Purchase Of Inputs Research Articles

Financial Analysis and Cost Implications of Implementing an Agroforestry System in Brazil

Agroforestry Systems (AFS) integrate agricultural and forest production, providing ecosystem environmental services. They are considered important tools for addressing problems caused by modern agricultural development. Despite their proven environmental and productive benefits, more studies are needed to support the viability and adoption of AFS by rural producers. This study accounts for the primary costs of implementing 1 hectare of a biodiverse AFS in Brazil. The results show that the acquisition of seedlings and propagules constitutes the highest costs, with avocado seedlings being the most expensive. Operational costs, particularly grading and the purchase of inputs, also represent significant expenses. Future research should focus on tracking the evolution of implementation costs, substituting expensive external supplies, and optimizing operational times for area preparation. These efforts will enhance the design and viability of AFS, addressing local producer needs and ensuring profitable maintenance.

Does Supply Concentration Encourage Cooperation? Evidence from Airlines

One of a firm’s key strategic decisions is whether to concentrate its input purchases in a small number of suppliers versus spreading them among many suppliers. We propose that supplier concentration solves an interfirm free-riding problem: By internalizing externalities between suppliers, it incentivizes buyer-supplier cooperation. Guided by a simple theoretical model, we investigate this hypothesis on slot exchanges between major airlines and their outsourced regional airline partners during inclement weather, a setting where externalities between suppliers are ubiquitous. We find robust evidence that a regional airline engages in more frequent slot exchanges with its major airline partner when it operates a larger share of the major’s outsourced flights. We also find that this positive effect of concentration on mutual cooperation increases in the size of the externalities between regionals. Our results suggest that, in contrast with Porter’s classic five forces framework, supplier concentration can serve as a governance instrument for buyer-supplier collaborations. More broadly, our paper provides novel evidence on task concentration as a tool to solve free-riding problems in multiagent settings. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy. Funding: This paper received financial support from the Spanish Research Agency (MICIU/AEI) [Grants PID2022-136983NB-I00, MCIN/AEI /10.13039/501100011033]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03455 .

Knowledge And Utilization Of Market-Oriented Agricultural Extension Service Among Farmers In Oyo State, Nigeria

Market-oriented agricultural extension services (MOAES) are pivotal in transforming subsistence farming into a profitable and sustainable venture, thereby reducing rural poverty. This study investigates the knowledge and utilization of market-oriented agricultural extension services among farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study employs a two-stage cluster sampling technique to select 106 farmers from four agricultural zones in Oyo State. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules on knowledge, accessibility, utilization, and satisfaction with MOAES provided. The public extension (61.6%) was the primary provider of market-oriented agricultural extension services, with low knowledge and satisfaction. Utilization of the services on types of crops to grow, food safety standards, and sourcing of farm inputs were moderate. Overall utilization of MOAES by 55.7% of the farmers was low. Constraints were poor linkage (x̅=1.90), limited access to credit for input purchases (x̅=1.84), and inadequate price information for various inputs (x̅=1.68). Significant relationships existed between farmers sex (X2=3.259), marital status (X2=0.186), educational level of MOAES (X2=8.055). Strengthening the capacity of extension agents and focusing on value addition are recommended.

Optimal Resilience in Multitier Supply Chains

Abstract Forward-looking investments determine the resilience of firms’ supply chains. Such investments confer externalities on other firms in the production network. We compare the equilibrium and optimal allocations in a general equilibrium model with an arbitrary number of vertical production tiers. Our model features endogenous investments in protective capabilities, endogenous formation of supply links, and sequential bargaining over quantities and payments between firms in successive tiers. We derive policies that implement the first-best allocation, allowing for subsidies to input purchases, network formation, and investments in protective capabilities. The first-best policies depend only on production function parameters of the pertinent tier. When subsidies to transactions are infeasible, the second-best subsidies for resilience depend on production function parameters throughout the network, and subsidies are larger upstream than downstream whenever the bargaining weights of buyers are nonincreasing along the chain.

