Oilseed Production Research Articles

The organizational component of the mechanism of investment development

The organizational and economic mechanism includes the organizational and economic blocks. The article considers the elements of the organizational component of the investment development mechanism the size of the organization, the organizational and legal form and the specialization of the organization, which influence the investment development of the industry. The research was carried out on the basis of the official accounting statements of organizations of the Russian Federation for 2016 of the database of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation using the software of the consulting financial and analytical company Akon. Groups of agricultural organizations were identified by type of activity. It is concluded that small forms of enterprises prevail in the sectors of dairy and beef cattle breeding, and potato farming that determines their lower profitability and limits the possibilities for investing at their own funds. In specialized large and medium-sized organizations (production of grain and oilseeds, and sugar beet production) the efficiency of production is higher against the mixed production. The predominantly joint-stock form of management among large and medium-sized agricultural organizations expands the possibilities of investment activity.

The Long Intergenic Noncoding RNA (LincRNA) Landscape of the Soybean Genome.

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of diverse biological processes. However, our understanding of lincRNA abundance and function remains very limited especially for agriculturally important plants. Soybean (Glycine max) is a major legume crop plant providing over a half of global oilseed production. Moreover, soybean can form symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen. Soybean has a complex paleopolyploid genome and exhibits many vegetative and floral development complexities. Soybean cultivars have photoperiod requirements restricting its use and productivity. Molecular regulators of these legume-specific developmental processes remain enigmatic. Long noncoding RNAs may play important regulatory roles in soybean growth and development. In this study, over one billion RNA-seq read pairs from 37 samples representing nine tissues were used to discover 6,018 lincRNA loci. The lincRNAs were shorter than protein-coding transcripts and had lower expression levels and more sample specific expression. Few of the loci were found to be conserved in two other legume species (chickpea [Cicer arietinum] and Medicago truncatula), but almost 200 homeologous lincRNAs in the soybean genome were detected. Protein-coding gene-lincRNA coexpression analysis suggested an involvement of lincRNAs in stress response, signal transduction, and developmental processes. Positional analysis of lincRNA loci implicated involvement in transcriptional regulation. lincRNA expression from centromeric regions was observed especially in actively dividing tissues, suggesting possible roles in cell division. Integration of publicly available genome-wide association data with the lincRNA map of the soybean genome uncovered 23 lincRNAs potentially associated with agronomic traits.

Экологическая устойчивость и адаптивность сортов рыжика озимого

Рыжик озимый — перспективная масличная культура, которая по своим биологическим свойствам является наиболее ярким примером проявления пластичности в приспособлении к существованию в различных почвенно-климатических условиях. Объектом исследований являлись 4 сорта рыжика озимого: Пензяк, Козырь, Барон и Передовик. Исследования проводили в 2013 – 2016 гг. на полях Пензенской области. Оценивали сорта рыжика озимого по продуктивности маслосемян и его устойчивости и адаптивности к комплексу факторов и условий различных агроэкологических регионов возделывания. Кроме этого, оценивали свойство стабильности на контрастных фонах различных регионов возделывания. Обработка данных сортоиспытания 2013 – 2016 гг. выявила существенные различия по урожайности между сортами рыжика озимого, которая в среднем варьировала от 1,61 до 1,95 т/га. При этом изменчивость урожайности была значительной: коэффициент вариации V составил 29,6 – 43,2 %. Наибольшим этот показатель был у сорта Передовик — 43,2 %. Наименьшая вариабельность урожайности характерна для сорта Барон — 29,6 %. При изучении основных параметров продуктивности, а также экологической пластичности и стабильности все изучаемые сорта рыжика озимого отвечали высоким требованиям пластичности, стабильности и адаптированности к условиям возделывания. Лучшим по данным показателям в условиях Пензенского региона является сорт Барон, который имеет высокие значения индекса экологической пластичности и высокую способность противостоять стрессовым факторам. При испытании рыжика озимого в широком диапазоне экологических условий в ряде пунктов отмечена его высокая адаптивная способность реализовывать свой потенциал продуктивности за счет генетических особенностей.

