Paddy Farmers Research Articles

Profile Characteristics of Paddy Farmers in Telangana State, India

Agriculture caused significant harm to the environment for a long time. More acreage, fertiliser and pesticides were used to boost the output. Sustainable development is one that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. According to study, a number of factors can affect a farmer's decision to adopt sustainable practises. The research investigation employed Ex-post-facto-research design as the event has already happened. The present study aimed to assess the profile characteristics of farmers on Paddy farming sustainability and adoption of recommended sustainable farming practices comprising the data from three different zones of the Telangana state. Three districts namely Nizamabad, Khammam and Nalgonda from each zone of Telangana state were selected for the purpose respectively during the year 2021. As these three districts account for Paddy area compared to other districts. Purposive sampling technique was employed for data collection from 216 Paddy growing farmers by standardized and pre-tested interview schedule. Findings revealed that majority of the farmers were middle-aged (54.62 %), educated up to primary school (25.19 %), semi-medium in land holdings (25.32 %), followed by possessed medium level of income (55.56 %), mass media exposure (73.14 %), extension contact (56.10 %), extension participation (73.60 %), management orientation (71.75 %), scientific orientation (58.10 %), innovativeness (81.00 %), economic motivation (67.50 %), decision-making pattern (62.51 %), value orientation (52.79 %), level of aspiration (64.35 %) and risk orientation (53.20 %), whereas high level of farming experience (60.18 %), high farming commitment (54.62 %) and high achievement motivation (51.86 %). The policymakers should instruct researchers, extension specialists, NGO’s and field workers to serve as advisors, facilitators and collaborators for inspiring and empowering farmers to actively participate in solving issues related to sustainable farming cultivation practises. Hence, these variables have to be considered in promoting farmers among the farming community in the long run.

Wetlands and Ecosystem Services

Wetland paddy agro-ecosystems are recognized as important human-made wetland systems. Realizing that paddy lands are important ecological systems, the state of Kerala in southern India passed an act in 2008 preventing their conversion to other uses. The state provides subsidies and production bonuses to encourage paddy farmers and imposes penalties for non-compliance. However, the economic benefits associated with the conversion of paddy lands are considerably higher than the current subsidies and bonuses. As such, the conversion of paddy lands continues unabated despite the incentives and disincentives provided in the act. This study examines the ecological rationale for preventing paddy land conversion through a comparative assessment of the ecological health of paddy lands against that of lands with competing uses. Ecological health is assessed in terms of the amphibian population—specifically, frog abundance and diversity across different land uses, as frogs are considered bio-indicators of ecological health. The results reveal that the conversion of paddy lands adversely affects the survival of amphibians, especially frogs, thus emphasizing the role of paddy lands in maintaining the ecological health of a region. The study also provides empirical evidence for creating “Pigouvian subsidies” or ecological incentives for paddy farmers.

Heat-Related Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Precautionary Behavior among Indonesian Forestry Workers and Farmers: Implications for Occupational Health Promotion in the Face of Climate Change Impacts

Forestry workers play a crucial role in implementing forest management programs, but their outdoor work exposes them to rising temperatures caused by global climate change, which poses potential health risks related to heat. This study specifically investigates the relationship between knowledge of heat-related issues, risk perception, and precautionary behavior among Indonesian forestry workers and paddy farmers in response to the escalating workplace heat exposure. Developing effective precautionary behavior is essential for preventing heat-related health disorders and promoting health protection programs. To investigate the association of the latent variables comprehensively, structured interviews were conducted with two occupational groups of outdoor workers, comprising 210 forestry workers and 215 paddy farmers. The findings indicate that increasing knowledge about heat-related issues promotes precautionary behavior, and risk perception acts as a mediator between knowledge and behavior. Additionally, the study highlights that the emotion of “dread” intensifies the perceived risk and predicts positive behavior changes. To enhance heat-related knowledge, exploring the potential use of a “fear” tone is important. In conclusion, comprehensive strategies should be implemented to promote precautionary behavior among forestry workers, particularly manual laborers, who are more vulnerable compared to farmers.