Rapid credit expansion and firm behavior: A case study from Türkiye

This study examines the impact of a sudden and remarkable credit expansion experienced in Türkiye during the first half of 2022 on firm behavior by utilizing a novel dataset containing the universe of all incorporated firms in Türkiye. The results of the combination of coarsened exact matching and difference-in-differences methodology show that, amid the credit expansion coupled with the deterioration in expectations of inflation and depreciation in local currency, the firms with higher credit usage tended to engage in alternative channels rather than undertaking real economic activities in short term, such as pulling-forward imports and input demand and taking position against local currency to gain financial profit more than those with less credit usage during the first half of 2022. While SMEs with higher credit usage increased their imports, domestic input purchases, foreign currency purchases, and foreign currency-denominated debt settlement before maturity, large firms increased their foreign currency purchases relative to their counterparts with less credit usage.

Marketing Dynamics of Grapes in Pune Division: Channels, Efficiency, and Stakeholder Issues

India emerging as the world's second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables. Farmers who produce agricultural products are spread over distant communities whereas customers live in semi-urban or urban areas. This produce must reach consumers for final usage and consumption. This product passes via various agencies and functionaries before reaching the consumer. The study objective is to identify different marketing channels of Grapes, estimate the price spread and marketing efficiency of identified channels, and identify Problems faced by different stakeholders. Primary data were collected through 60 farmers and 30 intermediaries. A descriptive study design with a non-probability sampling method and purposive sampling technique was employed. Tabular, percentage and Garrett ranking methods were utilized for data analysis to obtain the desired results. From this study, four marketing Channels were found namely Channel I (Farmer – village trader- wholesalers cum commission agents - Retailer - Consumer), Channel II (Farmer – pre-harvest contractor- wholesalers cum commission agents - Retailer - Consumer), Channel III (Farmer -Wholesaler cum commission agent - Retailer – Consumer) and Channel IV (Farmer - Company CC - Company DC - Consumer. Channel III stands out with the highest producer's share in the consumer's rupee (62.43%) and the highest marketing efficiency (1.66). The majority of farmers faced the challenge of high costs incurred for the purchase of inputs and for the transportation of produce. The quality variation was a major problem faced by village traders. Price fluctuation was a major problem faced by pre-harvest contractors. Facing competition from other private players was a major problem for private companies. Quality variation was a major problem for the wholesaler cum commission agent. Retailers' major problems were price fluctuation followed by high transportation costs.

Constraints in Farmers’ Purchase Decisions of Agricultural Inputs in High Hills Temperate Wet Zone of Himachal Pradesh

"The study was conducted in the high hill temperate wet zone of Himachal Pradesh to investigate the information sources used and the constraints in farmers’ purchase of agricultural inputs. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 448 households in the study area. Multiple response analyses and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were used for the study. The findings of the study revealed that timely non-availability of inputs in government stores, followed by the limited supply of inputs in government stores, high input prices, non-availability of the preferred package of inputs in markets, and fear of adulteration were the significant constraints experienced by the farmers in purchase of agricultural inputs. However, fellow/progressive farmers and private input dealers were the most commonly used source of information for purchased agricultural inputs. The results suggested that an increase in government funding for the development of input delivery systems can positively impact public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting better agricultural input u"

Integrated Farming Systems for Environment Sustainability: A Comprehensive Review

This review article explores the holistic approach of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) as a sustainable strategy for meeting diverse agricultural demands while ensuring environmental sustainability. Characterized by the integration of crops, livestock, fishery, and allied activities within a single farm, IFS is hypothesized to enhance farm resilience, livelihoods, food security, and ecosystem services. The literature review reveals that IFS can significantly improve farm profitability (265%) and employment (143%) compared to single enterprise farms. Furthermore, IFS contribute to nutrient recycling, reducing external input purchases and enhancing soil quality indicators. The adoption of IFS plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, improves soil organic carbon, and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite its advantages, challenges in adoption include the need for skills, knowledge, resources, labor, and capital among small and marginal farmers. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability variables in a unified evaluation framework to enhance the adaptability of IFS. In conclusion, IFS emerges as a holistic and climate-resilient model with the potential for sustainable agriculture, requiring continued research, policy support, and innovative strategies for widespread adoption.

