Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Production and marketing system of mustard (Brassica juncea) in some selected areas of Bangladesh
No full textThe paper provides an estimate of the marketing efficiency of BINA Sarisha-11, the mustard variety of Brassica juncea, developed by BINA and grown in Rangpur, Jamalpur, and Magura. It looks at various aspects of marketing: the cost of cultivation and returns, the identification of participants in the marketing chain, marketing costs, margins, and efficiencies at different levels. A total of 180 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling comprising 90 farmers and 90 traders. The statistical tools used included profitability and marketing efficiency models. The results showed that the cultivation of BINA Sarisha-11 was profitable as an average net return of BDT 51,291 (423.64 USD) per hectare was estimated with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.94. Marketing efficiency varied among the chains; the Farmer to Retailer to final Consumer chain was the most efficient, least costly, and had the highest producer share of 64.61%. On the contrary, longer chains were costlier and offered reduced producer shares. Farmers complained of seed unavailability, high prices of fertilizers, and lack of training, while traders complained of unstable prices and high costs of transportation as major challenges. The study identifies that there is a need for policy intervention to smoothen the marketing chains, improve access to inputs, and reduce problems related to market infrastructure. This will ensure the value chain of BINA Sarisha-11 is profitable and efficient, adding to the overall sustainability in mustard cultivation within Bangladesh
Quality assessment of commercial tomato paste in Kurdistan region of Iraq: Implications for agripreneurship and market standards
No full textA study was conducted to compare the physiochemical properties of various popular tomato paste brands (TP). The canned tomato paste samples were procured from local markets in Sulaimani, Kurdistan-Iraq, during the year 2023-2024. The physiochemical composition of six tomato paste samples, representing different brands (TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4, TP5, and TP6), was assessed. The analyzed parameters included such as pH level, titratable acidity (TA) %, total solids (T.S) %, oBrix, moisture content %, total sugar, and ash %. The results showed that the pH values spanned from 4.14 (TP2) to 4.377 (TP3) brands, while the titratable acidity ranged between 1.34% and 2.41%. The TP3 brand had the highest total solids (34.95%) and the lowest moisture content (65.05%), whereas TP5 had the lowest total solids (28.64%) and the highest moisture content (71.36%). Moreover, the maximum Brix and total sugar were noted with TP4 (29.26) but total sugar in TP6 (1.38%), and the minimum Brix was recorded from TP5 (26.50) but total sugar in TP3 (0.92%). Ash content, indicating mineral content the Ash in tomato paste were indicated by using Furnace at 600 oC, the TP6 brand was the highest level of ash about 5.20%, but the lowest level in TP5 (3.47%). These results indicated that tomato paste was safe to consumption. This study helps to raise consumer awareness and offers useful insights for improving local tomato paste production to enhance product quality, support the local businesses, and benefit of both the producers and buyers economically
Impact of human activities on Ganga River water during Kanwar Mela 2024 in Rishikesh-Haridwar region, Uttarakhand, India
No full textThe present investigation was conducted to study the water quality of the Ganga River during Kanwar Mela 2024 concerning physicochemical and microbiological characteristics in the Rishikesh-Haridwar region. Water samples were collected from fifteen designated sites, including six in Rishikesh, seven in Haridwar, and two outlet points—one from the main river stream and one from the Ganga canal. Among all sites, Har ki Pauri Ghat (HKP) exhibited the highest average levels of several key indicators of pollution: TDS (125.04 ± 34.18 mg/l), pH (7.52 ± 0.14), alkalinity (94.06 ± 10.31 mg/ml), total hardness (117.56 ± 16.43 mg/ml) BOD (2.41 ± 0.58 mg/l), COD (7.41 ± 0.87 mg/l). This site also recorded the lowest average level of DO (9.81 ± 0.63 mg/l) and the highest microbial contamination, with total coliform (2008.81 ± 188.25 MPN/100ml) and E. coli (884.8 ± 57.62 MPN/100ml), marking it as the most polluted location. The second most polluted site, Purnanand Ghat (PG) in Rishikesh, showed the highest concentration of fluoride (0.10 ± 0.09 mg/l). These findings indicated that mass bathing and associated religious activities during the Kanwar Mela significantly impacted the water quality of the Ganga River, particularly in densely visited pilgrimage zones, contributing to elevated levels of pollution. The outcomes of this study underscore the urgent need for robust water quality monitoring, public health risk assessment, and the implementation of sustainable water management policies during mass gatherings to protect the ecological integrity of the river and safeguard the health of millions who rely on it for religious, domestic, and agricultural purposes
Comparative socio-economic analysis of manual and mechanized transplantation method of spring rice (Oryza sativa) production in Chitwan, Nepal