A comprehensive study on natural farming practices - Adoption and impact on crop yield and farmer’s income

Natural farming, also known as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), has gained significant attention and debate among agricultural scientists, government officials, farmers, and various other groups involved in agriculture in India. There are two contrasting perspectives on this topic, with some scientists dismissing the philosophy of Natural Farming while proponents claim it to be a solution for the challenges faced by Indian agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers. This study aims to address critical questions and gaps related to Natural Farming by investigating farmers’ perceptions, the components of natural farming practices they follow, input use patterns, benefit-cost ratios, constraints in adoption, and suggestions for improvement. The study conducted with 150 farmers from Anakapalle and Visakhapatnam districts aimed to investigate the perceptions, components, input use patterns, constraints, and suggestions related to Natural Farming. The findings revealed that most of the farmers were middle-aged (65.34%) with secondary education (50.67%) and significant farming experience (20.00% above 30 years). The farmers perceived Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) as agriculture without external inputs and labour (94.67%), acknowledging its role in conserving beneficial insects (93.34%) and soil fertility (92.00%). Jeevamrutham (92.00%) and crop rotation (90.67%) were the most widely adopted components of ZBNF. When comparing costs and returns, ZBNF paddy and sugarcane farmers incurred 18.55% and 19.56% less expenditure, respectively, compared to non-ZBNF farmers. However, net profits were lower for ZBNF farmers. The constraints in adopting ZBNF practices included chemically contaminated neighbouring fields (58.92%), the absence of specific prices for organic products (36.14%), difficulty in convincing family members (56.40%), and the lengthy transition period (45.23%). These insights shed light on the status and challenges faced by farmers in implementing Natural Farming practices. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into farmers’ perceptions, adoption of natural farming practices, costs and returns, and constraints faced in the adoption of ZBNF. These findings can inform policymakers, researchers, and farmers themselves in further developing and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India.

Changes in agricultural crop suits and landscape: a time-series study using multispectral imageries from rural Bangladesh

Bangladesh is predominantly an agricultural country, so studying suitable land for crops and landscapes is essential. Substantial or detailed studies, particularly on this aspect of the landscape and crop suitability for different seasons, are limited. In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyze and evaluate the chronological changes in agricultural crop suits and landscapes along the river Titas, Bangladesh. For the study, the Brahmanbaria district was considered as a case study period from 2012 to 2022. Primary data were obtained from 384 Questionnaire surveys and 10 FGDs, whereas secondary data were collected from CEGIS and BBS. Sentinel 2 images were used for mapping and chronological changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC). Between the study periods, paddy cultivation declined from 31 to 18% in Rabi, leading to maximum winter vegetation. However, there were no significant changes in the Kharif-I season. Except for paddy farming, which declined from 22% to 18% in Kharif-II, changes are few. This study identified 12 driving variables demonstrating that labor and capital availability were more responsible, whereas farm size was less responsible for determining agricultural and landscape changes. Rabi, Kharif-I, and Kharif-II had an overall accuracy of 85.98, 82.13, and 89.52%, respectively, with a kappa coefficient of 84.90, 86.37, and 82.50%. All classes were over 83.87% in producer accuracy, while all classes except urban and industrial were above 86.00% in user accuracy. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 49(1): 85-100, June 2023

Market participation, market impact and marketing efficiency: an integrated market research on smallholder paddy farmers from Eastern India

PurposeThe study aims to analyze the impact of market participation on small paddy farmers' income and consumption expenditure. The study also estimates various determinants affecting the market participation of smallholders. Further, the study computes the efficiency of different paddy marketing channels and identifies the determinants that impact the marketing channel selection of paddy growers in Eastern India.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the propensity score matching (PSM) approach to measure the impact of market participation on farm income and per capita consumption. Further, the study employed Acharya and Aggarwal's composite index approach to estimate the marketing efficiency of various paddy marketing channels. Further, a multinomial logit model was used to determine the marketing channel selection constraints.FindingsThe outcomes indicate that market participation positively impacts farm income and consumption expenditure. Education, membership in farmers' organizations, price information and distance to the marketplace significantly affect farmers' market participation. The results show that the producer–retailer marketing channel is the most efficient compared to others. However, most paddy farmers sell paddy to farmgate collectors due to a lack of market information, vehicle ownership, storage system, and inability to take the risk of venturing out of the farmgate into markets.Research limitations/implicationsThe study uses primary data and captures only farmers' perspectives to measure the impact of market participation, marketing channel efficiency and determinants for market channel selection. The other stakeholder's perceptions can be included in future studies.Originality/valueRarely does any study identifies the efficiency of different marketing channels for paddy farmers in India and includes cognitive factors like risk perception and trust in buyers as constraints for market channel selection.

