Monetary Returns Research Articles

Efficacy of Pyroxasulfone against Weeds and their Impact on Yield and Economic Analysis of Wheat

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season (November, 2021–April, 2022) at AICRP on Wheat, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India to evaluate the efficacy of Pyroxasulfone in wheat cultivation to enhance crop productivity and profitability. The study assessed eight weed management treatments, including herbicide applications (pendimethalin at 1000 g ha-1; pyroxasulfone at 127.5 g ha-1; pendimethalin+pyroxasulfone at 1250+127.5 g ha-1; metribuzin at 300 g ha-1; pendimethalin+metribuzin at 1250+280 g ha-1; pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 as pre-emergence), hand weeding once at 25 DAS and weedy check, in a randomized block design with three replications. The experimental field was dominated by Phalaris minor (17.82%) among monocot weeds, while Medicago denticulata (28.97%), Cichorium intybus (26.19%), Chenopodium album (16.10%), and Anagallis arvensis (10.92%) among the dicot weeds throughout the crop growing period. Results revealed a substantial decrease in weed density and dry weight across all treatments, with the combination of pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 showing superior efficacy. Weed control efficiency was highest with hand weeding, followed by herbicide treatments. Additionally, treatments significantly influenced wheat growth parameters and yield attributes, with the application of pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 resulting in the tallest plants and highest number of tillers square-1 meter. Grain yield was also found significantly higher in plots treated with pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1. The economic analysis demonstrated that pyroxasulfone+metribuzin at 127.5+280 g ha-1 yielded the highest net monetary returns, indicating its economic viability.

Enhancing productivity and profitability of spring maize (Zea mays) in Uttarakhand's Tarai region through effective weed management practices and irrigation scheduling

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023 at Norman E Borlaug Crop Research Centre, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to enhance maize yield and profitability. The experiment was conducted a split-plot design (SPD) with two irrigation scheduling treatments, viz. irrigation applied at an IW/CPE ratio of 0.8 (I1); and 1.2 (I2) in main plot and 8 weed management treatments, viz. W1, atrazine 1000 g/ha; W2, tembotrione 120 g/ha; W3, topramezone 25.2 g/ha; W4, atrazine 1000 g/ ha followed by hand-weeding at 35 DAS (days after sowing); W5, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by tembotrione 120 g/ha; W6, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by topramezone 25.2 g/ha; W7, weed-free; and W8, weedy check in sub-plots. Irrigation applied at IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 significantly improved the maize productivity and profitability, yielding higher net returns (₹66,206.9/ha) and grain yield (6.1 t/ha). Among the herbicidal treatments, atrazine 1000 g/ha followed by topramezone 25.2 g/ha recorded the highest weed control efficiency (80%) and maize grain yield (6.3 t/ ha). The percentage net monetary return was in the following sequence: W6 (100%) > W7 (92.4%) > W5 (91.8%) > W4 (89.6%) > W3 (81.5%) > W2 (78.2%) > W1 (67.6%) > W8 (46.4%). The percentage gain in grain yield was recorded in the following sequence: W7 (100%) > W6 (91.4%) > W5 (87.4%) > W4 (86.4%) > W3 (84.1%) > W2 (81.1%) > W1 (71.5%) > W8 (52.5%). In conclusion, optimizing irrigation to IW/CPE ratio of 1.2 and employing weed management practice atrazine (1000 g/ha) followed by topramezone (25.2 g/ha) application, can significantly enhance spring maize yield, weed control efficiency and economic returns in Uttarakhand's Tarai region.

