Agricultural Innovation Research Articles

TRANSFORMING INDIAN AGRICULTURE THROUGH FARMING INNOVATIONS

Contract farming has existed for a long time, taking different forms, such as a sharecropping contract that was initially regarded as a feudal form of agriculture because the markets were either absent or underdeveloped (Eswaran and Kotwal, 1985). Initially, contract farming was a common practice in developed countries, driven principally by concerns over food safety and quality (Otsuka et al., 2016; Mishra et al., 2018; Bellemare and Bloem, 2018). Glover (1984) describes contract farming as an institutional arrangement with advantages for plantations and smallholder production. Farmers and buyers commonly use contract farming to make advance agreements on volume, specific requirements, delivery, and price.

Clustering countries of the world according to their business practices in agriculture

The study aims to cluster countries worldwide by business practices in the agrosector to reveal trends and specifics in applying sustainable methods in agrobusiness management. The analysis covers 26 countries from the OECD database as of 2021. The Word and k-means clustering methods are based on General Services Support Estimate indicators from the OECD: share of agricultural knowledge and innovation system, share of inspection and control, share of development and maintenance of infrastructure, share of cost of public stockholding, which has a determining, statistically significant influence on the formation of clusters. The first cluster included three Asian countries; China is the leader (share of agricultural knowledge and innovation system – 6,529.7 million USD, share of inspection and control – 3177.9 million USD, share of development and maintenance of infrastructure – 12,874.7 million USD, share of cost of public stockholding – 14,668.5 million USD). The second cluster comprised six countries, with the USA as the leader (share of agricultural knowledge and innovation system – 2,908.4 million USD, share of inspection and control – 1,298.0 million USD, share of development and maintenance of infrastructure – 2,392.5 million USD). The third cluster has 17 countries, with Canada being singled out (share of inspection and control – 631.8 million USD and share of agricultural knowledge and innovation system – 683.1 million USD). The results indicate the diversity of countries’ approaches to support and develop their agrosector. Advanced Asian countries and the US invest significant resources in innovation, infrastructure development, and quality control, underscoring their commitment to food security, efficiency, and sustainability.

The Impact of Technological Innovation on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: The Mediating Role of Environmental Regulation in China

This study delves into the effects of agricultural technological innovation on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the intermediating role of environmental regulation (ER) in 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2021. Employing mediation analysis methods such as the three-step approach, Sobel–Goodman test, and Bootstrap methods, the findings are robust: technological innovation significantly enhances AGTFP, as evidenced by a 1% level significant coefficient of 0.030. Additionally, ER acts as a potent mediator, where its inclusion as an independent variable alongside agricultural technological innovation (AST) boosts the coefficient to 0.031, further confirming its synergistic effect on AGTFP. These data points underline the importance of innovation in agricultural sustainability and the reinforcing role of environmental regulation. Consequently, this study advocates for intensified agricultural innovation support, tailored environmental regulation policies, augmented environmental education, and a meticulous evaluation system for environmental legislation to foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers in onion cultivation

Organomineral fertilizers is an innovation in agriculture, since it uses organic matter enriched with minerals. The combination of mineral phosphate and organomineral fertilization can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and economical fertilization program for the crop. So, organomineral fertilization can be an alternative or complement to mineral fertilization. However, the careful selection of fertilizer sources and doses is essential to increase productivity in the onion crop and finding proportions between different fertilizers can be a promising choice for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of different proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers on the development, production and post-harvest quality of onion bulbs, cv. Sublime F1, under Cerrado conditions. The experiment was carried out in the field, in Cristalina, GO, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with four replications. Six treatments were used: five proportions of mineral fertilizer (M) with organomineral (OM) and the control (without additional fertilization). It was evaluated: length, width and number of leaves; productivity; soluble solids content; titratable acidity; and loss of fresh mass. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), at 1% (p≤0.01) and 5% (p≤0.05) of significance, and means compared by Tukey and Dunnett tests (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05). The fertilization proportions were submitted to regression (p≤0.05). The proportion of 50%M50%OM promotes higher bulb average mass and class 4 onion productivity. The proportions of fertilizers did not alter the postharvest characteristics (total soluble solids and total acidity) of the onion, which were affected only by the time of storage. Cultivar Sublime F1 showed good development for the region, conditions and fertilizers used.

