Higher Economic Returns Research Articles

Yield and economics of potato in short duration rice-based cropping system in Rangpur district

The potato crop is sensitive to environmental factors as optimum planting time of potato depends on the most favorable temperatures extending over the longest period of the crop season and requires less than maximum and above the minimum temperatures for emergence after planting. To secure good yield, the potato crop should be planted in such a time that all the three growth and development phases pass through favorable environmental conditions. Cognizant the above facts, a field experiment was conducted at RDRS Farm, Rangpur during 2014 and 2015 for cultivating potato in different dates with two popular potato varieties like Diamont and Cardinal to find out the optimum planting time of potato production in Bangladesh under short duration rice-based cropping system as well as assess the economic viability of potato cultivation in November. The cost-benefit analysis indicates that no major variation was observed in the performance of two varieties e.g. Diamont and Cardinal. But significant variation was observed in different planting dates. The 22nd November planting of both Diamont and Cardinal produced highest yield (29.2 and 28.8 t/ha1 respectively) compared to other three planting dates like 7th November (27.8 t/ha and 26.9 t/ha), 7th December (21.1 t/ha and 19.8 t/ha) and 22nd December (15.2 t/ha and 14.7 t/ha). The 7th November planting was found economically profitable for both the varieties, where the highest economic return was recorded as TK. 2,06,372/ha for Diamont and TK. 2,08,772/ha for Cardinal. Thus, from the economic point of view, the 7th November planting performed best for both varieties. The cost of production was gradually higher in case of late planting due to use of higher amount of pesticides in the crop field. It may be concluded that potato could be cultivated during 1st half of November month, just after harvesting of short duration aman rice in October that will bring harvesting of potato in 1st half of February which can ensure highest net income from potato cultivation and enables farmers to cultivate next crop like mungbean as additional income.
 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 17(2): 172–178, June 2019

Profitability and downside risk implications of site-specific nitrogen management with respect to wheat grain quality

Profitability analyses of site-specific nitrogen (N) management strategies have often failed to provide satisfying reasons for adoption of precision farming technologies. However, effects of precision farming on product quality and price premiums, as well as on downside risk mitigation, are generally not taken into account. This study aimed to evaluate the comparative advantages of site-specific N management over uniform N management considering N supply on grain quality, and accordingly price premiums for wheat from a downside risk point of view. A virtual field was modelled with two subfields representing two distinctive yield zones to investigate how consideration of grain quality affects the economic potential of site-specific N management under temporally varying N mineralization and changing price patterns of wheat. Moreover, the extent was investigated to which site-specific N management can have a risk-reducing effect on economic shortfalls compared to uniform N management. Two site-specific N management options were assessed: variable N rate application using yield mapping and N sensor for real-time proximal sensing. Results indicated that even though crop yields were only slightly higher, higher expected protein contents of grains could be achieved with site-specific N management options compared to uniform N management. Baking wheat quality was secured to a greater extent with site-specific N management options. Higher average grain quality improved the economic benefits due to price premiums. A risk-reducing effect was observed with the site-specific N management by maintaining the baking wheat quality with a higher probability. Higher economic returns mostly compensated the additional costs for the precision farming technologies in the lower tail of the probability distribution and, thus, site-specific N management did not show any substantial disadvantage on downside risk as compared to uniform N management.

Technological and economical analysis of flare recovery methods, and comparison of different steam and power generation systems

One of the most important environmental issues in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries is the appropriate disposal of waste hydrocarbon gases in industrial units. The most commonly employed method for the safe disposal of these gases is burning them in flare stakes followed by releasing them in the environment. To date, various methods and procedures, preponderantly focusing on the modification of the units which generates the gases directed to flare stacks, have been introduced to reduce and/or recover these gases. These methods face with a number of issues, such as the lack of economic justification, high systemic risks, and operational limitations. In this research, four methods for flare gas recovery have been introduced, namely high-pressure steam generation, steam turbine, electricity and heat generation, and combined cycle, and they have been simulated using Aspen HYSYS software. According to the results, producing electric power from flaring gases in the last three methods was 7.323 e+5, 4.350 e+5, and 1.442e+006 kW, respectively, and it caused less pollution and saved energy. In order to assess the economic justification of the proposed methods, the economic assessment was conducted for each method, and economic return was calculated. The rate of investment return for the four processes of the high-pressure steam generation, steam turbine, electricity and heat cogeneration, and combined cycle was 18.66, 19.76, 25.79, and 31.97, respectively, reflecting the high economic return of the combined cycle method.

