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Integrating climate-smart agriculture for sustainable agriculture: Opportunities, challenges and future directions
No full textClimate-smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a valuable strategy to address the challenges of food insecurity, climate change, and environmental degradation. This study assesses the impact of six key CSA practices: technologies including water smart, energy smart, nutrient smart, carbon smart, weather smart, and knowledge smart for farming regarding the increasing world population and decreased shift in arable land. This paper employs a literature review and case analysis to demonstrate how these practices improve resource utilization, worsen environmental impacts and strengthen agriculture production systems. Several studies carried out in agriculture have stipulated that water-smart practices can help achieve improvements in water use efficiency by at least 30 percent, nutrient-smart practices can help increase soil health by a range of 20 percent, and carbon-smart practices could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by between 15 percent. This brings us back to the question of the role that CSA can play in support of processes that are directed at realizing the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 2 (Ending Hunger) and SDG 13 (Taking Action on Climate Change) on development processes across the world. However, inefficient and insecure land rights, water deficits, and high initial investment hinder the widespread adoption of the technologies. The consequences are that policies concerning the matters, a well-developed institutional environment, and farmer’s knowledge should be introduced to eliminate these issues. As to further research, the continuous improvements of the models of CSA and the financing of the CSA also need future action research. Overall, CSA offers hope for establishing strong foundations for food security and climate-resilient agricultural systems
Culture technique of Tengra (Mystus vittatus) with short cycle fish species in the drought prone northern region of Bangladesh
Get PDFThe present study was to assess and evaluate the culture potential of Tengra with short-cycle species in the seasonal water bodies of farmers’ fields and disseminate the cultural technologies in a different part of the country. The study was conducted in farmers’ ponds located in the northern region of Bangladesh from May 2017 to September 2018 to find out the most suitable combination of Tengra (Mystus vittatus) with other short-cycle fishes. For this reason, combination viz; tengra+pabda+magur+rajpunti+GIFT was considered for trial (with three treatments/combinations and three replications of each) in seasonal farmers’ ponds at 18 upazilas of the greater Rangpur region to evaluate the growth and yield performance of tengra, M. vittatus under a polyculture system. Three different stocking densities of Tengra viz., 500, 600, and 700 with (100 Magur+10 Rajpunti+5 GIFT) were treated as T1, T2, and T3 respectively. After 5 months of the culture period, (T1) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher production of Tengra (2,035 kg ha-1), total production of fishes (5,592 kg ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (1.60) among the treatments These combinations were chosen for multi-location testing (MLT) in different locations of the northern region of Bangladesh. Three locations such as Domar (Niphamari); Kaligonj (Lalmonirhat) and Niphamari Sadar were selected for demonstration. After 5 months of multi-location testing the trials with Tengra as the main species, the highest production of Tengra (2252 kg ha-1), total production of fishes (5656 kg ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (1.65) were found in Kaligonj with significant (P<0.05) difference among three locations. Thus, the results of multi-location trials clearly authenticated the previous findings. Therefore, the technologies of short-cycle fish species should be disseminated to fish farmers and entrepreneurs throughout the semi-arid zone of Bangladesh
Integrated approach for the management of common bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) under field conditions
Get PDFA field experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of different management practices and fungicide application timings for common bean rust management in Chitwan, Nepal. It was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors: management practices (Azoxystrobin, Trichoderma viride, maize intercropping + Trichoderma viride, Neem + Garlic extracts, and inoculated and untreated controls) and fungicide application timings (8 days after inoculation and 3 days after inoculation), each with three replications. The minimum disease severity was found with azoxystrobin, which was at par with neem + garlic extract and maize intercropping + Trichoderma at 50 days after inoculation (DAI). The maximum number of rust pustules per cm2 was observed in the control plots (7.56), followed by Trichoderma (4.79) at 50 DAI. The maximum necrotic colonies (%) were observed with the control (36.88%), followed by Trichoderma (25.15%), while the effects of other treatments were at par at 40 DAI. Maize intercropping with Trichoderma resulted in a maximum plant height (201.56 cm), which was at par with azoxystrobin (197.81 cm). The plants treated with azoxystrobin showed maximum green pod yield at one picking (2411.35 g) which was at par with maize intercropping + Trichoderma and neem + garlic extracts. Rust was controlled more effectively when the fungicides were sprayed at 4 DAI than 8 DAI. The maximum disease control was observed with Azoxystrobin; however, as other treatments also had comparable effects, an integrated approach could be adopted for the sustainable management of common bean rust
Nutritional, ecological and livelihood significance of Moringa oleifera: A review
