Regional Agricultural Policies Research Articles

Nutrient Distribution Patterns in Soil Across Various Locations in Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad Districts of Uttar Pradesh under a Rice-Sugarcane Cropping Sequence

A study was conducted to evaluate the macro and micronutrient levels in the soil under the sugarcane-wheat cropping sequence and its relationship with soil characteristics. Understanding the nutrient status is vital for the efficient application of fertilizers, as widespread deficiencies in both macro and micronutrients are being reported in the soils of Uttar Pradesh. The rice-sugarcane cropping sequence is a prominent practice in the northwestern plains of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, covering 10-11% of the net cultivated area in these regions. Over recent years, sugarcane and wheat yields have plateaued in these areas due to declining factor productivity. Soil samples were collected from depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm at four locations in the Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad districts under the rice-sugarcane sequence. The available zinc content in the surface soil (0-15 cm) ranged from 0.605 to 0.883 mg/kg, and in the sub-surface soil (30-45 cm), it varied between 0.111 to 0.629 mg/kg, with an average of 0.083 mg/kg in surface soil and 0.435 mg/kg in sub-surface soil. A correlation analysis between various soil properties across different locations at three soil depths (0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm) was also conducted. The findings indicated that the soils are generally low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and potassium, and sufficiently supplied with copper, iron, manganese, and zinc in the surface layer. Future research on nutrient distribution in these areas will help advance precision agriculture, improve fertilizer management, and boost crop productivity while minimizing environmental harm. This research will contribute to sustainable soil management, economic benefits for farmers, and provide valuable insights for regional agricultural policies, further supporting food security.

Study of regional characteristics of agricultural labor productivity: problems, trends, main directions of growth

The results of a study of regional characteristics of labor productivity of workers engaged in agricultural production are presented. The criteria characterizing labor productivity in value and physical terms have been studied. An assessment is made of the efficiency of using production factors (land, labor, capital) in agricultural organizations in the context of a study of regional characteristics of agricultural labor productivity. The results obtained can be used by government agencies in the formation of regional agricultural policy and program documents, including sections on labor productivity in the agroindustrial complex. For agricultural organizations, scientific material may be of interest when planning and forecasting labor indicators, and assessing the effectiveness of activities.

ANIMAL GAZING DETECTION USING CNN IN SMART AGRICULTURAL FIELD

Animal detection and warning systems play a critical role in safeguarding agricultural land from the intrusion of large animals, particularly ungulates, which pose threats to property and human safety. These systems are designed to identify and alert the presence of such animals before they encroach upon farming territories. Across different regions, the deployment of these systems aims to mitigate Animal Vehicle Collisions (AVCs) involving ungulate species, which can result in significant costs and hazards. However, the effectiveness of these systems may be hindered by the lack of regular monitoring for incidents of animal road fatalities. This paper explores the operational principles of animal detection systems, highlighting their reliance on machine learning technology to detect patterns indicative of animal presence. The detection process involves analyzing data collected from various sources to discern behavioral and environmental cues associated with animal activity. Challenges may arise from accurately distinguishing between different types of animals and background elements, necessitating the refinement of machine learning algorithms to minimize false positives triggered by environmental factors. Effective deployment of these systems requires comprehensive planning and integration into regional and national agricultural policies. By leveraging advancements in machine learning technology and data analytics, stakeholders can enhance the efficiency of these systems, thereby reducing the incidence of animal- related accidents and protecting agricultural resources. This paper underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of animal detection systems to effectively mitigate risks and ensure the sustained protection of farming land and communities.

Leadership, Innovation, and Stability in Bridging Agricultural Development Gaps: A Literature Review

This study addresses the gap in understanding how leadership, innovation, and socio-political stability influence agricultural development. By conducting a literature review, this research aims to provide insights into improving regional agricultural policies. The review focuses on leadership in agriculture, sociopolitical dynamics, economic factors, and the role of innovation. Findings suggest that while global initiatives and local efforts emphasize agribusiness for economic growth, regions like BARMM in the Philippines face challenges such as weak data systems and structural barriers. The study concludes that technological advancements and cooperative efforts are essential for sustainable agricultural development in these regions, highlighting the need for targeted policies to enhance productivity and food security.

