Food Production Methods Research Articles

Cost-Effective Multispectral Sensor and Artificial Neural Networks for the Detection of Starch Adulteration in Raw Milk

This study aims to detect starch adulteration in dairy products utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) model. Globally, milk fraud represents a significant challenge to food safety, posing substantial health risks to consumers. In this context, spectral data derived from milk samples with varying starch concentrations were processed using feature scaling and normalization techniques. The ANN model was rigorously trained and validated employing the stratified k-fold cross-validation method, demonstrating exceptional proficiency in detecting starch-adulterated milk samples and effectively differentiating among various starch concentrations. The principal findings indicate that the model achieved 100% accuracy, coupled with high levels of precision, sensitivity, and F1-scores. Future research should explore the application of this model to different types of adulteration and extend its validation on larger datasets. Furthermore, the potential adaptability of this method for other food products and field applications warrants investigation. This study offers valuable insights for milk producers, food safety professionals, and consumers, particularly highlighting the implications for small-scale rural farms, thereby enriching the discourse on food safety within short food supply chains.

Sustainability requires the integration of farmer knowledge, scientific advancements, and comprehensive innovation.

This viewpoint paper emphasises the need to diversify food production methods to simultaneously combat hunger and reduce environmental problems. The recommendations of the UN Food System Summit 2021 relate primarily to (i) the conservation of natural ecosystems, (ii) the sustainable management of existing agricultural land while increasing productivity and (iii) the restoration of already degraded land. Europe in particular faces unique challenges, such as reducing pollution and promoting organic farming up to 25 percent of the agricultural land area while maintaining food production. Ongoing efforts aim to create a transparent, fair and multi-level regulatory framework to support the Green Deal. The implementation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which will sooner or later affect a larger proportion of European farmers, should support the transition. Science and innovation play a central role in this, as they are the cornerstones on which sustainable food systems are built. It is imperative that farmers actively participate in the co-design processes and utilise their wealth of experience and creativity to drive these innovations forward. A crucial aspect of the transition to sustainability is changing consumption patterns to limit food waste and reduce meat consumption. While this transition is essential, it is not without its formidable challenges. Diversification of agriculture, encompassing a spectrum of established techniques, is touted as a promising approach to achieving sustainability without sacrificing productivity. Furthermore, integrating truly sustainable agricultural practices with cutting-edge innovations, including new genomic techniques, has the potential to be a transformative solution.

Food provenance assurance and willingness to pay for blockchain data security: A case of Australian consumers

Blockchain technology has properties that improve supply chain transparency, traceability, and accountability, but how important are these security features to the consumer? This study investigates, consumers' willingness to choose and pay a premium for blockchain-certified food products. The major findings of this study are that consumers show positive receptiveness towards blockchain and disfavour unethical food production methods revealing sustainability consciousness guiding their consumption. We find that females place a greater value on food transparency and product labelling verification and are more willing to pay a premium. In addition, the results have important marketing implications according to our choice modeling findings.

Assessing the environmental impact and advantages of a commercial aquaponic system in Taiwan through life cycle assessment

