International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT)
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Effect of grazing hour on growth performance of crossbred sheep from southwest coastal region of Bangladesh
Full text linkSheep are small ruminants that require small amounts of feed and can graze on poor-quality pastures, including fallow lands, roadsides, dikes and playgrounds. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the grazing length on growth performance of crossbred sheep in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Sixteen crossbred female sheep were divided into four treatment groups and randomly allowed four different grazing periods. The experimental design was based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Lambs were initially weighed and grouped by keeping the average weight of the four treatment groups approximately the same. The grazing hours allocated to the four treatment groups were 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours, respectively. During this period, the sheep of particular treatment groups were housed when their allocated grazing period was completed. Empty body weight data were taken fortnightly in the morning before they were allowed to graze. The results revealed that body weight increased with increasing grazing length but the mean difference did not differ significantly (p>0.05). In most cases, the highest body weight was observed in sheep grazing for 12 hours per day. Average growth rates of grazing sheep varied significantly between the 6 to 8 hour and 10 to 12 hour grazing groups. But between the 6 to 8 hour grazing group and the 10 and 12 hour grazing group, the growth rate of crossbred sheep did not vary significantly (p>0.05). The growth rate (g day-1) of crossbred sheep ranged from 22.44±4.75 to 92.00±11.95, highest in 12 hour grazing group and lowest in 6 hour group. It can be concluded that the body weight and growth rate of crossbred sheep increased with an increase in grazing length. However, 10 hours of grazing meets the requirements for their maintenance and growth due to good pasture quality.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 104-107, June 202
Development of banana chips: Analysis of nutritional and sensory characteristics of banana chips as influenced by frying conditions
Full text linkBanana (Musa sapientum L) is a widely grown and consumed fruit due to its distinct aroma and taste. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of knowledge and trends on the processing and consumption of processed and shelf-stable banana products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of frying time and layering of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder on the proximate composition, oxidative stability and sensory properties of green banana chips. In this study, prepared chips from green bananas using two levels of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder layers (3% & 6%) and three levels of frying time (1.5, 2.0, & 2.5 minutes) following standard methods. Proximate Composition, Oxidative Stability and Sensory Properties of the chips were analyzed. The results showed that the banana chips had moisture (3.35–7.34%), total ash (5.67–13.65%), crude fiber (4.43–12.43%), crude fat (3.34–11.70%), crude protein (3.56-13.80%), carbohydrate (57.78–67.29%). Descriptive sensory analysis (DSA) showed that banana chips prepared with layering of M. stenopetala leaf powder was bitter, darker, rougher, and more astringent than chips fried from only banana. Banana chips fried without Moringa leaf powder for 2.5 minutes were crispier. M. stenopetala leaf powder layered banana chips were lower in quality and had weak acceptability compared with banana chips fried without M. stenopetala leaf powder. This study suggested that layering M. stenopetala leaf powder during prolonged frying to banana chips improves nutritional value and oxidative stabilities without compromising the sensory properties of banana chips.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 1-5, Dec 202
Impact of Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) on rural households’ livelihood: The case of Sodo FLR, South Central Ethiopia
Full text linkEthiopia has pledged to restore 22 million ha of degraded and deforested lands by 2030. With the massive Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) efforts underway, however, there are no sufficient empirical studies that signify the effectiveness of FLR in the country. Therefore, the study evaluated the impact of the FLR program on rural households’ livelihoods in Sodo, Southern Central Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was followed to draw the sample households, and 260 sample households (120 households from FLR participating and 140 households from non-FLR participating) were chosen randomly. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, head of household assets, access to credit, land size, household income and related expenditures were considered. In addition, data was gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observations, and reviewing project documents and activity reports. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique. The results showed that FLR participants are likely to gain higher total and crop income than non-FLR participants. The average off-farm income of FLR participants also increased by 10252.4 ETB (200 USD). The number of beehives and the amount of honey produced was higher with FLR participants. FLR participants received more training and had better access to credit. Moreover, several households benefited from the FLR initiative\u27s program offer to sustain their livelihoods by producing sheep and poultry. In conclusion, FLR initiatives should be combined with agricultural intensification and diversification as well as business-oriented forest development for better impact.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 14-21, Dec 202
Spice production and marketing in Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia
Full text linkEthiopia has favorable climate conditions for the production of spices, herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants useful for flavoring food, aroma, therapeutic and marketing for cash income. Ethiopian is the largest consumer of spices in Africa, but the contribution of spice to the national economy is meager. The study area is endowed with diversified spice types with different purposes. However, it is not well announced, attention is not given and still many spices are growing in the wild. However, it is not well announced, attention is not given, and many spices are still collected from the wild. This study aimed to assess spice production and marketing in Kaffa biosphere reserve. This study was undertaken in four districts of Kaffa zone including Tello, Gimbo, Shishoende and Decha districts by selecting one representative kebele from each district. The data collection method used for this study is a household survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. Out of the total sampled 89% of sampled households participate and produce diversified types of spice. Korarima, red pepper, rue, ginger, turmeric, bush tea, holey basil, machewolago, aemacho nechamacho, coriander, rosemary, onion, long pepper and lemon grass were identified at the household survey. About 60.9% of the sample households provide spice products to market and the sample households generate a mean income of 1,611.14 ETB from spice product marketing. Most sampled households ranked themselves at low and very low knowledge levels on spice production and marketing. Spices are mainly produced in the home garden area for consumption. The main challenges for spice production in the study area are the unavailability of improved variety, low attention given by government and stakeholders, unavailability of the market, lack of knowledge and skill on production and post-harvest handling, low-value addition practice and unavailability of recommended practice. Creating a market for spice products and promotion is needed its importance and give attention to spice production. Training is needed for the farming community on spice cultivation, management, post-harvest handling and processing.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 22-30, Dec 202
Gender analysis in selected agricultural practices in Gedeo and Halaba zones in Southern Ethiopia
Full text linkIdentification and recognition of gender-dis aggregated constraints, gender imbalances, differentials in gender roles, and decision-making on agriculture production, technology transfer, and input utilization are essential to the transformation of research output to benefit women and men. This study aimed to assess gender integration in selected agricultural practices and gender division of labor in the Gedeo and Halaba Zones. The study employed a cross-sectional design. The sample respondents were randomly 86 men and 69 women farmers, and a total of 155 farmers were selected to collect the data through triangulation of key informants interviews, focus group discussion, and household survey. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data analysis results in the frequency of men and women\u27s participation computed. Different gender participation factors evaluated. According to the data analysis result, the effect of community norms was assessed among 155 respondents, men 54 (34.8%), 0 (0%), and 15 (9.7%), responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Similarly, women participants believed that 64 (41.9%), 1 (0.6%), and 36 (23.2%), responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Decision-making could affect gender participation. Men 66 (42.6%), 1 (0.6%) and 20 (12.9%) responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Likewise, women participants believed that 53 (34.2%), 1 (0.6%) and 15 (9.7%), responded as yes, no, and undecided, respectively. Concerning care workmen 65 (41.9%), 0 (0%) and 21 (135%), responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Similarly, women participants believed that 54 (34.8%), 0 (0%) and 15 (9.7%), responded yes, no and undecided, respectively. Average task share of the household is 30%, 15%, 43% and 12% for men, boys, women and girls, respectively. Women and men performed a larger share of the gender role in rural households than boys and girls. The reproductive work of women in the household covered 67% of the total household care work. The gender participation index in selected agricultural practices was 0.709. However, the Participation Index of men was found to be 0.55 and that of women was 0.45. According to this statistical result, household members spent agricultural labor hours differently, as converting this labor share into daily labor hours indicated that women, men, boys, and girls are spending 10, 7, 4 and 3 hours per day on average, respectively.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 1-9, June 202
Evaluation of integrated threshing and drying design concepts for paddy rice using analytical hierarchy process
Full text linkThreshing and drying are two major postharvest activities that contribute significantly to postharvest losses for small and medium-scale rice farmers, leading to food insecurity and hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa. Developing an appropriate system for threshing and drying needs urgent attention. The objective of the study involved the use of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for evaluation and selection of the best option among four design concepts for development and fabrication. The four design concepts shortlisted were: (1) batch flow biomass-powered manual threshing and drying system, (2) recirculating diesel-powered mobile threshing and drying system, (3) mechanized threshing with solar drying batch system, and (4) tractor-powered recirculating continues flow integrated system. For the MCAHP analysis, 17 attributes were proposed and divided into five main criteria. The evaluation of the main criteria showed that cost had the highest score, followed by performance, safety, ease of installation and operation, and manufacturability, with a global score of 0.560, 0.202, 0.108, 0.083 and 0.048, respectively. It was observed that design concept two received the highest weighted score of 0.35 and was selected as the design concept to proceed with. The consistency ratios of the main criteria and attributes were all less than 0.1, which is the allowable limit of inconsistency. In conclusion, concept 2 was selected as the best design for developing an integrated threshing and drying system for paddy rice and is recommended for development, fabrication, evaluation and optimisation.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 30-44, June 202