College Rankings: Creating an Equitable Model of Transformation and Institutional Effectiveness

Colleges that serve working-class students show up poorly in traditional rankings of US colleges. Without appropriate outcome measures, measures of ‘quality’ of inputs drive most current ranking systems. The trouble is that quality is often just a measure of pre-existing privilege (e.g., selectivity, average SAT scores). In this article, I demonstrate the viability of a model that uses economic returns data while factoring in the relative lack of privilege of students attending any particular institution as a way of ranking that institution’s transformative efficacy and institutional effectiveness. The model was then tested on a diverse sample of 655 US colleges and universities for whom reliable economic returns and institutional effectiveness data are available. Unlike widely used rankings models, this proposed alternative model can distinguish between reproducing privilege (high economic returns as expected, low defaults, timely year to degree and fewer incompleters) and facilitating social mobility (higher returns and persistence than would be expected given the incoming characteristics of students). The article concludes with a discussion of the uses to which such a model could be best put.

Sustaining Soil Health and Soybean Productivity with Partial Substitution of Nutrients through Gliricidia Green Manuring and Chemical Fertilizers in Vertisols of Central India

The present study was conducted to study the effect of partial substitution of nutrient through gliricidia with chemical fertilizers on soil health and soybean productivity in Vertisols under AICRP for Dryland Agriculture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444104 (M.S.) during 2009-13. The experiment was laid out with nine treatments comprised of application of potassium through chemical fertilizers and gliricidia along with recommended dose of N and P (inorganic source) in a randomized block design with three replications. The pooled data indicated that application of 100% NP + 25 kg K ha-1 + biofertilizers had highest soybean grain yield followed by application of 50% N through glyricidia +50% N through inorganics+ biofertilizers + 25 kg K ha-1 which were on par with each other. The higher SYI and monetary returns were obtained with the application of substitution of 50 % N through gliricidia along with 50 % N through inorganics and biofertilizer which were statistically on par with application 100 % NP along with 25 kg K through chemical fertilizers. The results of the study also indicated significantly higher enhancement in soil organic carbon, residual soil fertility and nutrient uptake by soybean with the application of 50 % N through gliricidia along with 50 % N through inorganics and biofertilizer. Hence, it can concluded that for sustaining soil fertility and soybean productivity with higher economic returns, application of 50% N (25kg ha-1) through glyricidia +50% N through inorganics + biofertilizers + 25kg P2O5 + 25kg K2O ha-1 is recommended as an integrated plant nutrient supply system on Vertisols under dryland condition in central India.

Are agricultural R&D returns declining and development dependent?

Abstract There is widespread professional consensus that agricultural research and development (R&D) realizes high economic returns, though there are concerns as to whether the returns have been declining over the past few decades and are unevenly distributed among different regions in the world. This study examines both the time trend (i.e., increasing or decreasing) and regional developmental differences in the reported returns to agricultural R&D. Using a newly updated and expanded global database of estimated returns to agricultural R&D and a robust statistical methodology, we find that after accounting for methodological changes and other study attributes that have varied over time, the contemporary returns to agricultural R&D investments are as high as ever. We also conduct a Oaxaca decomposition to assess the relative importance of differences among countries in study attributes (e.g., what research was evaluated, by whom, and how) versus differences in how these attributes relate to the IRR (e.g., model parameter estimates). We find that the regional differences in study attributes tend to result in higher IRR estimates in developed countries, whereas developing versus developed country differences in the marginal effects of the attributes on the estimated IRRs tend to result in higher estimates in developing countries.