Taiwan highly depends on food imports and has only limited arable land available as an island. Food production is projected to decrease due to climate change, while food demand is expected to increase on account of ongoing population growth. Current agriculture practices negatively affect the environment and human health, mainly by utilizing fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Hence, the development and optimization of innovative agriculture are necessary to address the adverse effects of conventional food production systems, such as nutrient pollution, to improve sustainability.Aquaponics, the combination of hydroponics and aquaculture, potentially serves as a sustainable food production method. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, as aquaponics can have a lower environmental impact than other agriculture types. Therefore, exploring the environmental impact of local aquaponic systems can contribute to food security in Taiwan.In this regard, the current study used the life cycle assessment (LCA) tool to evaluate the environmental impact of the production of fish and lettuce in an aquaponic farm in Yilan, Taiwan. From a cradle-to-farmgate perspective, two functional units, 1 kg fish and 1 kg lettuce, were investigated.The results were compared with literature studies on traditional agriculture, hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaculture. The LCA found that aquaponics had a higher impact in almost all categories regarding lettuce production and performed comparably to other aquaculture systems, except for showcasing higher GWP and CED. However, the analysis of environmental sustainability scenarios suggested that the environmental impact could be significantly reduced for both functional units, respectively. As shown in this study, potential reductions could be achieved by replacing fertilizer with aquaponic sludge (−23 % FWE), introducing Black Soldier Fly larvae as fish feed (−11 % MWE, −14 % LU, and − 5 % WC), and integrating a solar power system (−70 % GWP, −35 % TA & FWE, and − 16 % MWE) on the greenhouse rooftop. By implementing these sustainability measures, fish production in aquaponics would outperform most aquaculture systems considered. Therefore, aquaponics represents a promising sustainable alternative to other aquaculture systems, thus potentially contributing to Taiwan's food security.

Efficiency and Performance of Different Fish Marketing Channels in Raichur District of Karnataka, India

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in India's economic growth, with fish farming being one of the earliest and most critical methods of food production. Every year the production of fish has been increasing. When compared to the advancements made in fish production, India's fish marketing system is incredibly inadequate and ineffective. Hence this study tried to found efficiency of various fish marketing channels. In various marketing channels, there are several marketing intermediaries. The net returns of fish farmers will vary depending on the number of intermediaries, distance to the marketing location and exports of the commodity. Therefore, out of all the different marketing channels available in their area, farmers must select the most effective one. Hence, to find out the effective marketing channel of Raichur District the study was formulated with 120 fish farmers as respondents who belongs to community based fish farming. Results showed that, majority of the fish producers sold their produce through channel III (69.50%) even though it is less efficient marketing channel than channel I (11.55%) and channel II (18.95%) because of their nearness and convenience. Also the quantity sold was more in the same channel which was around 2876.27 kg of the total production. This research provides valuable insights into the current state of fish marketing in Raichur and offers a foundation for future studies and policy interventions aimed at optimizing the fish farming sector in India.

Unsustainable production patterns and disease emergence: The paradigmatic case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1

Current food production systems are causing severe environmental damage, including the emergence of dangerous pathogens that put humans and wildlife at risk. Several dangerous pathogens (e.g., the 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza Virus, Nipah virus) have emerged associated with the dominant intensive food production systems. In this article, we use the case of the emergence and spillover of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus H5N1 (hereafter, H5N1) to illustrate how intensive food production methods provide a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens. We also discuss how emerging pathogens, such as H5N1, may affect not only ecosystem health but also human well-being and the economy. The current H5N1 panzootic (2020–2024) is producing a catastrophic impact: the millions of domestic birds affected by this virus have led to significant economic losses globally, and wild birds and mammals have suffered alarming mortalities, with the associated loss of their material and non-material ecosystem services. Transformative actions are required to reduce the emergence and impact of pathogens such as H5N1; we particularly need to reconsider the ways we are producing food. Governments should redirect funds to the promotion of alternative production systems that reduce the risk of new emerging pathogens and produce environmentally healthy food. These systems need to have a positive relationship with nature rather than being systems based on business as usual to the detriment of the environment. Sustainable food production systems may save many lives, economies, and biodiversity, together with the ecosystem services species provide.

Promoting Nutritional and Sustainable value of Shree Anna (Millets) in India

"Shree Anna (Millets)" stands out as a viable contender in the search for wholesome and sustainable food solutions because it presents a nuanced strategy for tackling today's global food issues as well as the agrarian and nutritional aspects of millets, highlighting their capacity to change perceptions about food production. When it comes to harsh growing conditions, millets—a "nutri-cereals" crop that is compliant with climate change regulations—perform better than other grains like wheat and rice. These grains are meant to provide enough food that is both sufficient and nutritious, while also maximizing climate resilience, minimizing resource demands, and adapting to a variety of ecological conditions. Millets are renowned for their excellent nutritional value, which includes increased concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, as well as balanced amino acids, complex carbs with a low GI, dietary fiber, and high-quality unsaturated fat. Additionally, they have a lot of bioactive phytochemicals. Because of these qualities, millets have become a long-term substitute for sustainable food production methods, protecting farmers' livelihoods and food security. The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2023 as the "International Year of Millets" in an effort to increase awareness of millets as a crop and to highlight the importance of nutrient-rich crops for climate resilient agriculture. According to this study, millet grains provide similar and beneficial levels of different nutrients to primary cereal grains.