Impact of Different Plant Spacing Arrangements on the Profitability and Productivity of Blackgram Cultivars [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Evaluation of blackgram cultivars (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) under various plant spacings was the title of a field study carried out at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Badnapur. The experimental field had good drainage and was leveled. The soil was clay loam in texture, low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, very high in accessible potassium and alkaline in reactivity. The blackgram crop was able to develop and mature normally due to the moderate environmental conditions. Twelve treatment combinations were possible with the three different kinds and four different spacings used in the Factorial Split plot Design layout of the experiment. Each experimental unit included three repetitions, measuring 5.4 m × 5.0 m in the gross plot and 4.5 m x 4.6 m in the net plot. On July 14, 2015, three varieties-BDU-1, TAU-1 and AKU-15 were sown. The dibbling method was used to sow the seeds, with four distinct spacings of 30 cm x 10 cm, 30 cm x 20 cm, and 45 cm x 10 cm. The RDF was used prior to seeding. Plant preservation measures and cultural practices were implemented in accordance with recommendations. A number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, pod weight per plant, seed yield per plant, test weight (1000 seed weight g), harvest index, gross monetary returns (Rs ha-1), net monetary returns (Rs ha-1), and Benefit: Cost (B: C) ratio are among the characteristics and economics that indicate that BDU-1 (V1) produced a significantly higher yield among the different blackgram varieties. Variety x spacing interaction effects were shown to be non-significant.

Effect of pruning and grasses on forage productivity, carbon storage, soil healthand economics of Anjan tree (Hardwickia binata) based silvopasture systems

A field experiment was conducted during 2018 to 2023 on ten years old Hardwickia binata Roxb. based silvopasture system at Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi. The treatment consisted of three pruning intensities of H. binata, viz. 30%, 45% and 60% and establishment of three grasses, viz. Cenchrus ciliaris, Chrysopogon fulvus and Panicum maximum in association with H. binata. Pruning of branches of H. binata at 60% intensity recorded significantly higher top feed (TF 1.48, 1.77, 2.23, 2.68 and 3.27 t/ha) and fire wood yields (FW 2.74, 3.17, 3.49, 3.79 and 4.65 t/ha) as compared to 30% pruning intensity (TF 0.93, 1.01, 1.19, 1.55 and 2.08 t/ha and FW 1.76, 1.90, 1.98, 2.26 and 2.84 t/ha) and 45% pruning intensity (TF 1.21, 1.41, 1.75, 2.15 and 2.59 t/ha and FW 2.33, 2.59, 2.82, 3.08 and 3.63 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study, respectively. Among grasses, establishment of C. fulvus in association with H. binata recorded significantly higher dry pasture yields (7.91, 8.33, 8.66, 8.93 and 9.18 t/ha) as compared to P. maximum (6.19, 6.37, 6.54, 7.08 and 7.41 t/ha) and it was found at par with C. ciliaris (7.62, 8.15, 8.44, 8.70 and 8.86 t/ha) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th years of study. Estab- lishment of H. binata based silvopasture systems on poor shallow soil and degraded land recorded 9.11-15.50% improvement in available nutrients (N : 12.73%, P : 15.50% and K : 9.11%) and organic carbon (OC 9.47%) in 5th year of experiment than initial year (N 229.39, P 8.32 and K 214.73 kg/ha and OC 0.584%. Similarly, H. binata recorded 111.31% higher carbon stock in 5th year of study (23.04 t/ha) as compared to initial year (10.90 t/ha). In term of monetary return, maximum net return and benefit-cost ratio was obtained from 60% pruning intensity (` 63459/ha and 2.08) followed by 45% pruning intensity (` 50263/ha and 1.91) from H. binata based silvopasture system.

