributes to the high price of locally produced chickens. The study investigated the profit efficiency of broiler farms in Ondo state, Nigeria. In order to collect cross-sectional data from sixty owners of broiler poultry farms in the study area between October 2021 and January 2022 for the 2021 production year, a multistage survey technique was used. The data were an-alyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and Cobb-Douglas stochastic profit frontier model. Average stock size and mortality rate of farmers were 1826 birds and 3.3% respectively while Ross strain of birds was most preferred birds. The result indicated that broiler farming is a lucrative busi-ness with a profitability index of 45.5 %. The results reveal that the cost of feed, cost of labour used and day-old chicks were the variables that significantly explained the profit efficiency of broiler poul-try farms while household size, years of experience and other income source were the profit inefficien-cy variables. The study recommends government supports to broiler farms in form of input subsidies to enhance efficiency

A Study of Traceability and Transparency of Organic Farming in Agra District

Abstract: The research's goal is to examine traceability and transparency practices within the organic farming sector in Agra District. As consumer demand for information on food origin and production grows, these factors become increasingly important in the organic farming industry. The investigation delves into the adherence of Agra District farmers to traceability standards and transparency measures, exploring how these practices influence consumer trust in organic products. The study will employ surveys, interviews, and on-site observations to assess the current state of traceability and transparency in organic farming practices in the region. This study aims to explore and investigate the potential of integrating technologies to enhance resource efficiency, traceability, and transparency in organic farming within the Agra district. This, in turn, will promote more sustainable and effective agricultural practices. The rising global demand for organic goods is driven by a heightened awareness of environmental sustainability and health considerations. Organic agriculture, with its emphasis on natural and eco-friendly methods, has gained popularity as an alternative to conventional farming. However, ensuring traceability and transparency throughout the organic supply chain remains a challenge. The objective of this study is to examine and explore the possibility of using technology integration to enhance resource efficiency, traceability, and transparency in organic farming practices within the Agra district. This research has four main goals. Firstly, it aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable resource management in organic farming. Secondly, it seeks to enhance traceability and transparency throughout the organic agriculture supply chain. Thirdly, the research endeavors to disseminate knowledge and foster innovative practices in organic agriculture. Finally, the study will assess the potential advantages of integrating technologies into organic farming methods.

Fuzzy K-Means and Principal Component Analysis for Classifying Soil Properties for Efficient Farm Management and Maintaining Soil Health

Soil health indicators can guide soil management-related decisions for sustainable agriculture. Principle component (PC) analysis and the fuzzy k-means technique, also known as continuous classification, are useful for designing site-specific management strategies for varying soil properties within a contiguous area. The objective of this study was to identify appropriate soil health indicators as well as to create contiguous areas for precision management of a large diverse farm from measured soil properties. From the farm, which is sited on Armijo–Harkey soil, 286 loose and intact samples were obtained, representing a depth of 15 cm from the soil surface. Statistical analysis showed that several data were log-normally distributed. PCA analysis showed that the first three PCs explained 73% of the variation with PC1, consisting of factors related to the soil’s physical condition; PC2, containing factors related to chemical properties; and PC3, including factors related to macro- and micro-porosities. Minimizing the fuzziness performance index (FPI) and modified partition entropy (MPE) delineated four management classes. The membership class maps showed that the contrasting management strategies could be developed for the four management zones to achieve yield goals while conserving scarce surface water for irrigation, increasing water use efficiency, and decreasing nitrate leaching in arid and semi-arid irrigated farmlands.

Evaluation of Bacillus spp. as Potent Probiotics with Reduction in AHPND-Related Mortality and Facilitating Growth Performance of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Farms.

Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a serious bacterial disease affecting shrimp aquaculture worldwide. In this study, natural microbes were used in disease prevention and control. Probiotics derived from Bacillus spp. were isolated from the stomachs of AHPND-surviving Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (22 isolates) and mangrove forest soil near the shrimp farms (10 isolates). Bacillus spp. were genetically identified and characterized based on the availability of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-related genes. The phenotypic characterization of all Bacillus spp. was determined based on their capability to inhibit AHPND-causing strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VPAHPND). The results showed that Bacillus spp. without AMP-related genes were incapable of inhibiting VPAHPND in vitro, while other Bacillus spp. harboring at least two AMP-related genes exhibited diverse inhibition activities. Interestingly, K3 [B. subtilis (srfAA+ and bacA+)], isolated from shrimp, exerted remarkable inhibition against VPAHPND (80% survival) in Pacific white shrimp and maintained a reduction in shrimp mortality within different ranges of salinity (75-95% survival). Moreover, with different strains of VPAHPND, B. subtilis (K3) showed outstanding protection, and the survival rate of shrimp remained stable among the tested groups (80-95% survival). Thus, B. subtilis (K3) was further used to determine its efficiency in shrimp farms in different locations of Vietnam. Lower disease occurrences (2 ponds out of 30 ponds) and greater production efficiency were noticeable in the B. subtilis (K3)-treated farms. Taking the results of this study together, the heat-shock isolation and genotypic-phenotypic characterization of Bacillus spp. enable the selection of probiotics that control AHPND in Pacific white shrimp. Consequently, greater disease prevention and growth performance were affirmed to be beneficial in the use of these probiotics in shrimp cultivation, which will sustain shrimp aquaculture and be environmentally friendly.