Molecular genetics and functional genomics of abiotic stress-responsive genes in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.): a review of recent advances and future

Abiotic stresses are the key factors which negatively influence plant development and productivity and are the main cause of extensive agricultural production losses worldwide. Brassica napus is an oilseed crop of global economic significance and major contributor to the total oilseed production, quite often encounters abiotic stresses, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity. Hence, there is an immediate need being felt to raise B. napus cultivars which would be more suitable for various abiotic stress conditions presently and in the years to come. Biotechnology and molecular plant breeding has emerged as an important tool for molecular understanding of plant response to various abiotic stresses. Currently, various stress-responsive genes and mechanisms have been identified and functionally characterized in model plant Arabidopsis and other major crop plants such as Oryza sativa and Zea mays. However, very inadequate success has been achieved in this direction in a major oilseed crop such as B. napus. In this review, we present the latest methods and approaches of studying abiotic stress in B. napus. In this review, we describe the genes functioning as markers for crop breeding and discuss the recent progress and advances in genome editing by break through CRISPR/Cas9 multigene–multiplex approaches for developing multiple abiotic stress tolerance with our on-going research as a scheme. We also throw some light on molecular genetics, plant breeding and abiotic stress biotechnology of B. napus which offer a new prospective on the research directions for the practical plant breeding and functional genomics of B. napus in response to different abiotic stress conditions.

An analysis of changing pattern in area, production and productivity of oilseeds in Karnataka

The analysis of growth is usually used in economic studies to find out the trend of a particular variable over a period oftime and used for making policy decisions. The growth in the area, production and productivity of different oilseed crops in Karnataka was estimated using the compound growth function. The necessary secondary data were collected for a period of 15 years (2000-01 to 2014-15). Oilseed crops contribute a significant proportion to the agricultural GDP. In 2014-15 the area under nine oilseed crops in Karnataka was 13.73 lakh ha with production of 9.59 lakh t, with productivity of 505.4 kg/ha. The results showed that the compound growth rate oftotal oilseed crop in Karnataka during the period of 2000-01 to 2014-15 was declined to -3.30 per cent with area, -1.93 per cent with production and productivity increased to 0.43 per cent. In order to increase the oilseed production, it is necessary to make available of physical (fertilizers, pesticides and high yielding varieties), financial (credit facilities, crop insurance) and technical inputs (extension services) to the farmers there by increase in productivity of oilseeds in Karnataka.

Yield Tradeoffs and Nitrogen between Pennycress, Camelina, and Soybean in Relay‐ and Double‐Crop Systems

Core Ideas Winter annual oilseed crops are being used in annual cropping systems to add value. We explored trade‐offs in oilseed yield and provision of ecosystem services. Oilseed cover crop yield was greatest when harvested late rather than early. Pennycress and camelina reduced N in the soil profile compared to soybean alone. To gain additional value from land during winter fallow periods in corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations, growers in the Upper Midwest are considering winter annual oilseed crops such as field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) and winter camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz]. The objective of this study was to (i) explore trade‐offs between soybean and winter oilseed crop yield as influenced by timing of winter oilseed crop harvest and of soybean planting, and (ii) evaluate how inorganic soil N was affected by the presence or absence of pennycress or camelina. Field experiments were conducted at three sites in Minnesota to evaluate yield of field pennycress and camelina winter oilseed crops planted in a double‐crop system or planted early or late in a relay‐cropping system. Soybean grain yield was reduced in one of the three sites in 2014 and at all sites in 2015. However, the addition of a winter oilseed crop in a relay‐ or double‐crop system increased the total oilseed production. The optimal cropping strategy for achieving maximum total oilseed crop yield was dependent on environment. Winter oilseed crop yield tended to be greatest when harvested late rather than early in either a relay‐ or double‐crop system. Pennycress and camelina significantly reduced inorganic soil N along the entire soil profile compared to soybean alone, especially in the spring (53–72%) and autumn (18–19%) when the potential for N loss is greatest. Pennycress and camelina, when integrated with soybean in a late‐planted relay‐ or double‐crop system, increased total crop yield while providing critical ecosystem services.