Evaluation of barnyard millet intercropping systems in semi-arid zone of Hisar

A field experiment was conducted at CCSHAU, Hisar during Kharif seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 in three times replicated randomized block design. The experiment was comprised of thirteen barnyard millet-based inter- cropping systems in replacement series with greengram and sesame as intercrop with row ratio of 5:1, 4:2, 3:3, 2:4, 1:5 in addition to their sole crops. Results revealed that the barnyard millet intercropped with greengram was found superior over sole barnyard millet in terms of different intercropping indices. But, barnyard millet intercrop with sesame was found uneconomical. The barnyard millet + greengram (1:5) recorded the highest land equivalent ratio (LER; 1.25), barnyard millet equivalent yield (BMEY; 2977 kg/ha), land use efficiency (LUE; 119.4%), area time equivalent ratio (ATER; 1.14), relative crowding coefficient (RCC; 1.79), monitory advantage index (MAI; ` 10,756/ha), system productivity index (SPI; 2903), intercropping advantage index (IAI; 34.6), net return (` 23,111/ha), benefit:cost (1.42) and per day return (` 300.3) which was closely followed by barnyard millet + greengram (4:2). Hence, barnyard millet + greengram (1:5) intercropping system is a suitable option for achieving higher monetary returns and resource use efficiency as compared to sole barnyard millet under semiarid region of India.

Educational capitalisation: a co-formational feminist framework for conceptualising investment in for-profit education within the racialised and gendered political economy

ABSTRACT This paper examines the processes through which education becomes valued as capital within the racialised and gendered political economy. Using the empirical case of venture capital (VC) investment in for-profit education companies, principally education technology companies and for-profit school chains, it puts forward the concept of educational capitalisation. We conceptualise it as the set of uneven processes, practices, and socio-spatial relationships through which value is extracted from educational processes and practices, and, thus, education is valued in terms of expected monetary return on investment. While our conceptualisation focuses on VC investment, this framework could be used to outline other processes of extraction and valuation in education, including private equity, investment banking, venture philanthropy, and public-private partnerships. We conclude with a co-formational feminist framework for guiding future research, policymaking, and educational decision making that considers the financial, socio-technological, learning & teaching, and political-legal aspects of educational capitalisation, with ethical considerations embedded within each of these domains.

Lessons from European transformative policies

In order to reach climate neutrality by 2050 the EU needs to overcome challenges relating to accelerating innovation, creating infrastructure, redirecting investments, and fostering cross-sectoral integration. In this policy brief, we present key policy lessons relating to these four challenges based on seven case studies on transformative policies from the period 2005–2022 in different EU countries. Two themes reappear in many of our lessons. First, policies could be improved if a holistic approach to innovation was taken, with policymakers considering how new (innovative) technologies substitute (or phaseout) old technologies. Second, rather than trying to incentivize firms or citizens through monetary returns, governments could make progress towards climate neutrality by reducing the efforts required from firms and citizens to participate in the carbon neutrality transition, e.g., reducing administrative burdens.

Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Summer Greengram as Influenced by Residual Effect of Paddy Residues and Fertility Levels

Background: One of the main reasons for India’s decreased food production is the depletion of soil fertility. The primary causes of soil deterioration are lack of awareness among farmers and lack of land use regulations. By limiting the erosion and enhancing the nutrients available to the crops, conservation agriculture increases the organic matter content of the soil and contributes to the improvement of field conditions. But compared to conventional agriculture, the practise of conservation agriculture is less advanced. And also there is a dearth of research on the use of crop residues for the management of soil fertility. So this study was undertaken in order to examine the impacts of crop residue, inorganic fertilizers and cropping system as a component of an integrated crop residues and fertility management system on nutrient uptake and net returns of greengram. Methods: The experiment consists of strip plot design and was carried out during 2020-21 and 2021-22 under zero till conditions at college farm, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU to study the effect of previous crop residues and fertility levels on succeeding greengram. Result: According to the data, greengram absorbed more nutrients at various growing stages. The residual effect of incorporation of residues treated with microbial consortia composed of Trichoderma viridae, Aspergillus awamori and Phanerocheate spp. along with 300:100:100 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O (125% RDF) and phosphorous supplied in the form of single super phosphate (SSP) resulted in significantly higher financial returns. In greengram, residue incorporated plots outperformed residue burning, removal and retention plots with 125% RDF in terms of nutrient uptake, as well as monetary returns like gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio. In a similar vein, yield in residue-incorporated plots was higher than it was in residue-removal and in-situ burning plots during summer, 2021 and 2022.