Effect of Financial Inclusion on Agricultural Farm Performance in Rwanda: “ A case study of COMSS cooperative.”

Financial inclusion services are an important elements in agricultural farming operations. It makes it possible for producers to cover the cash requirements resulting from the agricultural industry’s unique production cycle, which typically occupies several months and generates very little cash income while necessitating spending money for materials, input purchases, and consumption. Access to financial services is one of several concerns that have an influence on smallholder farmers. Access to adequate, appropriate, and reasonably priced formal financial services for smallholder farmers, however, is a problem that frequently arises in Rwanda. Many rural residents continue to be practically cut off from the financial services required to maintain their survival and enhance agricultural farm performance . The general objective of the research was to find out how financial inclusion affected the performance of the agricultural farms in Muyumbu and Masaka sector . The study was additionally motivated by three specific objectives:to determine the effect of access of microcredit on the performance of the agricultural farm,to examine the effect of access of microsaving on the performance of the agricultural farm,to determine the effect of access of mobile money services on the performance agricultural farm . The target population was the smallholder rice farmers in Muyumbu and Masaka sector.To attain these objectives simple random sampling was employed .The information was given by 186 smallholder rice farmers in Muhazi and Masaka sector.A researcher employed quantitative method for data collection where structured questionnaires instrument was used, descriptive as well as correlative research design were used .Descriptive and inferencial statistics were applied for data analysis. Descriptive statistics employed were frequencies ,standard deviation, and mean. Correlation and multiple regression model were employed for inferencial statistics to show the link among variables ,and SPSS version 20 were also utilized for analysis of data.the findings were presented using tables. The results of this research demonstrated that there is a significant effect and positive contribution of access of microcredit ,microsaving and mobile money services on the performance of the agricultural farm in Rwanda as shown by the coefficient of.609*, which is regarded as a high and positive correlation according to the table’s Pearson correlation .The null hypotheses that financial inclusion has no significant effect on the agricultural farm performance was rejected. The study recommends that MFI should expand financial inclusion through access of microcredit, microsaving and mobile money services which significantly uplift agricultural farm performance. The researcher also suggests that different MFIs and government agencies should provide financial training as well as awareness programs for small-scale farmers on how to access microsavings, microcredit, and mobile money services, MFI should Explore the potential for linking microsavings programs with microcredit opportunities. This can create a holistic approach to financial inclusion, allowing farmers to not only save but also access credit when needed for investments in their agricultural activities.

Performance of PMKISAN scheme in India with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu – An insight into Distribution

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme is an income support scheme implemented by the Government of India to help farmers at the time of cultivation for the purchase of agricultural inputs. Cash transfer programme positively impacts, increasing the consumption pattern, nutritional status and eliminating rural poverty. The study analyzed the performance and progress of the state under the PMKISAN scheme and also estimated the proportion of income to the total annual income of the households. The results indicate that large share of beneficiary belong to Uttar Pradesh (20.82 percent), followed by Maharashtra (8.98 percent) and Madhya Pradesh (7.08 percent) and in case of Tamil Nadu, districts like Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Salem and Cuddalore have the highest beneficiaries. The lowest share was observed in states like Goa, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry, etc.; the reason for the lesser registration of beneficiaries might be due to problems with the land documents of farmers, i.e., mismatching of names. The results also found that it has positive impact on redistribution of income to small and marginal farmers where the income share to their annual income is higher in all the districts of Tamil Nadu. Digitization of land records and other information would help increase the number of beneficiaries among the states which has a lesser share.

