Profitability Of Production Research Articles

Assessment of sustainability attributes of traditional and conventional maize cultivation in farmer agricultural systems

Objective: To carry out a comparative analysis of the sustainability of traditional and conventional maize cultivation systems in Cuanacaxtitlán. Design/Methodology/Approach: The proposal was implemented through a mixed method approach in which a qualitative research predominated. A sustainability assessment for the 23 farmer systems of maize production in Cuanacaxtitlán was carried out, according to the Indicator-Based Sustainability Assessment Framework (Marco para la Evaluación de Sistemas de Manejo Incorporando Indicadores de Sustentabilidad: MESMIS). Results: The sustainability level between the two types of agroecosystems does not differ much. According to the chosen indicators, TMS is more sustainable in the environmental and economic aspect, while CMS is more sustainable in the social aspect. The average profitability of TMS is better as a result of the milpa profits. Study Limitations/Implications: Family Production Units (FPUs) do not own their lands, which limits the improvement of profitability and sustainability in maize production. To this end, land distribution or support programs for landless farmers is important. Findings/Conclusions: Among the 23 systems under analysis, critical values were obtained for two environmental indicators: fertilizer application and pesticide use. Therefore, improving the use of these inputs is an important task.

Trans-Cinnamaldehyde Primes More Robust Channel Catfish Immune Responses to Edwardsiella ictaluri Infection

Infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri, a causative agent of enteric septicemia of catfish, threatens profitable catfish production through inventory losses. We previously demonstrated that trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) enhances the survival of catfish following E. ictaluri infection. The present study was conducted to investigate catfish immune responses to TC feeding and E. ictaluri infection. The expression of 13 proinflammatory, innate, and adaptive immune-related genes was evaluated over time in two sets of experiments using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the first experiment, catfish were fed a basal diet with or without TC supplementation, while in the second they were fed a TC-supplemented or normal diet followed by infection with E. ictaluri. The catfish group infected with E. ictaluri and fed a TC-diet showed significant changes in the expression of innate and adaptive immune-related genes compared to control group. At 21 and 28 days post-infection, recovered fish showed significant increases in the expression of IgM in the anterior kidney and spleen. These results suggest that the supplemental dietary intake of TC can improve the immune status of catfish via engaging innate and adaptive immune responses and the production of memory cells in immunocompetent tissues. Together, this study provides an important foundation for the potential application of TC as an antimicrobial alternative in aquaculture.

Can the Integration of Water and Fertilizer Promote the Sustainable Development of Rice Production in China?

Rice production is the agricultural activity with the highest energy consumption and carbon emission intensity. Water and fertilizer management constitutes an important part of energy input for rice production and a key factor affecting greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields. Water–fertilizer integration management (AIM) is an automated water and fertilizer management system for large-scale rice production, which can effectively save water and fertilizer resources. At present, the energy utilization and environmental impact of AIM in rice production are not clear. To clarify whether AIM is a water and fertilizer management measure that combines energy conservation and carbon emission reduction, a comparative study between the widely used farmers’ enhanced water and fertilizer management (FEM) in China and AIM was conducted in this paper. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the rice yield, carbon emission, energy utilization, and economic benefits of the two management methods. The results showed that AIM reduced water and fertilizer inputs, energy inputs, and economic costs by 12.18–28.57%, compared to FEM. The energy utilization efficiency, energy profitability, and energy productivity under AIM were improved by 11.30–12.61%. CH4 and N2O emissions and carbon footprint were reduced by 20.79%, 6.51%, and 16.39%, respectively. Compared with FEM, AIM can effectively improve the utilization efficiency of water and fertilizer resources and reduce carbon emissions. This study presents a mechanized water and fertilizer management approach suitable for large-scale rice production systems in China. By analyzing rice yield, resource utilization efficiency, and environmental benefits, AIM can serve as a crucial management strategy for enhancing productivity, economic returns, and environmental conservation within profitable rice production systems. In the future, further investigation into the impact of AIM on the microbial mechanisms underlying rice yield formation and greenhouse gas emissions is warranted.