Soil properties, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) yield and monetary returns under different nutrient management practices

The experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 at research farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to study the effect of different manures proportion along with reduced fertilizers rate application on performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield, produce quality and soil fertility indicators. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 6 treatments, viz. T1, 100% organic; T2, 75% organic + 3% Panchagavya spray + azophos @3 kg; T3, 100% inorganic recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) alone; T4, State recommendation; T5, 50% organic + 50% inorganic; and T6, 75% organic + 25% inorganic. The results of two years mean showed that the soil quality indicators like SOC (8.12 g/kg), mineral N (266 kg/ha), available P (22.1 kg/ha), exchangeable K (482 kg/ha), microbial biomass carbon (256 mg/kg), dehydrogenase (35.8 μg TPF/g/ day), alkaline phosphatase (475 μg PNP/g/soil/h), bacteria (38.4 CFU × 106/g soil), fungi (15.0 CFU × 103/g soil) and actinobacteria population (10.3 CFU × 105/g soil) were better under 75% organic + 25% organic. Tomato yield was at par with 100% organic. On the basis of the above results, the tomato yield can be enhanced by about 99% and 150% in terms of production and monetary efficiency by the adoption of integrated nutrition management (INM) of organic (75%) and inorganic fertilizers (25%). Thus, the results suggest that the 75% organic + 25% inorganic could be adopted to get maximum benefits in terms of yield, fruit quality, soil fertility and fertilizer savings.

Efficacy of 2, 4-D Sodium Salt 80% WP on Weeds, Productivity and Economics of rabi Maize (Zea mays L.)

Rabi maize is affected by three types of weed species mainly broad-leaf weeds in eastern pockets of Uttar Pradesh and causes grain and stover yields loss in higher amount. Therefore present study was carried out to find the most effective dose of 2, 4-D Sodium salt 80% WP on killing of braod-leaf weeds. A field investigation was conducted during Rabi season of (2021) at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the efficacy of 2, 4-D Sodium salt 80% WP on weeds, productivity and economics of rabi maize (Zea mays L.). 2, 4-D Sodium salt 80% WP 1250 g/ha at 25 DAS recorded lesser weed density and weed dry weight of Physalis minima, Chenopodium album, Parthenium hysterophorus and Cichorium intybus at 45 DAS as compared to other doses of 2, 4-D. Number of cobs, number of grains, number of grains/ row, seed index in comparison were superior in 2, 4-D Sodium salt 80% WP 1250 g/ha at 25 DAS with improved grain and stover yields and higher monetary returns during the study.

Are reference measures of law-invariant functionals unique?

A functional defined on random variables f is law invariant with respect to a reference probability if its value only depends on the distribution of its argument f under that measure. In contrast to most of the literature on the topic, we take a concrete functional as given and ask if there can be more than one such reference probability. For wide classes of functionals – including, for instance, monetary risk measures and return risk measures – we demonstrate that this is not the case unless they are (i) constant, or (ii) more generally depend only on the essential infimum and essential supremum of the argument f. Mathematically, the results leverage Lyapunov's Convexity Theorem.

Development of a portable small wind turbine for integration into a mobile cooling technology

