Increase In Agricultural Production Research Articles

Construction of calcium zirconate nanoparticles confined on graphitic carbon nitride: An electrochemical detection of diethofencarb in food samples

A well-known fungicide designated diethofencarb (DFC) is used on crops to eradicate fungal infections and increase agricultural production. However, the National Food Safety Standard has established an overall maximum residual limit of 1 mg/kg for DFC, and excessive usage of this chemical has detrimental effects on the environment in real-time. In this work, an improved electrochemical sensor based on hydrothermally synthesized CaZrO3 is incorporated into a g-C3N4 sheet and developed to quickly and accurately screen DFC, a well-known carbamate fungicide. The electrochemical sensor that was successfully designed demonstrated good conductivity, high ion diffusion parameters, a high electro-active surface area, and a quick electron transport ratio when used for DFC detection. The structure, crystalline accuracy, and purity of the as-prepared CaZrO3@g-C3N4 were examined using various analytical and microscopic techniques. Additionally, the cyclic voltammetry technique examined the electrochemical investigations of the CaZrO3@g-C3N4 modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). A robust synergistic interaction between the CaZrO3 and g-C3N4 makes large surface areas and improved DFC detection possible. The fabricated sensor exhibits a wide linear range of 0.01–230.04 μM, a low detection limit of 1.8 nM, and excellent stability according to the results of the DPV technique. Remarkably, our proposed sensor has proven to be feasible for real-time analysis and can distinguish DFC-spiked various food samples with a good recovery range.

Optimal strategies for contract farming supply chain with government subsidies under e-commerce assistance to farmers.

The agricultural issue is a focal point of concern for each country, and e-commerce assistance to farmers, as an emerging model, is gaining increasing attention. Considering this trend, this paper bases on e-commerce assistance to farmers and considers four types of government subsidies: no subsidy, price subsidy model with the farmer as the subsidy target, price subsidy model with the e-commerce platform as the subsidy target, and area subsidy model. Based on this, a game model of the contract farming supply chain involving a farmer and an e-commerce platform was established to explore the optimal decision-making in the contract farming supply chain considering various government subsidies under the background of e-commerce assistance to farmers. The results indicate that: (1) Consumer preference for supporting farmers and consumer premiums can stimulate the farmer to expand farm size, increase agricultural production, increase the purchase price of agricultural products and promote the growth of profits for the farmer and the e-commerce platform, contributing to the growth of social welfare. Output volatility can lead to a decrease in farm size and a reduction in the purchase price of agricultural products. (2) Government subsidies can support the farmer in expanding farm size and contribute to increased profits for the farmer and the e-commerce platform. However, government subsidies do not universally have a positive impact on every variable. The influence of government subsidies on the purchase price of agricultural products is contingent upon the method of subsidy distribution. Similarly, the effects of government subsidies on social welfare are influenced by factors such as price elasticity and agricultural productions per unit area. (3) From the perspectives of farm size, the purchase price of agricultural products, and profits of the farmer and the e-commerce platform, the government will have different and more targeted subsidy models, and the corresponding subsidy models are influenced by the agricultural productions per unit area. The research conclusion can provide references for optimal decision-making in contract farming under the model of e-commerce assistance to farmers.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Prolonged Fuel Cycles in the Agricultural Sector: Impacts on Productivity and Sustainability

The prolonged fuel cycles in agriculture present a critical challenge for maintaining sustainable productivity, especially in the context of global energy scarcity and rising operational costs. The agricultural sector in China, which heavily relies on consistent energy supplies, faces growing pressure to adopt more efficient fuel cycles to ensure long-term economic viability. This paper aims to assess the economic viability of prolonged fuel cycles within China's agricultural sector by utilizing a comprehensive econometric model that evaluates the impacts on productivity, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The study specifically examines how extended fuel cycles influence agricultural output and the overall financial stability of farming operations. Results indicate that prolonged fuel cycles significantly reduce operational costs by improving energy utilization efficiency, increase agricultural productivity by up to 12%, and mitigate carbon emissions by approximately 15% due to more efficient fuel use. Furthermore, the analysis shows that regions with higher fuel dependency face greater economic benefits from transitioning to extended fuel cycles. Policy implications suggest that the government should prioritize investments in energy-efficient technologies and provide subsidies for the adoption of prolonged fuel cycles to ensure sustainable growth in the agricultural sector while mitigating environmental impacts.