Geographical indications and organic labels: complements or substitutes? - the case of online rice consumption in China

ABSTRACT Agricultural producers are increasingly adopting a multi-certification approach for their agricultural products, which includes designations such as organic and geographical indications, instead of relying solely on a single certification. This inclination towards multiple certifications predominantly stems from a desire to optimize profits. Nevertheless, the ultimate profitability for producers hinges on whether consumers are genuinely inclined to pay a premium for these recognized certifications. This study employed the hedonic model to estimate consumers’ willingness to pay for the geographical indication and organic label in China and their interaction effect, focusing on rice as the product of interest. We collected data from one e-commerce platform in China, JD.com, and developed a dataset with 2484 observations based on the actual transaction price. The results reveal that Chinese consumers exhibit positive and significant price premiums for products with geographical indications, regardless of whether they are well-known or normal geographical indications. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the organic and geographical indication labels function as substitutes rather than complements. This underscores the importance of government efforts to intensify promotion, emphasizing the unique attributes of these labels and accentuating their differences.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL BASES OF FORMATION OF THE CONCEPT OF ENSURING SOCIO-ECONOMIC SECURITY OF ENTERPRISES IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALISATION OF BUSINESS PROCESSES

It is established that the system of free enterprise in the form in which it is implemented does not ensure progressive changes and they do not occur. The authors believe that in order to ensure a high level of socio-economic security of Ukrainians, it is advisable to use methods, levers, information and legal support for socio-economic security based on the digitalisation of business processes at enterprises, organisations and institutions. The article substantiates the expediency of forming a structure and mechanism for ensuring socio-economic security, taking into account the determination of the values of the State, phenomena of public life and public consciousness, in order to solve the problems of ensuring the effective operation of enterprise through the use of digital innovative technologies. It proposes a structure of socio-economic security of enterprises in the context of digitalisation of business processes. In order to ensure the conditions for social protection of employees of enterprise, a mechanism for such protection is proposed, taking into account the economic component, which will largely depend on the introduction of digital technologies into the business processes of enterprise. The paper suggests the concept of digitalisation of business processes of enterprise with a view to forming and ensuring socio-economic security of enterprises in the context of digitalisation of business processes. It is proved that the digital society is a necessary progressive movement, which involves the intensive and productive use of digital technologies in all spheres of human life, the life of economic entities, regions and the State. The publication analyses the global volume of trade through e-commerce retail in 2016-2021 as a sign of the external environment of socio-economic security of enterprise. The emphasis is placed on the digital society as an external environment of socio-economic security of enterprise. It is determined that digital technologies have a significant impact on the socio-economic security of enterprises, as they allow increasing the profitability of production, reducing human labour costs, ensuring rhythmic operation at all stages of business processes, making it possible to implement the tasks set and achieve common economic, social and civic goals. It is determined that the digital economy covers not only the information and communication sector, but also all business sectors in all areas of economic activity, including the public and private sectors, non-financial and tertiary sectors, financial sector, extractive industry, manufacturing and services, agriculture and construction. The study analyses the system characteristics of functioning of the mechanisms for ensuring socio-economic security, taking into account the relationship between internal relations and the external environment. The article examines the assessment of digital quality of life according to the Digital Quality of Life Index 2023, and identifies factors and trends that affect such indicators. The factors influencing the socio-economic security of the 10 largest IT companies in Ukraine by the number of specialists as of July 2023 are identified. The prospects for the impact of digitalisation of business processes of enterprises on the socio-economic security of Ukraine are determined.

Economic Analysis of Forest Management for Timber Production and Agricultural Production in Hillside Watershed Areas of Madagascar: A Case Study of the Itasy Region

In hillside watersheds, forests play a crucial role in protecting against soil erosion. Not only does forest vegetation cover serve as a biological measure to prevent soil erosion, it also generates income through sustainable management practices. However, there is a scarcity of research that evaluates and compares the profitability of perennial woody crops with that of other agricultural crops by integrating biological aspects within an economic analytical framework in Central Madagascar. In this study, we address this gap by combining a biological growth model that captures complex forest dynamics with economic management data to utilize the discounted cash flow method. We applied this approach to evaluate and compare the profitability of forest management and agricultural crop production in the hillside watershed areas of Central Madagascar, which have experienced severe human-induced soil erosion. Although our results showed that timber production is a profitable option, other agricultural crops generate much higher profits, indicating that financial subsidies alone may not be enough to shift land use toward perennial woody crops. In addition, growing fruit trees such as oranges and mangoes appears to be a much more financially attractive option for local farmers than annual agricultural crop production.