Mapping Insect-Proof Screened Citrus Orchards Using Sentinel-2 MSl Time-Series Images

Citrus is a crucial agricultural commodity of the hilly subtropical regions of southern China. Attempts in recent years to combat the destructive disease Huanglongbing (HLB) have led to citrus orchards being covered with insect-proof screens (IPS). Understanding which citrus orchards are covered by IPS is crucial for regional water and soil conservation, as well as control of plastic pollution. However, monitoring of orchards is complicated by IPS spectral interference in remotely sensed image classification. Here, an optimal feature combination scheme is developed and tested for mapping citrus orchards that use IPS. Seasonal Sentinel-2 images from 2021 were used to define indices for vegetation, plastic mulch, red edge, and texture. These were combined with topographic and land surface temperature using random forest classification to determine optimal feature discrimination combinations for orchards in Xunwu County, Jiangxi Province. Results show: (1) significantly higher visible light reflectance from IPS orchards ensures spectral discrimination between IPS covered and uncovered orchards. (2) After feature optimization, the seasonal spectral band has the highest accuracy (86%) in single feature classification. The addition of conventional indices and topographic-temperature features improves classification to 92%. (3) Xunwu County had 460 km2 of citrus orchard cover in 2021, with 88 km2 (19%) of that total being covered with IPS. Our method effectively and accurately maps citrus orchards with or without IPS coverage at 10 m resolution. The effective monitoring of large-scale IPS in other regions can now support the development of local and regional sustainable agricultural policies.

Weather-Based Statistical and Neural Network Tools for Forecasting Rice Yields in Major Growing Districts of Karnataka

Two multivariate models were compared to assess their yield predictability based on long-term (1980–2021) rice yield and weather datasets over eleven districts of Karnataka. Simple multiple linear regression (SMLR) and artificial neural network models (ANN) were calibrated (1980–2019 data) and validated (2019–2020 data), and yields were forecasted (2021). An intercomparison of the models revealed better yield predictability with ANN, as the observed deviations were smaller (−37.1 to 21.3%, 4% mean deviation) compared to SMLR (−2.5 to 35.0%, 16% mean deviation). Further, district-wise yield forecasting using ANN indicated an underestimation of yield, with higher errors in Mysuru (−0.2%), Uttara Kannada (−1.5%), Hassan (−0.1%), Ballari (−1.5%), and Belagavi (−15.3%) and overestimations in the remaining districts (0.0 to 4.2%) in 2018. Likewise, in 2019 the yields were underestimated in Kodagu (−0.6%), Shivamogga (−0.1%), Davanagere (−0.7%), Hassan (−0.2%), Ballari (−5.1%), and Belagavi (−10.8%) and overestimated for the other five districts (0.0 to 4.8%). Such model yield underestimations are related to the farmers’ yield improvement practices carried out under adverse weather conditions, which were not considered by the model while forecasting. As the deviations are in an acceptable range, they prove the better applicability of ANN for yield forecasting and crop management planning in addition to its use for regional agricultural policy making.

Biological control interventions reduce pest abundance and crop damage while maintaining natural enemies in sub-Saharan Africa: a meta-analysis.

Insect pests are a major challenge to smallholder crop production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where access to synthetic pesticides, which are linked to environmental and health risks, is often limited. Biological control interventions could offer a sustainable solution, yet an understanding of their effectiveness is lacking. We used a meta-analysis approach to investigate the effectiveness of commonly used biocontrol interventions and botanical pesticides on pest abundance (PA), crop damage (CD), crop yield (Y) and natural enemy abundance (NEA) when compared with controls with no biocontrol and with synthetic pesticides. We also evaluated whether the magnitude of biocontrol effectiveness was affected by type of biocontrol intervention, crop type, pest taxon, farm type and landscape configuration. Overall, from 99 studies on 31 crops, we found that compared to no biocontrol, biocontrol interventions reduced PA by 63%, CD by over 50% and increased Y by over 60%. Compared to synthetic pesticides, biocontrol resulted in comparable PA and Y, while NEA was 43% greater. Our results also highlighted that the potential for biocontrol to be modulated by landscape configuration is a critical knowledge gap in SSA. We show that biocontrol represents an effective tool for smallholder farmers, which can maintain yields without associated negative pesticide effects. Furthermore, the evidence presented here advocates strongly for including biocontrol practices in national and regional agricultural policies.