Monitoring and risk analysis of residual pesticides drifted by unmanned aerial spraying

This study aimed to investigate the residual characteristics of pesticides drifted by unmanned aerial spray according to buffer strip, windbreak, and morphological characteristics of non-target crops, suggest prevention for drift reduction, and finally conduct a risk analysis on pesticides exceeding the maximum residue limit (MRL) or uniform level (0.01 mg/kg) of the positive list system (PLS). Non-target crops were collected around the aerial sprayed area (paddy rice) in Boryeong, Seocheon, and Pyeongtaek after UAV spray. When pesticides were detected in more than three samples, Duncan’s multiple range test was performed. In cases where pesticides were detected in only two samples, an independent sample t-test was conducted (p < 0.05). The drift rate of pesticides tends to decrease by up to 100% as the buffer distance from aerial sprayed area increases or when a windbreak, such as maize, is present between two locations. Thus, the reduction of drifted pesticides could be effective if both factors were applied near the UAV spray area. Moreover, the residue of drifted pesticides was found to be the highest in leafy vegetables such as perilla leaves or leaf and stem vegetables such as Welsh onion, followed by fruit vegetables and cucurbits, owing to the morphological characteristics of crops. Therefore, selecting pulse or cereal such as soybean or maize as a farm product near the UAV spray area can be considered to minimize the drift. For pesticides that exceed the MRL or PLS uniform level, %acceptable dietary intake is 0–0.81% with no risk. Additionally, employing pesticides approved for both paddy rice and farm products in UAV spraying can effectively minimize instances where MRL or PLS are exceeded. Therefore, this study aims to provide farmers with effective guidelines for mitigating drift. Furthermore, we strive to promote stable and uninterrupted food production while facilitating the utilization of agricultural technologies such as UAV spraying to address labor shortages and ensure sustainable food security.

Effects of climate change among paddy farmers in Kahama district, Tanzania

Effects of climate change among paddy farmers in Kahama district, Tanzania

Urinary MicroRNA Analysis Indicates an Epigenetic Regulation of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Sri Lanka.

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is reported among male paddy farmers in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The exact cause of this disease remains undetermined. Genetic susceptibility is identified as a major risk factor for CKDu Objectives: In this study, small urinary RNAs were characterized in CKDu patients, healthy endemic and non-endemic controls. Differently expressed urinary miRNAs and their associated pathways were identified in the study population. Healthy and diseased male volunteers (n = 9) were recruited from Girandurukotte (endemic) and Mawanella (non-endemic) districts. Urinary small RNAs were purified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeqTM. The sequence trace files were assembled and analyzed. Differentially ex-pressed miRNAs among these three groups were identified and pathway analysis was conducted. The urine samples contained 130,623 sequence reads identified as non-coding RNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNA), and miRNAs. Approximately four percent of the total small RNA reads represented miRNA, and 29% represented piRNA. A total of 409 miRNA species were ex-pressed in urine. Interestingly, both diseased and endemic controls population showed significantly low expression of miRNA and piRNA. Regardless of the health status, the endemic population ex-pressed significantly low levels of miR-10a, miR-21, miR-148a, and miR-30a which have been linked with several environmental toxins Conclusion: Significant downregulation of miRNA and piRNA expression in both diseased and healthy endemic samples indicates an epigenetic regulation of CKDu involving genetic and environmental interaction. Further studies of specific miRNA species are required to develop a miRNA panel to identify individuals susceptible to CKDu.

Climate Change Impacts on Subsistence Paddy Farming on the Indian East Coast: A Geospatial and Community Perception Assessment

Abstract The impact of climate change on subsistence agriculture is a major concern in the developing world. The vulnerability of the coastal regions to climate change has been highlighted, in particular. The present study assessed the impact of climate change on subsistence rice farming on the eastern Indian coast using an integrated approach of statistical trend analysis by the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimation of climate data and remote sensing–based land-cover analyses using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), and land surface temperature (LST) complemented by a questionnaire-based perception survey among the farming community. There has been a noticeable change in both ambient temperature and LST in the region. The delayed arrival of the monsoon critically impacts the cropping calendar. The crop harvest season has shifted farther into a time of the year that is prone to weather extremes. Analyses of NDVI and NDWI also indicate a shift in the cropping calendar. Over the years, there was an increasing degree of negative correlation between LST and NDVI in November, which indicates increasing water stress for crops in that time juncture. This may further cause crop sterility and yield loss. The study also reveals large-scale conversion of paddy-growing agricultural land into prawn aquaculture ponds. Farmers attributed such land-use change to cultivation stress caused by the delayed monsoon and consequent crop loss from weather extremes and changes in crop agronomic conditions. Farmers also report increased pest attacks and attribute that to an increasing temperature regime.

