Production Value Chain Research Articles

Value Chain Analysis of Broiler Poultry Production in Sindhuli District, Nepal

Poultry farming plays a crucial role in the economic and nutritional security of Nepal, with broiler production serving as a significant component of this sector. However, the broiler poultry value chain in Sindhuli District faces various challenges, including inefficiencies in production and marketing. This study aimed to analyze the value chain of broiler poultry production in Sindhuli District to identify key processes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The study was carried out during May-September 2023 through questionnaire format. Out of 55 respondents, 40 broiler poultry farms, 1 hatchery (broilers), 2 agro-vets and 10 retailers were surveyed where 5 core processes (input supply, production, collection, marketing, and consumption) were identified. Among the poultry farmers, 63% were male and 37% females. This study revealed a strong correlation between age and experience, emphasizing the pivotal role of experience in poultry farming. Educational backgrounds varied widely, with 27% respondents having only elementary education and only 3% respondents having attained a University-level education. Farm registration patterns followed distinct peaks in 2074, 2076, and 2077, reflecting the evolving landscape of poultry farming. Small-scale poultry operations, managing 500-1000 birds, dominated the sector. The intensive deep litter housing systems were found to be adopted by 100% of broiler framers at different scale and there was reliance on commercial feeds from sources outside the district. The respondents exhibited responsible antibiotic usage, with 90% farmers administering antibiotics therapeutically. A total of 70% farmers reported disease incidences on their farms, with Colibacillosis, Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), Newcastle Disease (ND), and Mycotoxicosis being the most encountered issues. This study identified challenges such as limited disease preparedness and biosecurity measures, small-scale poultry farming, restricted financial resources and opportunities for enhanced training, improving marketing channels and greater adoption of biosecurity practices.

Sustainability of modular refinery operation in Nigeria: Product quality and value chain

The modular refineries in Nigeria have the potential to create a bigger quantity of commodities while keeping the quality of those goods, and to deliver those products to their end customers in a manner that is both more expedient and more cost-effective. As a method of contributing to the nation's energy security and economic expansion, the purpose of this evaluation is to evaluate and improve the long-term sustainability of the product quality and value chain of modular refineries. To compile articles pertinent to the subject, "Google scholar" was used. To perform the analysis on the data that was obtained, methodologies for the foresight and analysis of material and energy projects, descriptive statistics, and life cycle cost analysis were used. Using the right techniques of financial management for infrastructure projects, indicators of profitability were estimated. These indicators included levelized costs of petroleum products, Net Present Value (NPV), Break-even and Payback Period, and return on investment. According to the findings, to assure the ongoing growth of modular refinery operations in Nigeria, it is vital to have a strategy that is both comprehensive and well-coordinated. Modular refineries can realize their full potential, which would contribute to energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental responsibility. For Nigeria to be able to establish a modular refinery sector that is both sustainable and profitable in its product quality and value chain, it is required for government agencies, industry players, and local communities to be committed and engaged in the process.

Evaluating the landscape of social assessment methods: integrating the social dimension in sustainability assessment of product value chains