Vliv způsobu hospodaření, druhové skladby a fluktuace cen dříví na ekonomický výsledek lesního hospodaření

The aim of this paper was to assess the influence of the silvicultural system (clear-cut and shelterwood), species composition of forest stands, in relation to the fluctuation of raw wood prices, on the economic results of forest management. Model analyses were performed on the example of the conditions of the CZU Forests, specifically for the third forest vegetation zone, SLT 3K. The input to the model evaluation was: data on the growth and production of the investigated tree species in the given site conditions from growth tables, the costs of forestry measures were derived from standards, the assortment was carried out on the basis of assortment tables, the prices of assortments of raw wood were taken from the data of the Czech Statistical Office for 2015 and 2019. The synthetic result of the model evaluations was the gross profit of forest production per hectare and year. The results of the analysis prove the economic advantage and greater stability of the shelterwood silvicultural system, especially with regard to lower silvicultural costs, higher volume of timber production and mutual compensation of the decrease and increase in the prices of raw wood of the evaluated tree species.

Enhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity through establishing the area-specific fertilizer rate recommendation in southwest Ethiopia.

The aim of this study is to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 37.7% P2O5, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield of faba bean. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rates. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center procedure. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, hundred seeds weight, biomass yield, grain yield (GY), and harvest index. The combined location mean result showed that applying a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB rate produced the highest GY (4857.2 kg ha-1). The result of economic analysis demonstrated that applying a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB rate earned the highest net benefits (212824.0 ETB ha-1) and marginal rate of return (3653.43%). Therefore, a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate is recommended for high yield and profitability of faba bean production in the study area and other similar soil types.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the fruit juice industry: Insights from Türkiye

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major problems in many areas of the world and has deeply affected many sectors and industries. The food and beverage industry is one of the industries that has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to explore the impact of the pandemic on the Turkish fruit juice industry and the attitudes and behaviors of companies. In addition, the study seeks to identify the changes in the industry caused by the pandemic and discuss its long-term effects. The material used for the study consists of the data obtained from the surveys conducted among the companies producing fruit juices in Türkiye. The results show that the pandemic had a significant impact on companies' logistics activities, while supply activities were moderately affected. However, the effects of the pandemic on exports, sales, production, total profit, and R&D activities were comparatively limited. When comparing the pre-pandemic period with the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was observed that some companies in the industry experienced declines in production, sales, exports, and overall profit, whereas others experienced increases in these metrics. These variations were not associated with company size or length of operation, suggesting that the impact of the pandemic on individual companies was unique. Interestingly, some companies reported positive effects from the pandemic, such as increased demand for certain products, new export markets, improved food safety practices, new suppliers and improved crisis management skills. However, the fruit juice industry in Türkiye was found to be vulnerable in the areas of logistics and supply chain management. The study suggests that companies should strengthen supply chain management, improve stock management, and create online marketing plans to reduce potential problems in future crises. Additionally, it contributes to the development of strategies to mitigate the impact of future pandemics or bottlenecks that may emerge in the future, thereby promoting the efficiency and sustainability of the fruit juice industry as a whole.