No full textThis study aimed to assess and compare the socioeconomic aspects of mechanized and manual transplantation methods in spring rice production. A survey was conducted in 2024 through pre-tested interview schedules and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to collect primary data, while secondary data were collected from relevant publications. A total of 90 farmers (45 using manual transplantation and 45 using mechanized transplantation) were selected through simple random sampling from two purposively chosen municipalities. Among the respondents, 51.1% continued using the traditional manual transplantation method, while 48.9% adopted the mechanized transplantation method, citing cost-effectiveness as a key factor. Similarly, 36.69% of labour cost was accounted for total cost of production in manual transplantation method whereas only 23.45% of labour cost was accounted for total cost of production in mechanized transplantation method. The average gross margin per hectare in mechanized transplantation method (NPR 93325.25/ USD 681.58) was higher than the manual transplantation method (NPR 64654.561/ USD 472.19). Using mechanized transplantation method was more profitable (BCR: 1.76) than using manual transplantation method (BCR: 1.50) in spring rice production. The findings indicated that mechanized transplantation method significantly (p<0.05 reduces dependence on labour and enhances profitability in spring rice production. Therefore, I creased promotion of mechanization, along with policy measures and access to appropriate machinery, could reverse the productivity decline and improve the economic resilience of rice farmers in Chitwan, Nepal
Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of algae-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles
No full textThe current study investigates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized using an algal extract as a green, eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agent. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV, absorption peak 330 nm) XRD (24 nm crystalline size), SEM (rod shaped morphology) and FTIR (Zn-O bond at 671cm-1). Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein denaturation method showing dose dependent inhibition (28.4-88.0 % at 100- 500 ug/ml; IC50 = 251.64 ug/ml), comparable to ibuprofen (IC50 = 233.60 ug/ml). Antioxidant activity of green synthesised ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay (28.8-88.0% at 100- 500 ug/ml; IC50 = 200.06 ug/ml) attaining ~ 85% efficacy of ascorbic acid (IC50 = 171ug/ml). Results showed that ZnO NPs exhibited strong, concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting BSA denaturation by 28.4% to 88% over a range of 100–500 µg/mL, with an IC50 value of 251.64 µg/mL, closely comparable that of ibuprofen (IC50=233.6 µg/mL). Moreover, the nanoparticles showed substantial antioxidant activity, with DPPH radical scavenging ranging from 28.8% to 88.9% within the same concentration range, and an IC50 of 200.06 µg/mL—comparable to ascorbic acid (IC50=171 µg/mL). The bioactivities are likely enhanced by the phytochemicals present in A. platensis, such as phenolic compounds and C-phycocyanin. Thus, algae-mediated ZnO nanoparticles exhibit significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting their potential as bioactive agents for pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications
Techno-economic analysis of clean cooking technologies and fuels in Uganda
No full textAccess to clean, affordable, and efficient cooking energy is a key development challenge in Uganda, with over 90% of households and institutions relying on traditional biomass fuels. This study was focused on techno-economic assessment of cooking technologies and fuels through Controlled Cooking Tests (CCTs), surveys, and interviews across household and institutional settings to evaluate fuel consumption, cooking time, cost, and user preferences across wood, charcoal, briquettes, LPG, and electric stoves. The results showed that electric hot plates and LPG stoves were the most energy-efficient, consuming 10.42 MJ and 13.28 MJ, respectively, cooking of 1 kg of beans compared to 38.81 MJ for improved wood stoves and 102.44 MJ for traditional three-stone fires. Cooking time, the improved institutional wood stove was the fastest (129 min), followed by LPG (151 min), traditional stoves (153 min), and electric hot plates (174 min). Fuel cost per kg of beans cooked was highest for LPG (Ugx 5,506) and electricity (Ugx 4,393), while improved briquette stoves were the cheapest (Ugx 302), though their adoption remains limited due to availability issues. Improved biomass stoves demonstrated up to 62% energy savings compared to traditional devices, offering a cost-effective and scalable transition option. This study provides the first comprehensive performance comparison across multiple fuel-stove combinations in Uganda and highlights critical trade-offs between energy efficiency, cost, and accessibility. Strategic policy actions including targeted subsidies, investment in clean fuel supply chains, and behaviour change campaigns are recommended to accelerate adoption and support Uganda’s energy, climate, and development goals
Potatoes for prosperity: Enhancing food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience in Nepal
No full textPotatoes have played a vital role in shaping Nepal’s agricultural economy and food system for many years. It is cultivated across diverse altitudes and climatic zones, and make a substantial contribution to household nutrition, rural livelihoods, and national food security. Focusing on the growing challenges of climate change, population growth, and rising food demand, the potato's short cultivation period, high yield, and adaptability position it as a key component of Nepal’s strategy for sustainable agriculture. This review examines the current state of potato cultivation in Nepal, focusing on its socioeconomic impact, production trends, major challenges, research achievements, and future outlook. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming practices, varietal improvement, efficient seed systems, and supportive policies to strengthen the crop’s role in achieving national food security. Recent advancements in potato research and development offer promising solutions to address Nepal’s ongoing food security challenges. The findings of this study are useful for potato researchers, producers, and policy makers for sustainability in potato production in Nepal