Effects of Inter- and Intra-Row Spacing on Growth, Green Cob Number and Biomass Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties at Agarfa, Southeastern Ethiopia

Maize ( Zea mays L.) is an important grain crop of the world and it ranks second, after wheat in hectarage and first in total production and productivity. In Ethiopia, maize has increasingly become a popular crop with steady growth in production area and yield. However, green cob maize production packages, including its appropriate spacing, are not yet determined. Evidences on effects of inter and intra-row spacing on growth and green cob yield of maize are not well explored. Therefore, this study was conducted at Agarfa from March 2015 to July 2015 to determine the effects of inter-and intra-row spacing on growth, green cob number and biomass yield of maize (Zea mays L) varieties under supplemental irrigation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with factorial combination of four inter-row (55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm) spacing, two intra-row spacing (25 cm and 30 cm) and two maize varieties (Melkassa-II and BHQPY-545) with three replication. Data were collected on growth, green cob number and biomass yield and analyzed using GenStat, (2012) The experiment result revealed that leaf area and number of cobs per plant were highly significantly (P<0.01) affected by inter-row spacing x variety while cob length, number of cobs per hectare and above ground fresh biomass yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected by inter-row spacing x variety. The highest cob number (65232.32 ha -1 ) was recorded for variety BHQPY-545 and (61739.39 ha -1 ) for variety Melkassa-II at narrowest inter-row spacing of 55 cm (Table 5). Similarly, the highest fresh biomass yield of 51.3 and 48 ton ha -1 was obtained from variety BHQPY-545 and Melkassa-II respectively at 55 cm inter-row spacing. In general, significantly higher number of marketable green cobs and aboveground fresh biomass yield were obtained at closer inter-and intra-row spacing for maize varieties tested in the study area. Therefore, it can be concluded that spacing combination of 55 cm x 25 cm favored attaining of higher economic returns, green cob number and fresh biomass yield of maize in the area under supplemental irrigation. Keywords : Phenology, Plant Density, Population, Economic Benefit, Biomass DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-9-05 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Patterns of land use, crop and forest cover change in the Ashanti region, Ghana

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the factors which have interacted to alter patterns of land use, crop preference and forest cover between the pre-colonial and post-colonial periods, using the multi-case study and political ecology approach in the Ashanti region, Ghana. The paper observed that changes in land use, crop preference and change in the structure of forest cover are driven by four major factors: a) economic conditions, b) state incentives, c) natural and agro-ecological conditions, d) social factors. The results point out that cocoa was the main source of livelihood for farming households in the region until the 1980s when several farmers switched to oil palm because of its perceived ecologic viability and higher economic returns. The conversion greatly altered the landscape of the region. While highlighting the difficulties posed by uncontrolled land use, crop and forest cover changes, the study concludes that interventions such as promoting sustainable agricultural practices, drought and disease-resistant crop varieties with shorter gestation periods, and environment-friendly off-farm and off-season economic activities are significant in managing and addressing the challenges that result in loss of forest cover.

Effects of different fertilizers on the growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in summer season in Chitwan, Nepal

An experiment was conducted in the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University to demonstrate the effects of different fertilizers on the yield and yield parameters of okra (var. Arka Anamika). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of seven treatments and three replications. The various treatments used in the experiment were goat manure, sesame cake, mustard cake, synthetic fertilizer (NPK), poultry manure, vermicompost and untreated control. The required dose of nitrogen was fulfilled by the fertilizer itself whereas insufficient amount of phosphorous and potassium was fulfilled by addition of single super phosphate and muriate of potash respectively. The fertilizers were applied on the basis of recommendation given by the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). The effect of poultry manure on number of open flowers and number of fruits at 40 DAS was found superior. The effect of poultry manure on plant height, number of leaves, plant diameter was found superior at 50 DAS. Goat manure produced the superior result on number of open flowers at 50 DAS. Poultry manure on the number of leaves and plant height produced the significant result at 60 DAS. Synthetic fertilizer responded well to number of fruits at 60 DAS. Sesame cake produced the superior results at 70 DAS on number of buds. Poultry manure responded well to all the parameters and produced the yield of 20 qt/ha with the BC ratio of 1.77. This experiment suggests the farmers to use the poultry manure to get the highest economic return. Vermicompost and mustard cake producing the superior and significant yield in this research are not recommended as they have low BC ratio unless effective measures are encouraged to reduce the cost of this fertilizers.

