Sustainable Agricultural Growth Research Articles

EMPIRICAL EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT IN SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES USING PANEL DATA ANALYSIS

The purpose of this article is to assess the agricultural development of ten Southeast European (SEE) countries from the aspect of key environmental, economic and social indicators of agricultural sustainability management from 2011 to 2020. The article uses a Cross-section panel data Fixed Effects Model to identify relations between agricultural development in SEE countries and mentioned indicators of sustainable agricultural development management. The common sample of all SEE countries shows the economic sustainability, but also the environmental and social unsustainability of their agricultural systems. At a disaggregated level, the subsample of European Union (EU) membership candidate countries also yields the same findings. In contrast, the subsample of EU member states indicates all three dimensions of sustainability, with the exception of the aspect of using renewables. Therefore, both groups of countries should use renewables more intensively in order to contribute to the promotion of their efficient, sovereign and sustainable agricultural growth.

The role of improving the business environment in agriculture in ensuring the country’s food security

Ensuring food security largely depends on a number of factors, including ensuring sustainable economic growth in agriculture and increasing production. Taking all this into account, it should be noted that improving the business environment in agriculture can play a significant role in preventing internal economic threats to food security. In all countries, regardless of the type and nature of the economic system, the state develops economic programs to ensure food security, and the main goal of these economic programs is, first of all, to improve the current situation in agriculture, achieve sustainable economic growth, as well as the implementation of measures aimed at increasing its productivity. In this regard, it should be particularly noted that a number of state programs aimed at providing the population with reliable food products are being adopted on an ongoing basis in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It should be noted that the formation of a favorable business environment in agriculture implies, first of all, free access of economic entities operating independently of their property ownership to the market of capital and investment resources, provision of necessary state support to commodity producers, providing them with a system of production, market and social infrastructure, as well as the ability to meet the needs of agricultural producers in material and technical resources on effective terms. All this also follows from the process of comparative advantages, but despite all this, the formation of a favorable business environment is important for improving the provision of necessary food, and all this makes the choice of the topic and, consequently, the relevance of the study an objective necessity.

Effects of wind speed and wind direction on crop yield forecasting using dynamic time warping and an ensembled learning model.

The cultivation of cashew crops carries numerous economic advantages, and countries worldwide that produce this crop face a high demand. The effects of wind speed and wind direction on crop yield prediction using proficient deep learning algorithms are less emphasized or researched. We propose a combination of advanced deep learning techniques, specifically focusing on long short-term memory (LSTM) and random forest models. We intend to enhance this ensemble model using dynamic time warping (DTW) to assess the spatiotemporal data (wind speed and wind direction) similarities within Jaman North, Jaman South, and Wenchi with their respective production yield. In the Bono region of Ghana, these three areas are crucial for cashew production. The LSTM-DTW-RF model with wind speed and wind direction achieved an R2 score of 0.847 and the LSTM-RF model without these two key features R2 score of (0.74). Both models were evaluated using the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, which is commonly used in time series analysis to assess stationarity, where the LSTM-DTW-RF achieved a 90% level of confidence, while LSTM-RF attained an 87.99% level. Among the three municipalities, Jaman South had the highest evaluation scores for the model, with an RMSE of 0.883, an R2 of 0.835, and an MBE of 0.212 when comparing actual and predicted values for Wenchi. In terms of the annual average wind direction, Jaman North recorded (270.5 SW°), Jaman South recorded (274.8 SW°), and Wenchi recorded (272.6 SW°). The DTW similarity distance for the annual average wind speed across these regions fell within specific ranges: Jaman North (±25.72), Jaman South (±25.89), and Wenchi (±26.04). Following the DTW similarity evaluation, Jaman North demonstrated superior performance in wind speed, while Wenchi excelled in wind direction. This underscores the potential efficiency of DTW when incorporated into the analysis of environmental factors affecting crop yields, given its invariant nature. The results obtained can guide further exploration of DTW variations in combination with other machine learning models to predict higher cashew yields. Additionally, these findings emphasize the significance of wind speed and direction in vertical farming, contributing to informed decisions for sustainable agricultural growth and development.