PRESENCIA DE DOS ESPECIES DE ÁCAROS (Prostigmata:Tetranychidae: Mononychellus) DE LA YUCA (Manihot esculenta Crantz), PROVINCIA DE COCLÉ, PANAMÁ

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Phytophagous mites of the Tetranychidae family (Prostigmata) have the potential to cause losses to the national production of cassava (<em>Manihot esculenta</em> Crantz), one of the important crops for food security in Panama. This is due to the high reproduction rate they have in short periods of time and the ease of dispersing in certain regions. <strong>Objetive.</strong> Report the presence of two species of phytophagous mites of the genus <em>Mononychellus </em>associated with cassava in the province of Coclé, Panama. <strong>Methodology. </strong>The information corresponds to a sampling of phytophagous mites associated with cassava plantations in seven locations in the province of Coclé. The study was carried out during the period from August 2023 to September 2023. In each location, five yucca plants were selected to verify the presence and damage to the foliage of phytophagous mites. For this, samples of four leaves from each plant were taken. The sampled plant material was taken to the Plant Protection Laboratory of the Divisa Agricultural Innovation Center of the Panamanian Institute of Agricultural Innovation. The samples of phytophagous mites were separated, and microslides were made to identify the species under a microscope. <strong>Results. </strong>Two species of the genus <em>Mononychellus</em> of the family Tetranychidae were identified as associated with damage to cassava plants. <strong>Implications</strong>: The identification of the phytophagous mite species and the damage caused in cassava is the first step to establish an integrated pest management program<strong>.</strong> <strong>Conclusions. </strong>The damages presented by the plants that are affected by the attack of the <em>Mononychellus </em>phytophagous mite complex in the cassava crop were identified.</p>

Current state and prospects for the development of agriculture in the Vinnytsia region

The agriculture of the Vinnytsia region plays an important role in the economy of this region, ensuring food security, employment stability and socio-economic development. The study aims to analyse the current state and peculiarities of the functioning of agriculture in the Vinnytsia region, as well as to identify prospects for the development of this sector of the region's economy. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: abstract logikal, system-structural, method of analysis and comparison, economic-statistical, tabular, graphical and other methods. The study analyses current trends in agricultural development, covering information up to 2022, as there are currently no official statistics for 2023. It is established that 2022 was a difficult year for the country, as evidenced by the decline in plant production in the region from 2018 to 2022, but at the same time, there was a certain increase in the production of animal products. The study examines the structure of production and efficiency indicators of agriculture, which indicate both positive and negative trends. In particular, the positive side of the dynamics is the increase in the number of agricultural enterprises and the stability of the region's share in the national agricultural production. However, negative trends include a decline in production, a decrease in the profitability of operating activities and other indicators that reflect the impact of economic and technological factors on the industry. The study noted that proper use of fertilisers is essential for increasing land productivity. Several challenges that limit the productivity and sustainability of agricultural development in the region were identified. Climatic conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, environmental, economic and social problems that require an integrated approach to address them. The article substantiates the prospects for agricultural development, namely: optimisation of land use, introduction of modern technologies, support for agriculture and stimulation of ecological agricultural production. Examples of the introduction of modern technologies and innovations in the region's agriculture, including the cultivation of products without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and the use of precision farming and biogas projects, are considered. Initiatives and programmes to support small and medium-sized enterprises and organic agriculture are also highlighted. These aspects can be used to create development strategies and make informed decisions.

Agricultural Thought and Humanism of Rabindranath

This article describes Rabindranath Tagore's profound insights on rural development and agricultural reform, highlighting his vision for uplifting village communities through modern science and technology. Tagore's humanistic perspective emphasized the pivotal role of agriculture in societal progress, advocating for the adoption of innovative farming techniques to alleviate rural poverty and empower farmers. Through his observations and initiatives, Rabindranath sought to transform the traditional farming landscape, promoting education, economic independence, and sustainable development in rural Bengal. is writings reflect a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and underscore the urgent need for holistic approaches to village revitalization.