Sustainable Production: Integrating Medicinal Plants with Fish Farming in Aquaponics—A Mini Review

Aquaponics, defined as a sustainable technology combining aquaculture and hydroponics, integrates plant and fish production into one system. Aquaponics technology offers several major advantages over conventional methods of raising fish and/or plants. In this system, plants act as a natural biological filter, purifying the water so that the same amount can be used repeatedly. Fish, on the other hand, are a natural source of nutrients. This contributes to the aquaponics system’s substantial economic potential, thanks to its use of virtually free nutrients, dramatically reduced water consumption, and the elimination of filter systems, making this system innovative and sustainable. On the other hand, the use of medicinal plants for the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries is often associated with a decrease in their natural reserves. Utilizing aquaponics for the production of medicinal plants could reduce the pressure on these natural reserves. As a result, aquaponics has emerged as one of the most environmentally friendly methods of cultivating plant species. The concept of aquaponics, which evolved from traditional hydroponic systems, has gained worldwide recognition through the effective use of symbiosis. It refers to the coexistence and interaction of different organisms, facilitating their growth and life cycle processes. Unlike hydroponics, which requires the purification of nutrient solutions due to plant waste, aquaponics takes advantage of the natural cycle of waste and nutrient exchange between plants and fish. Fish waste serves as organic fertilizer for the plants, while the plants help purify the water for the fish. This symbiotic relationship not only reduces the environmental impact associated with aquaculture wastewater but also provides a sustainable method of food production. The integrated system reduces infrastructure costs, conserves water, and minimizes the potential for environmental pollution. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for increased profitability from both crop and fish production. Cultivation of medicinal plants within aquaponic systems can be carried out year-round, offering a continuous supply of valuable pharmacological resources. This review examines suitable medicinal plants for aquaponic cultivation and evaluates their pharmacological benefits to humans.

Applications of optical sensing and imaging spectroscopy in indoor farming: A systematic review

As demand for food continues to rise, innovative methods are needed to sustainably and efficiently meet the growing pressure on agriculture. Indoor farming and controlled environment agriculture have emerged as promising approaches to address this challenge. However, optimizing fertilizer usage, ensuring homogeneous production, and reducing agro-waste remain substantial challenges in these production systems. One potential solution is the use of optical sensing technology, which can provide real-time data to help growers make informed decisions and enhance their operations. optical sensing can be used to analyze plant tissues, evaluate crop quality and yield, measure nutrients, and assess plant responses to stress. This paper presents a systematic literature review of the current state of using spectral-optical sensors and hyperspectral imaging for indoor farming, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The study surveyed existing studies from 2017 to 2023 to identify gaps in knowledge, provide researchers and farmers with current trends, and offer recommendations and inspirations for possible new research directions. The results of this review will contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient methods of food production.

Controlling Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Pest through the Use of Ginger, Garlic, and Chili Powder on Growing Mustasa Plant (June 2023)

Growing in popularity as a sustainable and eco-friendly method of food production is organic agriculture. Organic pesticides have come to light as alternatives to traditional chemical-based pesticides as a result of this trend. Moreover, organic pesticides offer a sustainable method of crop protection that is consistent with organic farming's guiding principles. Because of this, there is rising interest in researching alternative pest management strategies, such as using organic insecticides made from natural ingredients. Allium sativum (garlic), ginger (Gingiber officinale), and chile (capsicum spp.) are well known for their therapeutic and anti- fungal uses. Its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly pest management method has recently come to light in research. This study was carried out with the intention of repelling and preventing infestations using organic materials in terms of leaves produce, crops yield, and plant survival. The researchers concluded that the level of effectiveness of the preferred concentration was 95% of ginger extract, 5% of garlic extract, and 5% of chili powder is effective with the weighted mean of 6 leaves produce and 30 bunches of crops yield and plant survival

A Holistic Approach for Ethics and Sustainability in the Food Chain: The Gateway to Oral and Systemic Health.