Application of Phototrophic Microorganisms as Biofertilizer Isolated from South Gujarat, India

Chemical fertilizers have impact on soil texture and also affects the plant growth upto certain level. Due to overuse of chemicals, soil profile has major changes in Gujarat. South Gujarat having major agricultural practices in vegetables, fruits and Sugarcane. The phtotrophic microorganisms isolated from wetland of Nanikakrad situated near to Navasari. The impact of algal biofertilizers on the growth of Solanum melongena, Solanum lycopersicum, and Capsicum annum was researched through a pot study. Plant height, width, and the number of leaves at different time intervals were measured, and soil nutrient levels were analysed by measuring Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur content. A total of 30 pots (10 for each plant species) were used, and eight different isolates were applied across treatment. Two pots of plants were maintained as controls; one including chemical fertilizers. Plant growth was significantly promoted by isolates I1 and I2 in Solanum melongena, while in Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum, all treatments improved growth compared with controls. Chlorophyll content was significantly increased in chemical fertilized Solanum melongena, whereas in Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annum, I1 significantly increased Chlorophyll content. These findings underline the potential of algal biofertilizers as a smarter, safer alternative to chemical fertilizers that promise to drive sustainable growth in agriculture.

Evaluating the Impact and Challenges of Farmer Producer Organizations on Agricultural Development in Jaipur District, Rajasthan, India

This paper examines the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in agricultural development, focusing on their impact on income, employment, and work activities alongside the prevalent challenges they face. Through a detailed analysis of survey data, the effectiveness of FPOs is evaluated in key areas such as food availability, healthcare, and education. Additionally, the study identifies critical barriers including financial access, policy constraints, and the need for technical training. By highlighting these issues, the research aims to provide insights into improving FPO operations and enhancing their contribution to sustainable agricultural growth, thus supporting farmer empowerment and economic development.

The Role of Climate Change Perceptions in Sustainable Agricultural Development: Evidence from Conservation Tillage Technology Adoption in Northern China

Encouraging the use of conservation tillage technology is a highly effective approach to safeguarding soil health, improving the environment, and promoting sustainable agricultural development. With the mounting concerns surrounding climate change, developing conservation tillage methods that facilitate sustainable agricultural growth has become an imperative both in China and around the world. While it is widely recognized that adapting to climate change is crucial in agriculture, there is limited research on evaluating the risks, discovering resilience, measuring farmers’ perceptions on climate change, and exploring how tillage technology can be adjusted in the context of small-scale farming in China to foster sustainable development. Using research data from smallholder farmers in the Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces of China, this paper aims to explore the impact of climate change perceptions on farmers’ adoption of conservation tillage technologies based on an ordered Probit model. We found that farmers tend to refrain from embracing conservation tillage technology due to the presence of unclear and conflicting perceptions regarding climate change. Focus on short-term profitability and inadequate preparation hinder them from prioritizing adaptation. We recognized several measures that could help farmers adapt and thrive within the agricultural sector. Furthermore, we have validated the need for self-system moderation in promoting farmers’ adoption of conservation tillage technology. By utilizing such tools and resources, farmers can comprehend the gravity of climate change’s impact on agricultural productivity and, more importantly, channel their efforts towards fortifying resilience to extreme weather conditions and long-term climate risks, thus fortifying agricultural sustainability.

Zinc oxide application alleviates arsenic-mediated oxidative stress via physio-biochemical mechanism in rice.

Arsenic (As) pollution in cultivated soils poses a significant risk to the sustainable growth of agriculture and jeopardizes food security. However, the mechanisms underlying how zinc (Zn) regulates the toxic effects induced by As in plants remain poorly understood. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential of ZnO as an effective and environmentally friendly amendment to alleviate As toxicity in rice, thereby addressing the significant risk posed by As pollution in cultivated soils. Through a hydroponic experiment, the study assessed the mitigating effects of different ZnO dosages (Zn5, 5mg L-1; Zn15, 15mg L-1; Zn30, 30mg L-1) on rice seedlings exposed to varying levels of As stress (As0, 0µM L-1; As25, 25µM L-1). The findings of the study demonstrate significant improvements in plant height and biomass (shoot and root), with a notable increase of 16-40% observed in the Zn15 treatment, and an even more substantial enhancement of 29-53% observed in the Zn30 treatment under As stress, compared to respective control treatment. Furthermore, in the Zn30 treatment, the shoot and root As contents substantially reduced by 47% and 63%, respectively, relative to the control treatment. The elevated Zn contents in shoots and roots enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, SOD, and CAT), and decreased MDA contents (13-25%) and H2O2 contents (11-27%), indicating the mitigation of oxidative stress. Moreover, the expression of antioxidant-related genes, OsSOD-Cu/Zn, OsCATA, OsCATB, and OsAPX1 was reduced when rice seedlings were exposed to As stress and significantly enhanced after Zn addition. Overall, the research suggests that ZnO application could effectively mitigate As uptake and toxicity in rice plants cultivated in As-contaminated soils, offering potential solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Factors Determining Private Agricultural Investment: A Comparative Case Study of Two States of India

