Agricultural Quality Research Articles

Accessibility of Sustainable Beef Cattle Business Development in Mattiro Bulu District, Pinrang Regency

Beef cattle business development in Alitta Village, Mattiro Bulu Sub-district, Pinrang District, has great potential but also faces a number of challenges. In this context, this study aimed to assess resource accessibility in smallholder beef cattle farming based on the quality of farmers' human resources. Through qualitative methods and literature studies, primary data were obtained from interviews with farmers and business actors, while secondary data were obtained from relevant agencies. The results show that farmer characteristics, such as age, education, experience and training intensity, affect access to financial, technological and physical resources for beef cattle enterprises. Technology integration and innovation, smart marketing, and sustainable environmental maintenance are key strategies in developing this business. By implementing these strategies, Alitta Village can become a model for sustainable beef cattle enterprise development in the surrounding area, providing sustainable economic, social and environmental benefits to the community and surrounding environment

An exploration into the sleep of workers on block-calving, pasture-based dairy farms

The benefits of sufficient and high-quality sleep for people are well documented. Insufficient sleep increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and negative health implications for people. This is especially relevant for farmers because they work with large animals and machinery. Dairy farming often requires early start times and long days, particularly over the high-workload calving period in block-calving, pasture-based systems. However, there is little published data quantifying the sleep quantity and quality of farmers over this period. In this study, the sleep patterns of workers (n = 33) on 10 New Zealand dairy farms were measured for 90 d over the spring calving period using a sleep measuring device (Oura ring, Oura Health Ltd., Oulu, Finland). Total sleep time (TST) averaged 6 h 15 min, lower than the required 7 to 9 h for optimal wellbeing and cognitive functioning. The TST decreased over the calving period and was significantly correlated with both sleep start and wake times. Factors such as work start time, farm location, and role on farm influenced sleep quantity and quality. Further research is required to better understand sleep and its effect on dairy farmers, over both the calving period and the remaining months of the year.

Extension Management on Agricultural Quality: A Study on Food Security

This study aims to evaluate training management on agricultural quality in South Sulawesi Province, focusing on the influence of training methods and content, and the quality of extension workers in general. This study used a quantitative approach, with the analysis tool using the SEM-Amos version 23 application. The technique of collecting random samples of extension workers and farmers was carried out through questionnaires. Three hundred and fifteen extension workers and farmers filled out the questionnaire and were declared complete. The results showed that good training management has a positive impact on the development of farmers' knowledge, especially in using methods that are relevant to the current agricultural environment. The content and extension workers in the training also play an important role in the quality of training provided. This result shows the important role of agricultural extension officers and the government in providing adequate agricultural and training facilities. Training management significantly affects the quality of agriculture in South Sulawesi Province, with training methods and content, quality of extension workers, and quality of farmers as influencing factors. Therefore, agricultural providers and the government need to pay better attention to improving the quality of agricultural managers to improve crop quality.

Bagaimana Petani dalam Pengelolaan Risiko? Persepsi dan Perilaku Petani Tebu di Jawa Timur

One of the challenges of increasing sugarcane productivity is that unpredictable external factors expose farmers to a variety of risk production, necessitating farmers to adapt to these changes. This study intends to examine farmers' perceptions and behavior toward risk as an alternative to a new strategy for increasing sugarcane productivity through 237 samples of sugarcane farmers in East Java. The Just and Pope model was utilized to analyze risk preferences and the probit regression model was utilized to identify the socioeconomic elements influencing this behavior. According to the perception analysis, productivity is significantly influenced by climate, pests and diseases, labor, and land area. However, farmers typically only make passive adjustments, which is consistent with the analysis that they are risk- averse. This attitude is significantly influenced by age, whereas factors like farming experience, size of the family, off-farm, and education have insignificant impacts. To anticipate the unpredictable external changes and raise the farmer's quality, it is suggested to increase the frequency of training and the use of technology. This will encourage farmers to take more chances and be more open to using new technologies.

