Horizon e-Publishing Group (HePG): E-Journals
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Marketing efficiency and channel dynamics of tribal turmeric FPOs in Andhra Pradesh
Get PDFThe present study was carried out in the Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district of Andhra Pradesh during 2022–2024. A purposive sampling method was employed to select 15 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) engaged in turmeric value addition. From each FPO, five respondents were randomly chosen, along with five officials, resulting in a total sample size of 80. Acharya’s modified method was applied to evaluate the efficiency of the identified marketing channels. The study identified four major marketing channels. The Producer-Consumer channel, though utilized by only 5 % of participants, recorded the highest producer share (67.4 %) and highest marketing efficiency (2.07) due to the direct sale mechanism. Conversely, the Village Trader-Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer channel, which had the highest adoption rate (65 %), exhibited the lowest efficiency of 0.21, indicating significant intermediary margins and reduced returns for farmers. The FPO-led channel showed moderate efficiency, ranging from 0.26 to 1.18, suggesting that with stronger institutional support from Dr YSRH University, ITDA, ANGRAU and line departments could provide more balanced benefits. The GCC-based cooperative channel, primarily followed in tribal areas, demonstrated efficiency values between 0.33 and 0.56. This indicates that while the channel is cost-effective, it offers limited potential for value addition. This evidence-based analysis offers a clearer understanding of the income potential and efficiency across marketing channels, while highlighting the practical factors influencing farmers’ choices. Turmeric marketing is crucial for enhancing farm income, reducing post-harvest losses and improving value chain efficiency, especially in key producing regions like ASR district. Strengthening marketing systems supports the livelihoods of small and tribal farmers, promotes rural entrepreneurship and ensures better price realization. The study provides essential insights for stakeholders, including farmers, FPOs and policymakers to identify and strengthen appropriate marketing strategies for turmeric
Market performance and trade dynamics of India\u27s primary vegetables: An analysis of tomato, onion and potato
No full textIndia, ranking as the second largest global vegetable producer, faces a significant discrepancy between its production capacity and export potential, particularly for tomato, onion and potato (TOP) vegetables. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the export performance of these three critical crops by analyzing their growth patterns, market stability and trade destinations over two decades. The research utilized 21 years of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) data (2004 to 2024), employing Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for growth trend analysis, Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDVI) to measure export volatility and stability and Markov Chain methodology to examine shifting trade destination patterns. These analytical methods collectively provide a robust framework for understanding export dynamics through secondary data reflecting production patterns, export quantities, values and market destinations. The findings revealed that tomatoes experienced extreme growth volatility with spectacular initial growth (56.74 % CAGR) followed by dramatic decline (-11.51 % CAGR), while onion exports demonstrated relative stability despite periodic fluctuations and potato exports showed consistent positive growth with improving market stability over time. Export instability analysis indicated high volatility for tomato exports and medium instability for onions, whereas potato exports exhibited significant stability improvements. The Markov Chain analysis revealed high export concentration toward Bangladesh for tomato and onion markets, with Nepal emerging as a key destination for potato exports. Overall, the study demonstrates that realizing India\u27s vegetable export potential through TOP crops requires coordinated policy interventions, infrastructure development and quality standardization to enhance exports and achieve sustainable growth in global markets
The mechanistic pathways of Pochonia chlamydosporia: A biology perspective on Nematode suppression and plant promotion
Get PDFPochonia chlamydosporia is a promising nematophagous fungus known for its multifaceted role in the biological suppression of plant parasitic nematodes and the enhancement of plant health. This review provides a mechanistic perspective on its functional biology, systematically dissecting the pathways through which P. chlamydosporia establishes in the rhizosphere, parasitizes nematode eggs, produces bioactive metabolites and triggers systemic defense responses in host plants. The fungus exhibits robust colonization strategies both in soil and plant roots, driven by factors like inoculum density and environmental conditions. It secretes enzymes and forms specialized structures for nematode egg parasitism, while also synthesizing metabolites with nematicidal and plant-growth-promoting properties. Moreover, its endophytic interaction with host plants modulates signaling pathways, triggering systemic defense gene expression. Through its diverse mechanistic actions, P. chlamydosporia emerges as a powerful bioagent contributing to both nematode management and improved plant growth
An assessment of service quality gap in farmer producer organizations: A comparative approach using SERVQUAL