The study endeavours to examine the pattern and determinants of agricultural investment in two states of India viz., Haryana and Odisha. The existing literature points out that public investment in agriculture is one among the strongest determinants of private investment and output in agriculture. Accordingly, emphasis has been laid to accelerate the rate of public investment. The present study using primary data in two diverse regions of India is an attempt in that direction. Data from 150 households from both states have been collected using proportionate stratified random sampling method. The study finds that private farm investment as well as output are relatively lower in Odisha, being an agriculturally lagged region. It is further seen that private investment in agriculture has been significantly influenced by canal irrigation, institutional credit, and land size in Odisha. While in Haryana, farmer’s education, land size and institutional credit positively and significantly affected private farm investment. Capital use in agriculture turned out to be positive and significant variables influencing agricultural productivity in both regions. The study thus recommends to ensure public policies on the aspects of irrigation infrastructure, research and extension, improvement rural infrastructure etc. in stimulating private investment and agricultural output. Public investment in agriculture on these components would bridge inter-regional inequalities and ensure inclusiveness as it promotes employment opportunities and sustainable growth in agriculture. In the context of Odisha, being a poorer state, these policies could serve as important tools of poverty alleviation.

An empirical study on the impact of green transition of farmland use on agricultural economic growth: A case of Hubei Province of China

Farmland use challenges reflect the current complexities facing China's agricultural economic development. This study focuses on 70 counties in Hubei Province of China, with the objective of exploring the spatial relationship between green transition of farmland use and agricultural economic growth. Furthermore, it seeks to quantify their effects and assess regional heterogeneity. Here are the findings: (1) There is a notable positive spatial correlation observed between agricultural economic growth and the various subsystems as well as factor layers of the green transition of farmland use. (2) The optimization of the quantity and form of farmland has a positive promoting effect on agricultural economic growth in both the local county and adjoining counties. In contrast, the spatial pattern, ecological function, intensive use, and environmental friendliness of farmland have a negative effect. (3) The influence factors of the green transition of farmland use on agricultural economic growth show significant spatial heterogeneity, with the overall effect degree being in the following order: northern hillock, central plain, western mountain range, and eastern hills. The influence on neighboring agricultural economic growth also exhibits significant spatial differentiation, with the overall effect degree following this order: eastern hills, northern hillock, central plain, and western mountain range. Targeted suggestions are proposed to promote the green transition of farmland use and achieve sustainable agricultural economic growth.

Climate change adaptation and smallholder farmers welfare: Empirical evidence from the Sahelian Region of West Africa

Global climate change has threatened sustainable agricultural growth over the years, severely affecting food sufficiency and the livelihood of farmers. The Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSAT), as a form of adaptation, offer pathways for mitigating the negative effect of climate change on crop producers in developing countries. This study uses cross-country (Mali and Niger) cross-sectional data to examine the welfare (proxied by crop sales revenue and income) impact of multiple adoptions of CSAT on smallholder farm households. To control for potential endogeneity that leads to bias estimates, we employ the multinomial endogenous treatment effect (METE) model, complemented with the inverse probability weighted regression adjustment (IPWRA) for the analysis. The result reveals that household (education, location, and assets) and plot (plot size, plot topography, and soil fertility) characteristics, institutional factors (farmer-based organization, access to formal credit, and extension service) and crop disease shock significantly influence different combinations of CSAT adoption. The impact estimates show that adopting joint combinations of CSAT leads to higher crop sales revenue and income among the farmers in most cases. These findings suggest that the adoption of CSAT as a package should be encouraged and disseminated in the West Africa Sahel region. Moreover, some sociodemographic and institutional factors such as education, credit access, farmer-based organizations, and extension services could be strengthened for easy and rapid adoption of CSAT by smallholder farmers, which subsequently improves their economic welfare.