Prioritization strategy of horticulture for agriculture development in north Toraja regency

Horticulture is currently a prima donna commodity that has very good prospects, considering the paradigm shift in food consumption towards the consumption of nutritious, cheap, and affordable food and easy to grow (maintain). The type of horticulture plant is one type of food crop that is classified as a staple food need such as; vegetables and fruits. This plant is commonly found in the North Toraja Regency, such as; in hot peppers, onions, and potatoes. North Toraja Regency is one of the areas that have the potential to develop horticulture agriculture. The purpose of this study is to determine the priority of the horticulture agriculture development strategy in North Toraja Regency. The research method used is a quantitative method with a type of survey research. The study was conducted in North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi Province, from July to September 2022. The types of data collected include secondary data in the form of research results and formulations of national and regional agricultural policies, as well as primary data in the form of opinions of stakeholders related to horticulture agricultural development strategies in North Toraja Regency. The data analysis method is carried out with the AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) technique. The results of the study obtained that the main strategy in the development of horticulture agriculture in North Toraja Regency is a strategy of improving technology and business funding assistance.

The characteristics and influencing factors of change in farmland system vulnerability: A case study of Sanmenxia City, China

The farmland social-ecological system is an integral part of a regional ecological system, and uses its unique perspective to trace the evolution of vulnerability of the whole ecosystem. Based on the theory of ecosystem vulnerability, the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram (VSD) assessment framework and index system of farmland system vulnerability were constructed by using multi-factor comprehensive analysis, ArcGIS spatial analysis and a factor contribution model. We evaluate the dynamic changes and influencing factors of farmland system vulnerability in Sanmenxia City, aiming to demonstrate the ways in which this vulnerability changes. The results showed a downward trend in the vulnerability of the farmland system in the city over a period of 17 years, from 0.60 in 2000 to 0.36 in 2016. From a spatial perspective, the distribution of vulnerability is uneven in each district and county. The pattern of vulnerability changed from “high in the Middle East-low in the southwest” in 2000 to “high in the Middle East-low in the southeast” in 2016. Population growth, high-speed urbanization, intensity of farmland use, factor input intensity and other human social and economic activities, together with the implementation of regional agricultural policies, have reduced the natural risk impact on the farmland social-ecological system. This is highly significant in revealing the overall evolution process and regional ecosystem mechanisms and informs the discussion on farmland social-ecosystem vulnerability in these representative areas.

Industrialization of agro-industrial complex of Kazakhstan

The goal is to justify the need for sustainable development of agro-industrial complex based on state regulation, analyze main indicators of crop production industry: maintaining and improving soil fertility, growing crops adapted to the regional natural conditions, using the most productive plant species and varieties, taking into account introduction of resource-saving technologies. Methods – PEST-analysis, which allows taking into account the economic and social aspects of the external environment that affect activities of the enterprise; generalization of information, synthesis, systematic approach. Results – volumes of gross agricultural output of Kazakhstan for 2019-2021, main stages of reengineering are presented. A number of effective measures to improve competitiveness of agricultural production have been proposed. The role of scientific support of AIC, the use of innovative agricultural technologies and developments in crop production and animal husbandry is shown. The authors state the need for constant updating of professional standards that regulate the requirements for competencies of specialists in agricultural sector; use of the latest modern methods of foreign practice; compliance with international standards in storage, processing of agricultural products and feed; strict accounting of gene pool of breeds, groups, types of animals, birds, plants; production costs reduction, increasing profitability and productivity, which can be achieved through technical and technological reequipment, use of highly productive crop varieties, improvement of production structure and methods of economic management. Conclusions – as a result of the study, recommendations on implementation of regional agricultural policy were prepared. Barriers to the development of agroindustrial complex have yet to be overcome, since significant investments are needed for industrialization.

Resource and Environmental Pressures on the Transformation of Planting Industry in Arid Oasis.

Controlling environmental pollutant discharge and water resource demand is crucial for the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas in arid oases. Taking Ganzhou, an arid oasis in Northwest China, as an example, we established an analysis framework for the relationship between the planting industry transformation and the resource and environmental pressures, from 2011 to 2020, through the methods of inventory, coefficient and quota accounting. The results showed that the planting scale of crops in oases has continuously expanded, with a structural dominance of corn seed production. Pollutant discharge showed a “Z”-type evolution trend, and the demand for water consumption continued to increase. The transformation of the planting industry and pollutant discharge showed coupled trade-offs and a synergetic alternating fluctuations coupling relationship, which was highly co-evolutionary with the demand for water resources. Crop planting exhibited four spatial patterns, namely the mixed planting area of grain and cash crops grown in mountain areas (GCPA), suburban scale vegetable planting (SVPA), planting of seed production corn (MSPA), and the compound planting area of grain crops, oil crops, vegetables, and other characteristic crops (CMPA). MSPA and SVPA had the highest total and average volume per unit area, respectively. The planting industry transformation and evolution of resource and environment pressures are closely related to changes in national strategies, regional agricultural policies, and environmental regulations. Therefore, studying their relationships provides a scientific basis for the formulation of suitable countermeasures, according to the development stage of a region.

