Increase Farm Income Research Articles

Impact of Pranic Agriculture on Crop Growth and Yield: A Systematic Review

Pranic Agriculture (PA) is a supplementary approach to plant cultivation, incorporating the deliberate process of channeling prana-a fundamental life force energy-towards soil, seeds and seedlings to foster and enhance plant growth. This deliberate cleansing and revitalization process contributes to a harmonious and flourishing environment, fostering optimal conditions for plant development. This systematic review seeks to evaluate the influence of Pranic Agriculture by examining its impact on key crop parameters such as germination, plant dimensions, leaf characteristics, flowering, crop yield, chlorophyll content and plant polymorphism. By delving into seventeen pertinent studies conducted between 2009 and 2024 and published in reputable English peer-reviewed journals, this review aims to shed light on the potential viability of Pranic Agriculture. The selected studies, sourced from databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and recognized journals by UGC and NAAS, were identified using keywords such as prana and agriculture, pranic agriculture, supplementary agriculture and complementary treatment in agriculture. Pranic Agriculture emerged from the reviewed studies as a catalyst for significant improvements in diverse growth parameters, spanning germination rates, shoot and root development, leaf morphology, early flowering and enhanced yield. In addition, an increase in chlorophyll content and polymorphism is noticed in plants treated by PA. Implementing Pranic Agriculture holds the promise of not only enhancing crop growth and yield, but potentially increasing farmer income. Continued research in this realm promises to deepen our understanding of the interconnected relationship between Pranic Agriculture and the broader environment, paving the way for sustainable agricultural practices that harmonise with nature.

Adult Children's Urbanization and Family Farmland Transfer: Evidence From China

ABSTRACTThe transfer of agricultural land from families to external entities can enhance land use efficiency, leading to reduced production costs and increased farmer income. However, the decision to transfer family farmland is influenced not only by macroeconomic policies and farmers' actions but also by the decisions of their adult children. This study investigates how the urbanization of adult children impacts household land transfer decisions. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies from 2012 to 2020, the research employs an Extended Regression Model to analyze this relationship. The findings reveal that adult children's urbanization significantly raises the likelihood of family farmland transfer. Further, heterogeneity analysis finds that this effect is more pronounced in households with smaller families, fewer children, no male offspring, and higher incomes. The study identifies three mechanisms through which adult children's urbanization promotes household farmland transfer: the aging effect, the accompanying migration effect, and the wealth effect.

Full mechanization: a path to increased farm income, food security, and environmental quality in developing countries

Full mechanization: a path to increased farm income, food security, and environmental quality in developing countries

Impact of fish farm drainage water reuse for irrigation on barley yield and water productivity: Field study and simulation using the SALTMED model

AbstractCountries such as Egypt, which are situated in semi‐arid regions and have water constraints, primarily aim to repurpose unconventional water resources for irrigation. The aim of this research was to examine the feasibility and advantages of irrigating barley with fish farm drainage water (DWFF) rather than fresh irrigation water (IW). Four degrees of deficit irrigation [100% FI (full irrigation), 80% FI, 60% FI and 40% FI] were studied for the irrigation of barley via two types of water (DWFF and IW). The response of crops to a deficit irrigation approach involving the use of IW in the two seasons of 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 was demonstrated by the results. The yield of the barley produced with DWFF irrigation was greater than that produced with IW irrigation, ranging from 9% to 12% in 2020–2021 and from 9% to 13% in 2021–2022. This resulted from the higher concentration of dissolved biological nitrogen and other nutrients in DWFFs. There was a strong correlation between the observed and simulated crop yield values for both growing seasons, with R2 values of 0.963 and 0.960, respectively, for all the treatments. The SALTMED model was used to simulate the soil moisture content, water application efficiency, barley dry matter, yield and water productivity for all the treatments. The study concluded that DWFF is a useful irrigation substitute for IW. Higher yields were also attained with the use of less IW and chemical fertilisers because of the DWFF. In addition, there are other advantages, such as increasing farmer income and lowering discharge to the drainage network.

Unveiling the Welfare Puzzle: Exploring Fertilizer Subsidy Effects on Farmer's Earnings in Indonesia

This study investigates the unresolved issue of how fertilizer subsidies affect paddy production and farmer income, a critical aspect of Indonesia's agricultural policy that has not been fully understood. By analyzing panel data from 33 provinces between 2019 and 2022 using the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) method, the research explores both income dynamics and productivity. Results reveal that NPK and SP36 fertilizers boost paddy yields by 0.198% and 0.155%, respectively, while UREA and ZA have no significant impact on production. Additionally, rising wages reduce production by 1.343% but increase farmer income by 0.332%. These findings highlight the complexity of balancing productivity with farmer welfare, suggesting that while fertilizer subsidies can enhance yields, they are not a universal solution. Policymakers must consider multifaceted approaches that address both productivity and sustainable income growth to ensure long-term welfare improvements for Indonesian farmers.