The shortest way to diffuse agricultural innovations: A network study in the paddy sector in Türkiye

The study revealed the diffusion processes of agricultural innovations and the influential advice sources in the diffusion process by using the network approach. The study sought to answer the questions of how agricultural innovations diffuse in the paddy sector, how agricultural innovations can be delivered to paddy farmers in the most concise form, and what are the typical characteristics of influential advice sources. Data were collected using questionnaires from paddy farmers, input suppliers, rice mills, and other relevant people and organizations in 2017. Social network analysis was used to analyze farmer advice networks, and Ordinal Logistic Regression was used to identify the common characteristics of influential actors in the network. The research results indicated that the farmers were a bridge between innovation creators and other farmers. The local pesticide dealers were the intermediary position among the paddy farmers with the innovation creators. Collective action, membership in agricultural organizations, social status, and project experience were influential factors in being an advice source. The study found that agricultural innovations in the paddy sector can diffuse most quickly from innovation creators to local pesticide dealers and farmers.

Bioenergetic Performance of Bali Cows Employed in Ploughing Agricultural Land under Different Work Intensities

The study was undertaken to investigate the use of cow as draught power in soil cultivation of the different type of farming field namely paddy farming field and dry farming field. Ten cows (5 working pairs) were randomly selected from each location so that the total number of obsevation cows was 20 (10 pairs). From each location, 45 breeders were randomly selected as respondents, so that a total of 90 respondents was observed intensively. The results showed, that the main motives recorded from this study are all respondents (100%), both paddy field farmers and dry field farmers, raising cattle for a source of labor and for savings. Most of the farmers raise cattle also for the purpose of being a source of fertilizer (88% of respondents). Cows in dry field farming worked with heigher intensity then those worked on paddy field farming areas. Cows were employed in average 48 days/season and only 4 hours/day, each under 49,60 kg droaugt load, 45 HP draught power, and 45,57 kg draught force, which indicate that the use of cows as a draught animal power in soil cultivation at the transmigration site in the West Nusa Tenggara area is within sub maximal exercise.

Farmers Purchasing Behaviour and Satisfaction towards Fertilizer in Kheda District

Fertilizers are food for plants as they provide nutrients to plants for their growth and thrive. In the financial year 2022, over 42 million metric tons of fertilizers were produced in India. The Indian fertilizer market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7 per cent between 2023 and 2028, reaching a projected value of 1160.18 billion USD by 2028. So, it is needed to study the fertilizer use and purchasing behavior of paddy farmer for better production. The study covered 100 farmers from 10 villages of Kheda district and tabular analysis was used to conduct the study. The study revealed that 48 per cent of farmers in the Kheda district earn between ₹ 20001-30000 as their monthly income and 13 per cent were graduates. Out of the total 100 farmers, all the farmers use fertilizer in paddy crops, and 41 per cent grow paddy on 2.01-4 acres of land. 54 per cent of farmers were found of using fertilizer mixed with other fertilizers. Quality of the product was a major factor and past experience, price of the product, and dealer opinion were considered by farmers while purchasing any fertilizer. The study found that 68 per cent of farmers were satisfied with fertilizer price, 83 per cent satisfied with performance, and 92 per cent satisfied with quality of fertilizer.