Abstract Purpose We evaluate methodological approaches of different methods that can offer social assessments of product value chains. By analyzing both product-oriented social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methods and qualitative, organization-, and project-oriented methods, we provide recommendations towards a clearer, harmonized method to better integrate the social dimension into sustainability assessments of products. This could help make S-LCA more analogous to environmental LCA (E-LCA) and more suitable for implementation in frameworks as life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA). Methods We apply two quantitative S-LCA methods side-by-side with three qualitative social assessment methods on the same case-study of a textile’s value chain. The two quantitative S-LCA methods adopt a quantitative functional unit (FU) approach, use similar data structures and calculation principles as E-LCA and are based on the product social impact life cycle assessment (PSILCA) database. The three qualitative methods applied include two social due diligence approaches — one based on the OECD Due Diligence and UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the other on the IFC Performance Standards — and the Subcategory Assessment Method (SAM), a semi-quantitative performance evaluation assessment method based on the UNEP S-LCA Guidelines. Results None of the approaches to S-LCA described in the UNEP S-LCA Guidelines can, at present, fully achieve the equivalent goals and scope of E-LCA, specifically in the social domain. Our evaluation of five social assessment methods, including two S-LCA methods, highlights their significant differences in basic structure and logic. Consequently, results differ considerably in nature, depth, and social aspects covered. Current product-oriented S-LCA approaches encounter important limitations as they require quantifiable aspects, whereas many social impacts are often qualitative in nature. Qualitative, organization-focused methods, conversely, make it difficult to link organizational social performance to specific products. Instead, these methods are typically used for social due diligence on suppliers in the company’s supply chain and cover only a small part of the product’s life cycle. Conclusion For the purpose of computational integration, LCSA frameworks need an S-LCA method with a quantitative FU approach. However, only some S-LCA approaches are able to comply with this requirement, and these will only be able to cover a limited set of scalable quantitative impact indicators. We conclude by emphasizing the equal importance of product-oriented S-LCA and organization-oriented social assessment methods, while appreciating their fundamentally different goals and scopes.

The Role of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh

The Purpose of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for India is to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh, to increase the productivity, quality, and market access of selected horticulture commodities. This project consists of four major components. 1) Production and Diversification which aims to enhance horticultural competitiveness at the farm level by supporting access to knowledge, technology, and finance to increase long-term productivity and farm incomes in an environment marked by changing market patterns and increased climate variability.2) Value Addition and Agro-enterprise Development which aims to improve value realization at the farm level, promote investments in agribusiness, foster backward and forward linkages in the value chains for horticulture products, support supply chain infrastructure that prevents wastage and value erosion; and enable secondary and tertiary processing that create higher value for the produce. 3) Market Development aims to provide an improved platform for market-related information and intelligence, expand market access through alternative marketing channels, enhance transparency in the price discovery process, and improve market infrastructure. 4) Project Management, Monitoring, and Learning will ensure the effective implementation of the project activities and monitor and evaluate project implementation progress, outputs, and outcomes, building on implementation experience.

The Role of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh

The Purpose of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for India is to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh, to increase the productivity, quality, and market access of selected horticulture commodities. This project consists of four major components. 1) Production and Diversification which aims to enhance horticultural competitiveness at the farm level by supporting access to knowledge, technology, and finance to increase long-term productivity and farm incomes in an environment marked by changing market patterns and increased climate variability.2) Value Addition and Agro-enterprise Development which aims to improve value realization at the farm level, promote investments in agribusiness, foster backward and forward linkages in the value chains for horticulture products, support supply chain infrastructure that prevents wastage and value erosion; and enable secondary and tertiary processing that create higher value for the produce. 3) Market Development aims to provide an improved platform for market-related information and intelligence, expand market access through alternative marketing channels, enhance transparency in the price discovery process, and improve market infrastructure. 4) Project Management, Monitoring, and Learning will ensure the effective implementation of the project activities and monitor and evaluate project implementation progress, outputs, and outcomes, building on implementation experience.

The Role of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh

The Purpose of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for India is to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh, to increase the productivity, quality, and market access of selected horticulture commodities. This project consists of four major components. 1) Production and Diversification which aims to enhance horticultural competitiveness at the farm level by supporting access to knowledge, technology, and finance to increase long-term productivity and farm incomes in an environment marked by changing market patterns and increased climate variability.2) Value Addition and Agro-enterprise Development which aims to improve value realization at the farm level, promote investments in agribusiness, foster backward and forward linkages in the value chains for horticulture products, support supply chain infrastructure that prevents wastage and value erosion; and enable secondary and tertiary processing that create higher value for the produce. 3) Market Development aims to provide an improved platform for market-related information and intelligence, expand market access through alternative marketing channels, enhance transparency in the price discovery process, and improve market infrastructure. 4) Project Management, Monitoring, and Learning will ensure the effective implementation of the project activities and monitor and evaluate project implementation progress, outputs, and outcomes, building on implementation experience.