Get PDFThis study examines service quality gaps in Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu using the SERVQUAL model by comparing Grade A and Grade D FPOs. Data were collected through a stratified random sampling method from 240 members across four FPOs to assess five key service quality dimensions. The findings revealed significant service gaps with Grade D FPOs showing larger service quality gaps particularly in tangibles (-1.21), reliability (-1.32) and empathy (-1.17). These gaps disclose shortcomings in infrastructure, timeliness of service delivery, accuracy in record keeping and member focused engagement. In contrast, Grade A FPOs demonstrated narrower gaps, indicating stronger operational efficiency and higher levels of member satisfaction. The pronounced service quality gaps in Grade D FPOs pose threat to member trust, active participation and the long-term sustainability of these organizations. The study recommends targeted policy interventions such as the implementation of standardized service delivery protocols and workforce training. Bridging these gaps is critical to strengthening the role of FPOs as vital institutions for promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in Indian agricultural sector
The role of Lactobacillus casei bacteria in improving the microbial and sensory properties of fermented millet puree
No full textThis study aimed to prepare functional foods from local proso millet puree (from whole grains, crushed grains and millet flour) fermented with Lactobacillus casei bacteria and to follow up on its role in improving the properties of the puree. Fermentation was carried out at 37n°C for 24 and 48 hrs using (0, 2, 4, 6 %) pre-activated Lactobacillus casei in liquid MRS medium and skim milk, respectively. The results showed an increase in the number of starter bacteria with an increase in the inoculation rate and incubation time. The highest concentration was reached when using millet ground at an inoculation rate of 6 % 24 and 48 hrs after the end of fermentation, as it was 8.86 and 9.75 CFU/g. The pH dropped differently depending on how many bacteria were added and how long the fermentation took. The lowest pH was recorded when 6 % bacteria were added to the flour and after 24 hrs of fermentation, it reached 3.09. There were significant differences at this level (P≤0.05). The total phenol levels went up in both the water-based and alcohol-based extracts of the puree, with the alcohol extract showing the highest levels after the two fermentation periods. The highest levels were found in the pureed millet at a 4 % inoculation rate after 48 hrs, where they were (638.12, 801.58 µg/g), but they also went down. Following 6 % in the whole grain alcoholic extract after 24 and 48 hrs, at 524.28 and 931.72 g/g, respectively, the water-based extract of whole grain puree and crushed extract contained the highest number of tannins. The fermented flour had the lowest amount of tannin. With different inoculation rates and fermentation times, the levels of tannins increased while the levels of phytates varied. After 48 hrs, the puree of flour treatments at all inoculation rates had the highest decrease (275.1, 264.5 and 486.7 g/g, respectively), followed by the whole grain treatments at 4 % inoculation rate (264.5 and 624.2 g/g) respectively. Finally, all the purees in general achieved the highest sensory ratings and general acceptance compared to the control treatments, with significant differences (P< 0.05) among the many sensory attributes used in sensory evaluation
Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on the control of lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica) in stored rice and its impact on seed quality
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of carbon dioxide (CO?) exposure at different concentrations, seed moisture levels and number of exposures on the physiological, biochemical and seed health characteristics of rice cv ADT 43. Initially, rice seeds were treated in a deep freezer for 48 h to eliminate Rhyzoperth dominica infestations. Fresh insects (25 per kg of seeds) were introduced and kept for 20 days before transferring the seeds to airtight containers. The seeds were exposed to CO? once or thrice at 15-day intervals, using CO? concentrations of 30%, 40% and 50%, with 12% and 14% seed moisture contents. The effectiveness of CO? in controlling insect infestations was assessed, alongside its impact on seed viability, germination and overall seed health. Seeds were monitored over 8 months to track changes in seed vigor and insect damage. CO? exposure did not cause substantial changes in seed moisture content and maintained low metabolic activity in both seeds and insects. The best results were observed with exposure to 50% CO? at 12% seed moisture, especially when repeated thrice, preserved optimal seed quality, including high germination percentage (86% to 87%), longer root (20.3cm) and shoot lengths (9.2) and better dry matter production (DMP) (0.128) compared to the control group. The results of the biochemical analysis show that there is no significant difference among the treatments. CO? fumigation at concentrations of 30%, 40%, or 50% is an effective method that offers a promising alternative for controlling insect infestations in rice seeds pest control in seed storage without adversely affecting seed viability or quality
Seed germination, seedling vigor and survival of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. \u27Red Lady\u27 under GA3 treatment and different nursery growing media