Structural Equation Modeling of Farmer's Quality of Life

Structural Equation Modeling of Farmer's Quality of Life

Profil Petani Bunga Teratai di Subak Duaji, Desa Sibanggede, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Profile of Lotus Flower Farmers in Subak Duaji, Sibanggede Village, Abiansemal Sub-District, Badung Regency of Bali Province
 The rapid development of lotus flower plantations in Subak Duaji is certainly very influential on the parties involved in the management of farming, namely farmers. The success of farmers can be measured by the ability of farmers to manage their farms. The motivation behind this examination is to analyze the profile of lotus flower farmers through inside and outside qualities of farmers, farmers income and the obstacles faced by farmers. The research was conducted in Subak Duaji, Sibanggede Village with 53 respondents. The analytical method used is descriptive quantitative and qualitative analysis. The results of the analysis show that the land is managed by the farmers themselves, with family labor, the capital comes from the farmers themselves, with their own agricultural tools and machines, the age of the lotus farmer is the production level, the number of dependents in the family is less than 3 people, the education level is high school, the average area of land is 30.4 acres, have experience in farming between 5-10 years. There is no counseling to lotus farmers, information and communication media are obtained between farmers, the role of the government is available, with flower marketing done by direct marketing to consumers. The average net income of farmers from lotus farming is IDR 18.067.751/30.4 Are/year. Constraints faced by farmers are the lack of water availability during irrigation improvements upstream, the lack of consumers to buy lotus flowers on the day and the constraints of the presence of pests that attack plants. This farming is quite profitable.

Production of seeds and seedlings in the no-tillage system of vegetables: a systematic review

Direct Planting is a process of sowing in a non-turbulent soil, in which the seed or seedling is placed in furrows or pits, wide and deep enough to obtain an adequate coverage and a good contact of the seed with the soil. Breaking this dependence, there will be the fixation of the farmer in the field, through the reduction of production costs, improvement of the physical, chemical and biological conditions of the soil, greater sustainability of the system and improvement in the farmer's quality of life. Before implementing this system it is necessary to pay attention to a few details. The production of vegetable seeds is a very specialized activity, usually performed by companies with high technological and infrastructure levels. Its success is directly linked to three important factors: a) availability of cultivars, usually from genetic improvement programs, either public or private; b) specific climatic conditions for each species); and c) production technology. All these factors will influence the achievement of high quality seeds, in genetic, physiological, physical or sanitary aspects.

A Blockchain-Based Framework for Developing Traceability Applications towards Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam

Recently, many governments in the world have been focusing on building sustainable agriculture to improve the life quality of farmers and significantly increase their income. In Vietnam, however, the farmers still face the problems of “good harvest–low prices, and vice versa” and lack capital for scaling or transforming the production model. One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is that the price of agricultural products does not depend on farmers’ efforts but is based on the purchase price of the trader or the market price. Besides, the farmers also maintain farming habits based on regional culture or follow trendy and profitable agricultural products. Those production strategies make this type of product oversupplied, leading to a down in price shortly, so the farmers’ income will decrease. The above problems stem from the lack of information and communication tools between actors in the agricultural value chain, especially between cooperatives, farmers, and consumers. This paper presents a Blockchain-based framework for developing a traceability solution as an effective method of communication between actors in the agricultural value chain toward a sustainable agricultural model. The proposed approach helps to fully convey the production and distribution of agricultural products and the ability to verify traceability information, thereby helping to increase prices and protect the brand of agricultural products.