Training on the Use of Appropriate Technology to Increase Agricultural Production in Villages in Indonesia

This Community Service activity aims to improve the knowledge and skills of farmers in Indonesia's villages by using appropriate technology through online training. In this series of activities, villages with adequate internet infrastructure and a low rate of technology adoption are identified. The training was conducted online using the Zoom application and attended by farmers from various regions. The results of the pre-test show that the majority of farmers have limited knowledge about agricultural technology. After participating in the training, the final assessment (post-test) showed a significant improvement in farmers' knowledge and skills, with an average increase in knowledge scores of 60% and skills of 55%. High participation and positive feedback from participants indicate the effectiveness of online training as a method to increase farmers' capacity. However, challenges such as limited access to equipment and cost remain obstacles to implementing appropriate technology in the field. In conclusion, online training has improved farmers' knowledge and skills. Still, additional support is needed to ensure the sustainability of the application of technology in the field. These findings make an important contribution to the development of farmer capacity-building programs in Indonesia, especially in the context of the adoption of modern agricultural technology.

Comparing the Effects of Information Globalization on Agricultural Producer Prices in Developing and Developed Countries

Existing studies claim that the Internet of Things (IoTs) raises agricultural producer prices while others claim the contrary. Meanwhile, no studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of IoTs at the macro level, as represented by information globalization. The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of information globalization on agricultural producer prices in developing and developed countries. This study used time series data from 1991 to 2020 and cross-section data from 66 developing and 26 developed countries. The data was analyzed using two-stage least squares. The first stage of analysis shows that pesticides and farm machinery increase agricultural production in developing and developed countries, while employment in agriculture, forestry, and fishing has the opposite effect. Meanwhile, nutrient nitrogen, manure, and irrigation have differing effects on agricultural production in the two areas. The second stage of analysis shows that agricultural producer prices in developing and developed countries will rise when agricultural production, agricultural import, and human capital increase. Agricultural value-added, food consumer price inflation and population growth have varying impacts on agricultural producer prices. Meanwhile, the main variable investigated in this study, information globalization, has been proven to increase agricultural producer prices in both developing and developed countries.

Cycles, Breakthroughs, and Histories of Ecological Change: 1949 or 1972?

These reflections on Stevan Harrell’s An Ecological History of Modern China evaluate the book in relation to existing historiography of the ecological transformations that have accompanied China’s development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). After outlining the theoretical underpinnings of Harrell’s history of modern China as a “system of social-ecological systems” and his revisionist periodization of PRC history in terms of the “adaptive cycle,” the commentary contrasts Harrell’s central arguments with those advanced in earlier studies. Interpretative differences relate to whether 1949 constituted a watershed in China’s ecological history or a continuation of longer-term environmental trends, and the significance of the PRC’s acquisition of technology for synthetic fertilizer plants after rapprochement with the United States in 1972 in making it possible for China to replenish its nutrient-depleted soils, increase agricultural productivity, and overcome environmental constraints that limited economic growth. Despite bringing unprecedented economic prosperity, as Harrell shows, that growth has decreased ecological resilience and increased vulnerability. The commentary concludes by asking how Harrell’s arguments might be reconciled with alternative understandings of modern China’s ecological and environmental history.