No full textSlow, partial and uneven germination of papaya, along with high seedling mortality, are common challenges faced by papaya growers. Consequently, papaya is commercially propagated by seeds. This study aimed to enhance papaya germination and seedling success by testing various combinations of gibberellic acid (GA3) and nursery growing media under green shade net conditions. This experiment was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Jalandhar, Punjab from July to September 2022-2023. A field experiment was conducted using a factorial completely randomized design (F-CRD) with 16 treatments and three replications, comprising a total of 576 plants. The experiment involved in four levels of gibberellic acid: G0 (soaking in water), G1 (50 ppm), G2 (150 ppm) and G3 (250 ppm). Additionally, four levels of nursery growing media-GM0 (soil), GM1 [soil: vermicompost (1:1)], GM2 [soil: cocopeat (1:1)] and GM3 [soil: cocopeat: vermicompost (1:1:1)] and their interactions were evaluated. The results revealed that among gibberellic acid treatments G3 (GA3 250 ppm) significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of seedling parameters. Regarding the individual effect of nursery growing media, the maximum seedling parameters were observed under treatment GM3 [soil: cocopeat: vermicompost (1:1:1)]. Among the interactions of GA3 and nursery growing media levels, all seedling parameters, except petiole length, were significantly superior in treatment G3 GM3. Meanwhile, treatment G2 GM3 was statistically at par with it for most of the seedling parameters studied. These findings suggest the potential of this treatment combination for improving papaya seedling success in a new environment, specifically under Punjab climatic conditions
Yield model and yield table construction in farm grown teak (Tectona grandis, Linn. F) under different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India
No full textThe market value of Tectona grandis has significantly increased due to the growing demand for its high quality wood. Known for its versatile applications, Tectona grandis is commonly cultivated in block and boundary formations across communal lands. A field study was conducted across four agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu, namely the North Eastern Zone (NEZ), North Western Zone (NWZ), Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ) and Western Zone (WZ), covering three different age classes across 120 farm-grown plantations. Biometric parameters of the trees, including height and diameter at 2-m intervals, were recorded using a tree telescope. The collected data was processed and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis was applied to develop a yield model, enabling the construction of accurate yield tables for Tectona grandis without relying on a form factor. The following yield models were developed for the respective zones: NEZ as Y1= -0.291 + (0.002*Age) + (0.026**Mid diameter) + (0.010**Height), NWZ as Y2= -0.163 - (0.012** Age) + (0.028** Mid diameter) + (0.009** Height), CDZ as Y3= -0.343 - (0.001 Age) + (0.023** Mid diameter) + (0.024** Height) and WZ as Y4= -0.187 - (0.002 Age) + (0.051** Mid diameter) - (0.036** Height). The key finding of this study is that the growth of Tectona grandis varies significantly across different agro-climatic zones. This variation can be effectively monitored using statistically constructed yield tables, which provides a valuable tool for the sustainable management of Tectona grandis plantations
Valuing nature: A comprehensive review of ecosystem services in India
No full textThe concept of ecosystem services (ES) has garnered global recognition due to its substantial impact on human well-being. Biodiversity loss, driven by both direct and indirect factors, has led to a decrease in the lifespan of ecosystems and their ability to offer ecosystem services. On a global scale, ES assessments are increasingly utilised by academicians to develop sustainable and environmentally focused policies. In India, ES-related research has been steadily expanding to capture the various benefits, both tangible and intangible, provided by numerous ecosystems. This study analyses 71 research articles to evaluate the increasing trend of ecosystem research and examine their methodological approaches. The gaps in existing research and literature have been extensively examined. The study reveals that while ecosystem services obtained from woods have been extensively studied, blue water ecosystems have not been adequately researched. Additionally, there is a lack of research on both the immediate and long-term impacts of global warming and other environmental concerns on the availibity of ecosystem services. A comprehensive evaluation of environmental sustainability necessitates the integration of interdisciplinary approaches. Future ES assessments should incorporate both conventional and indigenous knowledge systems within the evaluation framework to develop practical and long-lasting policy recommendations
Genetic analysis of resistance to YVMV in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]
No full textYellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) is a highly devastating viral disease in okra growing areas. Understanding the inheritance of YVMV disease resistance and the breeding approach for developing a resistant cultivar against this disease is critical. Six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, BC2) of four selected crosses (R × R, R × S and S × S) between two resistant and two susceptible genotypes were used to study the genetic control of host resistance to YVMV disease in okra. The inheritance study found that resistance to YVMV illness was influenced by two duplicate dominant genes in the Resistant × Resistant cross and one dominant gene in the Resistant × Susceptible cross. Significant scaling tests and joint scaling tests revealed the presence of epistasis for illness reaction features. The size of dominance affects and dominance × dominance kind of epistasis suggests that heterosis breeding and recombination breeding followed by selection of transgressive segregants are the most suitable breeding technique to establish host resistance against YVMV disease