GROWTH AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF USING DRIED TOMATO POMACE FOR MALLARD DUCKS

This study was aimed to economic evaluate the effect of Dried Tomato Pomace (DTP) on growth performance, biochemical profiles and economic efficiency of Mallard Ducks from 1 days old until 72 days (age of marketing). A total of 240 unsexed one – day old, Mallard ducklings were used in this study and were randomly and independently allocated to the four dietary treatments, each containing 60 ducks and divided in to four groups, T1 (control ), T2 ( 10 % DTP), T3 (15% DTP) and T4 (20% DTP) . The diets were formulated in mash form fortified with vitamin and mineral premix and chemical analysis were applied for starter and finisher rations. Moreover, feed and water were provided for ad-libitumconsumption. The results showed that, ducks fed 20 % DTP had higher live body weight with a coincident significant increase of the feed intake (P &lt;0.05). In addition, total cholesterol, Triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL) are decreased significantly (P &lt;0.05) meanwhile low density lipoprotein (LDL), total protein profiles non-significant (P &gt; 0.05). In terms of economic analysis, T4 ( 20% DTP) diet revealed the lowest cost per Kg live weight of ducks 77.57 L.E / duck, along with the highest economic return 91.38 L.E per duck and net profit 13.81 L.E per duck. In conclusion, Mallard duck can efficiently utilize diet containing high DTP (20%) diets, consequently, it can be used to optimize their growth performance and maintain the maximum economic return.Key words: Mallard duck; dried tomato pomace; growth performance; economics

Economic Assessment of Various Levels of Protein and Energy in Pigeon Squabs Diet

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nine diets through the application of 3×3 randomized design which included three levels of energy (2600, 2800 and 3000 Kcal/kg) with 3 supplemental protein levels (14, 16 and 18%) on growth performance, blood parameters, carcass yields and economic efficiency of Baladi pigeon squabs from 28 days old until 6 months of age (age of sexual maturity). A total of 135 pairs of squabs were randomly and independently allocated to the nine dietary treatments, each containing 15 pairs (3 replicate of 5 pairs). The diets were formulated in mash form fortified with vitamin and mineral premix. Moreover, feed and water were provided for ad-libitum consumption. The results showed that, squabs fed higher energy and crude protein diets (3000 ME+16% CP) had higher live body weight with a coincident significant decrease of the feed intake (P<0.0001). In addition, dressing (%), breast and thigh meat yield (%) increased significantly with increasing levels of both energy and protein, where they hit the peak values in squabs fed on 3000 ME+16% CP diet. Furthermore, increasing energy levels did not affect serum proteins (albumin and globulin), urea and uric acid. However, it had a significant positive effect on serum lipids (cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein). In terms of economic analysis, 3000 ME+16% CP diet revealed the lowest cost per Kg live weight of birds 81.87 L.E per pair, along with the highest economic return 110.3 L.E per pair and net profit 10.43 L.E per pair. In conclusion, squabs can efficiently utilize diet containing high energy (3000 Kcal/kg) and crude protein (16%) diets, consequently, it can be used to optimize their growth performance and maintain the maximum economic return

Energy partitioning of greenhouse cucumber based on the application of Penman-Monteith and Bulk Transfer models