Get PDFThe potential ecological and livelihood benefits of Moringa plants are often overlooked. There is a need to raise awareness and encourage farmers and decision makers to adopt Moringa on marginal and degraded lands with changing climate risks. Previous studies have focused mainly on the pharmacological uses and oil content from a commercial point of view and failed to explore its ecological benefits and economic potential to address the growing problems of global food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate risks. Planting Moringa on unused and marginal land can improve soil fertility, food production, and resilience to climate change, offering a significant opportunity for diversification of livelihoods and economic development in the changing climate. Henceforth, this study compiles scientific evidence through a systematic literature search to highlight the ecological benefits and livelihood opportunities associated with the use of Moringa. Initially, we retrieved 206 pieces of global literature and, through the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted information from 22 articles. Various studies have consistently shown that Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and that their consumption can combat food and nutrition insecurity in low-income countries. Its seeds offer the potential for the commercial production of oils with heart-healthy properties. The oil is stable and suitable for cooking and its quality varies depending on location and environmental factors. When included in the diet, Moringa leaves improve the quality and quantity of goat milk and support the growth of fish in aquaculture. The extract of Moringa provides versatile uses in water purification, offering sustainable solutions to water pollution. We thus conclude that Moringa's diverse applications can contribute to the livelihood enhancement and economic well-being of poor and marginalized farmers in low-income countries. Planting Moringa trees in abandoned croplands and other degraded areas can have positive ecological and socioeconomic outcomes for rural communities. However, to support smallholders in low-income countries, favorable policies, field-based research evidences, and products development are crucial
Artificial propagation of Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Asia: A review
Get PDFClarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a popular food fish of Indian sub-continent due to its high nutritional value. Earlier many workers have carried out studies on feeding and breeding biology of this fish species but convulsive information on the same is not available. So, a survey of published literatures on the induced breeding of C. batrachus has been carried out to consolidate the available information. Environmental factors play an important role in regulating reproduction in fishes. Pituitary gland extract, HCG and synthetic hormones viz., ovaprim and ova tide are successfully being tested for the induced breeding of fishes by various researchers under different climatic conditions, with varying degree of success. Chasm of information has been pointed out for further study mainly on age group wise variation in food preference and correlation of breeding periodicity with hydrological parameters and photoperiod
Characterization and selection of thin-shelled walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotypes of Mustang, Nepal
Get PDFWalnut (Juglans regia L.) of seedling origin creates large variability within this crop. A research study was carried out at Directorate of Agricultural Research, Lumle, Kaski and Marpha, Mustang to characterize and deciphers the variability of thin-shelled walnut for further selection, conservation and variety registration. Walnut orchard of Mustang district was surveyed in March, 2018 and 50 walnut trees were labeled according to its flowering and flushing time. 36 accessions of thin-shelled walnut were characterized on 17 different parameters regarding growth habit, bearing habit, fruit and kernel characteristics. Around 88.89% trees exhibited terminal fruiting habit and remaining showed lateral fruiting habit. Three type of tree shape was noticed as spreading round, semi-erect and erect. Huge variation in nut shape was observed having 50% trees were with circular nuts. Four types of shell strength was recorded; 11.11% accessions having papery shell, 27.78% having weak shell, 47.22% having intermediate shell and 13.88 having strong shell strength. Average nut yield of trees ranged from 15-75 kg with an average of 26.67 kg. Nut weighted from 5.96-18.99 g with an average of 11.14 g. Kernel weight ranged from 2.8-8.92 g. More than 50% shelling was recorded in 13 accessions. The kernel quality of 14 accessions (out of 36) showed 5 rank (Excellent quality); and remaining 22 accessions showed 4 rank (Good quality). Based on this characterization, 13 accessions were selected and recommended for further multiplication and variety registration
Varietal evaluation of spring rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes in Kanchanpur, Nepal