Food production is a complex matter, affecting people's lives, organizations' profits, and the well-being of the whole planet, and has multifaceted ethical considerations surrounding its production, distribution, and consumption. This paper addresses the pressing need to confront ethical challenges within the food system, encompassing issues such as environmental sustainability, food security, and individual food choices for better oral and systemic health of all individuals around the globe. From agricultural practices to global trade and food waste, ethical implications are addressed across various domains, highlighting the interconnectedness of ethical decision-making in the food industry. Central themes explored include the ethical dimensions of food production methods, the impact of global trade on food ethics, and the role of individuals in making ethically informed food choices. Additionally, this paper considers the spiritual and physical significance of food, particularly through the lens of oral health as a gateway to holistic well-being. Recognizing the complexity of the food and mouth ecosystem, this paper calls for serious interventions in legislation and economics to promote ethical protocols and techniques for sustainability reasons. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in food safety management systems, regulatory frameworks, and quality standards. Moreover, this paper underlines the need for a comprehensive approach to address ethical dilemmas and moral values inherent in the food industry and oral health policies, adopting the precautionary principle and ethical decision-making frameworks. This article finally aims to serve as a call to action for stakeholders across the food industry and the healthcare sector, to prioritize ethical practices, promote transparency, rearrange economic parameters, and work towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for inner and outer oral and systemic health and human sustainability for all.

Role of genetically modified organisms in food, crop production, their regulations, and controversy

Abstract Estimates suggest that over one-third of food is lost or wasted along the food supply chain, with significant environmental and economic effects. This is one of the primary problems with today’s food systems, along with decreased agricultural yield and food quality. Many people attribute the decline in output and the deterioration of food quality to a lack of technology and ignorance about modern technologies. As a result, scientists are working hard to find innovative solutions to these problems and create new food production methods to feed the world’s growing population. Increased agricultural yields and quality may be achieved in a variety of settings by employing genetically engineered techniques. Newer techniques and technologies involving genetic modification and recombinant (r) deoxyribonucleic acid could be very helpful in the pursuit of significant improvements in food production and food supply, and biotechnology is a key part of this. Recent progress in genetic engineering, where it came from, the current trend, and its potential future are all discussed in this overview. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are major aspects of the industrial food system, and most packaged foods contain GMOs ingredients that have been bred to be resistant to pesticides and herbicides. There are a number of factors that raise red flags concerning GMOs, including safety, consequences on the environment and present ineffective employment of pesticides have also been considered. Furthermore, GMOs regulation and controversy among different scientists has also been discussed. Many individuals are concerned about GMOs, yet they may not fully grasp the concerns at hand. Therefore, the level of GMO knowledge revealed by this review can be calculated.

Pelatihan Pemberian Makanan Tambahan dalam Pencegahan Stunting melalui Edukasi Cara Produksi Pangan Olahan yang Baik (CPPOB)