SMART VILLAGES AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The “smart village” concept is relatively new among EU decision- and policy it is a result of many-it is a result of many years of debate, economic and territorial inequalities, social exclusion, diversification of certain areas, gradual reduction of agricultural activities and the interaction of cohesion, regional, and common agricultural policy. The concept of smart villages implies saving villages and their inhabitants, protecting cultural heritage and using local potentials to meet modern challenges. In its initial stages, it requires activities of all stakeholders, from individuals living in the rural area in question to decision-makers participating in identifying the strengths, threats, opportunities, and weaknesses of a certain rural area. Apart from the theoretical definition of smart villages, this paper aims to analyse European regulations of smart villages, and to define the challenges and smart village traps in rural development and ways in which they can be prevented.

On the joint volatility dynamics in international dairy commodity markets*

The present study investigates the price (co)volatility of four dairy commodities—skim milk powder, whole milk powder, butter, and cheddar cheese—in three major dairy markets. It uses a multivariate factor stochastic volatility model for estimating the time‐varying covariance and correlation matrices by imposing a low‐dimensional latent dynamic factor structure. The empirical results support four factors representing the European Union and Oceania dairy sectors as well as the milk powder markets. Factor volatilities and marginal posterior volatilities of each dairy commodity increase after the 2006/07 global (food) crisis, which also coincides with the free trade agreements enacted from 2007 onward and EU and US liberalization policy changes. The model‐implied correlation matrices show increasing dependence during the second half of 2006, throughout the first half of 2007, as well as during 2008 and 2014, which can be attributed to various regional agricultural dairy policies. Furthermore, in‐sample value at risk measures (VaRs and CoVaRs) are provided for each dairy commodity under consideration.

Regional development, agricultural policies, and environmental instability

This article aims at showcasing and displaying how the agricultural policies might become the key factor in causing environmental instability. Using various examples from different regions and countries we show that as the demand for food is growing with the increasing population and the reduction of arable land, governments around the world are intensifying their agricultural policies. We argue that as some of these policies might be irresponsible and short-sighted, this approach often leads to the massive adverse effects such as massive agricultural pollution, droughts, famines, and degradation. In addition, we show that novel technologies (especially information and communication technologies (ICTs)) need to be used in agriculture in order to help combating global warming and climate change as well as tackling other environmental problems. All of these might help the relevant stakeholders and policy-makers to shape up the principles and blueprints for the sustainable agriculture that would correspond the principles and provisions of the sustainable development and would follow the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Decomposition of technical efficiency in agricultural production in Africa into transient and persistent technical efficiency under heterogeneous technologies

Abstract The agricultural sector remains a cornerstone to Africa’s economic transformation and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the sector’s performance, in terms of productivity growth, has been sub-optimal when compared with performances in Asia, America, and Europe. Technical efficiency is a major contributor to the growth in agricultural productivity. However, there is limited research about the sources of technical inefficiency in agricultural production in Africa. This is critical given that Africa has problems with food security and high poverty. This study applied a parametric technique to estimate technical efficiency in Africa’s agricultural sector under heterogeneous technologies, while separating unobserved country-specific heterogeneities from transient and persistent technical efficiency. Data consisted of 49 African countries spanning from 1990 to 2016. Assuming a homogeneous technology, the estimated mean technical efficiency of 38.2%, suggests that, in Africa, about 62% of the potential agricultural output is untapped. However, considering heterogeneity in production technologies, the mean estimated technical efficiency value differed between the two classes. The numbers suggest that about 59% and 69% of untapped potential agricultural output in class one and class two groups, respectively. In all cases, persistent technical inefficiency hinders technical efficiency, an indication that government or regional agricultural policies should be long-term oriented. With the evidence of conditional convergence in technical efficiency, efforts to improve persistent technical efficiency can drive regional targets in food security and poverty alleviation and induce inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Sustainable Utilization of Indigenous Goats in Southern Africa

Goats have a key role in ensuring food security and economic livelihood to smallholder farmers in rural areas. Women play a vital role in goat rearing, promoting economic autonomy within households. Indigenous goats dominate and are of high significance due to their adaptive traits that are relevant for climate change and low maintenance. However, lack of emphasis on farmer-centered technology development and proper breed characterization remains a hitch to sustainable utilization and breed development of indigenous goats. This can be over come through proper linkage between market and production, workable regional and national agricultural policies, community breeding programs, collaborative research work within the region, and consistent government support.