Prospects and problems of YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content dissemination
Full text linkFarmers need new technologies and information to cope with the challenges and difficulties of agricultural extension. YouTube, a low-cost tool, offers opportunities for farmers\u27 feedback, interaction, and networking. In order to utilize this tool for the benefit of farmers, it is necessary to learn the prospects and problems of YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content preparation and dissemination. Data were collected from 105 respondents under the Khulna Metropolitan Agriculture Office (both Metro 1 and 2) and from the 3 content creators from February to May 2023. However, the majority of respondents (94.30%) perceive YouTube as a promising tool for agricultural content dissemination. Besides, the majority of the respondents (64.80%) perceive problems with YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content dissemination. Age, farm size, experience, extension media contact, and training received positively impact respondents\u27 perceptions of YouTube. The findings suggest that the public extension system and policymakers may consider reducing internet costs and providing low-cost devices for both respondents and content creators. Additionally, other virtual video platforms like YouTube can be made more accessible, allowing audiences to access information from diversified virtual video channels.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 31-40, Dec 202
New infestation records of two-spotted spider mites on potato tubers under storage conditions and response of genotypes at Kulumsa, Ethiopia
Full text linkThe study sought to ascertain spider mite prevalence, infestation, and identification and to assess the response of potato genotypes. In 2022, this pest was only observed on some genotypes in December. In late January, an infestation, incidence, and severity increased from 10 to 13 genotypes on potato tuber stocks stored for irrigation experiments. Those genotypes were planted in irrigated fields, and the sprouted tuber losses ranged from 12.5% to 100% and up to 15.38% in the 2022 and 2023 records, respectively. Following this, spider mites, often known as two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) or Tetranychus urticae, were identified. This is the first time a potato sprout infestation has been recorded in Ethiopia. The two-spotted spider mites damaged the tubers quantitatively by sucking the moisture of sprouts up to the 5th grade, with 97 and >75% infestation levels, incidence, and severity, respectively. The pest grows very rapidly and hastens the drying of sprouted tuber leaves. Some genotypes were resistant to TSSM and recovered after the sprouts were infected and dried, which were treated with pesticides in 2023. The typical agricultural insecticides were ineffective in controlling the pest in the first year, and a Profenofos was applied in the second year. Thus, seed tubers are the main production limit unless appropriate research efforts are undertaken and management techniques are created.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 55-63, Dec 202
Preparation of Jam and Jelly using star fruit and assessment of biochemical and organoleptic properties of these value-added products
Full text linkMaking of jam and jelly is the common method of preserving fruit, the main factor being high concentration of sugar that helps in preservation. In Bangladesh, the star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) BARI Kamranga-1 is available from September through October and January through February. To obtain the health benefits (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, hepato-protective and anti-ulcer activity) of star fruit throughout the year, jam and jelly products were developed using star fruit. Five jams and five jellies were prepared as value-added products using different ingredients with different combinations. Biochemical properties, chemical analysis, and organoleptic observations of star fruit jam and star fruit jelly were measured to determine the quality of the products and overall public acceptance. The overall acceptability of Jam 2 was the highest, and in case of jelly , Jelly 4 showed the highest score. Additional study is needed to understand better, how star fruit can be processed because there are so many local sorts and variants of the fruit. This will enable us to decide which kinds are most suitable for developing specific goods with the potential to enhance health.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 45-52, June 202
Phytochemical and mineral profiling of anti-fertilizer plants used by pygmy women in the town of Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Case of Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan
Full text linkThis study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical survey carried out in 2018 among indigenous women in Mbandaka and the surrounding area. Micrography was carried out, followed by determination of mineral composition by ICP-AES and SAA, and the TLC for a highlight of the various phytochemical compounds making up these two plants. The study determined the relative structure of the multiple cells and tissues making up these plant drugs, including numerous raphids characteristic of Ipomoea involucrata and calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Among the chemical compounds, those directly linked to female anti-fertility have been highlighted. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Elemental analysis revealed mineral salts and trace elements directly influencing reproduction, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, and arsenic. Even if these data make it possible to justify the activity of these two plants in reproductive health, it is, however, necessary for an in-depth study on the in vitro evaluation to determine the clear anti-fertilizing activity of these plants used, raw, by indigenous women.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 64-69, Dec 202