Assessing the Impact of Land Fragmentation on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Development in Vihiga County, Kenya

Increased population pressures affect land as it is divided again and again resulting in poor yields in agriculture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the Legislative changes and population growth as factors leading to land fragmentation in Vihiga County, Kenya. Following the Agricultural Production Function Model, the study was descriptively cross-sectional. The study was undertaken in Vihiga County. Purposive sampling together with the stratified random sampling technique was adopted to recruit participants to the study. The population was over 10,000 therefore sample determination was done using Fisher’s formula which gave 384 peasant farmers with subdivided farms. Quantitative data were gathered using, Likert-scale questionnaires that were semi-structured, while qualitative data were gathered using interview guides. Quasi-experimental research design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data that used both descriptive and inferential analysis. The study showed that 58percent of the households had land of half-quarter to half acre, 71 percent. 3 percent of farmers are owning the land for farming. On the issue of land fragmentation 94 % of the respondents agreed that this was prevalent mainly as a result of inheritance. Also, 48% of subdivisions produced subdivided plots that were less than a quarter acre, therefore reducing the productivity of farm land and posing difficultly in managing it. While 84% of responded farmers had less than one acre of land, only 16% had more than one acre of land which was strongly indicating the level of land fragmentation. Additionally, on 66 percent of the agricultural: land size farmed was between a quarter and half an acre. It revealed that farm productivity had positive relation with larger land size (r = 0. 888). Descriptive statistics and inferential tests showed a strong positive relationship between land size, land ownership and productivity found out that large block of size is productive. This also affected the investment in modern and mechanized farming practices with a correlation of -0. 598 as the fragmentation was associated with low yields and low profitability or economic return with r = - 0. 443. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concludes that land consolidation is crucial in increasing agriculture productivity and supports the policies dealing with efficient use of the limited land resources. This study recommended that in the event of addressing the issue of fragmentation prioritization of land consolidation and the encouragement of land ownership reforms to accommodate investments in different techniques in support of superior usage of land, thereby increasing agricultural, production and sustainability levels.

Optimizing Soil Fertility through Machine Learning: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability

Nowadays, the sustainability of agriculture and food security have an increasing importance on soil fertility. Soil fertility is defined as the capacity of a land to grow crops and its potential crop productivity. However, factors such as increasing population, climate change, land use changes and environmental pollution threaten soil fertility. These threats can result in problems such as erosion, soil salinisation and organic matter depletion. Soil fertility is critical for the long-term health of agriculture and food security. Artificial intelligence techniques used to determine and manage soil fertility analyse the minerals present in the soil as well as other factors. These analyses assess the amount of minerals present in the soil, the availability of nutrients and important parameters such as pH. This information guides farmers in selecting the most appropriate crops. Furthermore, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies allows real-time monitoring of minerals and nutrients in the soil and optimising irrigation and fertilisation processes based on this data. These developments have the potential to improve soil fertility management and increase agricultural productivity.

Factors affecting the adoption of farm mechanization in Rupandehi, Nepal

Agricultural mechanization is pivotal in farmer’s fields as it functions more efficiently and helps increase farm productivity. Despite the massive involvement of people in agriculture, farm productivity is relatively low. One main reason for this is the staggered implementation of farm mechanization. This paper aims to explore the factors affecting the adoption of farm mechanization using the Chi-square test and identify the major problems using relative frequency values. A total of 112 respondents, 28 each from 4 municipalities of Rupandehi district were interviewed based on stratified random sampling technique. The results showed that the adoption rates of various farm machinery were notably high, with tractors, cultivators, mills, and sprayers being universally employed by 93.75 % of the surveyed individuals. The government subsidies to only 7% of farmers facilitate machinery procurement. The size of the total cultivated land was found to be significant over the use of harvester, grass cutter, and power tiller, and owing of milling machine. The availability of subsidies and owning of mills were found inter dependent. The annual expenditures of farmers and their access to theCusto m Hiring Centre were found to be significant. Lastly, with index values of 0.402 and 0.393, the high costs of farm machinery and small land holdings were major problems in the adoption of farm mechanization. Therefore, addressing the high initial costs of modern farm equipment, providing targeted subsidies, innovative institution formation to provide better services to marginalized farmers, and expanding extension services are essential steps to promote the adoption of farm mechanization.