Maximizing Agricultural Performance in Developing Countries: Implementing Efficient Cultivation Strategies for Short-Term Harvests to Boost Production Rates and Accelerate Supply Chain Efficiency

Improving agricultural productivity in developing countries is crucial for food security and economic prosperity. This research investigates the application of effective agricultural systems focused at short-term harvests in order to increase production rates and optimize supply chain efficiency. This study's focus on innovative farming techniques, technology adoption, and supply chain management improvements desires to assist policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and stakeholders with practical knowledge. This study focuses on multiple cultivation using the ground and the spaces accessible above it; therefore, the cost will remain constant or as low as possible. Cultivators will use minimal effort to bring out maximum harvest where they will use less labour as the ground is the same. This study will discuss on efficient cultivation strategies, Short term harvests and production rates, Optimizing supply chain efficiency, Innovative farming techniques and technology adoption, Supply chain management improvements and actionable insights for sustainable agricultural development. Through an emphasis on innovative farming methodologies, technological integration, and enhancements in supply chain management, this study endeavours to furnish actionable insights crucial for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and stakeholders invested in the agricultural sector. The study emphasizes the vital role of customized changes in agricultural methods in addressing hurdles and maximizing on potential for sustainable agricultural growth. (Kouvelis et al., 2006) According to the findings of this study, the majority of cultivators work on the ground surface. They are spending money on fertilizer, water, and insecticides. One farmer can grow cauliflower, which will occupy the ground's surface. Malabar spinach will occupy the air area starting two feet above the ground. Again, a loft can be built five to six feet above ground to grow several sorts of beans. Other short-term crops such as chilies, spinach, lettuce, and radish can be grown in the gaps between the cultivation bays. In sum, all four layers of crops will need the same quantity of fertilizer, insecticides, and water. Thus, the cost will be almost the same, but the outcome will be four times higher.

Dampak Pemberian Green manure Dan Pupuk Phonska Terhadap Perkembangan Dan Hasil Tanaman Jagung Manis (Zea mays Saccarata L.)

This study aims to evaluate how green manure applied with Chromolaena odorata and Gliricidia sepium leaves, along with NPK compound fertilizer (phonska), affects the growth and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata L.). Conducted in Telaga Kodok, Central Maluku, from September to November 2022, the experiment utilized factorial design with varying doses of green manure (0, 10, and 20 tons per hectare) and phonska fertilizer (0%, 50%, and 100% of the recommended dose). Observed parameters included plant height, leaf count, leaf area, leaf area index, cob length, cob weight with husk, cob weight without husk, and cob diameter. The results of the ANOVA analysis indicate that both factors and their interaction significantly influence sweet corn's growth and yield parameters. It is recommended to apply 20 tons of green manure per hectare and 100% phonska dose to achieve optimal results, considering parameters such as plant height, leaf count, leaf area, cob length, cob weight with and without husk, and cob diameter. By enhancing sweet corn productivity, supporting food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural sector growth, this research significantly contributes to optimizing the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Evaluation of Trichoderma spp. as a plant growth promoter and antagonist of major pulse pathogens

Trichoderma spp. is mostly used for the management of soil-borne diseases and some foliage and fruit diseases in a variety of crop plants. It can help the environment by reducing agrochemical pollution, promoting plant growth, and enhancing plant resistance in addition to preventing plant diseases. Trichoderma spp. also functions as a secure, affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly biocontrol agent for several crop species. In the present study, we obtained different Trichoderma isolates from rhizospheric soil samples of different locations and tested them for their antagonistic activity against major pulse pathogens. Among seven isolates, three isolates, viz., Pipal TH-2, ATH-Kashipur, and Mz/AP-2 were found to be highly effective by inhibiting the growth of Fusarium udum (64.04 to 78.65%), Fusarium ciceris (77.77 to 82.12%), Sclerotium rolfsii (59.09 to 69.30%), Macrophomina phaseolina (52.42 to 62.72%) and Alternaria alternata (80.12 to 83.22%). These isolates were also tested for growth-promoting traits (PGPR) in the present study and isolates having both plant growth-promoting ability and biocontrol potentiality were selected and preserved for further studies. These isolates of Trichoderma spp. would be a crucial partner for achieving the Green Earth goal due to their contribution to the sustainable growth of agriculture.