Co-Creation in Community-based Storytelling

The emergence of immersive media and new technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) has contributed to the shift in interactive documentary and community-based storytelling practices. Under the umbrella term known as Extended Reality (XR), the new technologies intervene with and provide the author with a space to negotiate authorship of interactive documentaries in a co-creation setting with the Salako community in Malaysia. Malaysia is a country in the Southeast Asia region. It occupies the Malay Peninsula and part of the Island of Borneo. There are over 120 different communities in Malaysia, and Sarawak, the largest state, has the most diverse communities. The Salako community migrated from West Kalimantan Province of the Indonesian Borneo to Pueh, Sarawak, in the 1870s due to political and geographical reasons. Today, the Salako community members are still involved in farming, and they perform various rituals to seek blessings to avoid harm to their crops. This study investigates the Salako community's storytelling practices in Pueh, Sarawak. It focuses on the co-creation of an interactive documentary storytelling of the paddy farming rituals among the community. Furthermore, it also aims to understand the dynamic relationship negotiated by the author and the community members. Therefore, the questions guiding the study can be framed as follows: How can practice-based research be used in negotiating collaboration with the Salako community? What insights can the author learn from the Salako community that contributes to the creative research practice? The study considers the concept of rhizome, introduced by French philosophers Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, as an approach to decolonising storytelling structure in the co-creation of community-based storytelling with the Salako community. The conceptual and theoretical framework bring together recent studies on community-based storytelling and empirical evidence on interactive documentaries and co-creation with a focus on community storytelling practices. The author engages practice-based research as the creative research practice in this study. In the interactive documentary titled Listening to the Salako: Voices of the Paddy and Human, the author will share the creative research process involved in the initial phase of the study. Highlighting the observations and perspectives drawn from the interactive documentary storytelling project with the Salako community, the article offers insights into understanding the nexus of care, collaboration and craft. In addition, it also looks at how practice-based research is used in community engagement and the negotiation of authorship through a participatory design process with the Salako community in Malaysia. In this study, the author argues that while practice-based research is central to navigating the layers of complexity in community engagement, the element of care, collaboration and craft present additional dimensions that can further unpack and contribute to the understanding of creative research practice. The article ends with a discussion of the impact and implications of practice-based research in empowering both the author and the Salako community in negotiating collaboration in the co-creation of the interactive documentary, Listening to the Salako: Voices of the Paddy and Human.

Study on Knowledge Level of Paddy Farmers on Climate Change in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India

This study examined the Knowledge level of Paddy farmers on Climate Change the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu state in India. It is situated in the coastal area and is very often subjected to natural calamities which were mainly reflected in the Paddy cultivation to the worst status. The ex-post facto research design was used in this research study. A sample size of 200 was fixed for the study. The data were collected with the use of a well-structured and pre tested interview schedule for farmers covering all the aspects of knowledge on Climate change. The respondents’ knowledge level of climate change was measured by designing exclusively the knowledge test. The study revealed that more than half of the respondents (55.00%) had a medium level of knowledge of climate change. Nearly one-third (32.50%) of the respondents had a high level of knowledge and a lesser number of respondents (12.50%) were found to be under the category of low- level knowledge. Educational status, farming experience, contact with extension agencies, information seeking behaviour, social participation, innovativeness, risk orientation and awareness had shown positive and significant associations with paddy farmers knowledge and these variables contributed to improving the knowledge level of the Paddy farmers on climate change. They had knowledge of changes in the rainfall patterns, extreme climatic events, changes in the crop growths stages, ground water table and pest and disease outbreaks but the famers don’t have enough knowledge on climate change adaptation strategies in Paddy cultivation with respect to tackle the problem of salinity, sodicity and effects of humidity in grain filling to cope up with climate change. Hence, it is recommended that special training programmes may be frequently offered in the study area to improve the knowledge and skill of the farmers on climate change.

Impact of Climate Change on Paddy Farming in the Village Tank Cascade Systems of Sri Lanka