Assessment of Nutrient Contents of Farmers' Used Composts for Crop Production in the North Shewa, South West Shewa, and West Shewa Zones, Oromia

Composting is one of the most effective mulches and soil additives available in nature. The usefulness of this rich, dark, earthy material in enhancing the soil and producing a healthy environment for plants is well known among gardeners. The public's interest in learning how to manufacture and use compost is growing as the waste disposal situation worsens. In the years 2012-2013, the nutrient content and quality of currently used composts for agricultural purposes were assessed in various districts of North Shewa (Kuyu and G/Jarso), South West Shewa (Woliso and Becho), and Special zone of Oromia around Finfine (Akaki and Welmera) Zones, Oromia region to assess the nutrient contents of currently used composts prepared from diversified material sources for agricultural purposes, composting practices, and composting The majority of farmers see collected FYM or home garbage as compost. The compost samples were taken without regard for the material used to make them. Compost was made by some farmers from cow manure and household garbage. Even if some farmers make compost from ash, cow dung, and green leaf, they do not adequately combine and wet it. The information on the compost samples was gathered via questionnaires. Following consultation with the agricultural development office, Fitche Soil Research Center collected 116 compost samples from eight districts and analyzed them for EC, pH, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, organic matter, C:N ratio, micronutrients, and CEC using the laboratory protocol described for each parameter. Compost generated from varied materials has a different nutritious value. 6.04-10.20, 0.25-9.07, percent TN 0.19-178, percent OC 9.36-29.12, P 180-7175, and k 2.8 to 70.97 are the pH of compost collected from various districts. Accordingly, based on all parameters required for quality and nutrient content analysis, the nutrient content and quality of farmers’ used composts for crop production did not meet the standard. This could be due to the raw materials used and their proportions, the standard composting process, and storage conditions that did not adhere to the guidelines provided. To determine the appropriate compost maturity time, a scientific method of compost application should be followed, and it is better to train farmers on how to prepare compost so as to improve land productivity and crop yield.

Analysis of broiler farming business systems without Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGP) in traditional farms

The broiler farming industry cannot be separated from the use of Antibiotic Growth Promoter (AGP) in feed ingredients, but the negative impact of the utilization of AGP has led to a ban which has been in effect since January 2018. This study aims to analyze various factors and their relationship in broiler farming, so that it can be seen how the broiler farming business system runs after the ban of AGP. The research was conducted using a survey method on broiler farmers in one of the partner companies. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively using Causal Loop Diagram modeling. The results showed that the use of AGP was not the only factor that influenced the success of broiler farming. Other factors that affect broiler farming include maintenance management, cage quality and farmer quality. In addition to the regulation and arrangement of the broiler marketing trade system, efforts or strategies to improve broiler farming business include setting production standards based on the quality of the SAPRONAK used, upgrading open house cages to semi closed houses and improving the quality of farmers, especially motivation and education.

Distrust of the State and observance of the law among peasants in the San Nicolas Valley

Abstract In Colombia, political decisions related to the countryside preserve an unjust social order, maintaining inequities and obstacles to the well-being and life quality of farmers. In this scenario the Territorial Arrangement Planning of the San Nicolas Valley, in the East of the department of Antioquia, has generated a series of rural conflicts that accentuate the vulnerabilities of rural residents, threatening the agricultural tradition in this subregion. Thus, this study inquired about the perceptions of legality in the peasant population of the area. A descriptive-correlational study with non-probabilistic sampling was carried out, including 380 peasants, members of civic-rural associations of the San Nicolas Valley, evaluating in four scales: beliefs, values, knowledge of the law and perceived legality in the context. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS v.22 software. The findings indicated significant relationships between the study variables. Despite the state abandonment of the proletariat to market forces in an area with socioeconomic imbalances, no determining link was found between low income and violation of the law.

Quality of farmer’s life in rural areas in Vietnam

Improving quality of life (QOL) is an important objective. This study measured the QOL of farmers in rural areas in Vietnam using the WHOQOL-BREF. 600 farmers from 5 provinces in Vietnam participated in the study. Farmers reported low QOL, with psychological dimension had the highest QOL score and environmental dimension had lowest QOL. Male, young, well-educated, married, healthy farmers and farmers who had average living standard, living in small families, living with having less than 3 working members, and have savings were more likely to have higher QOL. However, only 3 factors predicted QOL: education, living standard and number of working members. Implications on Vietnamese family culture and the role of agriculture in modern society were discussed.