Rural development in the Far Eastern Federal District

The article presents the material relating to the current state and prospects of development of rural areas in the Far Eastern Federal district of Russia. It is shown which factors are restraining and which factors are stimulating, as well as the degree of influence of each group on the development of rural areas of the Far East of Russia. The practical significance lies in the fact that the results of the study can be useful in the development and justification of rural development programs and regional agricultural policy.

Products Mapping' and Agri-Food Trade between Nigeria and ECOWAS Member Countries

Intra-ECOWAS trade and food evxports have been debated and given attention in recent years. The paper uses an analytical tool, called ‘products mapping’ following some methods, such as trade balance index, Balassa index and Lafay index to analyse comparative advantages in all 46 food items (SITC 0 + 1 + 22 + 4) in trade between Nigeria and ECOWAS as well as the world. The findings suggest that Nigeria has performed better in trading with other ECOWAS countries than in trading with the overall world market. For Nigeria and the world, the findings reveal that the country’s comparative advantages reduced from 12 out of 46 (12/46) in 1995 to 8/46 food products in 2017. The notable products that reveal comparative advantages and positive TBI are cocoa (SITC 072), crustaceans (SITC 036), fruits and nuts (SITC 057); and oil seeds and oleaginous fruits (SITC 222). Contrary to Nigeria’s trade with the world, the results suggest that the country’s comparative advantages in trading with ECOWAS countries rose from 19/46 in 1995 to 26/46 food products in 2017. The notable products that show comparative advantages and positive TBI are tobacco, edible products, maize and wheat. Inversely, food products with comparative disadvantage and adverse TBI, slightly reduced from 18/46 in 1995 to 17/46 in 2017. The findings further suggest that the structure of Nigeria’s food trade with ECOWAS has started involving and improving, albeit at a slow pace. There is an urgent need to stimulate domestic food production and food processing industries for domestic consumption and exports. Regional and national agricultural policies should be dramatically implemented for self-sufficiency and more comparative advantages and the number of positive TBI to be ensured and sustained.

Effectiveness and feasibility of different management practices to reduce soil erosion in an agricultural watershed

Erosion is the most widespread form of soil degradation in Europe. EU Member States are called to identify areas prone to high risk of soil erosion and to adopt Best Management Practices (BMPs) to decrease land degradation. This study is aimed at identifying effective BMPs and their economic feasibility for controlling soil erosion in south-central Italy where lands are largely cultivated with winter wheat. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was applied to simulate the baseline hydrologic and soil erosion processes of the Carapelle basin in the Puglia region, Italy. Calibrated sediment loads were reasonably accurate when statistically evaluated against measured data (R2 = 0.5, NSE = 0.5, PBIAS=−2.8 %). The model performed equally well for simulating stream flow rates (R2 = 0.6, NSE = 0.6, PBIAS = 5.3 %). The model maintained reliable performance during the validation period as well. Average annual specific sediment load was estimated 5.95 t ha-1 yr-1 mostly contributed by cultivated croplands. Based on regional agricultural policies, four management scenarios were implemented using the calibrated SWAT model: contour farming (BMP1), no tillage (BMP2); reforestation (BMP3) and contour farming and reforestation (BMP4). A threshold of sediment yield greater than 10 t ha-1yr-1 was selected to discretize target treatment areas where these BMPs were applied. Result show that combining contour farming and reforestation (BMP4) was the most effective (38 % reduction; from 5.95 to 3.70 t ha-1) for erosion control, followed by BMP2 (29 %; from 5.95 to 4.20 t ha-1), BMP1 (22 %; from 5.95 to 4.61 t ha-1) and BMP3 (15 %; from 5.95 to 5.04 t ha-1). An analysis of the farmer return-production cost ratio (FR/PC) indicated that the baseline (conventional tillage) and BMP1 were both economically sustainable in areas with slope <20 % (FR/PC = 1.12 and 1.11, respectively). BMP2 received the highest FR/PC rating of 1.67 in areas with slope <20 %. The baseline scenario had no economic advantage (FR/PC = 0.93) in steep slope areas. BMP3 was ranked at the top (FR/PC = 1.49) followed by BMP2 (FR/PC = 1.41) in areas with slope>20 %. The results show that a program of measures can be effective for controlling soil erosion but it must be implemented over long time frames and it requires relevant investments from the public and private sectors.

Economic Analysis of Regional Agricultural and Environmental Policy and Applicability of Experimental Studies

Economic Analysis of Regional Agricultural and Environmental Policy and Applicability of Experimental Studies