Partitioning between latent (LET) and sensible (H) heat fluxes is critical in improving the greenhouse crops irrigation scheduling and microclimate. By applying the Bulk Transfer (BT) and Penman-Monteith (PM) models, the energy fluxes in different growing stages of the cucumber crop were determined in a Venlo-type greenhouse. The application of the BT and PM models is constrained by accurate parameterizations of canopy resistance (rc) and aerodynamic resistance (ra). In this paper, we measured micrometeorological data, crop growth index and LET during cucumber growing seasons in spring and autumn of 2016. The rc was modelled with stomatal conductance of cucumber leaves and validated with actual measurement of LET by lysimeters. The results showed that rc varied from 35 s m−1 during the day to 500 s m−1 at night in spring season, whilst it ranged from 40 s m−1 during the day to 1000 s m−1 at night in autumn season. Comparison of rc estimated by the PM and the BT models demonstrated that the rc estimated by the two methods were similar and highly correlated for both seasons. During the spring season, the PM and the BT models gave the determination coefficients (R2) of predicted hourly LET equal to 0.94 and 0.83, whereas during the autumn season, the values were 0.94 and 0.76, respectively. The average root mean square errors (RMSE) of measured and predicted hourly LET were 96.97 and 74.74 W m-2 for the spring and autumn seasons for PM model, respectively. In contrast, the BT model gave RMSE of measured and predicted hourly LET of 82.47 and 69.14 W m-2, for spring and autumn, respectively. The results also depicted that the simplified energy balance approach was a feasible alternative to partition the energy fluxes in the greenhouse. The predictions made in this study would be an easy and relatively accurate way to partition greenhouse cucumber energy fluxes and thus, scientifically plan the irrigation schedule. In conclusion, this study provides scientific basis for optimizing efficient water-saving irrigation, development of a suitable irrigation scheduling and improving crop water use efficiency in the greenhouse, and consequently, more energy savings by avoiding excessive water application and thereby the objective of having improved and satisfactory yield and higher economic returns can be achieved.

Effects of Intra-Row Spacing and N Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Components of Tomato ( Lycopersicon Esculentum L.) at Harawe, Eastern Ethiopia

Improper plant spacing and nitrogen fertilizer are among the main factors which constrained productivity of the tomato. Due to this gap the experiment was proposed and conducted in Sofi district, Harari People Regional State, Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017 cropping season to investigate the effect of intra-row spacing and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and yield components of tomato. Experimental treatments were nitrogen rates (0, 39, 69 and 99 kg ha-1) and intra-row spacing (25, 30, 35 and 40cm). A total of 16 treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with three replication. Melkashola Variety was used for the experiment. The results revealed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences for plant height, number of branches, fruit clusters per plant, number of fruits per plant due to nitrogen application. Increasing nitrogen rate from nil to 69 kg ha-1 increased all these parameters. Average fruit weight and fruit yield were significantly (P<0.05) affected due to the interaction effect of nitrogen and intra-row spacing. The highest fruit weight was recorded at 39 kg N ha-1 and 40cm intra-row spacing while the lowest were at 0 N and 40cm intra-row spacing. The highest fruit yield was recorded at 69 kg ha-1 N and 30cm intra-row spacing while the lowest was at 0 N and 40cm intra-row spacing. In conclusion, the application of 69 kg N ha-1and 30cm intra-row spacing recorded highest fruit yield with highest economic returns (270,330 birr ha-1). Based on fruit yield and economic return, combination of 69 kg N ha-1 and 30cm intra-row spacing was recommended for the study area and similar agro-ecology.

Precision production environments for sugarcane fields

ABSTRACT: Sugarcane (saccharum spp.) in Brazil is managed on the basis of “production environments”. These “production environments” are used for many purposes, such as variety allocation, application of fertilizers and definition of the planting and harvesting periods. A quality classification is essential to ensure high economic returns. However, the classification is carried out by few and, most of the time, non-representative soil samples, showing unreal local conditions of soil spatial variability and resulting in classifications that are imprecise. One of the important tools in the precision agriculture technological package is the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) sensors that can quickly map soil spatial variability with high-resolution and at low-cost. The aim of the present work was to show that soil ECa maps are able to assist classification of the “production environments” in sugarcane fields and rapidly and accurately reflect the yield potential. Two sugarcane fields (35 and 100 ha) were mapped with an electromagnetic induction sensor to measure soil ECa and were sampled by a dense sampling grid. The results showed that the ECa technique was able to reflect mainly the spatial variability of the clay content, evidencing regions with different yield potentials, guiding soil sampling to soil classification that is both more secure and more accurate. Furthermore, ECa allowed for more precise classification, where new “production environments”, different from those previously defined by the traditional sampling methods, were revealed. Thus, sugarcane growers will be able to allocate suitable varieties and fertilize their agricultural fields in a coherent way with higher quality, guaranteeing greater sustainability and economic return on their production.

Ganoderma boninense Disease of Oil Palm to Significantly Reduce Production After 2050 in Sumatra if Projected Climate Change Occurs.