Bioactive properties of faveleira (Cnidoscolus quercifolius) seeds, oil and press cake obtained during oilseed processing.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature concerning the bioactive properties of faveleira products. This work focuses on the physicochemical evaluation of faveleira oil, as well as it investigates the bioactive properties of faveleira seeds, faveleira oil and the press cake obtained during the oilseed processing. The seeds were cold pressed and the following tests were performed: physicochemical characteristics (acidity, peroxide values, moisture and volatile matter, density and viscosity) and fatty acid profile of faveleira oil; total phenolic and flavonoid content of faveleira seed and press cake; antibacterial activity of seed, oil and press cake; and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide radical scavenging assay and oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of seed, oil and press cake. Our work demonstrated that the faveleira seed oil has low acidity (0.78 ± 0.03% oleic acid) and peroxide value (1.13 ± 0.12 mEq/1000g), associated with the relevant concentration of linoleic acid (53.56%). It was observed that important phenolics (398.89 ± 6.34 mg EAG/100 g), especially flavonoids (29.81 ± 0.71 mg RE/g) remain in the press cake, which indicates that the by-product of the faveleira oilseed production constitutes a rich residual source of bioactive compounds. No bacterial growth inhibition was detected, but all samples including faveleira seeds, press cake, oil and its fractions have potent antioxidant activities, mainly the press cake, with oxygen radical absorbance capacity of 28.39 ± 4.36 μM TE/g. Our results also show that faveleira oil has potential to be used as edible oil and the press cake should be used to contain the most antioxidants from seed.

Macauba: a promising tropical palm for the production of vegetable oil

The growing global demand for vegetable oils for food and for replacing fossil fuels leads to increased oilseeds production. Almost 122 of the current 187 million tons of vegetable oils produced in the world correspond to palm and soybean oils. The oil palm is cultivated in the tropical zone, in areas formerly occupied by forests, and soybean oil is a by-product of protein meal production. The diversification of raw materials for the vegetable oil market is thus strategic for both food and non-food sectors. Sources for vegetable oil should be economically competitive and provide sustainability indexes higher than that provided by oil palm and soybean. In this context, we describe the potential ofAcrocomia aculeata, popularly known as macauba. Macauba is an American palm from the tropical zones which presents oil productivity and quality similar to that of the oil palm. It grows spontaneously in a wide range of environments and it is not very water demanding. Macauba palm has a high potential for oil production and for diversification of co-products with some potential of value aggregation. Such a perennial and sustainable species will probably fulfill the requirements to become an important new commercial oilseed crop.

Oilseeds sector of Bangladesh: challenges and opportunities

The imports of edible oils and oilseeds are increasing year after year to fulfill the increasing demand of Bangladesh. Appropriate policy measures are needed to increase oilseed production. Therefore, an in-depth investigation was carried out to assess the challenges and opportunities in the oilseeds sector of Bangladesh. The study analyzes data generated from a sample of 1980 households spread over 11 oilseed growing districts. In addition, eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted. The study shows that there are ample opportunities to increase both area and productivity of oilseeds because of availability of short-duration improved varieties and suitable agro-climatic conditions. Also at the production and post-harvest processing levels, there is some potential for mechanical interventions that might add to the current oilseed production processes, and allow farmers to earn more from oilseed cultivation. There are also challenges such as climate variability, competition with other crops for scarce resources, and high infestation of insects & diseases.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 161-172 (2017)

Towards oilseeds sufficiency in India: Present status and way forward

India is a global player in edible oil arena, being the 2nd largest importer, and 3rd largest consumer of edible oil as well as 4th largest oilseed producer. Soybean, groundnut, rapeseed and mustard contribute 82% of total inland oilseed production. Per capita consumption has been increasing and is projected to be around 24 kg by 2025. There is a large gap in production and demand of edible oilseeds, leading to growing dependency on import day by day. Productivity of Indian oil seed sector per se is very low that needs to be augmented to save the hard earned foreign exchange. This situation arise a call for revisiting researchable and policy issues adopted so far. This article discusses the current scenario and future strategies to achieve self-sufficiency in Indian oilseed sector.

