Production Of High-value Crops Research Articles

Household-specific food price differentials and high-value crop production in rural Ghana

Using panel data from Ghana we have examined the relationship between household-specific producer–consumer price differentials and rural household cropland allocation between food and high-value crops. We test the hypothesis that cereal price bands induce a shift of resources away from high-value crop production, making smallholders appear unresponsive to price incentives. Our results lend support to this hypothesis, implying that a policy aiming at increasing farmers’ income through high-value crop production may fail if hard and soft infrastructure does not improve in rural areas, and if staple crop productivity does not increase significantly.

Low Cost Constant – Head Drip Irrigation Emitter for Climate Change Adaptation in Nigeria: Engineering Design and Calibration

A low cost constant – head emitter for drip irrigation was developed using cheap and readily available materials as a substitute for the imported drip emitters which deter the adoption of drip irrigation in sub – Saharan Africa (SSA). The emitter was calibrated at both laboratory scale and on the field. The drip system comprises of abarrel, sub-main line, lateral lines, tubes and emitters, it can irrigate140 crop stands and can be extended to 560 stands. The emitters produced a mean discharge and emission uniformity (Eu) of 1.60l/hr. and 74 % respectively; while the calibrated manufacturer’s coefficient of variation and distribution uniformity of discharge were 0.098 and 86.3% respectively. The system operates under low pressure (87.9 mbar) and can deliver the daily crop water requirement of a crop like maize in 20 minutes; the overall system performance based on field calibration is generally satisfactory and show potential for improvement when compared with global standards for drip systems. The system’s low cost of N15, 870 ($79) gives it an edge over existing locally developed drip systems, the low technology and the use of locally available materials coupled with the water savings will enable famers to adapt to the impact of climate change in sub-Saharan Africa through the production of high value crops in the dry season . http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i4.32

Effect of Co-formulation of 1,3-Dichloropropene and Chloropicrin on Evaporative Emissions from Soil

Co-formulations of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) and chloropicrin (CP) are commonly used for preplant fumigation in the production of high-value crops. Various ratios of 1,3-D to CP are available in these co-formulations. Collation of previous field data suggested that when the two fumigants were co-applied, the emissions of CP were significantly lower than when CP was applied singly. However, none of these previous studies had a control treatment with CP applied alone, alongside a treatment where CP was co-applied with 1,3-D under the same climatic and edaphic conditions. This work aimed to address this issue by measuring emission fluxes from soil columns maintained under controlled conditions in which 1,3-D and CP were applied alone and as four commercial co-formulations with various 1,3-D:CP ratios. A strong positive relationship between CP emissions and CP percentage in the formulation was observed. Furthermore, strong positive relationships between CP degradation half-life and CP percentage in the formulation and between CP degradation half-life and total column emissions suggested that the lower emissions were due to faster CP degradation when the CP percentage (and hence initial application mass) in the formulation was low. The presence of 1,3-D did not significantly affect the degradation rate of CP, and, therefore, it is hypothesized that co-application was, in itself, not a significant factor in emission losses from the columns. The findings have implications for the accurate modeling of CP because the effect of initial mass applied on CP degradation rate is not usually considered.

New ruralities – old gender dynamics? A reflection on high-value crop agriculture in the light of the feminisation debates

Abstract. While a remarkable continuity in smallholder agricultural production has been identified, the shift from subsistence orientation towards more wage dependence appears in a different light when analysed under a gender perspective. "Feminisation" has been a catchphrase to characterise some of these processes; however, the debate has been subject to overgeneralisation, and can only inadequately grasp the gender dynamics in what has been referred to as "new ruralities". Illustrated for high-value crop production as an expression of agricultural transition in the Global South, this contribution offers a critical account of the feminisation thesis. Instead of discarding the notion of feminisation, it advocates a reassessment of its potential as a comprehensive framework against which empirical findings can be reflected. While conventional uses of the feminisation thesis have, in their great majority, come up with the conclusion that for women it can always only get worse, I propose a perspective which reveals gains and risks and how they are shared between men and women as they engage in new agricultural labour markets. This perspective rests on a methodology for case-based, comparative studies developed in this paper as a contribution for assessing the nature of agricultural transition and to investigate the qualitative change associated with new ruralities. A distinctive appreciation of the substance of agricultural change for different members of the rural society – namely men and women, but also different men, and different women – is the premise for overcoming barriers to shared development, and for framing effective governance in the context of global development.