Consequences of global climate change are predicted to increase risks to crop production in the future. However, the possible broader impact of climate change on social-ecological systems still needs to be evaluated. Therefore, the present study focuses on one such globally important agricultural social-ecological system referred to as the Village Tank Cascade System (VTCS) in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The VTCS has considerable potential to withstand seasonal climate variability mainly through continuous supply of water by the village tank storage throughout the year. The current study aimed to investigate trends of climate variability and possible impacts on paddy production in the North and North-central VTCS zone. Observed and projected rainfall and temperature data were analysed to evaluate the past variability trends (1970 to 2020) and model future (up to 2100) scenarios of climate variability and trends. Long-term observed rainfall and temperature data (1946 to 2020) were analysed to identify possible anomalies. The Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model has been used to predict the situation of future paddy farming (2050 and 2070) under two climate scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Six variables that would affect paddy growth and yield quality were used alongside the average monthly rainfall and temperature of two Global Climate Models (MIROC5 and MPI-ESM-LR). Climate suitability for two paddy cultivation seasons (Yala and Maha) were predicted for current and future climate scenarios. The findings revealed that observed and projected climate changes show considerable deviation of expected rainfall and temperature trends across the VTCS zone. Temperature exhibits warming of approximately 1.0 °C during the declared Global Warming Period (1970 to 2020) in the study area. In addition, there is a trend of significant warming by 0.02 °C/year, RCP4.5 and 0.03 °C/year, RCP8.5 from 1950 to 2100. Rainfall (1970–2020) shows high interannual variability but trends were not significant and less discernible. However, long-term projected rainfall data (1950–2100) analysis detected a significant (p = 0) upward trend (2.0 mm/year, RCP4.5 and 2.9 mm/year, RCP8.5), which is expected to continue up to the end of this century. Further, the study revealed some shifts in temperature towards higher values and positive anomalies in rainfall affecting seasonality and the likelihood of more extreme occurrences in the future, especially during the Maha cultivation season. The MaxEnt model predicts the following under future climate scenarios: (i) spatio-temporal shifts (conversions) in climate suitability for paddy farming in the VTCS zone; (ii) substantial low and moderate suitability areas that are currently suitable will remain unchanged; (iii) up to 96% of highly suitable and 38% of moderately suitable paddy growing areas in the VTCS zone will be at risk due to a decline in future climate suitability; and (iv) expansion of lower suitability areas by approximately 22% to 37%, due to conversion from moderate suitability areas. The study provides evidence that the continuous warming trend with increasing variability in rainfall and shifting seasonality could increase the vulnerability of future paddy farming in the VTCS. Thus, findings of this study will help planners to make more targeted solutions to improve adaptive capacity and regain the resilience to adjust the paddy farming pattern to deal with predicted climate variability and change.

ANALISIS PROPORSI BIAYA BENIH DAN PERBANDINGAN PRODUKTIVITAS USAHATANI PADI VARIETAS CIGEULIS DAN VARIETAS INFARI DI KAMPUNG JAMBUK MAKMUR

Seed is one input in agricultural production for food availability. Farming in Jambuk Makmur cultivate paddy with two varieties: Cigeulis and Infari. This research aimed to determine the proportion of seed costs on cost production and to compare the productivity of paddy farming. The research was conducted in Jambuk Makmur Village Bongan District Kutai Barat Regency from January to March 2022. Sampling used the Disproportionate Stratified Random Sampling method with a total sample of 20 rice farmers of the Cigeulis variety and 20 farmers of the Infari variety. Data analysis was done using farm costs analysis and an independent sample t-test. The results of this study showed that the average use of seeds of Cigeulis and Infari varieties per planting season was 35,54 Kg /ha and 39,54 Kg/ha. The average cost of seeds for the Cigeulis variety was IDR.841.875,00 per hectare, and the average cost of farming was IDR.16.665.361,57 per hectare. The percentage of seed costs to farming costs was 5,05%. The average cost of seeds for the Infari variety was IDR.484.750,00, the average cost of farming was IDR.17.466.305,95 mt-1 ha-1, and the percentage of seed costs to farming costs was 2,78%. Productivity of Cigeulis higher than Infari with productivity as 3.070,17 kg/ha and 2.359,63 kg/ha.

Institutional Arrangements to Enforce the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Policy Effectively in India: A Case Study of Wheat and Paddy Production in Punjab

The paper tries to examine the institutional arrangements to enforce the minimum support price (MSP) in India with a special reference to a highly agricultural-producing state, which is also known as the food bowl of India. The current study is based on the Punjab state which is an agriculturally rich state, here, paddy and wheat farmers suffered low losses as compared to other crop cultivators, but they are not separate from losses. These institutional arrangements to enforce the MSP policy examined by studying cost of Production, FHP, MSP, and crop procurement by the government agencies and their benefited farmers of wheat and paddy. The study calculated the percent change in over the period of 2012-13 to 2020-21 of costs data from the Directorate of Economics &amp; Statistics (DES), and this study analysed the procurement data published by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The percentage analysis is used as a statistical tool for this research, to access the effectiveness of MSP by its institutional arrangements that enforce the MSP effectively. The institutional arrangements to enforcement the MSP of wheat and paddy is found to be effective in Punjab. The MSP seeks to guarantee fair prices for the growers that promote greater investment and output of the produce. The result of the paper revealed that within the time being the cost of production, cost of cultivation, FHP, MSP, and government procurement of wheat and paddy is increasing, whereas the number of benefited farmers has not significantly increased. The findings of this research unravel that wheat and paddy growers of Punjab are getting supported largely due to effective procurement by the government at the MSP. Overall, at the state of Punjab the procurement of wheat and paddy by the government agencies such as FCI and state agencies is satisfactory, and conclude that the institutional arrangements for wheat and paddy procurement at MSP in Punjab is effective in nature.