Utilisation of Cow Faeces as a Base Material to Making Bokashi Fertiliser to Increase Farmers Income in Balai Hamlet, Taram Village, Harau District

The application of technology in agriculture aims to increase food production through the substitution of traditional farming systems with modern farming systems by utilising more advanced technology. This has an impact on the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which can cause environmental damage and ultimately reduce agricultural productivity. Processing cow dung into organic fertiliser for crops is an applied technology in the framework of implementing zero waste farming technology. One of the benefits that can be obtained is increased income by reducing the cost of artificial fertiliser needs. Cow faeces as cattle farming waste has not been optimally utilised. Cow faeces are usually piled up by farmers behind or near the cowshed, causing a strong smell (air pollution). The results of the activity of making cow feces bokashi organic fertiliser are very beneficial for farmers as a substitute for inorganic fertiliser; The creation of clean cowshed conditions, and environmentally friendly rice fields.

Determinants of adoption of climate resilient agricultural solutions

CONTEXTClimate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, crop yield and overall resilience of farming system, particularly in mountainous regions. In a mountainous coutry like Nepal, where agriculture is a crucial livelihood for a substantial population, the Climate Resilient Agricultural (CRA) solutions are imperative. These solutions aim to enhance the sustainability of water, reduce reliance on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and increase farm productivity and income. However, understanding the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt or reject such solutions remains a critical knowledge gap. OBJECTIVESThis study investigates the socio-psychological and socio-demographic determinants affecting the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural solutions. METHODSThis study uses the theory of planned behavior and a mixed-method approach to conduct household surveys with farmers, Key Informant Interviews with experts and implementing partners, and Focus Group Discussions with farmers' groups. Responses to behavior-related questions were analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), and the factors influencing the farmers' adoption behavior were identified using binary logistic regression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe result based on a limited sample size indicates that farm characteristics and farmers' perceived behavior control significantly influence the adoption and continuation behavior of CRA solutions. In conclusion, fostering awareness, capacity building, and skill development and establishing both market and non-market incentives are essential for improving the adoption of new solutions for climate resilience in agriculture, however, the in-depth research is recommended to better understand the adoption behavior within specific farming systems. SIGNIFICANCEThe findings of this research offer valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners striving to promote the widespread adoption of CRA solutions in farming communities. It will help to develop targeted strategies and policies that effectively support the integration of these solutions into agricultural practices, ultimately enhancing the resilience of the farming system in the face of climate change.

Between Public and Private: A Study of the Rural Fertilization System during the Collectivization Period (1949–1963) – With a Focus on Shanxi Province

Abstract Manure is a critical productive resource for agricultural development. With the advancement of the collectivization movement, household manure accumulation became a key source of fertilizer for collective agricultural operations. However, the process of farmers contributing fertilizer to the collective faced setbacks due to factors such as unreasonable compensation. In response, various localities gradually developed fertilization systems centered around tasks, compensation, and rewards and penalties. The essence of these systems was an economic balance between collective fertilizer use and increased farmer income, generally characterized by considerations for both public and private interests, but prioritizing the public over the private. In the dynamic restructuring of the relationship between labor input and income distribution, political norms and economic measures adjusted to one another. The economic rationality of the peasants interacted with the “egalitarianism” culture in rural areas, reflecting the complex interplay between public and private interests during the collectivization period in rural society.

Enhancing Farm Household Income Through Efficient Arabica Coffee Cultivation In Simalungun, North Sumatera

North Sumatera is the largest producer of arabica coffee in Indonesia with 29%. However, coffee farmers are always faced with various field problems such as high fertilizer prices, declining production and various traditional cultivation practices that cause low productivity levels. So that in maintaining overall cropping it is necessary to know the efficiency of farm management with efficient coffee management it can increase farmer income, improve the quality of life of farmers, absorb labor, reduce costs and create a sustainable system. The method used in this research is to use the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model to determine the efficient value and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model to determine the efficient influence. The results of this research with the DEA model show that from a total of 133 respondents, the inefficient value is 51%, low efficient 25%, medium efficient 13%, and low efficient 11%. While the OLS model shows that the total cost and total income of farmers can significantly affect the efficiency value, the total production of farmers has no influence on the efficiency value. The research findings imply that improving efficiency requires modernizing technology to overcome traditional management such as the use of superior seeds and fertilizer inputs to increase land production. It also requires the support of relevant policies and institutions that are able to guarantee the availability of production facilities such as superior seeds and fertilizers that are easily available to farmers at affordable prices.