Stunting is a common nutritional problem caused by various risk factors and is considered a chronic nutritional problem because it occurs over a short period of time. Several farmers in Maesan District, especially in Sumberanyar Village, grow various types of food crops, including dragon fruit, which is rarely used for making food. processed. For this reason, training and education on the use of local materials is carried out with a community empowerment approach. This activity aims to spread knowledge about nutrition and equip mothers with young children and cadres with skills in providing additional feeding (PMT) based on local food, namely dragon fruit pudding. Participants consisted of 18 people, including mothers of toddlers and Posyandu cadres, which was held at the Sumberanyar village hall. This community service consists of two activities, namely CPPOB education and training. It can be seen from the pretest results that 61% of posyandu cadres and mothers of toddlers had a good level of knowledge and 39% had sufficient abilities before participating in training activities. Furthermore, the posttest results after carrying out training in providing additional food in preventing stunting through education on Good Processed Food Production Methods (CPPOB) showed that the number of posyandu cadres and mothers of toddlers who had a good level of knowledge increased to 89% and the level of sufficient knowledge became 11%. The pretest and posttest results show that on average the training participants experienced an increase in knowledge about CPPOB. Research and community service to utilize local ingredients as a solution to nutritional problems through a community empowerment approach. And it can increase the skills of posyandu cadres and mothers of toddlers in preparing additional feeding (PMT) based on local food, namely dragon fruit pudding.

Organic food production among Chinese urban botanists

Organic food production is recognized by most countries and regions worldwide as a method of ecological and environmental protection because traditional agricultural practices significantly use pesticides and other chemicals, creating severe issues regarding the ecological, environmental, and food safety issues. Most research on organic production focuses on large-scale organic production. This study focuses on growing noncommercial, small-scale urban organic food using the value-belief-norm (VBN) model to explore the pro-environmental behavior regarding organic food production from a psychological perspective. We employed nonprobability sampling because of the absence of a sampling framework for the target population. We obtained a sample of 621 respondents from noncommercial urban botanists in China followed by quantitative methods to examine the relationships among variables using partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study focused on organic food behavior by modifying the VBN theory, which built trust in organic food production methods and developed a structural equation model to explain the underlying motivational factors that influenced the propensity to grow organic food. Finally, the path analysis results demonstrated that all hypothesized associations were statistically significant, except for the ecological worldview on personal norms and trust in organic food production, and personal norms on intention toward organic food production. Overall, the results of this study verify the validity of the VBN theory in the context of organic food consumption as a pro-environmental behavior. Therefore, relevant departments and governments should take measures to promote organic food production in China from a psychological perspective.

Water and Wastewater Management in Agriculture

The growing world population requires highly efficient food production methods [...]

Pelatihan Pengemasan Produk Keripik Pisang Dan Stik Kulit Pisang Kepada Kelompok Tani Desa Lomaer, Sampang

Lomaer Village is one of the villages in Bangkalan Regency which has superior banana products. Bananas are processed into banana chips and banana peel sticks. However, the products that have been produced have not been packaged and labeled properly. Therefore, packaging training was carried out on banana chips and banana peel sticks for the Lomaer Village Farmers Group. Activities are carried out in two stages, namely, preparation and training. The training was held on Sunday, September, 12th 2021. The training participants were 30 members of the Lomaer Farmers Group, starting at 08.00-14.00 at the Lomaer Village Hall. Packaging training begins with a presentation of material about the function, purpose and appropriate packaging methods for food products. Next, the practice of packaging banana chips and banana peel sticks was carried out, then continued with labeling the packaging. The results of this training were able to increase participants' knowledge about the purpose, types and benefits of packaging and were able to practice packaging for banana chips and banana peel sticks

Analysis of quality control on cassava emping “Super Telur Bu Siti” in Bantul Karang Yogyakarta

Cassava emping is a snack made from mashed cassava mixed with eggs, red chilies, green onions, and celery leaves. This research aims to analyze the quality control of cassava emping products and efforts to improve the production process of "Super Telur Bu Siti" Cassava Emping. Data collection methods in this research are interviews, observation, and literature study. Several problems are caused by facts that need to conform to standards in similar food production processes. From the analysis using affinity diagrams, several factors cause quality problems, namely materials, machines, methods, humans, and the environment. The alternative tree diagram analysis results are efforts or actions to improve the quality of cassava chip products in "Super Telur Bu Siti" Cassava Emping. This research concludes that quality control is carried out based on aspects of raw materials, processes during processing, and final products. The Cassava Emping product "Super Telur Bu Siti" does not meet the quality standard criteria based on the National Standards and the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency regarding Good Food Production Methods for Home Industries or CPPB-IRT 2012.