Palm oil is a valuable crop. This relates to the high economic return from sales of the commodity, where Indonesia is the major producer in the world and the island of Sumatra is the most important region for palm oil production in the country. The island can be considered as a model for other oil palm growing regions in SE Asia. The area in Sumatra with a suitable climate for growing oil palm will decrease in size due to projected climate change as demonstrated specifically herein. The more unsuitable climate will lead to concomitant increases in basal stem rot (BSR) by Ganoderma boninense, as previously predicted, which is of major concern to sustainability in SE Asia. A novel approach is described herein, whereby (a) a determination of suitable climate for growing oil palm in Sumatra and (b) deductions to determine future BSR levels on the island were undertaken. The unsuitability of the climate for oil palm is predicted to increase dramatically after 2050 when BSR is predicted to increase to very high levels on most parts of the island. This is likely to make palm oil production unsustainable at some stage between 2050 and 2100. North Sumatra may be more sustainable than the other areas considered in Sumatra. These effects of projected climate change require amelioration before the high levels of BSR and the unsuitable climate for oil palm are realized.

Influence of sea weed bioformulations on improving yield of plant and ratoon crop of sugarcane

The effect of seaweed bio-formulations on the growth and development, quality and yield response of plant and ratoon was tested in the papular variety Co 86032 by conducting field experiment during 2017–18 at farmer's field (Plant crop) in larger scale and ratoon crop experiment conducted at Bannari Amman Sugar factory, Sathiyamangalum. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The foliar spray of Seaweed bioformulations namely, LBD @ one ml/L, LBD @ 0.5 ml/L, LBS 6 @ one ml/L was given thrice during formative phase (30, 60 and 90 DAP) of plant and ratoon crop. The results of both the experiments indicated that the foliar application of seaweed formulations with different concentrations significantly improved growth parameters and yield attributes compared to control plants. In plant crop, among the seaweed extract formulations tested, LBS 6 @ one ml/L recorded comparatively higher yield attributes viz., internodes length (24.7%), cane length (26.2%), cane thickness (16.2%), single cane weight (10.0%) and cane yield (105.5 t/ha) compared to control with 23.5% increase in yield over control. This treatment also recorded higher economic net returns (Rs. 1,13,702 ha−1) with benefit cost ratio of 1.60. In ratoon crop, Among the seaweed extract formulations tested, LBS 6 @ one ml/L recorded significantly higher the plant height (253 cm), LAI (4.21), SPAD value (38.4) and total dry matter production (81.3 tones/ha), yield attributes and cane yield (154.9 tones/ha) compared to other treatments studied. It was found that sugarcane cane yield was increased significantly by 19.1% over control. This treatment also recorded higher economic returns (Rs. 2, 43,706/ha with benefit cost ratio of 2.23).

STEM Careers and the Changing Skill Requirements of Work

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) jobs are a key contributor to economic growth and national competitiveness. Yet STEM workers are perceived to be in short supply. This paper shows that the “STEM shortage†phenomenon is explained by technological change, which introduces new job skills and makes old ones obsolete. We find that the initially high economic return to applied STEM degrees declines by more than 50 percent in the first decade of working life. This coincides with a rapid exit of college graduates from STEM occupations. Using detailed job vacancy data, we show that STEM jobs change especially quickly over time, leading to flatter age-earnings profiles as the skills of older cohorts became obsolete. Our findings highlight the importance of technology-specific skills in explaining life-cycle returns to education, and show that STEM jobs are the leading edge of technology diffusion in the labor market.

Productivity and economic efficiency of sugarcane cultivation under intercropping system with potato and mungbean