Sustainable Maize Storage Technology Adoption in Ghana: Implications for Postharvest Losses, Farm Income, and Income Inequality

ABSTRACTThe Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, a sustainable post‐harvest storage technology, can address the high postharvest losses that are a major threat to economic development, food security and the environment in Africa. However, there is limited empirical research on this technology. This study therefore aims to fill this knowledge gap by analysing the factors influencing the diffusion and adoption rates of PICS bags and estimates the impact of the technology adoption on postharvest losses, farm income and income inequality in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The results show that less than 20% of farmers adopt the PICS bag, suggesting low adoption despite the widespread exposure of 51.75%. The technology adoption rate could be increased by 20% if all the farmers were exposed to it. It reduces postharvest losses by 14.2%–19.1%, increases farm income by 89.7%–91.2% and reduces income inequality by 51.33%. These findings suggest that promoting the technology can stimulate sustainable rural development by improving farmers' welfare.

Analysis of the Application Advantages and Technical Characteristics of Agricultural Machinery Automation Technology

With the rapid development of science and technology, agricultural production needs to be modernized in order to improve efficiency, reduce costs and reduce the burden of farmers. However, there are many disadvantages in the traditional agricultural production mode, which is difficult to meet the needs of modern agricultural development. This paper makes an in-depth analysis of the application advantages and technical characteristics of agricultural machinery automation technology, and puts forward the strategies of deeply understanding the agricultural production needs, strengthening technology research and development and innovation, and paying attention to talent training and introduction. Through the effective application of agricultural machinery automation technology, it is expected to realize the intelligence, precision and adaptability of agricultural production, so as to promote the process of agricultural modernization in China, ensure the national food security and increase farmers income.

Farmers Participation in Community-Based Extension Organizations

This study investigated the involvement of farmers in community-based extension organizations as a new approach to alleviating rural poverty in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The research included 437 respondents from 18 communities across 6 local government areas, randomly selected from two agricultural zones. Descriptive statistics were utilized to address the study's objectives, while inferential statistics, including multiple regression, t-tests, and binomial statistics, were employed for data analysis. Findings indicated that the respondents had an average residence duration of 14 years, an average age of 45 years, an average household size of 7 persons, average farm size of 3 hectares, and 11.7 average years of farming experience. A majority (81.5%) of the respondents exhibited a moderate level of participation in their community-based extension organizations, which led to a significant increase in farm income, averaging N92,907.18 after becoming members of CBEOs. Respondents showed a favourable attitude (82%) to participation in the groups they belong with particular interest in the areas of: participation in the group has enhanced my farm output and participation in the group has improved my income, amongst other issues of consideration. Socio-economic characteristics that significantly affect farmers income are; participation score (b = 0.029; t = 1.992), length of community residence (b = 0.078; t = 1.964), age (b = -0.029; t = -2.584), educational status (b = 0.125; t = 2.610), household size (b = 0.054; t = 1.979), farm size (b = 0.068; 3.184) and farming experience (b = 0.068; t = 1.999). It was recommended that respondents’ interest should be jacked up to reflect more interest in the groups they belong by improving on their level of participation.

Agroforestry status, services, and its role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration under semi-arid conditions

Agroforestry systems play a dynamic role in sequestering atmospheric carbon to keep the environment safe and provide various benefits such as food, fodder, fuel wood, increased farm income, biodiversity maintenance, and soil conservation. The present study assessed agroforestry's status, services, and role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration in three districts of Punjab, Pakistan: Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. In the current study, the administrative geographical division, which is the village, union council, Tehsil, and district, was considered for sampling. Field visits were carried out in 175 rural union councils of 14 Tehsils of selected districts to collect socio-economic data through validated questionnaires and tree inventory data to estimate carbon stocks. Research results revealed that most of the respondents in the study area were middle-aged, had about 8–10 years of education, and had less than 5 hectares of landholding. Nearly 34 % to 36 % of farmers earned 359.59 to 1438.37 USD annually, with farming as a major income source. Linear planting was the dominant form of agroforestry, with P. deltoides, D. sissoo, and E. camaldulensis being major tree species. The current number of trees ha-1 was 19–25, while the potential trees ha-1 could be 57–72 in the study area. Across 14 tehsils of selected districts, the maximum total tree carbon stock (8.97 Mg ha-1) and total tree CO2 sequestration (32.21 Mg ha-1) was estimated in Tehsil Lalian of district Chiniot while the lowest total tree carbon stock (1.82 Mg ha-1) and total tree CO2 sequestration (7.34 Mg ha-1) were estimated in Tehsil Faisalabad of district Faisalabad. The results of this study highlight that the eco-friendly advantages of agroforestry can be used to improve approvals and strategies on the selection and management of tree species, along with land use systems for designing effective carbon sequestration projects in Pakistan.