In this study, a small wind turbine prototype was developed to provide electric power for a mobile cooling unit The aim of this study was to design and develop a 600-W small wind turbine that can generate electric energy to power a mobile cooling unit used for the storage of fruits and vegetables, mainly for the benefit of smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers suffer from high postharvest losses, approximated at 50%, some of which can be avoided by using efficient low-cost cooling units, rather than open transport. Cooling slows down the metabolic rate which consequently extends the produce's shelf life and prevents spoilage, allowing farmers to provide high-quality produce to the market. This could potentially increase the farmers’ monetary returns. The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal on the road that stretches between Pietermaritzburg and Estcourt. The wind turbine is made of a 600-mm-diameter rotor with three PVC blades, a permanent magnet synchronous generator, a bridge rectifier, a 230-V AC inverter and a battery for energy storage. The wind turbine was tested against three vehicle speeds of 60, 80, and 100 km h−1, and the two opening levels, level 1 at 45∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^\\circ$$\\end{document} and level 2 at 80∘\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$^\\circ$$\\end{document} relative to the louvre mechanism frame. The results of this study revealed that the power generated by the wind turbine is greatly influenced (p < 0.001) by both the vehicle travelling speed and louvre opening level. The power output of 113.4, 159.6 and 210.0 W per hour was observed for the vehicle speeds of 60, 80 and 100 km h−1, respectively, on louvre opening level 1. The power output of 142.8 W h−1, 268.8 W h−1 and 294.0 W h−1 were observed for a wind speed of 60 km h−1, 80 km h−1, and 100 km h−1, respectively, on Louvre opening level 2. This shows that higher wind speeds (vehicle speeds) produce high-power output which accounts for the small size of the wind turbine rotor. A maximum power coefficient of 0.49 was achieved for this study. The wind turbine can generate the power required to run a cooling technology to a limited extent, thus must have a backup power supply from the diesel engine or be used in a hybrid system.

Efficacy of Chemicals and Bio-pesticides against Mustard Aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) on Mustard

The present investigation was conducted during rabi season of 2023-2024 at Crop Research farm, NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj using Randomized Block Design (RBD) method and eight treatments are replicated thrice. Results revealed that, among all the treatments Imidacloprid 17.8 SL recorded lowest population of aphid (55.67), followed by Spinosad 45% SC (66.51), Cypermethrin 10% EC (78.55), Sixer plus (94.49), Nisco MECH 333 (96.17), Neem oil 5% (99.44), and Beauveria bassiana (109.90) was less effective among all the treatments. While, the highest yield and cost benefit ratio was obtained with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (18.15 q/ha.), (1:5.20) Followed by Spinosad 45% SC (17.85 q/ha.), (1:4.78), Cypermethrin 10% EC (16.35 q/ha.), (1:4.54), Sixer plus (14.98 q/ha.), (1:4.18), Nisco MECH 333 (14.58 q/ha.), (1:4.08), Neem oil 5% (13.03 q/ha.), (1:3.61), Beauveria bassiana (12.55 q/ha.), (1:3.48) Least monetary return was obtained with control(9.17 q/ha.), (1:2.74).

Bio Efficacy and Economics of Selected Biopesticides against Shoot and Fruit Borer [Leucinodes orbonalis (G.)] on Brinjal [Solanum melongena (L.)

The present investigation was carried out in a Randomized Block Design having 3 replications and 8 treatments (seven insecticides and one control) during kharif season 2023 conducted at the Central Research Farm, NAINI, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The order of effectiveness was observed in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 EC (11.79), (8.01) &gt; Spinosad 45 SC (13.52), (10.52) &gt; Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (14.91), (11.41) &gt; Beauveria bassiana 1% WP (16.00), (12.39) &gt; Metarhizium anisopliae 1x108 CFU/gm (16.71), (13.46) &gt; Neem oil 0.4% + Pongamia oil 0.1% (17.84), (14.79) &gt; Neem oil 2% (20.03), (17.77) &gt; untreated control plot (27.22), (32.12) based on percentage shoot and fruit infestation. While highest yield and benefit cost ratio was obtained in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 EC (220.95 q/ha), (1:6.48) followed by Spinosad 45 SC (198.20 q/ha), (1:5.68), Emamectin benzoate 5% SG (170.87 q/ha), (1:4.98), Beauveria bassiana 1% WP (160.00 q/ha), (1:4.75), Metarhizium anisopliae 1x108 CFU/gm (140.69 q/ha), (1:4.13), Neem oil 0.4% + Pongamia oil 0.1% (125.50 q/ha), (1:3.68), Neem oil 2% (99.85 q/ha), (1:2.96). Lest monetary returns was obtained with untreated control plot (55.16 q/ha), (1:1.70).