Implementing precision irrigation in a humid climate – Recent experiences and on-going challenges

There is growing scientific interest in the potential role that precision irrigation (PI) can make towards improving crop productivity, and increasing water and energy efficiency in irrigated agriculture. Most progress has been made in arid and semi-arid climates for use in high value crop production where irrigation costs coupled with concerns regarding water scarcity have stimulated PI innovation and development. In temperate and humid climates where irrigation is supplemental to rainfall, PI is less developed but nevertheless offers scope to make more effective use of rainfall, help reduce the non-beneficial losses associated with irrigation (deep drainage, nitrate leaching) and provide farmers with evidence to demonstrate environmentally sustainable practices to processors and retailers. This paper reports on recent experiences in developing precision irrigation in UK field-scale agriculture, drawing on evidence from field research and modelling studies. By combining data from these sources, a critical evaluation focusing on selected technical, agronomic and engineering challenges that need to be overcome are described, including issues regarding PI scheduling, and the delineation of irrigation management zones to ensure compatibility with existing methods of overhead irrigation. The findings have relevance to other countries where irrigation is supplemental and where precision agriculture is gaining popularity.

Nothing to Learn? Labor Learning in California's Farmwork

AbstractBecause of a perceived simplicity of its tasks and the recurrent presence of migrants in it, the agricultural labor force in California has been characterized as easily replaceable, composed of transitory unskilled workers. However, the increasing settlement of farmworkers demands new approaches. Based on anthropological fieldwork conducted in California's Central Valley among farmworkers employed in orange and table grape production, this essay describes some informal labor learning processes and everyday practices of decentralized labor management in order to explore how they are related to modern fresh‐food agro‐industry, proposing that both elements are of significant importance to the creation of a workforce tailored to fulfill the requirements of the production of high‐value crops. The effect of the learning processes in the emerging of new working and life trajectories is also addressed, questioning whether the new context includes the possibility of long careers in farmwork.

Technology transfer for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production under protected agriculture in uplands Balochistan, Pakistan

2 . Farmer-managed trials also confirmed better effectiveness and efficiency of protected agriculture tunnel against insect pest of cucumber grown under tunnel. The cucumbers so harvested were of higher quality (no insect damage) and were sold at premium prices during the whole production cycle. Proper crop sequencing by considering the market situations as well as physiological circumstances are important for successful production of high value crops including cucumbers round the year. These decisions should be based on the market demand and consumer preference analyses. Higher technical knowledge is also required to manage plant nutrient requirements, choose right kind of hybrids and irrigation scheduling, maintain temperature and humidity and take proper plant protection measures.

Technology transfer for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) production under protected agriculture in uplands Balochistan, Pakistan

2 . Farmer-managed trials also confirmed better effectiveness and efficiency of protected agriculture tunnel against insect pest of cucumber grown under tunnel. The cucumbers so harvested were of higher quality (no insect damage) and were sold at premium prices during the whole production cycle. Proper crop sequencing by considering the market situations as well as physiological circumstances are important for successful production of high value crops including cucumbers round the year. These decisions should be based on the market demand and consumer preference analyses. Higher technical knowledge is also required to manage plant nutrient requirements, choose right kind of hybrids and irrigation scheduling, maintain temperature and humidity and take proper plant protection measures.

Water demand management in Yemen and Jordan: addressing power and interests

This paper investigates the extent to which entrenched interests of stakeholder groups both maintain water use practice, and may be confronted. The focus is on the agricultural sectors of Yemen and Jordan, where water resource policymakers face resistance in their attempts to reduce water use to environmentally sustainable levels through implementation of water demand management (WDM) activities. Some farmers in both countries that have invested in irrigated production of high-value crops (such as qat and bananas) benefit from a political economy that encourages increased rather than reduced water consumption. The resultant over-exploitation of water resources affects groups in unequal measures. Stakeholder analysis demonstrates that the more ‘powerful’ groups (chiefly the large landowners and the political elites, as well as the ministries of irrigation over which they exert influence) are generally opposed to reform in water use, while the proponents of WDM (e.g. water resource managers, environmental ministries and NGOs, and the international donor community) are found to have minimal influence over water use policy and decisionmaking. Efforts and ideas attempted by this latter group to challenge the status quo are classified here as either (a) influencing or (b) challenging the power asymmetry, and the merits and limits of both approaches are discussed. The interpretation of evidence suggests current practice is likely to endure, but may be more effectively challenged if a long-term approach is taken with an awareness of opportunities generated by windows of opportunity and the participation of ‘overlap groups’.