Оценка и направления повышения инвестиционной привлекательности сельского хозяйства

Abstract. In modern conditions of high sanctions pressure, systemic problems that hinder the effective development of agricultural production have worsened. Increasing the investment attractiveness of agriculture is becoming the main vector and a necessary condition for countering negative exogenous factors and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. The subject of the study is organizational and economic relations that develop in the process of searching for ways to increase the investment attractiveness of agriculture. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and scientifically substantiate the directions of increasing the investment attractiveness of agriculture. Research objectives: 1) to clarify the essential content of the concept of “investment attractiveness of agriculture”; 2) to assess the investment attractiveness of the industry; 3) to determine the directions of growth of investment attractiveness of agriculture. The main research methods are monographic, statistical, graphical. Results. The article provides an analytical assessment of the investment attractiveness of agriculture in Russia. The individual elements (natural resource, production, innovation, financial, economic and labor) of the investment potential of agriculture are analyzed. The investment risks of the industry are justified. It is concluded that the investment attractiveness of agriculture is quite low, despite the existing potential for its growth due to the possibilities of using significant natural resource potential; a high level of adaptation of the industry to external negative factors of impact; favorable natural and climatic conditions; significant export potential of the industry. The scientific novelty. It consists in developing proposals to increase the investment attractiveness of agriculture based on the transformation of key institutional parameters: improving the regulatory framework for land reform; developing mechanisms for public-private partnership and project financing with a state guarantee, changing the industry structure due to the growth of the industry's technology and the use of innovations, changing the terms of lending to agriculture.

Technology audit of the Nigerian agricultural sector: towards food security

Technology-driven innovation has been generally believed to play a key role in the building of a sustainable economy. The object of the research is the audit of agricultural technology for businesses in Nigeria. This research aimed to audit the existing technologies for agricultural businesses in Nigeria, in a bid to determine the technological strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and needs that are required to transform the sector to an enviable status. The methodology involved the use of a well-structured questionnaire for data collection from 133 randomly selected agriculture-based firms, spread across the country. The instrument inquired about the technology use, needs, and prospective technological potentials. Issues relating to effective utilization, technology diffusion, and factors affecting the firms were also assessed. The results of the technology audit of the Nigerian agriculture sector revealed the prevalence of medium and low-classed technologies among the surveyed firms, while a majority desired the technologies in the medium-to-high category. Firms scarcely (4.4 %) deploy high technologies, and effective diffusion of available technologies is due largely to human/technical factors. A good percentage of respondents affirmed competency and continuous training as critical factors for the effective utilization of technologies. Finances are critical not only to acquire, but also to run, maintain, hire experts, and perform other necessary activities that would enhance effective use of technologies. The present results revealed that most firms do not opt for high technologies mainly because of a huge capital base, and unavailability of basic infrastructures such as power, and space which many of the surveyed firms considered unsurmountable. Thus, a lot is required technology-wise for Nigeria to achieve sustainable and innovative agricultural growth.

Dynamics of Fertilizer Subsidy Implementation: A Case Study of Agricultural Policy in Indonesia

This study explores the dynamics of fertilizer subsidy implementation in Indonesia, focusing on its impact on agricultural policy and practice. With the critical role of subsidies in supporting the agricultural sector, this research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of their implementation and effectiveness. Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, the study synthesizes data from a wide range of academic journals, government reports, and policy analyses. The findings highlight the complexities involved in the implementation process, including issues related to policy design, distribution mechanisms, and the actual impact on farmers' productivity and sustainability practices. The study identifies key challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and unintended consequences on smallholder farmers. Additionally, it examines the implications of these subsidies for sustainable agricultural development and the economic resilience of rural communities in Indonesia. The conclusion offers critical reflections on policy recommendations and future directions for optimizing the effectiveness of fertilizer subsidies in enhancing sustainable agricultural growth.

The simultaneous effect of credit on sustainable food crop production and agricultural economic growth in Indonesia

In general, Indonesian farmers still face limited capital in their production. Therefore, credit is needed as additional capital, which is expected to help increase their agricultural business, especially rice production. This study analyzes how credit influences rice production and agricultural economic growth simultaneously. Secondary data are a time series over 12 years (2010-2021) from BPS Statistics Indonesia and Bank Indonesia. The Statistical Analysis System/Econometric Time Series (SAS/ETS) program version 9.4 is used to estimate this study using two-stage least squares (2SLS). The results show that credit simultaneously influences rice production sustainability and economic growth in the agricultural sector through credit interest rates. A simulation model that combines an increase in agricultural credit distribution of 20% and an interest rate of 5% has a greater impact on increasing rice production and economic growth in the agricultural sector compared to a simulation model that only provides a credit interest rate of 5% or 3%.

Spatial assessment and chemical characterization of degraded (salt-affected) soils at post-reclamation stage of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Haryana State.