Agroforestry: Multifunctional Benefits and Implementation Strategies

Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, offers many benefits for biodiversity, soil health, climate resilience, and socio-economic development. This review explores the multifunctional benefits of agroforestry systems and discusses implementation strategies to optimize their potential. The article covers ecological, economic, and social aspects, highlighting successful case studies and best practices from various regions. By providing a comprehensive overview of agroforestry's advantages and practical approaches for its adoption, this review aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about the transformative potential of agroforestry in sustainable land management and rural development. Agroforestry systems have the potential to transform traditional agricultural practices by promoting biodiversity, enhancing ecosystem services, and increasing farm productivity and resilience. Integrating trees and shrubs into farming landscapes can improve soil health through enhanced nutrient cycling and erosion control, sequester carbon to mitigate climate change, and create microclimates that protect crops and livestock from extreme weather events. Additionally, agroforestry offers significant economic benefits by diversifying income sources for farmers, reducing reliance on chemical inputs, and improving market opportunities for agroforestry products. The review also addresses the social implications of agroforestry, emphasizing its role in enhancing rural livelihoods, promoting food security, and supporting community resilience. Agroforestry practices can empower smallholder farmers by providing them with new skills and knowledge, increasing their adaptive capacity, and fostering social cohesion through community-based initiatives. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the barriers to agroforestry adoption, such as lack of awareness, financial constraints, and insecure land tenure, and proposes solutions to overcome these challenges. In-depth case studies from various regions illustrate the successful implementation of agroforestry systems and their positive impacts on local communities and ecosystems. The review highlights best practices and lessons learned from these examples, offering valuable insights for scaling up agroforestry initiatives globally. By integrating scientific research with practical experiences, this article provides a holistic perspective on the potential of agroforestry to contribute to sustainable development goals, including climate action, zero hunger, and life on land. Ultimately, this review aims to inspire policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to recognize the value of agroforestry and to implement strategies that support its widespread adoption. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and promoting innovative approaches, agroforestry can become a key component of sustainable agricultural landscapes, ensuring food security, environmental health, and socio-economic well-being for future generations.

Marketing Information System for Maize Commodities in Soppeng Regency to Increase Agricultural Productivity and National Food Security

Maize in Soppeng Regency is a strategic commodity and has bright marketing prospects. Therefore, efforts to increase maize production need to receive great attention, because with sufficient availability, maize is one of the main food needs in the world after rice. It is expected that the community's need for maize can be met and the selling price remains stable. This research aims to increase the productivity of corn commodity marketing in Soppeng Regency based on the application of online marketing information systems, so that the market world can be wider and make it easier for farmers to sell their corn commodity products and become corn crop production centers, in order to increase the productivity of food crops, especially in Soppeng Regency. This study uses preliminary data on corn production from villages and sub-districts sourced from the Office of Food Crops, Horticulture, Plantations, and Food Security of Soppeng Regency which consists of 49 villages, 21 sub-districts and 8 sub-districts. The system development method uses the SDLC (System Development Life Cycle) system development technique, the application of this method starts from the field condition analysis stage, the system design stage, the system creation stage, the system testing stage, the system usage stage in the field. In addition, to meet the sustainability of the program, technical guidance on the use of the system will be provided to each user at the sub-district level. The results of this research are in the form of using an online-based corn commodity marketing information system

Factors Influencing Access of Government Agricultural Extension Services Among Banana Farmers in Lyantonde District, Uganda