The Role of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh

The Purpose of the Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project for India is to support small farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in Himachal Pradesh, to increase the productivity, quality, and market access of selected horticulture commodities. This project consists of four major components. 1) Production and Diversification which aims to enhance horticultural competitiveness at the farm level by supporting access to knowledge, technology, and finance to increase long-term productivity and farm incomes in an environment marked by changing market patterns and increased climate variability.2) Value Addition and Agro-enterprise Development which aims to improve value realization at the farm level, promote investments in agribusiness, foster backward and forward linkages in the value chains for horticulture products, support supply chain infrastructure that prevents wastage and value erosion; and enable secondary and tertiary processing that create higher value for the produce. 3) Market Development aims to provide an improved platform for market-related information and intelligence, expand market access through alternative marketing channels, enhance transparency in the price discovery process, and improve market infrastructure. 4) Project Management, Monitoring, and Learning will ensure the effective implementation of the project activities and monitor and evaluate project implementation progress, outputs, and outcomes, building on implementation experience.

Community enterprises for fair partnerships in non-timber forest product value chains? The case of San communities in northern Namibia

Community enterprises for fair partnerships in non-timber forest product value chains? The case of San communities in northern Namibia

Systematic utilization mechanism of marketing channels and its impact on the operational efficiency of agricultural cooperatives in China

Abstract The application and selection of marketing channels in agricultural cooperatives significantly impact their operational efficiency. To verify the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in product distribution and to establish a more systematic and efficient channel network, this study first compares and analyzes the diversified marketing channels of cooperatives using two-stage survey data from China. Then, a static game model with complete information is constructed to explore the impact of marketing channel selection on the operational efficiency of agricultural cooperatives under different contractual relationships. The research surveyed and interviewed key leaders of 78 agricultural cooperatives and collected data on 449 marketing channels. The findings indicate that agricultural cooperatives in China can utilize at least nine marketing channels to sell their products. Compared to tightly structured market environments, agricultural cooperatives achieve greater operational returns in loosely contracted market structures. The simultaneous use of multiple channels enables agricultural cooperatives to capture a significant portion of the profits within the agricultural product value chain, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of the cooperative’s existence. The results provide strategic guidance for developing efficient marketing channel networks for agricultural cooperatives in developing countries and assist policymakers in adjusting and optimizing support policies for agricultural cooperatives.

A data flow framework to support the selection and integration of digital technologies for smart production

With the development towards Industry 5.0, manufacturing companies are developing towards Smart Production – namely, using data as a resource to interconnect the elements in the production system for a more resource-efficient and sustainable production. Selection and integration of digital technologies are crucial steps to ensure that suitable technology is chosen and properly introduced in the production system. However, having one digital technology is not enough; rather there is a need to combine several synergising technologies for smart production. There are many challenges when selecting and integrating a combination of synergising digital technologies for smart production. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to support manufacturing companies in systematically selecting and integrating suitable digital technologies for efficiently benefiting data value chains for smart production. This paper employed a multiple case study involving manufacturing companies within different industries and of different sizes. The paper analyses the current challenges related to the selection and integration of digital technologies and proposes a data flow framework with possible ways of combining digital technologies. The proposed framework shows alternative data flows between a combination of technologies depending on what digital technologies are selected and how they are integrated.

АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ МОЛОКА

The article discusses the reasons for the change in the current state of milk and dairy products production in the context of price uncertainty and agricultural market conditions. An analysis of foreign experience in milk production has shown that the dominant factor in the growth of demand for dairy raw materials is an increase in consumption of milk and its processed products. The research allowed the author to formulate the problems of deteriorating efficiency in agricultural formations that ensure the production and marketing of milk in Russia: decreased productivity of the dairy herd; the presence of counterfeit raw materials and products on the milk market; a decrease in the volume of premium commercial milk in the structure of gross production; lack of practice of long-term milk processing agreements between factories and suppliers of raw milk. These processes and phenomena have predetermined the complexity of tasks to improve the state of industrial milk processing and increase the efficiency of dairy products sales in the Russian and foreign markets. Despite the systemic crises in the dairy industry, a natural sustainable development of companies is emerging that comply with all the requirements of relevant ministries and departments, which has a positive impact on the volume and quality of raw milk. The article summarizes the experience of developing the milk production of advanced farms, as a result of which the conclusion is formulated that it is necessary to improve the creation of dairy farms in the Russian regions. This system of measures will make it possible to more effectively organize the process of dairy cattle breeding in accordance with the latest requirements, including the purchase of technological equipment and the purchase of material resources for continuous and rhythmic production along the entire value chain of dairy products.

The role of EIP-AGRI Operational Groups as a driver for innovation in viticulture

European policies play a crucial role in helping farms and stakeholders in the agri-food sectors to proactively engage in digital and environmental transitions. Among them, the European Partnership for Innovation in Agriculture (EIP-AGRI), which was established in 2014, has proven significant in promoting sustainable production models and value chains in Europe. Operational Groups (OGs) within the Partnership provide "interactive innovation" platforms in which research institutions work with farmers, advisors, businesses, NGOs and other interest groups to co-create innovative solutions for agriculture and forestry as well as rural communities; the rationale is that when farmers and foresters are engaged in the process, the solutions are more likely to be based on their concrete reality and thus relevant.  While the benefits of the participatory, multi-actor and bottom-up approach of OGs have been widely acknowledged, little is known about the drivers and barriers influencing the process. This contribution explores their role in the wine sector, applying a mixed methods approach to analyse the perceptions of OG stakeholders from different Italian regions. Interviewees have been asked to what extent they believe the EIP-AGRI OGs serve as drivers of innovation and provide a network able to foster knowledge exchange, and what they perceive to be their barriers to innovation. By addressing this knowledge gap, this study will provide some insights and good practices to improve EIP-AGRI policies at regional, national and European levels.

Effect of wood chips and wood board-ends of Gmelina arborea on yields and process of slow pyrolysis using a semi-industrial reactor prototype

Pyrolysis of biomass residues can generate savings in the value chains of forest products due to the potential uses of its products in the forestry sector. The aim of this study was to determine the performance during slow pyrolysis process and the yields of different products of two types of residues, wood chips and solid wood board-ends from Gmelina arborea. Results showed no significant differences in yields of charcoal (26 to 28%), wood vinegar (28 to 30%) and non-condensable gases (37%), but bio-oil yield was higher for the solid wood board-ends residues (7.7%). The evaluation of energy charcoal characteristics and wood vinegar was similar for two types of residues. So, results suggest that two types of residues provided similar charcoal, condensable and non-condensable gases yields, but solid board-ends are recommended to obtain higher yield of bio-oil and complete the process in less time. Charcoal and vinegar characteristic were affected by type of residues.

Factors Influencing Investments in Tectona grandis and Pinus patula Tree Seeds Production in Tanzania

Investments in Tectona grandis and Pinus patula seeds have had a significant role in the economic growth of the forest sector in the World. Investors not only provide capital but also facilitate access to international markets, management and organizational abilities, as well as advanced and efficient technologies. This study investigated the main factors influencing investments in tree seed production focusing mainly on Tectona grandis and Pinus patula seeds. The study assessed the factors that attract or discourage investors from investing in the production of Tectona grandis and Pinus patula seeds. A purposive sampling design was employed for selecting species and study sites. Data were collected using mixed techniques including Key Informants’ Interviews (KII), Focus Group Discussions (FGD), researcher’s direct observation and literature review. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using various techniques. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS (version 23.0) and Excel programs. In addition, descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the collected data. Findings indicate that the availability of market information and favourable government policies and regulations were among the factors attracting investors in the tree seeds production industry. On the other hand, unavailability of market information, unfavourable government policy and regulation, inadequate awareness of the tree seeds production value chain and the longtime nature of tree seeds investment were factors discouraging investors from engaging in the tree seeds industry. Further, factors influencing tree seed price setting include demand for seeds, quality of seeds and costs of production. Investors require a substantial amount of information that could guarantee safety and a favourable business environment to enable easy control of tree seed business risks and uncertainties. Tree seeds market and production value chain information should therefore be provided to investors through various media. In order to regulate and protect the tree seeds sector in the country, the Government policies and regulations pertaining to tree seeds should be enacted

MicroVi: A Cost-Effective Microscopy Solution for Yeast Cell Detection and Count in Wine Value Chain.