Does contract farming participation promote household’s food security for smallholders? Empirical evidence from Indonesia

Contract farming has been extensively adopted as a strategy to overcome limitations in the market and enhance the well-being of farmers. Nevertheless, the extent to which it affects food security has not been sufficiently examined and is uncertain. Moreover, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the impact of contract farming on food security in Indonesia. To fill the existing research gap, this study employs propensity score matching (PSM) to mitigate selection bias in examining the impact of contract farming on the food security of smallholder farm households in Indonesia. It utilizes the 2021 Indonesia Agricultural Integrated Survey (SITASI) data, designed to monitor the indicators of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the agriculture sector. The food insecurity experience scale (FIES) is used to measure food security. Our research shows that contract farming can potentially improve the food security of smallholder farm households in Indonesia. However, the overall impact can be considered minor. Contract farming has the potential to enhance food security, but it may not be adequate as a standalone solution. A comprehensive strategy, complemented by related policies such as innovative farming practices, technology adoption, and income-generation measures, is essential. Furthermore, our investigation revealed that this beneficial effect is particularly prominent among farmers residing in rural areas, female farmers, and farmers who do not own land or livestock. It indicates that contract farming can be a feasible tool for poverty alleviation, rural development, and woman empowerment. This study also found that factors such as location, market access, credit availability, gender, education, and exposure to agricultural training influenced contract farming participation.

Artificial Intelligence Applications for Innovative Farming and IoT-based Agriculture

Artificial Intelligence Applications for Innovative Farming and IoT-based Agriculture

The role of agricultural innovations, renewable energy and economic growth in the CO2 emissions of Nepal: an empirical evidence from the environmental Kuznets curve

The role of agricultural innovations, renewable energy and economic growth in the CO2 emissions of Nepal: an empirical evidence from the environmental Kuznets curve

Development of innovative processes in the field of agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Agriculture remains an important component of Kazakhstan's development, creating a significant part of the country's GDP. However, it still requires finding new opportunities to increase the efficiency of its functioning. Thus, the purpose of the work was to analyse the possibility of developing agriculture in the Republic of Kazakhstan, namely, with the help of innovations. The main method used in writing the article can be considered modelling, taking into account the number of models of functioning of state regulation in the country built in the work to improve innovation processes in the country. Other methods include analysis, induction, comparison, and others. This paper substantiates the need to improve state regulation in the field of innovation in agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and also describes the likely directions of development in this direction. In connection with the existing shortcomings in the management system, models of state support for enterprises in the agricultural sector were developed and proposed for the development of innovation in the industry. The presented models provide the possibility of using modern tools for regulating processes, taking into account a systematic approach, which ensures the coordination of actions of the relevant authorities to ensure both private and national interests. The main difference between the models proposed in the work and those existing in the Republic of Kazakhstan is the presence of a single centre that is fully responsible for the development of agriculture at the local and national levels, and ensures the achievement of an increase in innovation in it. Thus, the work allows re-evaluating the existing methods of agricultural development, and also brings new knowledge to the formation of the principles of public administration

The role of heterogenous implementation on the uptake and long-term diffusion of agricultural insurance in a pastoral context

To make a difference in lower-income countries, agricultural innovations must be adopted and ultimately diffused across diverse local environments. This study contributes to the ongoing debate about the factors limiting the spread of agricultural innovations by considering the role of heterogenous supply in determining observed demand for the Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) product, which is a commercial insurance product serving historically uninsured pastoralists in the Horn of Africa. Analysis of sales data from 2010 to 2020 in Ethiopia and Kenya shows that local conditions can reduce the likelihood of supply channels reaching prospective clients, effectively excluding them from accessing insurance, while other factors can work towards increasing supply of insurance while also decreasing demand for it. Surveys collected from insurance sales agents reveals considerable heterogeneity in their ability to and effort in suppling IBLI. Discussions with IBLI’s providers confirms the role of supply constraints in observed demand; the firms consistently point towards the cost of last-mile extension and sales as their largest challenge to increasing sales, and emphasize that it is cost-prohibitive to provide equal access to well-trained insurance agents across the areas that they operate. These findings suggest that current investments aimed at increasing insurance coverage by increasing demand, for example through improved product design or by subsidizing premiums, should be accompanied by investments in developing more cost-effective marketing and distribution processes so that demand can be acted upon. On a broader level, the results highlight a need to consider non-random and incomplete supply as a factor when examining observed uptake of agricultural innovations.