RETURN ON EQUITY IN POLISH DAIRY FARMS DIFFERENTIATED BY SCALE OF PRODUCTION FROM 2005 TO 2020

The main aim of the article is to present changes in the return on equity as one of the main financial indicators determining the economic rationality of dairy farms. The subject of analysis was Polish farms specialised in milk production, differentiated by economic size, separated within the FADN system in the years 2005-2020. Du Pont analysis was applied to assess changes in the economic efficiency of dairy farms. The research shows that the return on equity in Polish dairy farms was higher in the years 2005-2007 than in the years 2008-2020. There was also a close correlation in the return on equity, irrespective of the economic size of Polish dairy farms, with the situation on the world milk market. The widely accepted fact among agricultural economists that an important determinant of the return on equity on dairy farms is the scale of milk production was confirmed. Farms in the group characterised by the largest economic size (from 100 to 500 thousand euro) in 2009-2020 were characterised by the highest return on equity. In 2020, this indicator in this group was 2.4 times higher than in the group of farms with an economic size of between 8 and 25 thousand euro.

Integration of renewable energy resources into the water-energy-food nexus–Modeling a demand side management approach and application to a microgrid farm in Morocco

This paper introduces a framework aimed at analyzing the water-energy-food nexus (WEF) within the context of sustainable farming practices utilizing renewable energy sources, specifically Solar PV, to optimize water management efficiency. The focus lies on investigating the interplay between the water-energy-food nexus and both technical and institutional factors. The study particularly delves into the utilization of distributed energy systems and microgrids for electricity distribution. To achieve the objectives outlined, the framework is applied to a case study involving an off-grid farm in Morocco, aligned with the country's “Green Morocco Plan” of 2008. The study employs the AnyMOD open-source modeling framework in combination with the publicly available decision support tool CropWat (Version 8.0). Through this coupling, a linear optimization model is created to assess various irrigation practices, thus evaluating the energy and water supply variations across different crop growth stages. By employing scenario analysis, the study reveals that the integration of a smart microgrid alongside storage technologies proves beneficial in terms of reducing overall system costs. This integration presents cost-effective solutions and enables the establishment of a sustainable energy supply driven by renewable energy resources. Furthermore, the investigation highlights that constraining irrigation to specific hours of the day results in increased storage requirements and higher associated costs. In conclusion, the study underscores that enhancing the water-energy-food nexus through the integration of a renewable-based microgrid is a complex task. However, it significantly contributes to the development of sustainable farming solutions. This research sheds light on the challenges and opportunities associated with aligning renewable energy, water management, and agricultural practices, ultimately facilitating the pursuit of environmentally conscious and efficient farming methodologies.

Analyzing The Cost of Paddy Rice Labor in Indonesia: A Case Study in Ten Tons Syngenta Project

Rice is a commodity strategy and a basic food for nearly all Indonesian households. The purpose of this study is to describe the labor utilization and costs associated with all farming activities, as well as the income and efficiency of lowland rice farming. The study took place in the Ten Tons Syngenta area, specifically in Glanggang Village, Beji District, Pasuruan Regency, East Java. The study took place between August and September 2022. The sample was determined using a 20% random sampling technique, which in the collection of 22 samples of farmers. The research data were derived from primary sources and were gathered through direct interviews with farmers. The results indicated that labor costs is so high in land preparation and planting (53.50 percent) dominated work in lowland rice farming, followed by harvesting (17.37 percent), weeding (14.74 percent), fertilizing (8.92 percent), and spraying (5.4 percent ). Lowland rice farmers earn Rp. 5,381,567 per hectare and have an R/C ratio of 1.35. The application of advanced technology, particularly in land preparation and planting, is critical for increasing the income and efficiency of lowland rice farming in the Syngenta ten-ton area in order to support rice self-sufficiency in the run-up to Indonesia's 100th anniversary of independence in 2045.

Growth of aridity and development of integrated land reclamation in the Republic of Tatarstan

Subject. The article addresses problems of organization of efficient and stable agricultural production in conditions of climate aridity in the Volga region. Objectives. The aim is to review the current state of the land reclamation industry in the Republic of Tatarstan, to elaborate recommendations for its further development. Methods. The study employs methods of comparison, systematization, and generalization of data. Results. We investigated the dynamics of agrometeorological data for 2006–2020 in the Republic of Tatarstan and revealed a trend towards an increase in climate aridity in the Volga region. The assessment of economic efficiency of irrigated agriculture enabled to state that potato yield increases by four times due to irrigation. Watering perennial crops helps provide the livestock industry with a reliable feed base. Conclusions. Despite the high economic efficiency of agricultural land reclamation, the number of agricultural producers introducing it into production activities remains low due to the high cost of restoration, construction and operation of land reclamation facilities, scarce technical and financial resources at agricultural enterprises.