Assessing farmers’ knowledge of good agricultural practices in vegetable farming: A study in northern Bangladesh
No full textProducing vegetables safely, sustainably, and of high quality requires good agricultural practices (GAP). This study thoroughly examined vegetable farmers’ knowledge of GAP, identified the factors influencing their level of knowledge, and explored the problems they encounter in applying GAP in vegetable production in the Rangpur district of northern Bangladesh. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire from 240 randomly selected vegetable farmers in the Kursha Union of Taraganj sub-district in Rangpur district. Farmers’ knowledge was evaluated using six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, while multiple and stepwise regression analyses identified key influencing factors and their impact. In addition, the Problem Facing Index (PFI) was applied to rank the problems faced by them in implementing GAP. The results indicated that only 3.3% of participants had good knowledge, whereas 46.7% had moderate knowledge, and 50% had poor knowledge. Among the ten examined socio-economic and personal factors of the farmers, educational level, agricultural training experience, and contact with extension media significantly affected farmers’ GAP knowledge. Contact with extension media was the strongest predictor, accounting for 66.7% of the variance in knowledge levels. Regarding implementation issues, 53.3% of respondents reported high problems, followed by 40% experiencing medium problems. The top three problems included a lack of GAP training, a limited understanding of GAP standards, and inadequate knowledge of integrated pest and disease management. The study highlights the need for strengthening extension services and providing targeted training programs to improve farmers’ knowledge and promote effective adoption of GAP in sustainable vegetable farming
Effects of organic fertilizers on the macropropagation, vegetative growth, and pest infestation on plantain (Musa sp.)
No full textOne of the major constraints to the expansion of plantain cultivation has been the scarcity of healthy planting material. Decapitation, following macropropagation technology, stimulation of lateral bud development and plantlet production. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of decapitation, following macropropagation technology, to stimulate lateral bud development and plantlet production in Musa sp. The experiment was carried out at both the macropropagators' level and in the nursery. The experiment was laid out using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments (Control, T1 – Biozyme, T2 – Radix Tim, T3 – Compo, and T4 – DI Grow) with 10 replicates in three blocks. All plants were administered equal amounts of each treatment. The results at the bud incubation level revealed that bud initiation was not significantly dependent on the treatment. Although not significant, the Biozyme® treatment had the highest mean number of plantlets (46 plants). The organic fertilizers had significant effects (p = 0.001) on the vegetative growth of nursery plants. The maximum vegetative growth (plant height of 7.86±0.32 cm, girth of 10.6±0.3cm, 4±0.12 number of leaves, leaf area of 144 ±5.00 cm2) was recorded with plants treated with T2 – Radix Tim® (50 ml/7.5 L of water). Snails were the only nursery pests identified, and plants treated with T3 (Compo®) were more susceptible to snails, with a mean of 0.04±0.02. Net profit margin results for the different treatments were high for T1 (60) and lowest for T2 (24). The organic fertilizers have significant effects in improving the vegetative growth of plantains therefore, Radix Tim® and DI Grow® were the best treatments for the production of healthy, vigorous nursery plants
Impact of reduced rate of pre-emergence herbicide with aqueous extract of mustard crop residues on different weed management indices and yield of transplanted aman rice
No full textEffective weed management with herbicides and crop extracts boosts rice yield and growth. In this respect, a field experiment was conducted from July to December 2023 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, to evaluate the effect of mustard crop residue extract combined with reduced herbicide doses on the yield and attributes of T. aman rice. The study involved three rice varieties BRRIdhan49, BRRI dhan87, and Binadhan-7 and seven treatments: no weeding (control), recommended dose of herbicide at pre-emergence (RDHP), mustard crop extract (MCE), 80% RDHP + MCE, 70% RDHP + MCE, 60% RDHP + MCE, and weed-free conditions. Results showed the highest weed growth in control treatment and the lowest in the weed-free treatment, with 80% RDHP + MCE showing the second-lowest weed growth. The weed-free treatment achieved the highest weed control index (WCI), weed control efficiency (WCE), and herbicide efficiency index (HEI), while minimizing weed index (WI), weed population index (WPI), weed mass index (WMI), and the Ammonia Index (AMI), followed by 80% RDHP + MCE. BRRI dhan87 produced the highest grain yield (5.36 t ha-¹), while BRRI dhan49 had the lowest (4.54 t ha-¹). The highest yield was recorded in the weed-free treatment (5.80 t ha-¹), followed by 80% RDHP + MCE (5.35 t ha-¹), and the control produced the lowest yield (2.63 t ha-¹). The study concludes that using 80% RDHP combined with MCE is an effective weed control strategy that enhances T. aman rice yield by reducing herbicide dependency