ANALISIS RANTAI PASOK (SUPPLY CHAIN) GARAM RAKYAT DI KABUPATEN PIDIE, ACEH

The purpose of this research is to analyze the product, financial, and information flow in the local salt supply chain in Pidie Regency, Aceh. The sampling technique used is non-probability sampling, precisely the snowball sampling technique. Product flow, financial flow, and information flow were three elements that investigated. The analysis based on the SCOR (Supply Chain Operation Reference) method to see supply chain performance by studying at the Plan, Source, Make, and Deliver process. The results showed two types of supply chains, depends on whether farmers have an agreement with the collecting agent or not. For farmers who had a deal with the collecting agent, The salts are sold to the collecting agent and then forwarded to the selling agent. The selling agent passes it on to the wholesale seller, who then distributed to retailers and consumers. The flow of finance goes from the opposite direction, except when purchasing raw materials for firewood, the collecting agent pays it first to the farmers. To farmers who did not have agreements with collecting agents, the salt directly sold to retail stores or consumers. Financial flows run in the opposite direction for both types of supply chains, and information flow goes both ways. The main obstacle in the salt supply chain is the lack of information between salt producer and consumers expectations. Moreover, it is often difficult for large customers to believe that the quality of farmers' salt will be consistent. Kata Kunci : supply chain; local salt; SCOR;.

Study on Spatial and Temporal Variability of Rural Household Energy Consumption in Plateau Mountain Areas of Southwest China

Rural energy consumption of China is only about 20% to total energy consumption, but the consumer number has accounted for 70% of the population. Rural household energy is closely related to life quality of farmers and regional ecological environment, which concerns building a new socialist countryside, and occupies an important position in the national energy consumption system. Nowadays, the quantity and quality of rural life energy has been greatly improved, but environment pollution caused by burning of residue straw and extensive use of non-renewable fossil fuels is spread. Guiding the rural life energy consumption to a efficient, clean, environment-friendly direction is urgent. Southwest Plateau Mountain is one of the traditional geographical divisions in China, with abundant biomass resources and distinctive regional characteristics. However, few studies has been conducted to research the change of the rural life energy consumption structure in the region. Therefore, the spatial and temporal variation of rural life energy consumption was analyzed through the rural energy data from 1992 to 2017. The results showed that total consumption and per capita consumption of energy in rural life presented a step change characteristic of increasing firstly and then decreasing from 1992 to 2017 (the highest was in 2008). Total consumption and per capita consumption of rural life energy in 2017 increased by 3.64% and 65.13% respectively compared to 1992. Coal, straw, firewood are the main types of rural energy consumption in this area, gas, oil, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, coal gas and solar energy consumption ratio have improved to varying degrees with the evolution of the year. The proportion of commercial energy consumption increased from 30.05% in 1992 to 57.60% in 2017, reflecting the energy structure transforming from the traditional patterns to the diversification, utility and commercialization utilization pattern. The regional distribution of energy consumption intensity basically showed the characteristics of north high and south low, energy consumption structure, demonstrating significant regional differences. The largest energy consumption energy in Sichuan was firewood, and it was coal in Yunnan, Chongqing and Guizhou, and electricity in Tibet. Taking the complementary energy consumption mode of commercial energy and non-energy commercial energy according to local conditions, promoting the efficient and clean use of straw, firewood and solar energy will be the inevitable choice for sustainable development of rural energy in mountain plateau areas in Southwest China.

Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Koperasi Tani Dewi Sri dan Produktivitas Kerja Petani terhadap Kesejahteraan Petani Di Subak Sengempel, Desa Bongkasa, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Kabupaten Badung

ABSTRACTThe Influence of Service Quality of Dewi Sri Farmer’s Cooperative and theFarmer’s Work Productivity on the Welfare of Farmer’s at the Subak ofSengempel, Bongkasa Village, Sub-District of Abiansemal, Badung RegencyFarmer’s cooperative as a facilitator in improving welfare, the quality ofservice would be an important part in order to always be the selection of farmers toobtain the required product. The farmer’s cooperative is expected to provide the bestservices in order to achieve the welfare of farmers. An improved labor productivity offarmers as a source of income will have implications for the welfare of farmers. Thestudy objective was to determine the effect of service quality of the farmer’scooperative on the welfare of farmers at Subak of Sengempel.The research method used descriptive qualitative method. Total respondentswas 151 members of farmer’s cooperative taken by proportional random sampling.Data were analyzed using inferential statistics (SEM-PLS).The results showed that the quality of service of the farmer’s cooperative andthe farmer’s work productivity positively and very significantly effect on the welfareof farmers. Quality of services of the farmer’s cooperative positively and verysignificantly effect on the productivity of farmers. Quality of services of the farmer’scooperative has an influence in reaching the welfare of farmers, both directly andthrough the work productivity of farmers. The farmer’s cooperative should furtherimprove its reliability by serving members on time. The farmers of the Subak ofSengempel should increase the labor productivity by increasing the quantity of labor,especially by increasing the number of main harvests. The Local Government throughthe relevant departments should further improve coaching, training and monitoringof the services of the farmer’s cooperative and improving agricultural extensionprograms.Keywords: service, productivity, farmers, welfare.

Assessment of Primary Production of Horticultural Safety Management Systems of Mushroom Farms in South Africa

Growing global consumer concern over food safety in the fresh produce industry requires producers to implement necessary quality assurance systems. Varying effectiveness has been noted in how countries and food companies interpret and implement food safety standards. A diagnostic instrument (DI) for global fresh produce industries was developed to measure the compliancy of companies with implemented food safety standards. The DI is made up of indicators and descriptive grids for context factors and control and assurance activities to measure food safety output. The instrument can be used in primary production to assess food safety performance. This study applied the DI to measure food safety standard compliancy of mushroom farming in South Africa. Ten farms representing almost half of the industry farms and more than 80% of production were independently assessed for their horticultural safety management system (HSMS) compliance via in-depth interviews with each farm's quality assurance personnel. The data were processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010 and are represented in frequency tables. The diagnosis revealed that the mushroom farming industry had an average food safety output. The farms were implementing an average-toadvanced HSMS and operating in a medium-risk context. Insufficient performance areas in HSMSs included inadequate hazard analysis and analysis of control points, low specificity of pesticide assessment, and inadequate control of suppliers and incoming materials. Recommendations to the industry and current shortcomings are suggested for realization of an improved industry-wide food safety assurance system.

GENERAL TRADE PARTNERSHIP PERFORMANCE OF ALBASIA WOOD IN LEUWISADENG–BOGOR

Difficulty in market information access, low prices and quality of farmers’ production, lack of facilities and infrastructure, needs of wood supply in a quick and large quantity have generated a partnership scheme which governs the farmers and industries to make a contract that binds and controls elements of production without having them. This study assessed the performance of partnership between a farmer group of “Binawarga Tani” and sawmills of UD Jaya Abadi, UD Dalfa Kamila, UD Putra Mandiri in Leuwisadeng, Bogor District. Comparative descriptive analysis states that partnership between the farmer group of Binawarga Tani and three sawmills has provided adequate results for both parties (mutual benefits) with an increase in the value of production and sales better than conditions before the partnership. UD Jaya Abadi has had a strategy of product diversification and marketing that are not owned by the competitors. Partnership influences the value of cash inflows and is able to produce a surplus of cash for the actors of the partnership. Statistical analysis shows that the cash surplus of farmer group and three sawmills before and after the partnership is significantly different. The farmer group is able to achieve business efficiency with better break-even point each year. Financial performance of farmer group and partners has been improved with delta Net Present Value (NPV) of Rp14.589.233 for the farmer group, Rp88.599.757 for UD Jaya Abadi, Rp35.726.194 for UD Dalfa Kamila, and Rp96.738.609 for UD Putra Mandiri. The partnership has created business sustainability through the certainty of market and raw material supply. Keywords: trade partnership, farmer group, sawmill, financial performance