Optimal Planting Time for Summer Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Cropping in Korea: Growth, Yield, and Photosynthetic Efficiency in a Semi-Closed Greenhouse.

In Korea, greenhouses are traditionally used for crop cultivation in the winter. However, due to diverse consumer demands, climate change, and advancements in agricultural technology, more farms are aiming for year-round production. Nonetheless, summer cropping poses challenges such as high temperatures, humidity from the monsoon season, and low light conditions, which make it difficult to grow crops. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the best planting time for summer tomato cultivation in a Korean semi-closed greenhouse that can be both air-conditioned and heated. The experiment was conducted in the Advanced Digital Greenhouse, built by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences. The tomato seedlings were planted in April, May, and June 2022. Growth parameters such as stem diameter, flowering position, stem growth rate, and leaf shape index were measured, and harvesting was carried out once or twice weekly per treatment from 65 days to 265 days after planting. The light use efficiency and yield per unit area at each planting time was measured. Tomatoes planted in April showed a maximum of 42.9% higher light use efficiency for fruit production and a maximum of 33.3% higher yield. Furthermore, the growth form of the crops was closest to the reproductive growth type. Therefore, among April, May, and June, April is considered the most suitable planting time for summer cultivation, which is expected to contribute to reducing labor costs due to decreased workload and increasing farm income through increased yields. Future research should explore optimizing greenhouse microclimates and developing crop varieties tailored for summer cultivation to further enhance productivity and sustainability in year-round agricultural practices.

Marketing Efficiency and Disposal Pattern of Pomegranate in Maharashtra, India

Aims: This research aims to identify factors that influence marketing efficiency and disposal patterns of pomegranates, with the aim of increasing farmer income and reducing post-harvest losses. Study Design: Vashi market near to Navi Mumbai was selected for the study purpose due to maximum hoarding of pomegranates in the states and from the other states as well. A total 60 Producers and 40 functionaries were asked to respond against a structured schedule which was prepared for the purpose. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken as the mandatory project work programme of MBA (Agribusiness) which was undertaken jointly by International Agribusiness Management Institute and ABC Company, Maharashtra in the month of January-April 2024. Methodology: Different stakeholders, connected to the Vashi market were selected purposively to address the problem statement and the corresponding objectives which were analysed further through descriptive statistics and Acharya Measurement of Marketing Efficiency. Results: Producers were getting more than 60 percent of the share in consumer rupee irrespective of the four major channels. The state share in pomegranate production was also quite significant at the national sphere. Despite that, storage issues, transportation issues and some cases issues of packaging materials generate cost escalation for the stakeholders. It was observed, where farmers were doing primary processing before selling the pomegranate to the next stakeholders were getting good amount of net income from it. Conclusion: It is advised to encourage the development of the farmers’ market where producers can sell directly to consumers and reaping more benefit from their surpluses.

ANALYSIS OF RISK MANAGEMENT AMONG BROILER FARMERS IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA

The study assessed risk management among broiler farmers in Kuje Area Council, FCT, Nigeria. The study used three-stage sampling technique and primary data were collected from 67 broiler farmers. The analytical technique involved descriptive statistics and principal component analysis. The results revealed that 79.1% of the respondents were males with a mean age of 42 years, 47.8% had education to secondary level and 53.7% had more than 1-3 years of farming experience with the mean of 5 years and 46.3% of the household size had a range between 1-5 members with a mean of 6 members. The result of the risks encountered by the broiler farmers showed that shortage of feed was the major production risk encountered with a mean value of 3.23, unforeseen funding shortage was the most critical financial risk encountered (3.18), unfavorable weather condition was the most significant environmental risk encountered (3.61), high cost of feed was the highest ranked market risk encountered (3.84). The risk management strategies adopted by the broiler farmers showed that Feed, general health, disease prevention, financial and environmental management strategies were the five factor components left after factor analysis. The study concludes that the risk management strategies were possibly not being properly implemented and adopted; hence, they often continue to encounter these risks. This study recommends that government in collaboration with broiler farmers should make good intervention and policies through the relevant agricultural agencies in order to minimize risk, reduce cost of production and achieve increase farm incomes in the study area.