Field Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Biopesticides against Brinjal Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) on Brinjal (Solanum melongena) at Prayagraj

A field experiment was carried out at the Central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the kharif 2023-24. The experiment was designed following a randomized block design with three replications. It encompassed eight treatments: T1 - Neem oil 3%@ 30ml/lit, T2 - Metarhizium anisopliae @ 2.5ml/lit,T3 - Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki @ 2gm/lit, T4 - Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.3 ml/lit, T5 - Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4 gm/lit, T6 - Chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2.5ml/lit, T7 - Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4ml/lit and T8 - untreated control. The objective was to assess the field efficacy of selected chemicals and biopesticides against Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee) infestation on brinjal in Prayagraj. Two rounds of spraying was conducted at 15-days interval. Data on shoot and fruit infestation was recorded after each spraying and picking, including the percentage of shoot infestation. The results showed that the initial population of the pest before the spray exhibited a non-significant distribution. Following the spray, the findings demonstrated that T5 – Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4 gm/lit exhibited significant effectiveness against shoot and fruit borer, comparable to T7 – Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC, at 3, 7, and 14 days post-spraying. Following closely in efficacy were Spinosad 45 SC and Chlorpyrifos 20 EC. The highest cost benefit ratio was recorded- T5-Emamectin benzoate, followed by T7-Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC. The highest cost-benefit ratio was recorded in T5– Emamectin benzoate @ 0.4gm/lit followed by T7- Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4ml/lit and the lowest monetary return was observed with the control (T0).

A Study of Financial Planning on Young Individuals in Delhi NCR

This research paper investigates the significance of financial planning for young individuals in achieving long-term financial security and stability. With the increasing complexity of the financial landscape and the challenges posed by economic uncertainties, effective financial planning is indispensable for the younger generation. The paper examines various strategies and tools available for young individuals to manage their finances prudently, including budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. Additionally, it explores the role of financial education and literacy in empowering young people to make informed decisions about their finances. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, this paper highlights the importance of early financial planning in building wealth, mitigating risks, and achieving financial goals. Furthermore, it discusses the potential barriers and challenges faced by young individuals in implementing financial plans, such as student loans, low income, and lack of knowledge. Finally, the paper offers practical recommendations and actionable insights for young individuals to enhance their financial well-being and lay a strong foundation for a secure financial future. Monetary items function as a venture route, providing the financial supporters with the predefined monetary security and upholding the monetary items' gamble return profile. In the past traditionally, In India, banks (credit and store accounts), the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), and the Post Office (repeating shop, National Saving Certificate, Kisan Vikas Patra) all displayed financial products. However, in recent times, as the financial services sector has advanced, new financial products have been introduced, including common stocks, shares, subordinates, annuity plans, children's education plans, life and non-extra security plans (Unit Linked Investment Plans, or ULIPs), common assets, and shares. Each person behaves differently when contributing, therefore each has a different predisposition towards speculation. A private person's investment behavior is influenced by his own circumstances. With the presumption of producing yields people invest in a few financial goods with the hope of earning sizable returns over time and with varying degrees of risk. The goal of the current analysis is to examine how salaried individuals speculate about financial goods that are supported by various segment elements.