Managing Nematodes Without Methyl Bromide

Methyl bromide is an effective pre-plant soil fumigant used to control nematodes in many high-input, high-value crops in the United States, including vegetables, nursery plants, ornamentals, tree fruits, strawberries, and grapes. Because methyl bromide has provided a reliable return on investment for nematode control, many of these commodities have standardized their production practices based on the use of this chemical and will be negatively impacted if effective and economical alternatives are not identified. Alternative control measures based on other chemicals, genetic resistance, and cultural practices require a greater knowledge of nematode biology to achieve satisfactory results. Here, we provide an overview of nematode management practices that we believe will be relied upon heavily in U.S. high-value crop production systems in a world without methyl bromide. Included are case studies of U.S. high-value crop production systems to demonstrate how nematode management practices other than methyl bromide may be incorporated.

Modelling the likely impact of healthy eating guidelines on agricultural production and land use in England and Wales

Quadratic programming techniques were applied to household food consumption data in England and Wales to estimate likely changes in diet under healthy eating guidelines, and the consequences this would have on agriculture and land use in England and Wales. The first step entailed imposing nutrient restrictions on food consumption following dietary recommendations suggested by the UK Department of Health. The resulting diet was used, in a second step as a proxy for demand in agricultural commodities, to test the impact of such a scenario on food production and land use in England and Wales and the impacts of this on agricultural landscapes. Results of the diet optimisation indicated a large drop in consumption of foods rich in saturated fats and sugar, essentially cheese and sugar-based products, along with lesser cuts of fat and meat products. Conversely, consumption of fruit and vegetables, cereals, and flour would increase to meet dietary fibre recommendations. Such a shift in demand would dramatically affect production patterns: the financial net margin of England and Wales agriculture would rise, due to increased production of high market value and high economic margin crops. Some regions would, however, be negatively affected, mostly those dependent on beef cattle and sheep production that could not benefit from an increased demand for cereals and horticultural crops. The effects of these changes would also be felt in upstream industries, such as animal feed suppliers. While arable dominated landscapes would be little affected, pastoral landscapes would suffer through loss of grazing management and, possibly, land abandonment, especially in upland areas.

Assessing On-Farm Irrigation Water Use Efficiency in Southern Ontario

For high-value horticultural crop production in southern Ontario, irrigation is an essential ingredient in overcoming insufficient rainfall and achieving stabilized crop production. In a context where competition for limited water resources intensifies due to the expansion of the agricultural sector, increasing urban development and tourism, and potential climate change impacts, conserving water through efficient irrigation has become a key solution in addressing this growing challenge. The implementation of advanced soil water monitoring technologies and water budgeting methods for improved irrigation scheduling is examined with regard to water conservation and thus as a means to cope with competing demands for limited water supplies. During the 2007 growing season, soil moisture was measured using two sensors at four field sites (comprising a total of six irrigated zones as two sites include two different irrigation/production systems) in southern Ontario. Irrigation water consumption was measured by flow meters at three sites. In addition, a survey was administered to collect information on growers’ current irrigation scheduling practices. On-farm irrigation performance was assessed by comparing calculated tomato, green bell pepper, strawberry and peach water requirements (using the water budget method) with growers’ estimates of irrigation water use and with soil moisture measurements taken during the growing season. Four out of the six irrigated zones were excessively irrigated, while in one zone, water was insufficiently applied. The crop water requirements were met efficiently exclusively in one zone where tomatoes were grown. Overall, the results of this research show that by implementing advanced soil moisture monitoring technologies, growers can increase precision in water application and reduce the uncertainty in their current irrigation scheduling practices.

Effect of the Irrigation Canal Network on Surface and Groundwater Interactions in the Lower Valley of the Cachapoal River, Chile

Agricultural production of high value crops in Chile's Central Valley is highly dependent on surface and groundwater resources. They are connected and together form an integrated hydrological system, the individual components of which have to be studied. This research is addressed to answering two questions: 1) to what extent do irrigation and canal seepage contribute to groundwater recharge and 2) what is the influence of the interactions between the Cachapoal River and ground water. The study was carried out from 2003 to 2007 in Peumo Valley (34.3° S, 71.3° W). In winter, the irrigation canal network intercepts and diverts surface runoff, which flows to flat areas and recharges groundwater. In summer, infiltration from the canals recharges the aquifer directly and partially compensates for water uptake from plants and evaporation. The effects of both interactions keep groundwater at a relatively constant level over the whole year. The water balance of the valley is strongly affected by agricultural practices, groundwater recharge mainly originating from irrigation loss (22%) and canal seepage (52%). It is important to know how management decisions, such as change in irrigation practices or canal lining, can affect the hydrological system and agricultural production within the valley.