Effect of the Usage of Mobile Money Services on Smallholder Rural Households` Welfare in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study assessed the effect of the usage of mobile money technology on the welfare of smallholder household farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Primary data was used to achieve the study objectives. The data was collected through the use of structured questionnaire. A three stage sampling technique was used in selecting the sample for the study. A total number of 120 smallholder farmers across the selected villages in Oyo State, Nigeria were selected. The study utilized descriptive and inferential statistics in its analytical technique. The result of the study revealed that mobile money service were used for airtime purchase, fund transfer, purchase of farm inputs, bill payment, savings, cash withdrawal, remittance and payment of farm workers. The empirical results of the study show that the determinants of the usage of mobile money service by the respondents include age, gender, years of education and access to credit. The results of the effect of mobile money service usage on food security revealed that mobile money service usage, age, gender, years of formal education and access to credit significantly influenced food security in the study area. Also, Mobile money usage, age, household size represented by adult equivalent, access to credit and distance to the nearest banks were factors that significantly influenced household expenditure. The study concluded that usage of mobile money service significantly affect household welfare of farming households in the study area. These results suggest that access and usage of mobile money service can help to improve smallholder farmers` household welfare.

Effect of Arable Crop Production on Poverty Status of Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria

The study examined the effect of arable crop production on the poverty status of farmers in Bida local government, Niger State. Multistage sampling was employed to sample 180 respondents, Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting techniques, total factor productivity, Foster, Greer and Thorbecke and Logit Regression Model. The results indicate farmers mean age of 37 years with 69.5% having formal education, with a net income of N211,10. Seed (.0908), farm size (.0465), level of education (.0746) and income (0.5678) had direct influence on the productivity of the farmers. Based on the poverty line (₦4741.79), 65% of the farmer were found to be poor. Extension contact (-.8419), access to credit (-1.1989) and income (-.034) had inverse relationship with the poverty status of arable farmers. It was recommended that the farmers should form farmer cooperatives to take advantage of economics of scale for purchase of inputs.

Adoption of Cashless Transaction by the Farming Households in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu, India

Aims: The research study aims to study the level of adoption and factors influencing the adoption of cashless transaction by the farming households in farming and non-farm activities.
 Study Design and Methodology: A development index for Tamil Nadu districts, prioritizing e-infrastructure, was crafted from secondary data on agriculture, health, infrastructure, and telecommunication. Coimbatore, with a high development index, was selected using a three-stage stratified random sampling approach involving 120 households. Utilizing tools like the development index, econometric models, scoring/ranking techniques, and non-market valuation methods, values ranged from 0 to 1, indicating low to high development. An adoption index classified respondents into low, medium, high, and very high adopters, evaluating cashless transaction adoption. The logit model pinpointed factors influencing cashless transaction adoption among farm households.
 Results and Conclusion: This study shows a gradual shift towards cashless transactions among farmers, primarily driven by government policies promoting bank account usage for subsidies and loans. In Coimbatore, a developed district in Tamil Nadu, the adoption index is 63 per cent for non-agricultural and 44 per cent for agricultural transactions, highlighting a significant difference. The slow adoption is attributed to incomplete sales portal transformation and farmers' limited awareness of online platforms for input purchases. Despite challenges, farmers exhibit a positive attitude, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues such as financial literacy, internet connectivity, and infrastructure for successful cashless transactions.

Effects of the agricultural food security pack programme in Zambia: the case of Mpulungu District