Growth Performance of Principal Crops in North Bihar during last four decades: Empirical Evidences

The present study is designed to examine the changes in cropping pattern, area, production and productivity of principal crops along with their growth in North Bihar during last 40 years. It is emanated from analysis of data that the cropping pattern of the area under study is dominated by cereal crops. Among the cereals, wheat has emerged as the second most important cereal crop during period under study whereas rice experienced deceleration in area. Maize also gained in area due to adoption of winter maize at large scale in post seventies period. Winter maize is now preferred crop due to its higher yield potential. There has been significant change in cropping pattern during last four decades in north Bihar. All the principal crops recorded growth in production but performance of rice – the most important staple food crop in the area, has not been impressive during the period under study.Research priority should be assigned for innovation and spread of appropriate technology of rice production for unfavourable ecology of north Bihar. Pulses and oilseeds production witnessed a setback due to decline in area and almost stagnant productivity of most of pulses and oilseeds. Special efforts are needed to evolve the varieties of pulses and oilseeds for increasing their production to meet therequirement.

Breeding winter rapeseed for the temperate forest zone

The requirements and key characteristics for breeding winter rapeseed for the temperate/forest zone are formulated on the basis of agritechnical and climatic conditions. Assessment of the stock material discovered the sources of the valuable agronomic traits, such as winter hardiness, seed quality, and productivity. Freezing in a climate-controlled growth room was used along with geographically diverse intravariety hybridization for subsequent selection of the most winter-hardy specimen. Use of parental forms that provide both high yields and superb seed quality resulted in a number of varieties combining winter hardiness with good harvesting features. As a result, winter rapeseed cultivars yielding a capacity of 6.0–6.5 t of seeds ha–1 and oil content of 44–48% with low glucosinolates and zero erucic acid content were created, thus opening vaster cultivation areas for the crop. Using the cultivars created by the All-Russia Williams Fodder Research Institute for further breeding facilitates a more sustainable and economically efficient oilseed production, expanding the cultivation areas of winter rapeseed in the European center of Russia, providing high-quality cooking oil and energy feed additives for animal husbandry.

Performance of oilseeds in India - a temporal analysis

The present paper explores the performance of total oilseeds in India, using times series data, collected from 1949-50 to 2014-15. Nine annual oilseeds, which include seven edible oilseeds, viz., groundnut, rapeseed-mustard, soybean, sunflower, sesame, safflower and niger along with two non-edible crops, viz., castor and linseed are grown in the country, constitutes total oilseeds in the study. The total period from 1949-50 to 2014-15 was divided into four sub-periods i.e. period I, II, III and IV. An attempt was made to analyze the trends, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), decomposition analysis, instability analysis in the area, production, yield of total oilseeds. After analysis of the performance of oilseeds, it was concluded that there was a noteworthy performance in yield aspect of total oilseeds at the national level. Though there was an upward and significant growth in terms of the area, production and yield of total oilseeds over the study period, it was sluggish. There exists a gap between domestic demand and supply of oilseeds, which obligates us to import edible oils. The government has to implicate technological breakthroughs and enhance the productivity of oilseeds to offset the gap between production and consumption of oilseeds.

Impact of improved technologies on productivity and profitability of rapeseed-mustard production at farm level in West Bengal, India

Ten year study of front line demonstrations (FLDs) on rapeseed-mustard was conducted to assess the potentiality of improvised production technology. In West Bengal, Rapeseed-mustard is the major oilseed crop contributing 53% of total oilseed production of the state. One of the major constraints is low productivity of this crop due to non adoption of recommended package of practices and situation-specific improved varieties by most of the growers. Data used for this study were pertained to FLDs in rapeseed-mustard conducted under ‘Integrated Scheme on Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil palm and Maize (ISOPOM)’ during 2005-06 to 2014-15. The study revealed 27% yield advantage by the adoption of improved varieties almost with other practices. The other components viz., adoption of right method and time of sowing, seed treatment, application of sulphur and boron, integrated fertilizer and irrigation management, integrated pest and disease management showed 37, 32, 26, 32, 26 and 28% respectively yield advantage over farmers’ practice. Popularization of these proven technologies to the rapeseed- mustard growers will help them to get higher economic returns with sustainable production system of the state.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 126-136 (2016)