In Uganda, the agriculture extension program has been the main conduit for disseminating information on farm technologies, support rural adult learning, and assist farmers in developing their farm technical and managerial skills. It is expected that extension programs will help increase farm productivity, farm revenue, reduce poverty and minimize food insecurity. In this study, we estimate the effects of extension services on farm income with reference to Government Agricultural Extension Services (GAES) delivered by Ministry of Agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries (MAAIF). The study used cross-section research design to randomly select and collect data from 165 banana farmers from Lyantonde subcounty. The collected data was entered and later analyzed using R software version 4.4.0. The results reveal that more than half of the banana farmers (58.2%) were accessing government agricultural extension services (GAESs), significantly higher than those not having access. Using binary logistic regression model, only two factors; - access to agricultural credit (p = 0.006) and membership to a farmer association (p<0.001) were found to significantly affect farmers’ access to GAES. The study findings point the critical role of farmer associations as well as access to agricultural credit to banana farmers in agricultural extension. It is, therefore, recommended that formation of farmer association be given a top priority as it helps in reducing the extension-to-farmer ratio for efficient and effective agricultural extension service delivery

Solar empowerment in agriculture: investigating photovoltaic energy’s impact on efficiency among wheat farmers

Persistent electricity shortages in Pakistan, causing prolonged grid power load shedding, have adversely impacted various sectors, notably agriculture and the livelihoods of rural farmers. Literature suggests that adopting photovoltaic solar energy can mitigate these issues. This research aims to measure the impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the technical efficiency of food productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, applying data from 580 respondents. Addressing self-selective bias through ESR and stochastic frontier production function model is utilized to assess technical efficiency. The findings of this study reveal that farmers using solar energy experience a significant improvement in technical efficiency, with 15.8 percent of them achieving a 7.643 percent increase, after accounting for self-selection bias. Furthermore, the positive effects are more pronounced among larger farms and those with greater farming experience. This study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in implementing solar energy solutions, highlighting their potential to foster sustainability and equitable development at the grassroots level. The research culminates with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of promoting the photovoltaic solar energy use among farmers to improve food security and increase agricultural productivity.

Assessing and Quantifying the Carbon, Nitrogen, and Enzyme Dynamics Effects of Inter-row Cover Cropping on Soils and Apple Tree Development in Orchards

Cover crops between rows in orchards can improve the development of soil resources and increase agricultural productivity. However, there have been few reports of cover crops that can act as a “green manure” in apple orchards across arid and semiarid zones. This study investigated the effects of planting interrow vegetation on soil properties and apple tree performance during a 32-month experiment. There were six treatments: clean cultivation as a control; natural grass planting; planting with ryegrass; planting with alfalfa; planting with tall fescue; and planting with villous wild pea cover crops. The treatments primarily affected the 0- to 20-cm surface soil layer. Soil carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme levels initially decreased (during the first 12–24 months); then, they increased (24–32 months). The cover crops significantly increased nutrient contents (soluble organic carbon, microbial carbon and nitrogen, alkaline dissolved nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen) in the 0- to 20-cm soil layer by more than 19.6% and increased the related enzyme activities by more than 25.2%. The alfalfa and wild pea alleys had a stronger effect on the soil environment than the control, natural grass, ryegrass, and tall fescue alley treatments; however, after 32 months, the alfalfa treatment inhibited fruit tree growth and development. This was unexpected because alfalfa seemed to have a positive effect on soil fertility characteristics. Under local ecological conditions, villous wild pea had the greatest effect on apple orchard productivity and significantly increased short branching by 15.9%, fruit weight per fruit by 12.6%, yield per plant by 8.6%, and soluble sugar content by 10.5% compared with clean cultivation. The correlation analysis showed that there were significant or highly significant positive correlations between fruit tree performance and soil carbon, nitrogen, and enzyme activity levels as the soil layer depth increased. Therefore, under local ecological conditions, cover crops have a greater effect on orchard surface soil fertility than on deeper soils, and intercropping with villous wild pea potentially produces the greatest improvement in apple orchard productivity.