Effect of phosphorus management on yield and economics under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa) and blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping in a rainfed acidic upland soil

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019 at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Hazaribagh, Jharkhand to study the effect of phosphorus management on productivity and profitability under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) (DSR) and blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] intercropping in rainfed acidic upland soil. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design comprised 4 methods of cropping, viz. Sole DSR; Sole blackgram; DSR + blackgram (4:1); and DSR + blackgram (4:2) allotted to main-plots and 4 phosphorus management practices, viz. P control (P0 ); Recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) @17.5 kg P/ha; 50% RDP + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @500 g/ha + arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) @12.5 kg/ha; and 25% lime requirement (LR) + PSB + AMF in sub-plots. Experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The rice variety ‘Sahabhagi’ and blackgram variety ‘Uttara’ were used. Among the cropping systems, the highest grain yield was recorded in sole rice (3.84 t/ha) and sole blackgram (1.14 t/ha) which was significantly higher than yields under intercropping in both the ratios. Gross (`96,879/ha) and net returns (`70,603/ha) of sole blackgram were significantly higher than other cropping systems and followed by DSR + blackgram (4:2). Net benefit:cost (B:C) of sole blackgram was maximum (`2.69) and lowest in sole rice (`1.01). Among phosphorus management treatments, 50% RDP + PSB + AMF gave significantly higher net return (`49,440) and net benefit:cost (`1.68). Application of 100% RDP and 25% LR + PSB + AMF gave at par returns and net benefit:cost. It may be suggested that under rainfed uplands of eastern India, farmers may adopt either sole blackgram or intercropping of rice and blackgram in 4:2 over sole DSR for higher productivity and monetary returns. For better phosphorus management in soil they should inoculate PSB and AM fungi along with 50% RDP at the time of sowing.

Productivity and Economics of Hydroponic Fodders as Influenced by Harvesting Time

Productivity and Economics of Hydroponic Fodders as Influenced by Harvesting Time

Dynamic livelihoods, gender and poverty in marine protected areas: Case study from Zanzibar, Tanzania

Livelihood initiatives are common within marine protected areas (MPAs) aiming for poverty alleviation or higher income opportunities. However, results can be mixed in reality, as well as change over time. Furthermore, who benefits is a key consideration, as results can vary based on inequalities, including gender. Here, the monetary outcomes of different livelihood strategies were investigated across three MPA regions in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Using a quantitative approach, the results show that livelihoods have shifted in a six-year period, with livelihood strategies differing in poverty incidence and income. Livelihood initiatives, namely seaweed farming and tourism, did not provide significantly higher monetary returns compared to long-standing livelihoods, such as fisheries. Seaweed farming showed income stability but a high poverty incidence predominantly within women-headed households. During the study period, men primarily remained in fisheries, whilst women shifted to small-scale businesses and fisheries, largely exiting seaweed farming. This underscores a need for adaptive, gender sensitive management within fast changing coastal contexts.

Effect of Time of Transplanting and Spacing on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

An experiment investigating the impact of transplanting time and spacing on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) was conducted over three Kharif seasons from 2018-19 to 2020-21 at AICRP on Medicinal, Aromatic Plants and Betelvine. Twenty treatment combinations were arranged in a FRBD design. Transplanting times varied from June to August, with spacing options ranging from 60x45 cm to 75 x 60 cm. Recorded observations included plant height, primary branches per plant, fresh herbage yield, and dry herbage yield. Results indicated significant differences across all parameters based on transplanting time and spacing. Transplanting during the first fortnight of July (D3) resulted in the highest values for plant height (98.20 cm), branches per plant (16.63), fresh herbage yield (99.98 q/ha), and dry herbage yield (18.91 q/ha). The treatment of transplanting during the second fortnight of June (D2) showed comparable results. Among spacing options, 60 x 45 cm (S1) demonstrated the most favorable outcomes. Notably, the combined treatment of transplanting during the first fortnight of July with 60 x 45 cm spacing (D3S1) yielded the highest plant height (99.21 cm), fresh herbage yield (122.54 q/ha), and dry herbage yield (23.02 q/ha). Economically, this treatment also proved superior, with a net monetary return of ₹91453/- and a B:C ratio of 1.99. Overall, findings suggest that transplanting Tulsi seedlings between the second fortnight of June and the first fortnight of July, coupled with 60 x 45 cm spacing, maximizes productivity and economic returns.