Agricultural food programmes are one of the means to improve household food security for vulnerable small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia, household food insecurity is entrenched among small-scale farmers. Despite the implementation of the food security pack programme by the Zambian government, there is scanty scientific information on the performance of the programme. The study reviewed the effects of the food security pack programme on land cultivation and maize crop productivity in Mpulungu district using a mixed-methods design. Using a simple random sampling and Slovin’s Formula, 147 beneficiaries and 152 non-beneficiaries were selected as questionnaire respondents. The study purposely selected two government officials, one traditional leader, and five focus groups for interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive data were generated using SPSS and content analysis. The study revealed that 66% of the beneficiaries, cultivated between a quarter (0.25) and half (0.50) a hectare compared to the non-beneficiaries, whose 61% cultivated less than a quarter (<0.25) hectare. Similarly, 70.1% of the beneficiaries, harvested more than 20 (50kg) bags of maize grain on average, per 0.25 hectares of land compared to 8% of the non-beneficiaries for three farming seasons reviewed. The land cultivated by the beneficiaries had a larger mean (M ₌ 2.00) than the land cultivated by the non-beneficiaries (M ₌ 1.59). Maize crop productivity by the beneficiaries had a larger mean (M ₌ 4.25) than the non-beneficiaries (M ₌ 2.45). There was a statistically significant difference in land cultivation and maize crop productivity between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, with the former having more land cultivated and higher maize crop productivity than the latter. Administrative challenges in programme implementation were noticed. Farming inputs were received late and outside the planting period due to the centralised purchase system despite the beneficiaries performing better than the non-beneficiaries. Funds for the purchase of agricultural inputs were released late by the Zambian government. The study concluded that the food security pack programme had a significant positive effect on land cultivation and maize crop production for benefiting households. The study recommends decentralisation of the supply of farming inputs to the districts for timely delivery to the beneficiaries, increasing the number of beneficiaries, and timely release of funds for the purchase of farming inputs by the Zambian government. Key words: Agriculture, food security, small-scale farmer, empowerment, vulnerable farmers

2024 Nebraska Crop Budgets — a Mixed Review with Some Costs Higher, Some Lower

While field operation costs are projected higher for the 2024 Nebraska crop enterprises, some material input costs are lower than were projected for 2023. One driving force on lower cost projections for 2024 is 20% to 40% less on fertilizer prices is factored in on many budgets, and five pounds less nitrogen fertilizer was entered for a majority of the corn budgets due to continued improvement of application practices. Cost scenarios for individual producers can vary based on their timing of input purchases and price variabilities. The 84 1Nebraska crop budgets are now available online in three formats with a complete 96-page pdf report, an Excel file, along with links to all of the budget reports created using the Agricultural Budget Calculator (ABC) program where enterprise budget data can be downloaded into user accounts and then modified for individual farm operations.

What are the economic impacts of short food supply chains? A local multiplier effect (LM3) evaluation

Shortening food supply chains attracts increasing support from policymakers, to improve returns to farmers and stimulate rural development. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding the impacts of short food supply chains on local economies. To address this, the article quantifies the impacts of short food supply chains on local economies, using the Keynesian-based Local Multiplier 3 method (LM3), applied to a unique dataset of 122 farm businesses from five European Union countries (France, Hungary, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom). Estimations cover 305 market chains, comprising both short and long food supply chains, in which sampled farmers participate. The results indicate that the revenues from farm production remain largely within local economies, generating a substantial multiplier effect (LM3 > 2). This effect stems from purchases of farm inputs locally including, in the first instance, hiring local labour, as well as the expenditures of local suppliers that re-spend part of their revenues within the local area. The multiplier effects of short food supply chains are similar to long food supply chain equivalents as both use largely local labour and source tradable inputs locally. In shaping food chain policy a broader set of socioeconomic benefits to local development from selling through short food supply chains should be considered.

Differences in peri-urban and rural farm production decisions amid policy change in Nigeria

Enhancing productivity and profitability of farm households were key focuses among Nigerian agricultural policymakers in their design of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of 2011–2015. There were several prominent policy initiatives and market development activities included in the ATA. The main direct effects of implementing them were increased public expenditures on subsidized fertilizer and seeds and increased average productivity among subsidy recipients. There were also indirect effects pertaining to greater awareness of agricultural development initiatives among the public and increased farm input availability. However, due to relatively greater physical and transportation infrastructure in urban relative to rural areas, we hypothesized that farm households in peri-urban regions nearest to markets were better positioned to benefit from such initiatives as compared to rural farm households. In this context, the empirical analysis in this article estimates differences among peri-urban versus rural farm households regarding their crop produce marketing and farm input purchase decisions during the period of ATA policy implementation. The results support the hypothesis that peri-urban farm households increased purchases of farm inputs to a greater degree than did rural farm households as well as had higher crop sales values. Data limitations do not allow for determining the causal reason for relatively higher crop sales values. Overall, the policy and market development activities appear to have achieved some intended outcomes among farm households in both peri-urban and rural areas, but the impacts were most pronounced among households nearest to markets.