Status of Nine Oilseed Crops in India: Trend and Decomposition Analysis

Oilseeds are cultivated in India in an area of 25.73 million hectares with a production of 25.30 million tonnes. Owing to the importance of oilseeds in the country the present study was conducted using secondary data collected from various sources. To fulfil the objectives of the study, data were divided into three periods. The results of the study brought out that during Period-I (1985–86 to 1994–95) marked by the launch of Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) showed an impressive growth in area, production and productivity of all oilseeds by 4.23 per cent, 8.28 per cent and 3.89 per cent, respectively. Liberalization of oilseed sector in 1994 and subsequent move of bringing the import of oilseeds under Open General License proved to have negative effect on the domestic oilseed economy and there was a decline in the oilseeds production, though not significantly, during Period-II (1995–96 to 2004–05) but during Period-III (2005–06 to 2014–15), productivity increased significantly thereby production despite decline in area, however, these were non-significant. The study emphasised on increasing area under oilseeds in major growing states, dissemination of improved agricultural production technology among farming community for increasing production of oilseeds.

Research of qualitative indicators of safflower oil

Fatty acid composition of vegetable oils is the fundamental quality characteristics. To determine the fatty acid composition, the SP-2560 column and Chromotec 5000.1 gas chromatograph were used. As a result of the studies it was established that fatty acids of 18 and 16 groups prevail in safflower oil, the content of the remaining fatty acids in the total is 1.2%. In the test sample, the prevalence of omega-6 fatty acids (concentration of 80% of linoleic and ?-linolenic fatty acids) is observed. Omega-6 fatty acids help the body burn excess fat, instead of postponing it for future use. Natural fatty acids are the bricks of human prostaglandins, mountain-monopodic substances that help normalize blood pressure, control muscle contractions and participate in the immune response of the body. The qualitative characteristics of vegetable oil are also physicochemical indicators. The acid number of safflower oil was 1.07 mgKOH/g, the peroxide number was 8.09 mmol/kgO2, the anisidine number of safflower oil was 3.25. Moisture of rapeseed oil is 0.03%. Safflower oil can be used as a biofuel, the lowest heat of its combustion is 36.978 MJ/kg; density – 913 kg/m3; kinematic viscosity 85.6 mm2/s. In comparison with rapeseed oil, the specific effective fuel consumption is reduced by 2.08%. The obtained fatty acid content of the analyzed sample of safflower oil is well correlated with the literature data, which indicates the high accuracy of the studies, the sample does not belong to the high oleic vegetable oils. The obtained values for qualitative characteristics indicate the prospects of using this type of oil directly in food, as well as for the production of oilseeds, such as mayonnaise, sauces, spreads.

Optimization of Kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production under resource constraints

The groundnut is one of the most important oilseed crops and is commercially popular due to its superior edible oil quality and protein in the meal. India is the second largest producer of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) after China. It accounted for 35.99 per cent of the oilseeds production of the country during 2013-14 (Anonymous, 2014). Six states namely, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu account for about 90 percent of the total groundnut area of the country. Gujarat is the largest producer state contributing 49.14 per cent of the total production during 2013-14. Among the major groundnut producing countries, India has an average yield of 1245 kg/ha as against the world average of 1689 kg/ha (2012-13) which indicates a large gap of 36% over the world average (Anonymous, 2014).

Imbibition behaviour and germination response in conventional and quality of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) seeds

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss] seeds are well known for their multipurpose uses, such as oilseeds, spices etc. Being extensively cultivated in northern and western part of the country it constitutes major share in country's oilseeds production. Developing cultivars having low erucic acid and glucosinolates (single zero and double zero) is a major objective of worldwide Brassica breeding. Such cultivars are also known as Quality Indian mustard. Seed; being vital input in agriculture, its quality determines the performance of a given genotype and efficiency of all other inputs too. Color variation among the seed coat is known to affect the rate of water uptake and thereby the vigor of seeds and these color variation is mainly because of pigments such as melanin and phenolics compounds. No such studies are reported in Indian mustard, though there is variability with respect to seed coat colour in both conventional and quality type of Indian mustard seeds. Thus the present investigation was carried out with a view to evaluate the imbibitional behaviour in black and yellow seeds of Indian mustard. The material had eight varieties of Indian mustard of which four genotypes each were of conventional and quality types. The seed of these genotypesvaried for seed coat color, i.e. four black seeded and four yellow seeded genotypes. Thus, the material has two genotypes each with black and yellow seed coat from conventional and quality groups. We studied the rate of imbibition in black and yellow seeds and correlated them with the melanin and phenol content. We found that the black seeds were having higher amounts of melanin and phenol content and thus imbibing slowly than yellow seeds. On the other hand, faster imbibition in yellow seeds leads to imbibitional injury which is known to reduce the vigor in Brassica. Use of controlled deterioration revealed the proneness of yellow seeds to ageing and thus reduction in vigor of such seeds. Few yellow seeded cultivars showed resistance to such deterioration and thus could be used in improvement programme in Brassica.