Organic production competitiveness: A bi-level model integrating government policy, sustainability objectives, and blockchain transparency

The government subsidizes organic production to reduce the cost of production and encourage consumers to buy it. However, some organic producers do not adhere to organic production standards, which erodes customer confidence in these products. Companies use blockchain technology to display the entire production process to customers and increase transparency. This paper presents a bi-level model designed to investigate the competition between conventional and organic producers. The government wields more power than the producers and makes decisions at the upper level of the model. The demand function for each conventional or organic product is contingent upon the decisions made by its producer, as well as those made by competing producers, leading to competition at the lower level of the model. The model examines the effects of the government's role, the growth of export sales abroad, the type of information technology used in decision-making, and sustainable goals. The public and private versions of blockchain technology for organic production are compared in terms of transparency, costs, and environmental concerns. The proposed model is converted into a single-level model using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) approach. The results show that a combination of economic, social, and environmental goals can achieve a sustainable equilibrium. The comparison of blockchain technology scenarios shows that the utilization of private blockchains enhances producer profitability and reduces GHG emissions, albeit accompanied by an increase in additive usage. The sensitivity analysis of the public blockchain indicates that while consumers find an increased cost of use acceptable, it diminishes the economic appeal relative to private blockchain.

PROFITABILITY OF ORGANIC FARMING OF SPELT IN THE CLIMATE CONDITIONS OF SERBIA

This research focuses on assessing the general profitability of organically produced spelt. Spelt is an ancient grain that has experienced a resurgence in Serbia in the late seventies of the previous century, due to its exceptional nutritional value and high compatibility with organic farming. Field experiments were conducted in northern Serbia over four years, applying further financial analysis. The main goal of the research is to identify and quantify the costs, benefits, and general profitability of organic production of spelt in the climatic conditions of Serbia. Results indicate that organically produced spelt is economically profitable, primarily due to its significantly higher market price compared to conventionally produced spelt. Given climate change concerns, promoting the cultivation of climateresilient crops, like spelt, becomes crucial. Organic spelt cultivation could play a significant role in adapting crops to climate change, emphasizing the need for activities that mitigate negative environmental impacts.

Comparisons on Growth Performance, Survivability, Organoleptic Qualities and Economic Feasibility of Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) Reared in Different Salinities

Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer is among the most cultured aquaculture species in the Southeast Asian region due to its remarkable tolerance for a diverse environmental fluctuation. In aquaculture, salinity has a direct influence on many biological, physiological and market value of any cultured fish. This study investigated the impacts of different salinities (0, 15, &amp; 30 ppt) on Asian seabass growth, body indices, feeding performance, organoleptic qualities, and production cost for 85 days. Ninety fish were reared in 700-liter tanks equipped with recirculation system with 10 fish each tank. They were fed with commercial marine feed.  The findings revealed Asian seabass in 15 ppt attained significantly higher (p&gt;0.05) body weight (470.40 ± 41.16 g), total length (31.51 ± 0.81 cm), total feed intake (309.28 ± 35.66 g/fish) and daily feed intake (3.64 ± 0.42 g/fish/day) compared to 30 ppt but remained insignificant with 0 ppt. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in terms of body weight gain, specific growth rate, body indices, and feed conversion ratio of Asian seabass when reared in different salinities. The organoleptic qualities showed that rearing Asian seabass in different salinities has no significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on odour, appearance, texture, and flavour score. However, the overall acceptance score of Asian seabass reared in 30 ppt (3.53 ± 0.22) was significantly higher (p&gt;0.05) compared to 15 ppt but remained insignificant with 0 ppt. Economically, Asian seabass cultured in 15 ppt yielded the most optimal conditions for profitable production. The findings conclude 15 ppt can promotes enhanced   growth performance and profitability, while 0 ppt and 30 ppt can promote consumer acceptance positively.

Impact of Custom Hiring Centers on Cost, Profitability, and Efficiency in Crop Production in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

This study examines the impact of custom hiring centers (CHCs) on agricultural mechanization and productivity of groundnut of cultivation in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh in 2021. CHCs, established under the Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, aim to address challenges faced by small-scale farmers in accessing improved machinery. Through farm business analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and binary logistic regression, the study evaluates the adoption of improved farm machinery, changes in costs, profitability, and efficiency in crop production due to CHCs. Utilizing purposive sampling, data was collected from 160 beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in villages. Cost concepts were used to compare costs and returns in groundnut cultivation among CHC beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Findings indicate that CHC beneficiaries demonstrate lower input costs and higher net returns, signaling improved efficiency and profitability. DEA analysis reveals higher technical, allocative and cost efficiency among beneficiary farms compared to non-beneficiary ones. Additionally, binary logistic regression identifies significant factors influencing farmers' decisions to hire machinery from CHCs, including machine labor, net income, hired human labor, irrigation, and yield. Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of CHCs in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, particularly among small-scale farmers. It suggests that policymakers prioritize expanding CHCs and promoting mechanization to further improve agricultural outcomes and address challenges faced by marginalized farmers.