The Impact of Location on Crop Choice and Rural Livelihood: Evidences from Villages in Northern Ethiopia

This paper attempts to demonstrate how location of an agricultural economic activity in relation to urban centers determines households' decision to allot their agricultural land to the production of either staple crop or a high value but risky cash crop. Analyzing household data from villages in North Eastern Ethiopia, we find that proximity to urban centers, access to road, and education along with other factors determine the crop choice in favor of the production of high value crops. Crop choices further significantly predict levels of per capita income across villages where the farthest with no access to road are the poorest.

Issues and options in the production of high value crops in coastal region of Pakistan

Primary data from various stakeholders were collected to examine the issues and options in the production of high value crops in coastal region of Pakistan. During 2002, a list of betel leaf and muskmelon growers of Thatta District were developed and out of sampling frame, 160 growers were randomly selected. In the coastal area, growers are engaged in agriculture, fishing, and livestock activities. They keep camel, buffalo, and cattle mainly for milk, which is domestically consumed or sold at village level. The socio-economic conditions of growers living in coastal villages are very poor. Most of the male are unemployed or employed on daily wages. Women are engaged in fish processing industries as unskilled worker and earn a meager income. The analysis of betel leaf and muskmelon was carried out to examine the economic viability of these crops in the coastal region. Analysis shows that these crops have tremendous potential and have no competition in the existing crops in the region. The growers received high net return from betel leaf cultivation and reasonable income from muskmelon cultivation in the coastal region. The major issues for the development of high value crops in the region as identified were high initial cost, poor management operations, low input use, control of insectpests and diseases and lack of knowledge. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v32i3.537Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 32(3) : 359-368, September 2007

An overview of preharvest factors influencing postharvest quality of horticultural products

Postharvest product quality develops during growing of the product and is maintained, not improved by postharvest technologies. Available genetic material allows discrimination of external and internal quality attributes that must satisfy consumer requirements and indulgences. Farmers face challenges in utilising technologies for producing high quality crops; meaningful manipulation of light, nutrients, water and plants is possible only when plant responses to environmental conditions are understood. Genetic engineering can produce plants with desirable characteristics, but society is not yet convinced that benefits gained outweigh risks. Protected cropping enables growers to produce consistent crops in environments where production is often variable, and production of high value crops 'out of season'. Farmers, scientists, extension specialists and market personnel must work together to provide knowledge, best practices and enabling tools for growers to ensure preharvest conditions are optimised for production of high quality horticultural crops that titillate, satisfy and reward discerning consumers.

Gender roles and relationships: Implications for water management

This study mainstreams gender at household level by showing how the gendered roles and relations between women and men influence access, allocation and use of resources in a rural community, Makhosini, in Swaziland. Implications of the identified gender roles and relationships for water management in Swaziland are highlighted. The working hypotheses of this study are (i) that gender-neutral development initiatives will benefit equally women and men at household level; and (ii) in Swaziland the trend toward irrigated agriculture for food security will have unequal impacts on men and women as access, allocation and use of key resources is highly gendered, privileging men as the value of the resource increases. In this study, a questionnaire was administered to sampled male and female heads of household as well as women under male heads. The heads were asked to indicate the roles they play and key decisions they make in resource use as heads of households. The women under male heads were also asked to indicate their roles and key decision responsibilities. The key resources considered were land and crops produced. Comparative analysis on roles and decisions made as well as access and use of resources and production was done by gender and between the women groups. The results show marked gender differences within households and across resources. Men were overwhelmingly involved in productive roles, giving low priority to reproductive roles. In contrast, priority of women’s roles were reproductive in nature. The key findings are that there were no significant differences in the roles of men and women as heads of households. Women as heads of households assume the same roles as those of men heads suggesting relative gender-neutrality. Also all women played “double-day” roles. However, the data reveals that men dominate decisions on crops to be grown, inputs to be used, disposal of the products and use of income obtained. Only a small percentage of women claimed influence over decisions on high-income generating crops such as sugarcane. A majority of women did demonstrate influence in the areas of key rainfed crops such as sweet potatoes and maize. The only area where women had full control was on grass used for making handicrafts. The implications for water resources management are that gender-blind decisions regarding the importance of irrigated crop production for household security may in fact remove decision-making capacity out of the hands of women so increasing the gendered-nature of food insecurity. At the same time, however, women household heads do show some influence in irrigated crop production and in high-value rainfed crop production. This suggests possibilities for in-building gender-neutral practices where high value crops are concerned.