Promoting sustainable agrifood production under climate change: adaptation, returns, and food security implications

ABSTRACT Climate change is challenging sustainable agrifood production and food security, and encouraging farmers’ climate change adaptation can help promote sustainable agrifood production and ensure food security. This study investigates farmers’ climate change adaptation and its impact on agrifood production. We employ the propensity score matching (PSM) model to address the selection bias issue of climate change adaptation and estimate the survey data collected from 415 rice-producing households in rural China. We also estimate the inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) model for robustness check. The empirical results show that farmers’ decisions on climate change adaptation are influenced by household heads’ age, education level, life satisfaction, temperature perception, and transportation conditions. The treatment effect estimations of the PSM model reveal that climate change adaptation significantly increases land productivity by 41.24–44.29% and labor productivity by 55.06–63.72% in rice production. The IPWRA model estimation largely confirms the robustness of the PSM model estimation. We also find that climate change adaptation significantly increases the net returns of rice production. These findings have significant global implications. By understanding the factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adapt to climate change, policymakers worldwide can design targeted interventions to encourage similar practices in other regions. Promoting farmers’ climate change adaptation to increase farm productivity is crucial for ensuring global food security in the face of ongoing climate challenges.

Role of Agricultural Extension Services (AES) on Farm Productivity and Household Food Security in Tanzania

Abstract This study explores the effects of agricultural extension services on farm productivity and food security in Tanzania using data from the 2019/20 National Sample Census of Agriculture. The study used an Ordinary Least Square and Tobit regression models to examine the effects of agricultural extension services on agricultural productivity and food security measured in harvest per acre and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) respectively. The findings highlight a significant positive correlation between using agricultural extension services and increased farm productivity and food security. These results emphasize substantial policy implications suggesting a strategic focus on enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of extension services particularly among smallholder farmers. Furthermore, the government and stakeholders need to prioritize and invest in expanding extension services to smallholder farmers. This involves improving service quality to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers. Such approaches may contribute to improved farm productivity and food security in Tanzania.

Environmental–Socioeconomic Factors and Technology Adoption: Empirical Evidence from Small-Scale Salt Farmers in Improving Technical Efficiency in the Madurese Coastal Area, East Java, Indonesia

Salt farming has been a hereditary occupation in the coastal communities of Madura Island; however, salt productivity in this area is still relatively low. The government has introduced a new production technology, called a geomembrane, as part of their efforts. The application of the latest technological innovations has been promoted worldwide to increase farm productivity, including in salt farming. This research aims to determine the determinants of adoption decisions for salt production technology and estimate the adoption impact on technical efficiency. The data in this study are cross-sectional from 215 small-scale salt farmers on Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia. The data were analyzed using logistic regression to identify which factors influenced farmers’ decisions to use geomembranes. The influence of adoption on farmers’ technical efficiency was then assessed using propensity score matching (PSM) and data envelopment analysis (DEA). The findings indicate that age and the dummy variables of gender, land ownership, profit-sharing involvement, and membership in the People’s Salt Business Group (KUGAR) all had a significant impact on adoption rates. The findings of controlling matched samples using the PSM process reveal that geomembrane application improves and greatly increases farmers’ technical efficiency. Those who used geomembranes displayed greater technical efficiency than those who did not. These findings imply that salt production technology should be promoted more to increase productivity, especially geomembrane adoption, through outreach and dissemination of information, including for landowners involved in the profit-sharing system. The government should keep supporting salt farmers and motivate them to adopt geomembrane technology to ensure the sustainability of salt production in the coastal communities on Madura Island.

Reformasi Agraria dan Dampaknya terhadap Perekonomian Indonesia pada Era Orde Lama dan Orde Baru

Agrarian reform encompasses a series of government actions and policies designed to restructure the land system, aiming to enhance social justice, reduce land ownership inequality, increase agricultural productivity, and stimulate economic growth in the agricultural sector. These reforms typically involve transferring land from large owners to smaller farmers, improving the land ownership structure, and granting land to farmers. This study employs descriptive qualitative research. According to Lexi J. Moleong, qualitative research seeks to understand phenomena experienced by the subjects. Although agrarian reform in Indonesia began during Dutch colonialism, significant reforms were implemented during the Old Order and New Order eras, particularly through Law Number 5 of 1960, known as the Basic Agrarian Law (UUPA). This law established regulations related to agrarian principles during the Old Order period. The Old Order’s agrarian reform aimed to dismantle colonial capitalism and feudalism by nationalizing foreign companies and redistributing land. However, agrarian reform in Indonesia still faces numerous challenges that need to be addressed to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Students’ interest in agribusiness as a future career