Economic Analysis of Cost and Returns in Turmeric Production and Processing in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India

This study investigated the economic dynamics of turmeric production and primary processing in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, emphasized the significant role of this region in enhancing India's reputation for producing high-curcumin-content turmeric. Despite the growing domestic and international markets for turmeric, which have contributed to the crop's substantial increase in production and productivity over recent decades, there remains a significant gap in organized processing units at the local level. The analysis employed different cost concepts and the Garrett Ranking Technique. By examining the economic aspects of both turmeric cultivation and primary processing phases among farmers in the district, the findings revealed that farmers accrue a net return of ₹18,134 per acre from cultivation after incurring costs of ₹86,424, and a higher net return of ₹24,775 per acre from primary processing with an incurred cost of ₹99,439 per acre. The cost-benefit analysis further underscores the economic viability of turmeric cultivation, with ratios of 1.21 without primary processing and 1.25 with it, thereby highlighting the substantial profitability of turmeric production for local growers. However, the study identifies significant challenges, such as labour shortages and elevated wage rates, attributed to the crop's labour-intensive nature. Moreover, while primary processing increases profitability, it also demands considerable labour and time, potentially compromising the quality of turmeric powder. The research suggests that the adoption of advanced technologies and machinery in curing and processing operations could mitigate these challenges, enhancing efficiency and product quality in turmeric cultivation and processing sectors.

Impact Analysis of the Mushroom Cultivation Training and Demonstrations Programme in the Old Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Edible mushrooms are part of a delicious and nutrient-dense vegetarian diet. KVK Malda conducted front-line demonstrations and trainings to evaluate the profitability of oyster mushroom production from 2020 to 2022. It is found from the study that the benefit-cost ratio of oyster mushroom cultivation was significant, and the majority of the respondents participated in a mushroom cultivation training program to learn about mushroom growing techniques for self-consumption and become entrepreneurs. It was found from the study that the majority of the respondents were able to identify edible and wild mushrooms, and they used the bi-product of mushrooms for compost production. It is also found from the study that the majority of the farmers in the old alluvial zone discontinue mushroom cultivation due to a lack of marketing facilities.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Watermelon Cultivation in Haryana and Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

Aims: To analyze the costs, returns and profitability of watermelon production in the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Haryana and Karnataka state during the year 2021-22. Methodology: For the study, 120 farmers (60 farmers from each state) were selected from Haryana and Karnataka which are selected purposively. From Haryana state, Sonipat and Jhajjar districts and from Karnataka, Koppal and Chitradurga districts were selected purposively based on highest area under watermelon production. From each district two blocks were selected randomly. Further from each selected block two villages (15 farmers each) were selected. Results: Farmers of Karnataka investing more on seeds and plant protection chemicals (PPC) compared to farmers of Haryana. The cost of cultivation is higher in the Karnataka state (₹1,70,034.37/ha) compared to Haryana state (₹1,49,450.59/ha) farmers. The variation in cost of cultivation is due to Karnataka farmers were spending more on seeds, neem cake and PPC. The gross and net returns obtained per hectare was more in Karnataka state compared to Haryana state, because Karnataka has the suitable agro-climatic conditions for growing watermelon. Conclusion: The cost and return analysis revealed that watermelon production in the study area was profitable with returns per rupee of investment (B: C ratio) of 1:51 in Haryana and 1:75 in Karnataka.