In recent years, the wine industry has been researching how to improve wine quality along the production value chain. In this scenario, we present here a new tool, MicroVi, a cost-effective chip-sized microscopy solution to detect and count yeast cells in wine samples. We demonstrate that this novel microscopy setup is able to measure the same type of samples as an optical microscopy system, but with smaller size equipment and with automated cell count configuration. The technology relies on the top of state-of-the-art computer vision pipelines to post-process the images and count the cells. A typical pipeline consists of normalization, feature extraction (i.e., SIFT), image composition (to increase both resolution and scanning area), holographic reconstruction and particle count (i.e., Hough transform). MicroVi achieved a 2.19 µm resolution by properly resolving the G7.6 features from the USAF Resolving Power Test Target 1951. Additionally, we aimed for a successful calibration of cell counts for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We compared our direct results with our current optical setup, achieving a linear calibration for measurements ranging from 0.5 to 50 million cells per milliliter. Furthermore, other yeast cells were qualitatively resolved with our MicroVi microscope, such as, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, or bacteria, like, Lactobacillus plantarum, thus confirming the system's reliability for consistent microbial assessment.

Digital Twin Driven Assembly Line Re-Balancing and Decision Support

Recent investments in industrial digitization together with the concrete need for short-term planning capabilities mean digital twins can effectively aid enterprises in the management of their production systems and value chains. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for assembly line re-balancing in the context of Industry 5.0, focusing on manual assembly processes. The framework aims to leverage a digital twin for obtaining a synchronized representation of the current task allocations in the assembly line, and uses data-driven scenario generation methods for investigating alternative balancing solutions that are proposed to operators in real time. A proof-of-concept platform is implemented in a laboratory environment, utilizing an assembly line with industrial components. Preliminary results demonstrate the compatibility of the proposed components within the digital twin framework. The potential applicability to various manual assembly scenarios is discussed, along with considerations for incorporating additional constraints in the evaluation process.

Current Status, Challenges, and Perspectives in the Conservation of Native Honeybees and Beekeeping in Cambodia.

The four honeybee species native to Cambodia-Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea, and Apis andreniformis-play a vital role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity through their pollination activities. Beekeeping in Cambodia has primarily developed around the introduced species Apis mellifera. However, it remains underdeveloped compared to neighboring countries, with wild honey collection continuing to play a significant role. Although native bees are not at immediate risk of extinction, their crucial ecological and socio-economic roles, coupled with the threats to their populations, necessitate the urgent implementation of conservation policies. The beekeeping sector in Cambodia faces numerous challenges that hinder its development. These include a lack of documentation and official data, limited access to productive apiaries, inappropriate pesticide practices, insufficient knowledge about bee health, diseases, and parasites, inadequate organization and representation of beekeepers, the high cost of Cambodian honey, and a lack of consumer awareness and trust in local bee products. This paper provides an overview of the status and distribution of honeybee species, along with the production, value chain, and trade of bee products in Cambodia. It examines the challenges of conserving native honeybees and developing the beekeeping sector while proposing strategies to strengthen bee conservation and support the growth of beekeeping in the country. Key recommendations focus on integrating bee conservation strategies with broader conservation goals, such as reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and regulating the consumption of wild bee brood. Key strategies for the development of beekeeping are documenting and conserving bee floral resources and habitats, reducing the use of bee-toxic pesticides, developing research and training capacities in beekeeping, regulating bee imports, and enhancing quality and authenticity testing facilities. Additionally, building capacity among honey value chain stakeholders in areas such as quality control, authenticity, processing, packaging, and marketing is essential.