Manifesting a sustainable circular economy in waste management by linking to Paddy Farming in Gianyar Regency, Bali

Bali is a province that has a source-based waste management program that is in line with the concept of a circular economy, in the form of a waste management facility at the village level (called Tempat Pembuangan Sampah Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle or TPS3R). TPS3R is still in the stage of looking for a sustainable form of business. One of the main products of the waste management facility is compost, which although it is good for improving soil quality and rice field ecosystem, but is still difficult to find consumers, making the continuity of its business in question. By having sustainable business, we can generate more sustainable environmental benefits. The action research was conducted in three villages, i.e., Sayan, Taro, and Pejeng, in Gianyar Regency. It aims to bridge the use of compost for the initiation of healthier paddy farming, while identifying ongoing business processes, potential environmental benefits, opportunities for mainstreaming healthier paddy farming, as well as the role of relevant stakeholders in realizing a circular economy business model that is sustainable and more independent. We interviewed 22 key informants. The results show that all villages have the same business model, viz. utilizing organic waste for composting, plastic waste for sorting and resale, and residual waste that will be sent to landfill because it has no economic value. Although the sale of compost is still an obstacle, there are opportunities if it can be synergized in the practice of paddy farming. This mainstreaming can be further synergized into food security projects that must be allocated from village funds. So, the role of the village government in this case is huge, followed by TPS3R management capabilities, while other parties such as NGOs, academics, and agricultural activists are only limited to functioning as encouragement and companions. If the TPS3R is successful, the village community will receive environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Agricultural farming intensification significantly reduced earthworm abundance and diversity in Usangu agro-ecosystems, Tanzania

Earthworms an ecologically important group of invertebrates that are crucial to delivery of many ecosystem services, but also considered ecosystem engineers playing an important role in soil fertility and land productivity. Earthworms facilitate breakdown and decomposition of plant and animal materials releasing plant nutrients. Earthworm burrows allow air and water movement in the soil but also improve soil fertility and drainages. Earthworm population in agricultural soils is influenced by different factors i.e., tillage, farming activities, soil chemistry as well as chemical contaminants. Agricultural (paddy farming) intensification with increased and excessive use of agrochemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides) may affect earthworm population in agricultural soils. Recently, there scant studies conducted to characterize earthworm abundance and diversity in Tanzania's agro-ecosystem. Therefore, the present study characterized earthworm population in agricultural soils of contrasting intensification in Usangu agro-ecosystem (UA) to understand influence of current land use on earthworm abundance and their diversity as they have a vital role in agro-ecosystem productivity and sustainability. This study found that current paddy farming and associated activities in UA negatively affect earthworm occurrence, distribution, and diversity. Where only four dominant earthworm species were determined (Apporectodea caliginosa (endogeic), Lumbricus terrestris (Anecic), Pontoscolex corentrurus (endogeic), Fimoscolex sporadochactus (Anecic)) compared to other tropical areas. But also, highly intensified paddy farming areas (i.e., Chimala, Igalako, Ihahi, Kapunga, Mahongole, and Uturo) were observed to have earthworm abundance <25 individuals/m2 an FAO recommended earthworm count/m2 in healthy soils compared to less intensified schemes (25-40 earthworm/m2). The earthworm abundance and biomass determined in UA was below global average of 78 individuals per m2 and 150 g/m2, indicating that UA is in deteriorating quality. Thus, current farming practices creates unfavourable environmental conditions which likely leads to migration of earthworm to other land use or death due to harsh environment created. High earthworm abundance and biomass improve land productivity via nutrient recycling, thus low earthworm counts and diversity in UA likely to threaten agro-ecosystem sustainability. The present study provides baseline information on earthworm abundance and their diversity in UA and Tanzania.