Understanding uptake and interrelationship of climatic agricultural innovations in rural Zambia: Evaluating seasonal climate forecast use and weather shocks

Understanding uptake and interrelationship of climatic agricultural innovations in rural Zambia: Evaluating seasonal climate forecast use and weather shocks

Reducing food loss through sustainable business models and agricultural innovation systems

PurposeThis study aims to explore how sustainable business models (SBM) can be developed within agri-innovation systems (AIS) and emphasize an integration of the two with a systemic understanding for reducing food loss and value loss in postharvest agri-food supply chain.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted longitudinal qualitative research in a developing country with food loss challenges in the postharvest supply chain. This study collected data through multiple rounds of fieldwork, interviews and focus groups over four years. Thematic analysis and “sensemaking” were used for inductive data analysis to generate rich contextual knowledge by drawing upon the lived realities of the agri-food supply chain actors.FindingsFirst, this study finds that the value losses are varied in the supply chain, encompassing production value, intrinsic value, extrinsic value, market value, institutional value and future food value. This happens through two cumulative effects including multiplier losses, where losses in one model cascade into others, amplifying their impact and stacking losses, where the absence of data stacks or infrastructure pools hampers the realisation of food value. Thereafter, this study proposes four strategies for moving from the loss-incurring current business model to a networked SBM for mitigating losses. This emphasises the need to redefine ownership as stewardship, enable formal and informal beneficiary identification, strengthen value addition and build capacities for empowering communities to benefit from networked SBM with AIS initiatives. Finally, this study puts forth ten propositions for future research in aligning AIS with networked SBM.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the interplay between AIS and SBM; emphasising the integration of the two to effectively address food loss challenges in the early stages of agri-food supply chains. The identified strategies and research propositions provide implications for researchers and practitioners seeking to accelerate sustainable practices for reducing food loss and waste in agri-food supply chains.

Smart Agriculture Automation System using ML

Abstract: The "Smart Agriculture Automation System using Machine Learning" project envisages a future where farming transcends manual labor and embraces data-driven automation. In response to the escalating demand for food amidst a burgeoning global population, traditional farming methods are rendered insufficient. However, Smart Agriculture Automation Systems offer a transformative solution by enhancing crop production efficiency and maintaining yield quality. Climate changeinduced challenges such as erratic weather patterns and heightened pest attacks further underscore the necessity for innovation in agriculture. At the heart of this system lies real-time sensor data, enabling precision farming practices that optimize resource utilization while fostering environmental sustainability. Leveraging Machine Learning algorithms, the system not only predicts and mitigates agricultural challenges but also detects early signs of crop diseases and nutrient deficiencies. This proactive approach ensures higher yields minimizes manual tasks and minimizes wastage. The integration of IoT technology enables remote monitoring and seamless data exchange, unlocking capabilities such as precise crop prediction, weather forecasting, and fertilizer recommendations. By analyzing historical data alongside current environmental factors, these systems accurately forecast crop yields and offer insights for informed decision-making in planting and harvesting cycles. Smart Agriculture Automation Systems embody adaptability, sustainability, and accessibility, heralding a new era of intelligent and efficient modern farming. This project integrates the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and an innovative marketplace to revolutionize the agricultural landscape. Through this system, we aim to empower farmers with data-driven insights,