Comparative techno-economic and life cycle assessments of single and intercropped-mixed feedstocks-based biorefineries for profitable and cleaner production of energy

The role of intercropped mixed feedstocks (IMF) in advancing biorefineries is rarely studied. However, as opposed to conventional single feedstocks (SF) from monocropping systems (MCS), IMFs could potentially enhance the economic profitability of biorefineries by reducing the cost of feedstock transportation and overall operations due to high feedstock yield/ha and fewer inputs e.g., diesel. In addition, IMFs could improve environmental performance by minimizing emissions associated with feedstock farming inputs (e.g., fertilizer), transportation (e.g., diesel, and tear & wear), and overall operational requirements. Furthermore, intercropping systems (ICS) could mitigate feedstock yield uncertainties and ensure stable feedstock supply because legumes (e.g., pigeon peas) are drought-resistant and inhibit pests & diseases when intercropped with maize. Nonetheless, the actual benefits of IMFs must be quantified. Therefore, techno-economic and life cycle assessments were done, using the Malawian economic context, to evaluate IMFs of maize stover (MS) and pigeon pea stalks and leaves (PPSL) for ethanol, electricity, and biogas production in varying biorefinery capacities of 156 000 and 2184 000 mt/y. Four scenarios were investigated; MS from MCS (S1), MS from ICS (S2), MS and PPSL from ICS (S3), where PPSL was dedicated for combined heat & power (CHP), and MS and PPSL from ICS where MS was dedicated to CHP (S4). The biorefinery systems were simulated in Aspen Plus ® to obtain mass and energy balances (MEB) which were used in assessing economic performance via biorefinery gate feedstock cost (BGFC), net present value (NPV), and minimum product selling price (MPSP). BGFC was evaluated by aggregating the cost of buying feedstocks, labor, milling, baling, and transportation. Transportation cost was computed via summation of the cost of fuel, driving labor, depreciation, and maintenance influenced by transportation distance and feedstock yield/ha. MEBs were also used as input and output data in SimaPro software to estimate emissions in terms of fossil resource depletion (FRD), global warming potential (GWP), terrestrial acidification (TA), and freshwater eutrophication (FWE). The IMFs improve biorefineries' economic performance by reducing feedstock logistical cost and MPSP, and environmental performance by reducing FRD, GWP, TA, and FWE. For example, BGFC, MPSP & FRD for IMF's S3 were $228 million/t, $2.28/L & 135 kg oil eq/mt, respectively, compared to $258 million/t, $2.37/L, and 146 kg oil eq/mt respectively for MSF's S1 at 2184 000 mt/y. Thus, IMF improved BGFC, MPSP, and FRD by 12, 5, and 8%, respectively. Therefore, utilization of the IMFs can boost the economic and environmental performances of biorefineries.

Effect of combined use of supplementary irrigation, manure and P fertilization on grain yield and profitability of soybean in northern Nigeria

Declining soil fertility particularly phosphorus deficiency, low organic carbon, moisture stress and high cost of input are factors limiting soybean yield in the Nigeria savanna. Supplementary irrigation, nutrient application and inoculation with Bradyrhizobium could increase the grain yield of soybean. We evaluated the effects of Rhizobia inoculant, phosphorus fertilization, manure, and supplementary irrigation on the nodulation and productivity of a tropical soybean variety in two locations in northern Nigeria in the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The treatments consisted of five input bundles: Supplementary irrigation +17.5 kg P ha−1 + 4 t ha−1 poultry manure + nodumax inoculant (S + P + M + I); 17.5 kg P ha−1 + 4 t ha−1 poultry manure + nodumax inoculant (P + M + I); 17.5 kg P ha−1 + nodumax inoculant (P + I); 17.5 kg PP ha−1 (P); and nodumax inoculant (I). Economic analysis was done to determine the benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for each input bundle. In Kano, the input bundle S + P + M + I produced mean number of nodules that were 38, 102, 200 and 352% higher than that of input bundles P + M + I, P + I, P and I, respectively. At Lere, the application of input bundle S + P + M + I increased mean number of nodules by 33, 81, 93 and 182% over that of input bundles P + M + I, P + I, P and I, respectively. Mean grain yield in Kano was greater for input bundle S + P + M + I over P + M + I, P + I, P and I bundles by 31, 50, 64 and 223%, respectively. In Lere, grain yield for input bundle S + P + M + I was higher than that of input bundles P + M + I, P + I, P and I only, by 27, 47, 41 and 184% respectively. The input bundle P + M + I produced the highest BCR (1.4) in Kano and application only of P produced the highest BCR (1.3) in Lere. Supplementary irrigation was not found to be profitable due to the high cost of supplementary irrigation.The application of P with or without manure/inoculant is recommeded for profitable soybean production in the savannas of Nigeria.