A Study on Knowledge Level and Attitude of Farmers towards Organic Farming in Ananthapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Organic farming is practicing in 187 countries, and 72.3 million hectares of agricultural land were managed organically by at least 3.1 million farmers. India is home to 30% of total organic producers in the world having 2.30 million ha (NCOF, 2021). A study was conducted in ten mandals of Ananthapuramu district with sample size of 100 and farmers were selected randomly. Pearson correlation, frequency, percentage, mean were calculated. From the results it was noticed that farmers have more knowledge related to statements viz., organic farming is a type of farming system in which crops are grown without the use of chemical inputs (85%) and knowledge gap percentage was 15. Farmers have positive attitude on statement I can obtain optimum production level in organic farming if we rear livestock at our farm with score of 244 and attitude gap percentage of 20 followed by organic farming will decrease the production cost by reducing the input purchases score of 243 and attitude gap percentage of 19. Education, extension contact, information seeking behaviour and awareness about organic farming variables were positively significant and highly correlated with attitude of farmers towards organic cultivation. Major constraints faced by the farmers were lack of skill regarding the preparation and usage of organic inputs (80%) followed by complicated methods for production of organic inputs and absence of premium price for organic produce in the local market (71%). Major suggestion were direct procurement of organic produce by government and supply to Midday Meals Scheme and Public Distribution System.

Sowing Agroecology in Rio Doce through a Technical Assistance and Rural Outreach Program in a Territory Affected by the Biggest Environmental Disaster in Brazilian History

Abstract The work of an Agroecological Technical Assistance and Rural Outreach program (ATER, in its acronym in Portuguese) is a profound process of communication between technical specialists in agricultural production and farming families, specialists in their practice and their social context. The ATER program of the “Sowing Agroecology in Rio Doce” project works with 138 families whose farming activity was hampered by the rupture of the Fundão Mining Tailings Dam (Brazil), considered the greatest environmental disaster in Brazilian history. The work seeks to train family farmers for the agroecological transition, aiming at building production systems that operate in an economically viable, environmentally correct, socially fair, and culturally diverse way. The project takes place in three dimensions: animal, where the welfare and health of animals are worked on, and in the development of more autonomous systems regarding the use of inputs and medicines; natural goods, where it operates in agricultural production, water resources, and environmental conservation of the properties, aiming at the production free of pesticides and industrialized inputs; and culture, through understanding the social reality of families, valuing cultural manifestations and traditions, aiming to strengthen the social cohesion of communities and encourage cooperation between families, and seeking to create short marketing circuits, work groups, and collective purchases of inputs. In this way, the process takes place from the One Health perspective, as it seeks to integrate human, animal, and environmental health. This approach has contributed to increasing production and family autonomy, bringing economic viability, food security, and environmental conservation to the region. Information © The Authors 2023

Utilization Trends of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Beneficiaries

One of the most essential resources in contemporary agriculture is credit. As a result, there is a need to expand agricultural finance, boost land productivity, and raise the potential and effectiveness of using water resources for agricultural output. Credit is needed, among other things, for the adoption of agricultural technology, the purchase of contemporary inputs and tools, the development of land, the purchase of animals, and the purchase of raw materials. By enabling farmers to satisfy their credit needs throughout the whole cycle of crop production and at the same time providing money for investment reasons, agriculture credit plays a significant role in preserving agricultural production. To better understand "Utilization Trends of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Beneficiaries," the current study was proposed. Descriptive research design was used for the study. For this study, 120 farmers were specifically chosen as a sample from the Eligaid mandal of Peddapalli District of Telangana Sate. According to the data, the majority of respondents had socio-economic profiles that are on the middle level. It was discovered that majority of respondents had a medium level of utility for the Kisan Credit Card. Age, education, home type; landholding, annual income, family type, savings increased, income levels increased by this scheme and level of utility etc. were all found to be significantly associated with the credit utilization of the Kisan credit card at 0.05 level of significance by applied the chi-square and one-way ANOVA statistical tests in SPSS.