Get PDFA field experiment was carried out on spring rice in the rabi season of 2022 from February 3 to July 4 with an aim to identify the most suitable spring rice cultivar in Kanchanpur, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and eight treatments. The treatments were eight spring rice genotypes: one released (Chaite-5), one local genotype (ChaineeAndi), and six pipeline varieties (IR17A2946, IR17A2796, IR17A2949, IR13F402, IR16A3838, and IR18A2066). A total of 24 experimental plots, each of 6m2 (3*2m), were set to the experimental design. The treatments were randomly assigned to the replications. Data were collected for various morphological characters such as plant height (cm), number of tillers (/plant), effective tillers (/m2), panicle length (cm), number of grains per panicle, sterility (%), thousand-grain weight (gm), grain yield (kg), straw yield (kg), biological yield (kg), and harvest index. Results revealed significance for all parameters except for the effective number of tillers per plant. ChaineeAndi took the least days to mature and had the highest effective tiller number per plant. Genotype IR17A2066 took the most days to flower and mature, and had greater plant height, thousand-grain weight, but low grain yield. Grains per panicle were higher in IR13F402 but lowest panicle length. Chaite-5 had the highest sterility percentage. Highest grain yield, straw yield, and harvest index was observed in genotypes IR16A3838, IR17A2946, Chaite-5, and IR17A2949. IR16A3838 performed superior than other genotypes in environmental conditions of Kanchanpur, Nepal
Factors affecting awareness on good agriculture practices among citrus growers in Palpa, Nepal: Through binary logistic regression approach
Get PDFBeing an indigenous high-value commodity, with significant market demand in the mid-hills of Nepal, citrus requires the incorporation of sustainable techniques in orchard to increase fruit production. For farmers in Nepal, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) is a novel concept. The majority of farmers are unaware of it, and those who are aware also have not fully embraced the techniques. Therefore, the study was conducted in summer 2022 to assess the factors that affect the awareness of GAP among the farmers at Palpa, Nepal. Rainadevi Chahara and Ribdikot rural municipality of Palpa district, Nepal was purposively selected, and altogether, 64 commercial citrus growers from the municipalities were taken by simple random sampling technique. The binary logistic regression model was used for analyzing the effect of different variables on the awareness of GAP among citrus growers. Different demographic and socioeconomic variables have been found associated for odds of being GAP aware. The findings revealed that, farmers’ who are GAP aware have an access to trainings and contact with extension agents, 4.164 and 10.293 times higher than those farmers who are GAP unaware respectively. Therefore, the study suggests that farmers knowledge on GAP can be further expanded through trainings and frequent contact with extension agents as they are the major factors affecting commercial citrus growers’ awareness to GAP in Palpa district, Nepal
First record of important biological parameters of Badis badis: A small indigenous species in Bangladesh
Get PDFA total of 286 Badis badis were collected from the Sutiyahali Reservoir in Mymensingh from January to December 2022, and their sex ratios, first sexual maturity, length-weight relationships and condition factors were evaluated. The weight and length of B. badis varied from 0.81 to 1.01g (0.89±0.30) and 4.08 to 4.60cm (4.36±0.31), respectively. Logistic curves depicting a sex ratio and 50% maturity (L50) estimated at 4.5cm for females and 4.05cm for males, as well as males reaching first sexual maturity with a shorter length than females. Regression coefficients in every month differ significantly (p<0.05), according to the regression equations. Each month, the values of the exponent b were less than 3 (b<3), with the highest value of b recorded in August (2.80) and the lowest value recorded in January (2.33). This led to a monthly negative allometric growth being seen. A strong positive relationship is evident from the coefficient of determination (r2) values, which ranged from 0.92-0.98 with an average of 0.961. During the study, the average condition factor (Kn) value for B. badis was found to be 1.02±0.13, which is a positive indicator of the fish's physical well-being. The condition factor values varied between 0.84 to 1.39, making it abundantly clear that B. badis are in good health and the waterbody is an ideal habitat for their survival. Relative condition factor (Kr) values, which varied between studies and ranged from 0.78 to 1.01, also exhibited a noteworthy difference (p<0.05). For its long-term management, the above findings will be very helpful
Prevalence of potato cyst (Globodera spp.) nematode and potato root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematode in Kenya and potential management strategies: A review
Get PDFNematodes are very diverse and could be free-living or plant parasite species. Amongst the existing categories, the most aggressive ones are the root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.), root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.), and cyst nematode (Globodera spp.). These categories affect over 2000 susceptible crop species causing varying yield losses, reaching 100% under heavy infestations in potatoes. The common root-knot nematode and cyst nematode hosts include tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and other solanaceous plants, including Physalis spp., Datura spp., Hyoscyamus spp., Physoclaina spp., Salpiglossis spp., and Saracha spp. These nematodes are disseminated mainly through irrigation water, rainfall runoffs, infested soil particles, commercial seed potato tubers, contaminated footwear, animal hooves, farm implements, and machinery. Effective control of nematodes requires farmers to practice integrated nematode management systems with a combination of at least two management practices. Several cultural and agronomic practices have shown some decent levels of efficacy, thus recommended for adoption. Timely application of these practices is critical for achieving better outcomes. Among the management strategies, applying nematicides is the most effective in the short term. It is important to be cautious when using these chemicals, as they pose significant risks to humans and the environment. Again, these products are costly, especially those within moderate to low toxicity, making them unsustainable and out of reach for most small-scale farmers