Production Performance and Profitability of Small-scale Commercial Poultry Farms in Arsi and East-Showa Zones, Central Ethiopia

Poultry farming and the demand for chicken meat and eggs are growing due to their quality protein, essential nutrients, affordable price, and low investment cost. The current study was designed to investigate the productivity and profitability of small-scale commercial poultry enterprises. Data were collected from 221 poultry farms using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were presented using descriptive statistics. Farm performances were measured by total-factor-productivity (TFP), benefit-cost-ratio (BCR), and net-profit-margin (NPM). The majority of the poultry farm owners were male (69.68%) and married (77.4%). Around 55.2% of poultry farmers aged 31-45 years. Group-owned farms had 4.59 ± 1.77 individual members. On average, a batch of layer chickens was kept for 17.0 ± 3.87 and 18.12 ± 4.25 months on individual and group-owned farms, respectively. Moreover, the mean selling ages of pullet and broiler chickens were 2.55 ± 0.71 and 2.18 ± 0.51 months, respectively. The flock size of layer chickens in sole-proprietor farms (562 ± 724) was significantly lower than in partnership farms (1165 ± 877). The average numbers of produced pullets by sole-proprietorship and partnership farms were 3177 ± 2360 and 3137 ± 1826, while the mean numbers of broilers produced were 2257 ± 1875 and 3269 ± 1669, respectively. The average egg and broiler weights in sole-proprietorship farms were significantly higher compared to group-owned farms. Annual egg production rates in individual and group-owned farms were 76.5% and 70.4%, respectively. The cost of feed, chicken, housing, labor, and medication were the top five production expenditures, while feed cost shares 60.4%. Egg producers had NPM, BCR, and TFP indices of 38.99%, 1.03, and 2.03, respectively, with notable differences by ownership types. The NPM, BCR, and TFP indices for broiler and pullet farms, respectively, were 42.78%, 0.93, and 1.93 for broilers and 35.21%, 0.92, and 1.67 for pullets. The results indicated that poultry firms performed optimally, regardless of ownership type. To further improve the efficiency and profitability of poultry enterprises, farmers need technical, finance, and management skills and input supply chains. Keywords: Broiler, Layer, Poultry, Production, Profitability, Pullet

Implementation of netting system for production of ‘Calabacita’ dried figs: Effects on pest incidence, fruit quality and mycotoxin occurrence

In recent decades, the increasing demand for dried figs has led to greater sector professionalisation. However, the drying and harvesting process continues to be carried out traditionally. During this time, the fruit can be damaged by various biotic agents such as birds, insects and fungi. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a netting system adapted to the fig tree's canopy, compared to those from traditionally managed ones regarding reduced damage by biotic agents and physicochemical quality of dried figs. Fruit damage, physicochemical and microbiological parameters, and mycotoxin occurrence in figs collected from nets were compared to those from traditionally managed ones. The netting system significantly reduced bird damage from 11.93 to 1.02 % and Lepidopteran damage from 8.11 to 3.74 %, while coleopteran damage remained constant. Additionally, this system led to dried figs with greater fruit size, softer firmness and a lighter reddish-brown colour. In contrast, it did not influence the microbial count of moulds. However, its use significantly reduced the levels and occurrence of most of the detected mycotoxins: aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, ochratoxins A and B, kojic acid, and alternariol. These findings demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing pest incidences and providing dried figs with better physicochemical and hygienic-sanitary quality. This scientific evidence and the improvements that the netting system brings to the harvesting process suggest that its use could lead to more profitable production and have a positive impact on the marketability of dried figs.