Dynamics of soil salinity and sodicity is a common feature driven by anthropogenic causes such as soil reclamation, the effect of extreme climate events, disturbed salt, and water balance in irrigated areas that are devoid of any good quality groundwater source and adequate natural surface drainage condition in a semiarid climatic region. Periodic soil salinity assessment is therefore vital to know the current soil salinity status, plan reclamation, and/or management strategies for sustained agricultural growth and livelihood security. Temporal studies using Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) LISS III data, at pre- (1997) and post-reclamation (2017) stages have indicated spatial changes as reclaimed areas (~ 35%) and dynamics of soil salinity as increased areas (~ 61%) under irrigation across the Gangetic plain of Haryana State. The prominent areas of reclaimed sodic soil soils were located in the old alluvial plain which covered Panipat (12.32%), Karnal (6.01%), and Jind (5.9%) districts. Based on pH, ECe, and ESP values, these were classified as slight (Sso1, 8.75%), moderate (Sso2, 24.73%), and strong (Sso3, 18.20%) sodic soils, respectively. Significant salinity-inflictions (emerging areas) were identified at low-lying, poorly drained, irrigated soils in south and central Haryana that cover Jhajjar (13.99%), Sirsa (11.06%), Hisar (10.15%), Rohtak (8.73%), Bhiwani (6.43%), Palwal (4.31%), and Rewari (3.01%) districts. Slight (Ssa1, 16.82%), and moderate (Ssa2, 22.13%), categories are dominant soils, respectively. Among the landforms, significant areas (28.24%) were identified in the old alluvial plain with sand dunes (OAPSD), aeo-fluvial plain (AFP, 8.6%), and fluvio-aeolian plain (FAP, 6.0%), respectively. Dominant areas of reclaimed soils (14.4%) were identified in OAPSD. The soil analysis data indicated that these soil are moderate to strongly sodic (pH 8.7-11.0) and saline (ECe 4-26 dS m-1). The reclaimed sodic soils showed prominent improvement in soil pH and sodicity levels (pH 8.3-9.2) at 0-15cm depth and are commonly located in the Ghaggar and Yamuna river plains. Poor quality groundwater with high Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) was dominant at selected locations under the arid and semiarid climate. The database can also be used as a reference database for further monitoring of soil salinity status particularly in the irrigated regions. Currently, it is also used as a primary database for harmonization, monitoring, and reconciling of similar soils of the world under the Global Soil Partnership projects.

A Holistic Overview of Agricultural Practices among CDIP Beneficiaries in Salimgonj Area: Current Status, Persistent Problems, and Promising Prospects

Agriculture is an essential industry in rural Bangladesh since it is the primary source of income for fifty percent of the workforce and eighty seven percent of families. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an essential part in advancing sustainable development by providing assistance to communities in need and giving them the tools, they need to boost agricultural production, improve food security, and alleviate poverty. Centre for Development Innovation and Practices (CDIP), which is located in Bangladesh, runs microfinance programs with the goals of eradicating poverty and providing persons who are economically disadvantaged with financial security. The research project utilized a Mixed-method approach, with the CDIP beneficiaries participating in both Key Information Interviews (KII) and Focused Group Discussions (FGD) as part of the research. The efficiency of certain agricultural initiatives is hindered by obstacles such as limited technical skills, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of availability of high-quality seeds and irrigation facilities. Despite all of these obstacles, there are chances for CDIP beneficiaries to develop their agricultural practices. It has been demonstrated that the utilization of mobile agricultural consulting services and digital platforms can increase crop output while also ensuring financial security. It has also been established that collaboration among CDIP, government agencies, and local communities may increase infrastructure, which in turn leads to improved market access and economic development for agriculture beneficiaries. The research focuses on loan distribution in the Salimgonj area of Bangladesh and emphasizes how important it is to address persisting barriers to sustainable agricultural growth. Vol. 10, No. 3, December 2023: 277-284

Research and development expenditures, technology spillovers, and green productivity in agriculture: an empirical analysis

ABSTRACT We study the relationship between technology spillovers from trade, domestic research and development (R&D) spending, and the growth in green total factor productivity within the agricultural sector. An empirical illustration is provided using a sample of 48 countries involved in China’s Belt and Road Initiative from 2000 to 2019. Our findings highlight the important role of agricultural imports as a positive driving force behind green productivity growth, while the impact of domestic R&D expenditures on agricultural productivity lacks statistical significance in our sample. Furthermore, we find that trade-related technological spillovers drive environmentally sustainable agricultural growth in economically developed nations, but this effect is weaker in developing countries. Conversely, greater domestic investment in agricultural research and development programs helps promote green productivity growth in relatively rich countries, but its influence diminishes in middle-income and developing countries. Lastly, a positive impact of importing vegetable and edible oil products on productivity is observed.