Sugarcane is an important cash-cum-industrial crop of Bangladesh and mainly cultivated in north-western part of the country where different intercropping systems are available. The experiment was carried out at the Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute (BSRI) farm, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh in two successive years viz. 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 to investigate the profitability of sugarcane (cv. Isd 37) with potato (cv. Cardinal) and mungbean (cv. BINA mung5) as successive intercrops. Two factors included in the experiment viz. Factor A: Row to row distance of sugarcane such as 80 cm (S1), 100 cm (S2) and 120 cm (S3) where potato and Mungbean were intercropped. Factor B: Cutting of sugarcane leaf such as cutting of leaves (C1) and No cutting of leaves (C2). The experiment was laid out following randomize complete block design. For sugarcane cultivation BSRI technique and for intercropping the cultivation systems indicated by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute were followed. The cane yield and sugar yield were the highest at 100 cm row to row spacing (RRS) of sugarcane (non-leaf cutting = C0) intercropped with 2 rows (2R) of potato followed by 2R of mungbean (S2C0). The lowest yield of sugarcane was found at 80 RRS (C0) with one row (1R) of potato and 1R of mungbean (S1C0). The effect of light interception on growth and yield of first intercrop (potato) was insignificant but significant for second intercrop. The highest yield of potato tuber was 15.28 t ha–1 in S5 (sole potato) followed by 10.85 t ha–1 in S3C1 (sugarcane under leaf cutting at RRS 120 cm with 3R of potato followed by 3R of mungbean). For the yield of mungbean (2nd intercrop), light interception ratio (%) was significantly lowest in (S3C1) where sugarcane RRS was 120 cm with 3R of potato followed by 3R of mungbean under leaf non-cutting (C0) of sugarcane. The highest adjusted cane yield (170.66 t ha–1), benefit cost ratio (3.49) and LER (2.33) were observed in sugarcane at RRS 120 cm with 3R of potato followed by 3R of mungbean (S3C1). Results of both years indicated that intercrops gave higher land equivalent ratio and net return over sole sugarcane planted while sole sugarcane gave maximum benefit cost ratio compared with other intercrops. Finally, on the basis of results it may be concluded that sugarcane transplanted at RRS at 120 cm with 3R potato followed by 3R of mungbean can be grown as intercrops for higher economic return.&#x0D; J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 429–436, December 2018

Recreational fishing along the Middle and Eastern Black SeaTurkish coasts

This study investigated biological, social and mainly economic dimensions of recreational fishing (RF) in 8 coastal Middle and Eastern Black Sea provinces of Turkey. In all provinces, a total number of 874 shore-based recreational fishers were interviewed via on-site face-to-face interviews during the fishing activity or at access points being monthly from January to December in 2015. Market value with RF index of added value approaches were used to calculate economic gains and losses from RF. The consistency was observed with the high education levels, high expense and high market value for fishers in the Middle Black Sea provinces; Kastamonu, Samsun, Sinop and Ordu. In all provinces, the harvesting costs stayed far below the average market prices of target species. Also, positive values of RF index were observed in all provinces. The species catch composition in Western and Eastern provinces did not show great differences. Furthermore, even if the habitat type along the Black Sea coast of Turkey did not show great variations, in the Western provinces some certain species including T. trachurus, S. sarda, B. belone, P. saltatrix, M. cephalus were caught in higher amounts. To summarize, RF along the Black Sea coasts of Turkey is an industry creating high economic returns by expenditures, jobs, catch value and further increased indirect economic impact in services sector.

Current Status of Guava (Psidium Guajava L) Production, Utilization, Processing and Preservation in Kenya: A Review

The guava (Psidium guajava L.) tree is extensively grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is quite resilient, highly productive, has high economic returns and requires minimal care. The fruit is very nutritious with a characteristic flavor and has a high demand internationally especially when processed into pulp, concentrates, ready to serve beverages, wines, as well as jams and jellies. Although Kenya has a favorable climate for guava farming, the fruit’s nutritional and economic potential remain highly underutilized due to low adoption of processing and preservation techniques in addition to limited research. This review focuses on guava production utilization, processing and preservation with emphasis on Kenya There has been progressive increase in the total acreage under guava farming with various varieties of guavas being produced. The country produces as much as 11,327 tons of guava fruits worth 1.1 million US dollars although the fruit is mainly cultivated for local consumption with minimal processing. Naturalized guavas from sprouts of randomly dispersed seeds are common across all the agroecological zones both in the wild and on farms except in the arid areas. The fruit is however, climacteric and has a high rate of perishability resulting to high postharvest losses when in season. Processing of guavas into commercial products can increase the fruit’s value, improve farmers’ household incomes and enhance their utilization. The guava value chain also remains highly underexploited and since it is a neglected crop, there is need for a multisectoral approach in order to exploit the nutritional and economic potential of the fruit.