Controlled-environment agriculture for an urbanised world? A comparative analysis of the innovation systems in London, Nairobi and Singapore

Multiple crises and challenges in the food sector are driving a rising need for innovative food production methods that could provide a growing urban population with high-quality, sustainable and healthy food while strengthening the resilience of food systems. Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) in urban areas has been proposed as one possible pathway to address these demands. Despite its various potential benefits, CEA is still in a conceptual or experimental stage and there has been less research that focuses on the specificities of urban areas where it could be implemented. Using the Urban Food Production Innovation System (UFoPrInS) concept, this paper analyses the urban contexts and enabling and impeding factors for implementing CEA in three contrasting locations: London, Nairobi and Singapore. Based on document analysis and semi-structured expert interviews, our findings show that Singapore is a favourable location because public policies support the implementation of CEA to reduce food import dependency and enhance the resilience of food supply. In London, high food import dependency is increasingly seen as problematic, but the implementation of CEA has been hampered by other policy priorities. In Nairobi, where over half of the population lives in informal settlements without adequate food, water and sanitation, CEA is unlikely to make an economically efficient contribution to food security. We conclude that the implementation of CEA might be suitable in locations with ample capital and knowledge, stable political, social, and infrastructure conditions, and limited space, where value can be linked to hospitality and tourism, supported by positive pricing for resource savings.

Cereal crop genome editing tools and their applications to sustainable agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is essential to attain food security and address increasing climate change concerns. Population, abiotic and biotic stresses and limited agricultural water supplies and land are important barriers to cereal crops production, in addition to extreme weather. These factors influence their quality and productivity. Therefore, there is a pressing need for effective methods of food production under these conditions. For many individuals in low- and middle-income nations, cereals represent a key food source. Developing cereal crops with enhanced flexibility, high yields, and the ability to tolerate these biotic and abiotic problems is therefore essential. Modern OMICS techniques, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics tools and the most recent improvements in genome editing tools (GET) have made targeted mutagenesis conceivable. By altering a crop variety's endogenous genome, which is free of any foreign genes, genome editing (GE) enhances the crop variety. Therefore, crops that have undergone GE but have not integrated foreign genes are not considered genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a number of countries. GE is being used by researchers to promote the nutritional value of cereal crops and increase their tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review critically discusses the activities of GET, the role of bioinformatics tools and its application to sustainable agriculture for cereal crops.

Implementasi Sistem IoT Pada Akuakultur Dan Hydroponik (Akuaponik) Modern Untuk Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila

In modern times, there are many types of agricultural and fish farming systems, one of which is the modern aquaculture system which has been recognized as an innovative method of sustainable food production that combines fish cultivation with agriculture simultaneously. Modern aquaponics is able to overcome problems in urban areas which require land for growing crops and cultivating fish. Good fish cultivation means always monitoring the growth and health of fish to reduce the risk of crop failure, therefore this research aims to implement an Internet of Things (IoT) system in modern aquaponics to increase the growth of tilapia. IoT parameters consisting of pH sensors, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensors, and temperature sensors are used to monitor water quality conditions in modern aquaponics. Through IoT systems, data collected in real-time enables more effective environmental monitoring. The creation of an IoT system in modern aquaponics shows that the implementation of IoT can increase the efficiency of modern aquaponic environmental management, resulting in better fish growth and plant productivity. This was verified through the pH sensor test results with a value of 7.2 indicating optimal conditions of acid-base balance in the water, which is essential for the health of tilapia fish. The TDS sensor test with a value of 300 ppm confirmed that the concentration of solid particles in the water was at an optimal level, which is also an indicator of the health of the tilapia fish. Temperature measurement using a temperature sensor with a value of 28°C, shows that the water temperature is within the ideal range for comfort for tilapia, which is usually comfortable at temperatures between 28-30°C