All India Coordinated Research Projects and Value for Cultivation and Use in field crops in India: Genesis, Outputs and Outcomes

National Agricultural Research System (NARS) of India comprising Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) is entrusted with development of high yielding, high quality and climate resilient varieties suited to different agro climatic conditions of the country along with matching production and protection technologies has taken several initiatives through its 26 and 30 commodity/theme based research institutes and crop specific All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) and All India Network Projects to enhance productivity of different crops. The present paper discusses the genesis of AICRPs in field crops, their organization set up and operation, variety release and notification mechanisms, outputs and outcomes. Multi-disciplinary and multi-location approach and success of first All India Coordinated Maize Improvement Project established in 1957, led to establishment of 21 crop based All India Coordinated Crop Improvement Projects (AICCIPs) and 2 All India Network Projects (AINPs) beginning with wheat (1961) and rice (1965). Later on, AICCIP was rechristened as All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP). The AICRPs served as platform for analysing G x E interaction leading to identification of stable potential genotypes and played an important role in the development of 4,365 varieties of field crops along with efficient crop management technologies suitable for diverse agro-climatic conditions. Of these, during XII plan (2012-16), 698 varieties comprising 396 of cereals, 108 of oilseeds, 91 of pulses, 49 of fibres, 31 of forages and 23 of sugarcane were developed. Development of high yielding, stress (biotic and abiotic) tolerant, location specific varieties with matching production/protection technologies, enhanced availability of quality seed, their adoption coupled with enabling policies, excellent service support and innovative farmers resulted into spectacular increase in cereals, pulses and oilseeds production since the inception of AICRPs and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU). Food production rose from 69.86 million tonnes (1956-57) to 252.22 million tonnes (2015-16) and oilseed production from 8.56 million tonnes (1965) to 25.9 million tonnes (2015-16), increase was 261 % and 202.5%, respectively, a testimony to the spectacular success of AICRPs and VCU system in India.

Socio-economic impact of Biofuel Agroforestry Systems on Smallholder and Large-holder Farmers in Karnataka, India

Biofuel production systems used hitherto have often been marred by controversies such as food versus fuel and the failure of Jatropha plantations. Biofuel Agroforestry Systems have the potential to address these concerns. This paper analyses the tree borne non-edible oilseed production benefits, generated by planting number multipurpose trees grown on the bunds and borders of agricultural fields including marginal and degraded lands known as Smallholder Biofuel Agroforestry System. It considers two different strategies (strategy 1 and 2) for both Smallholder and Large-holder Farmers for analysis. In each case, the two strategies differ in terms of the magnitude of investment required; the operational practices required and the net incremental benefit potential at the farm level. The tree species being used are Pongamia (Millettia pinnata), Simarouba (Simarouba glauca), Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) and Neem (Azadirachta indica). The aim of this study is to understand and analyse the socio-economic impact of Karnataka State Bioenergy Development Board’s (KSBDB) Programme on Biofuel Agroforestry System on Smallholder and Large-holder Farmers. Field interviews and corresponding economic modelling analysis shows that the Programme has potential to deliver a small incremental income to Smallholder Farmers, especially during the ‘lean’ non-harvesting period of the year. The sensitivity analysis around the seed and end-product prices shows that Biofuel Agroforestry System has a potential to boost income levels of Smallholder Farmers by a significant amount—up to 60% over starting income in a time period of 25 years.