MARFISH and HYDRO : Pengembangan Program Kreativitas Mahasiswa Kewirausahaan

This research proposes innovation in farming and animal husbandry by integrating hydroponic systems and catfish cultivation on limited land. With a focus on the North Aceh Utara, research created MARFISH AND HYDRO, a catfish farm using tarpaulin media in a hydroponic system. This research aims to produce satisfactory results, protect the environment from pollution, and provide multiple benefits on limited land. Through market survey steps, feasibility studies, production processes, and marketing, this research creates sustainable methods in fish cultivation and hydroponic farming. With competitive prices and promotions through social media and banner installation, MARFISH AND HYDRO is expected to be able to meet market demand and make a positive contribution to the local economy. This research also explores the potential for business development, including the production of processed catfish, such as catfish chips and catfish pecel. The research results show success in carrying out the cultivation process, marketing, and the potential for business expansion to achieve long-term goals.

Improvement of Maize Growth and Production through a Combination of Leaf Defoliation and SP-36 Dosage in a Close Cropping System

The high demand for Maize encourages various agricultural innovations. The study aims to examine the effect of defoliation and P fertilizer application on the growth and production of the Madura 3 Maize variety which is grown in the close cropping system. This study used a randomized block design consisting of two factors with three replications. The parameters observed were stem diameter, root weight, cob fresh weight, cob dry weight, dry seed weight, and 100 seed weight. The results showed that there was a significant interaction between the defoliation factor and the dose of SP-36 on cob diameter, where the highest diameter (4,75 cm) was found in the combination of non-defoliation and SP-36 150 kg.ha-1. Overall, the non-defoliation of an SP-36 of 250 kg.ha-1 showed the best result on Maize growth and production. The addition of the dose of SP-36 also needs to pay attention to the needs of plants.

Social learning and the acquisition of information and knowledge—a network approach for the case of technology adoption

Abstract The complexity of agricultural innovations and heterogeneity of circumstances of technology application, outcomes, and social network structures have often led to obstacles in social learning and suboptimal adoption. In this article, we examine technology diffusion by focusing on the roles of peer adoption decision, peer experience, and network structures, using survey data from 500 farm households in Northern Ghana to generate social network contacts. Our results reveal that learning from peer experiences matter more in the diffusion process than just peer adoption decisions alone. We also find that social learning and the likelihood of adoption are higher when peers are central nodes, and particularly when they belong to cohesive subgroups, but lower when they are in highly segregated networks. Our results shed new light on the role of central agents, since highly cohesive neighbourhoods seem to promote diffusion more in high-modularity networks than central nodes.

Land use practices in the estates of landlords in the late XIX – early XX century

Importance. Unequal resource provision of owners’ property and a significant shortage of peasant hay and forest lands, aggravated by overgrowth and far-earth land, determined the practice of economic relations between landlords and communal farms.Research Methods. The problem of land use in the landlord economy system of post-reform Russia remains one of the most difficult in agrarian historiography. In the writings of prerevolutionary historians, the modernization of estates is highlighted in the writings of conservatives who linked crisis moments in the economy of estates with insufficient state support for owners and liberal figures stratifying savings into labor and capitalist ones. In the works of Soviet historians, the modernization of the latifundia is severely criticized.Results and Discussion. Many landlords, taking advantage of the positive situation in the grain market, expanded production and established a diversified economic complex. These trends were especially strong in estates with sugar and distilleries. However, even during the period of maximum capitalist development of the agricultural sector, the predominant form of land use of Latifundists remained a combination of running their own farm and rental distributions.Conclusion. The transition from a serfdom to a productive economy was associated with the modernization of the field-growing complex of estates, the use of agricultural innovations. However, the active introduction of grass planting by owners and the mechanization of agriculture have long been combined with unproductive methods of agricultural development.

Development the agricultural synthesis biology course for postgraduates

To attain the aims of high-quality agricultural development, the Ministry of Education is in the process of establishing master's and doctoral programs in biological breeding engineering at universities with a strong agricultural focus. These programs will incorporate a dedicated course on agricultural synthetic biology, aiming to equip graduate students with the ability to tackle critical scientific and technological challenges in biological breeding while fostering innovations in agriculture. The course places emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and the practical application of new advancement, ensuring compatibility with both domestic and international agricultural standards in the future.