Quality perception of organically grown tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in Vienna, Austria

Austria is one of the major organic tomato producing countries for local and export marketing. These tomatoes are produced in parts of Austria especially around Vienna where their production system has to meet stringent organic quality standards in both local and international markets. These quality standards may put considerable strain on farmers and are normally formulated without famers’ participation so may not be wholly representative of the farmers’ quality interpretation. The aim of this paper is therefore to determine the Austrian organic tomatoes growers’ perception and practice of quality and challenges. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out among 28 organic tomatoes farmers in Vienna, Austria. Findings suggest that quality of organic tomatoes is mainly perceived in terms of both informal values (big fruit size, long shelf life, food security and amount of income received from tomato sales) as well as formal norms (non- application of chemicals, human health, damage free, sweet taste, red colour, and juiciness). There were no gendered differences in quality perception among the growers. High costs of production inputs were identified as the main challenge to attaining quality in organic tomatoes. Following these findings, there is need for effective participation of growers in formulation of standards as well as subsidizing of production inputs by the government. The Austrian tomato growers as well as local and international retailers should work closely to increase the price received by the Austrian organic tomato growers so that it more adequately covers their production costs.Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 5 (2): 16-20, December, 2015

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) seed quality in response to water stress on maternal plants

Farmers who still cultivate bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) rely on landraces and seed retained from previous harvests. Given that the crop is typically cultivated in semi-arid regions, seed quality of farmers' retained seed might be compromised due to water stress experienced by maternal plants during production. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of water stress on maternal plants on subsequent seed quality of bambara groundnut. A single bambara groundnut landrace was characterised into four distinct selections based on seed coat and speckling colour. Initial seed quality (viability and vigour) was evaluated prior to planting seed in a field trial under irrigated and rainfed conditions. Final yield and yield components were determined at harvest. Thereafter, seed quality (viability and vigour) of progeny of different landrace selections was evaluated. Yield was lower under rainfed than irrigated conditions. Overall, subsequent seed quality showed improvement from initial seed quality of the original seedlot. Seed viability was higher in seeds produced under irrigated than rainfed conditions. Seed quality of bambara groundnut may be reduced underwater-limited production conditions. Seed enhancement practices such as priming may assist farmers to achieve better emergence. In the long term, seed production should be done under optimum conditions in order to achieve high-seed quality.

Field survey on evaluation of seed quality traits and storage methods used in the legume crops by the house hold farmers in jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present investigation was conducted to assess the seed quality and storage methods of seeds of legume crops (Green gram. Black gram, Chickpea and Pea) by famers in Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh during 2008. A survey was carried out in 51 rural households of nine villages viz, Karari, Rudra Karari, Peetampura, Hatanapur, Ambabvay, Padari, Mathanpura, Keshavpur and Bhooda located within a range of 20 km Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. Seeds of different legume crops which were stored for sowing purpose were sampled using standard sampling procedures from farmers’ household to estimate the seed moisture(%), purity(%), germination(%) and health status. Seventy nine seed samples were collected for crops representing the routine cropping pattern practiced by the farmers. Seed storage as well as the quantity of the storage decided the type of the container and their storage methods. The commonly used methods and containers are Polythene lined urea bag, Jute bag, Room storage, Bunnda, Metal container, Plastic container and Mud pot. Analysis of the physiological seed quality of farmers saved seeds of indicated that 80% samples could meet out the IMSCS of 75 per cent germination and maximum damage due to insect pests was about 6%. The current evidence on farmer’s seed samples indicated that storage methods and seed quality parameters need to be improved to increase yield.