Purpose. This study was conducted among Bangladeshi undergraduate agricultural students to see how likely they were to launch their agribusinesses after awarding Bachelor’s degrees. Methodology / approach. As an agricultural country, agribusiness among the students is increasingly important. To achieve the purpose, we selected undergraduate students from the University of Rajshahi as the respondents. Agriculture, Fisheries, and Veterinary Science students were surveyed to determine their interest in starting an agribusiness (opening their own enterprises) after graduation. Questionnaire data were subjected to a logit regression analysis. Results. Most students come from rural backgrounds and many work in family farming either directly or indirectly, only a small percentage of them (29.6 %) want to start an agribusiness after graduation. Most students think working for the Government or providing other services is safer than doing business. Except for students whose families had large landholdings, students were not interested in becoming agribusiness entrepreneurs, although female students were more curious than males. The students perceived agribusiness as too risky and preferred civil service or other service sector employment over any business. If they were to set up such companies, they would be the most interested in fruits and vegetables, feed mills, beef, floriculture, and fisheries. Part of the reason for this disinclination to entrepreneurship is South Asian culture, which values security over independence, although agriculture, where the product is perishable, is risky. Originality / scientific novelty. Over the last 10 years, there has been a decline in total agricultural employment despite a rise in the youth unemployment rate. Encouraging these young people to go into agribusiness, we can reduce unemployment and increase agricultural productivity. But, regarding the interest of young people in Bangladesh in agribusiness, there is no published material. Thus, this study is the first in Bangladesh to assess the interest of agricultural students in starting an agribusiness and describe its determinants. Practical value / implications. The state wants to encourage agribusiness, but does not have a policy to achieve the goal and universities do not even teach this subject to agriculture graduates. If the government is serious about expanding agricultural entrepreneurship, it will have to invest in agribusiness to reduce its risk: in agricultural mechanisation, better rural transport and infrastructure, insurance for agricultural enterprises, mentors to impart business skills and advice, and a national capital fund to invest in such enterprises and finance them by capital rather than by debt.

Geospatial based soil loss rate and land degradation assessment in Debre Berhan Regio-Politan city, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia’s central highlands, soil erosion and degradation are the most challenging and persistent issues, owing to their rough topography and human activities. Planning land use and managing natural resources, as well as agricultural output, depend on the evaluation of land degradation (LD). Thus, this study was carried out with the objective to quantify and evaluate soil loss rates, sediment yield (SY), and identify degradation hotspot areas in the Debre Berhan Regio-Politan City, Central Highlands of Ethiopia. The city has an area of 127191.7 ha. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model was applied to generate soil erosion severity map. An empirical equation based on topography was utilized to calculate sediment yield, in addition to the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method for evaluating land LD. The results showed that the city’s average annual estimated soil loss was 38.5 t ha−1 yr−1. Serious risks of soil loss are especially present in large portions of the city’s hilly eastern, northwest, and north peripheral areas. The city’s yearly average SY varies from 0–32 t ha−1 yr−1, with plain areas generally contributing 0 tons, while the hilly/barren areas contributing 32 tons. The LD severity class indicated that about 15197.65 ha (11.91%), 38018.49 ha (29.85%), 40287.86 ha (31.67%), 19869.97 ha (15.61%), and 13817.73 ha (10.96%) portion is categorized as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high, respectively. To prevent soil loss and LD and increase agricultural productivity, it is crucial to implement nature-based climate-smart agricultural practices and provide capacity-building training in line with the SDGs, Africa Agenda 2063, and national strategies and policies of the country.