The Welfare Impact of Sugarcane Production Mechanization in São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Brazil is the world's second largest producer of sugar and ethanol, and historically sugarcane is cultivated in Brazil using a manual harvesting system, which consists of burning in the pre-harvest period to remove the leaves, to facilitate the manual harvesting of the stem, and to control pests and weeds. Using an equilibrium displacement model, this article examines the welfare impact on the sugarcane value chain of mechanical harvest imposed in 2002 by State Law 11,241 in the State of São Paulo, the largest Brazilian state for sugarcane production. Considering the pattern of sugarcane production, we segmented the value chain of sugarcane production in the state of São Paulo into two levels, farmers and sugar mills, and estimated one cost function for each sector. Additionally, we modeled the mechanization as a technical change in the input markets and, to integrate the farm and mill sectors. We also assumed that all the sugarcane produced by the farms is used as input by the mills, which implies that the exogenous demand for sugarcane at farm level is equal to the endogenous derived demand for sugarcane at the mill level. The main results indicate a positive technical change at the farm level that downshifted the supply curve of sugarcane, increasing the quantity and reducing its price. Referent to the inputs market at the farm level, we saw a contraction in the land and labor markets, and an expansion in the capital market. Furthermore, the welfare analysis for this sector showed gains in the capital and sugarcane markets, and a loss in the land and labor markets. This fall in the labor demanded should be higher if only the unskilled labor market is considered. Our findings might subsidize public sectoral policies as the financial support to promote industrial technological innovations, and labor retraining and reskilling programs directed to workers replaced by machinery in sugarcane production to mitigate the impacts of mechanization on the labor market at the farm level.

Improving Cinnamomum Burmannii Blume Value Chains for Farmer Livelihood in Kerinci, Indonesia

Cinnamon is the most common baking spice in the world. It comes from a small evergreen tree that's part of the Lauraceae family. Genus Cinnamomum regroups some species whose stem bark is harvested, conditioned and traded as cinnamon in the international market. Over the centuries, the species have been domesticated so that now at least six different ones are grown in Southeast Asia. One of the species is burmannii, also known as Koerintji Cinnamon, which generates income for numerous smallholder farmers in Kerinci district, Jambi, Indonesia. Koerintji cinnamon is known for its unparalleled quality that comes with its sharp and sweet flavour, with a slightly bitter edge. However, international market requirements for product certification and quality standards make it difficult for a farmer to comply. Our research will address issues related to (improvement of) productivity, sustainability and value chains faced by cinnamon producers in Kerinci, to strengthen their product’s value chains. Smallholder farmers are very vulnerable to a well-functioning market, and thus empowering the value chains of agricultural products will increase farmers resilience to have access to the market. The research will analyse the development of agricultural value chains, certification . standards on trade mechanism to help farmers earn a better income and prospects.

Appropriation of Artificial Intelligence in Broadcast Media Production in Kenya: Opportunities and Concerns

The adoption of emergent technologies, among them Artificial Intelligence (AI), in producing media commodities is increasingly becoming significant in the media industry in the 21st century. Studies theorizing AI embeddedness in broadcast media commodities production value-chains—from ideation, concept development, scripting, curation, and editing to post-production—have also emerged in various pieces of research, particularly from the Global North. There is, however, a paucity of studies documenting the state of AI appropriation in broadcast media production from the Global South. Therefore, this study examines the adoption of AI in producing broadcast media commodities such as news, commentaries, entertainment, and marketing content in Kenya using a qualitative systematic literature review of 1,262 scholarly publications. The review sampled eight (8) publications using exclusion and inclusion criteria and found evidence of the use of AI in producing media content, attendant affordances, limitations, and AI skills gaps for media producers in Kenya. While ethical dilemmas regarding labor issues, bias, and privacy concerns are widespread, AI dependency on the Global North remains.