PENGARUH MODAL DAN HASIL PRODUKSI GABAH TERHADAP PENINGKATAN PENDAPATAN PETANI DI KECAMATAN BANDA MULIA KABUPATEN ACEH TAMIANG

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of capital and grain yield on increasing farmers income in Banda Mulia District, Aceh Tamiang Regency. The population in this study were all grain farmers in the district Banda Mulia, while the sample taken was 96 farmers with sampling through simple random sampling method. Method of collecting data through questionnaires.The data analysis technique used is multiple linier regression analysis with the calculation of SPSS software. The results showed that the variable capital had a positive and significant effect on the increase in farmer income (with a t count of 2,217and a sig. value of 0,029) and the grain yield variable had a positive and significant effect on the increase in farmer income (with a t count of 5,870 and a sig. value of 0,000). While the variables of capital and productions yields together have a positive and significant effect on the increase in farmer income in Banda Mulia District (with a F count of 280,953 and a sig. value of 0,000).

A Study on Sugar Content Improvement and Distribution Flow Response through Citrus Sugar Content Prediction Based on the PyCaret Library

Despite the increasing attention on smart farms as a solution to rural issues such as aging agricultural populations, a shortage of young farmers, decreased production area, and reduced investment leading to stagnant income, exports, and growth rates, many farms still rely on traditional methods like cultivating tangerines in open fields. Despite this, increasing farm income requires producing high-quality tangerines and selling them at premium prices, with fruit sweetness being a crucial factor. Therefore, there is a need to examine the close correlation between tangerine quality and sweetness. In this paper, we use deep learning with the PyCaret library to predict and analyze tangerine sweetness using data from seven regions in Jeju and 13 comprehensive factors influencing sweetness, including terrain, temperature, humidity, precipitation, sunlight, wind speed, acidity, sugar-acid ratio, and others. Although applying all 13 factors could achieve over 90% accuracy, our study, limited to seven factors, still achieves a respectable 82.4% prediction accuracy, demonstrating the significant impact of weather data on sweetness. Moreover, these optimistic predictions enable the estimation of tangerine quality and price formation in the market for the coming year, allowing tangerine farmers and related agencies to respond to market conditions proactively. Furthermore, by applying these data to smart farms to control factors influencing tangerine sweetness, it is anticipated that high-quality tangerine production and increased farm income can be achieved.

The Use of Biostimulants in Javanese Turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) Cultivation to Increase Production Competitiveness

Abstract The objective of the research is to increase the productivity and quality of javanese turmeric. The research is a descriptive analytic by using information and data from senior agricultural experts and scientific publications. The agribusiness of javanese turmeric has bright prospects, but there is still problem where javanese turmeric cultivated traditionally so the average productivity and quality is low. According to the regulation from Agency of Food and Drug Supervisory, the production of medicinal plant is required to be high quality to ensure the efficacy and safety of medicinal herb. The efforts to increase productivity and quality in the cultivation of javanese turmeric can be done through the combination of using biostimulant and the application of Good Agriculture Practice (GAP). The use of biostimulant will provide more available nutrients for plant growth, increase plant protection from pathogen, and increase soil water holding capacity where it will lead to increase productivity. The combination of using biostimulant and application of GAP will lead to increase productivity and quality of javanese turmeric production where it can meet the requirement of modern medicinal herb industry. Furthermore, it is expected to increase the competitiveness of production, increase farmer income, and lead to develop farmer economy.

Designing Risk Mitigation Strategies for Agricultural Supply Chain: A Supply Chain Finance-Based Approach

Abstract The agricultural supply chain is distinguished from the manufacturing and service supply chains by its complexity and length. These characteristics emphasize the importance of risk management measures for this supply chain, which will increase farmer income, market stability, and food security. This research aims to design risk mitigation strategies, especially demand risk, in the rice farming supply chain in Tana Paser District, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to predict the average rice demand and conduct sensitivity analysis. Three financial scheme strategies were compared: soft tolling, hard tolling, and contract farming, to assess the best strategy that provides maximum profits for agricultural supply chain actors. From the simulation results, the average predicted value for rice demand was 2.78 tonnes. The optimal quantities of q1 (processed material), q2 (raw material), and q3 (seeds) obtained from sensitivity analysis were 2.2 tons, 2 tons, and 2 tons, respectively. The soft tolling strategy provides maximum profits for all agricultural supply chain players, with a total profit of IDR 17,471,000.00, considering that implementing this strategy involves all supply chain stakeholders in determining the contract decision (q).