THE SOLAR GREENHOUSE: STATE OF THE ART IN ENERGY SAVING AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SUPPLY

The objective of the solar greenhouse project was the development of a Dutch greenhouse system for high value crop production without the use of fossil fuels. The project was completed and the results are reported here. The main approach was to first design a greenhouse system requiring much less energy, next to balance the availability of natural energy with the system?s energy demand, and finally to design control algorithms for dynamic system control. This paper discusses the first two design steps. Increasing the insulation value of the greenhouse cover was the first step towards a reduction in energy demand. The challenge was in maintaining a high light transmission at the same time. A first generation of suitable materials was developed. The realizable energy saving is almost 40 %. The next reduction in fossil fuel requirement was accomplished by capturing solar energy from the greenhouse during the summer months, storing it in an underground aquifer at modest temperatures, and finally using the stored energy during the winter months by using heat pumps. Then the total realizable energy saving is more then 60%. For sustainable energy supply per ha greenhouse at this low energy demand 32 ha biomass is needed, or 600 kW nominal wind power or 1.2 ha PV assuming storage via the public grid.

Spectral Properties of Selected UV‐blocking and UV‐transmitting Covering Materials with Application for Production of High‐value Crops in High Tunnels†

The spectral properties of selected UV-blocking and UV-transmitting covering materials were characterized by means of a UV-VIS spectroradiometer or a UV-VIS spectrometer to provide researchers and growers with guidelines for selecting suitable materials for use in studying the effects of ambient solar UV radiation on the production of tomatoes and other high-value crops in high tunnels. A survey was made of a wide range of plastic covering materials to identify commercially available products that had the desired characteristics of transmitting high levels of photosynthetically active radiation and of being stable under ambient solar UV radiation. The study was focused on evaluating films that either blocked or transmitted UV wavelengths below 380 nm to determine comparative growth, yield and market quality and to provide a tool for integrated pest management. Based on this survey, two contrasting covering materials of similar thickness (0.152 mm) and durability (4-year polyethylene), one a UV-blocking film and the other a UV-transmitting film, were selected and used to cover two high tunnels at Beltsville, MD. Spectroradiometric measurements were made to determine comparative spectral irradiance in these two high tunnels covered with these materials and under ambient solar UV radiation. Comparative measurements were also made of selected glass and plastic materials that have been used in UV exclusion studies.

Investigation of crop production in stabilized sand dune using amb layer associate with drip irrigation system

Sand dune stabilization programmes in Iran has been highly successful. A considerable 
 portion of the active dunes in the study area has already been stabilized , and a good cover of 
 annual and perennial species has been established. Here again this very successful program of 
 sand dune fixation has raised another problem, once the protection is ensured, how to 
 economically use this land. Three main possibilities may be considered: 1-production of 
 firewood, wood and paper 2-production of pasture and animal products. 3-production of 
 agricultural crops. Production of firewood does not appear to be an economically viable 
 option in Iran. Light grazing has been proposed as a way of utilizing the stabilized areas of the 
 dunes for food production. However, the delicate balance of dune system could be disrupted 
 very easily. Thus in order to utilize the stabilized sand dune systems more efficiently, some 
 high value crop or cash crops production is another alternative, where irrigation water is 
 available. Dunes are equally suitable for growing cash crops but their fertility and high 
 permeability appears to be a limiting factor. Thus to carry out this experiment AMB1
 layers 
 were spread in two different depth, namely 45 and 60 Centimeters using AMB machine. 
 Several cash crops such as watermelons, melons, cucumbers and tomatoes were planted and 
 irrigation treatments were set up. This experiment indicated spectacular results in the 
 production of Charleston Gray watermelon with the yield of 50 tons/ha and Honey Drop 
 melon with 20 ton/ha, using drip irrigation system. Sprinkler system was not suitable due to 
 high evaporation rate of water in this region. Furthermore sand particles ejecting from soil 
 surface during sprinkling-drop impact damaged crop leaves and consequently decreased yield. 
 Since infiltration rate in sand dunes is very rapid, conventional irrigation methods such as 
 flood or furrow irrigation are highly inefficient. Thus implementation of the results of this 
 research by farmers can play an important role in increasing water use efficiency as well as 
 their livelihood.