Archives of Agriculture and Environmental Science
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Value chain analysis of Taxus (Yew) species and its affecting factors in Makwanpur district, Nepal
No full textTaxus, commonly known as Yew, is an ecologically vulnerable but economically valuable medicinal tree widely harvested in Nepal for the production of 10-deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB III), a key precursor of the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel. Despite its growing commercial importance, systematic assessments of the Taxus value chain remain limited. This study analyzes the structure, factor dynamics, governance systems, and economic performance of the Taxus value chain in Makwanpur District of Nepal. Using a mixed-method approach, we mapped actor roles, examined costs and margins, and evaluated determinants of value-chain performance. Results showed a strongly hierarchical, buyer-driven chain in which collectors perform the most labor-intensive tasks yet capture less than 5% of final value. Local and district traders mediate quality control, aggregation, and pricing, while processing industries retain the highest value share through technologically intensive extraction of 10-DAB III. Harvesting practices, although largely selective, exhibit inconsistent adherence to sustainable pruning guidelines, posing ecological risks to a slow-growing species with poor natural regeneration. Regression analysis revealed that value chain performance is significantly influenced by timely raw-material availability, farmers’ socio-economic conditions, trader education, processing quality, and policy clarity, whereas pre-processing treatment at the household level showed no significant effect. Overall, the study highlights structural inequities, ecological vulnerabilities, and governance bottlenecks within the Taxus value chain. Strengthening Community Forest User Group (CFUG) oversight, improving post-harvest handling, enhancing market transparency, and streamlining regulatory procedures are critical for advancing sustainable management while improving livelihood benefits for forest-dependent communities
Effect of water spraying time on nutritional quality of mung bean sprouts
No full textThe study evaluates the effect of spraying time on growth and nutritional quality of sprouts from two mung bean varieties. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. This study used two factors experiment (variety and spraying time) comprised three treatments for the two mung bean varieties, BARI Muge Bean 2 and BARI Muge Bean 5. The water spraying times were categorized T1 (15 seconds), T2 (18 seconds) and T3 (20 seconds). Data were collected in the Plant Biotechnology Lab and Post Harvest Lab, PSTU. Significant variations were observed in the result; the highest sprout shoot length (6.05 cm) and root length (1.10 cm) were recorded in T3. Additionally, the highest fresh sprout weight was with T3 measuring (25.90 g). Regarding chemical parameters, the highest values were noted as follows: pH in T3 (6.49), Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in T1 (7.22%,), vitamin C in T3 (13.20 g), anthocyanin in T3 (77.50 mg), antioxidants content in T3 (126.40 mg), phenol content in T3 (146.72 mg), carbohydrate in T3 (6.08 g), total sugar in T1 (4.22 g) and reducing sugar in T1 (2.17 g). In conclusion, the combination of longer spraying time and the BARI Mung Bean 5 variety produced higher quality sprouts and enhanced biochemical content, with the exception of pH, TSS, and sugar levels. Future research should explore additional factors affecting sprout quality
Pesticide use in banana cultivation: Insights into farmers’ knowledge and practices in Nawalparasi west, Nepal
No full textBanana is one of the most important fruit crops in Nawalparasi West Nepal’s serving as a significant production hub. This study was aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of 100 randomly selected banana farmers regarding pesticide use in two rural municipalities of Nawalparasi West, Nepal. The data was collected through structured survey and were analyzed using MS- Excel and Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed a significant (p<0.05) gap in knowledge with 45% farmers unaware of pesticide labels and only 33% farmers being knowledgeable of Restricted Entry Interval (REI). Despite the widespread reliance on chemical pesticides, only 29% farmers had received training on safe handling practices while 70% farmers had no knowledge on banned pesticides in Nepal. Also, Sigatoka leaf spot and Banana leaf and fruit scarring beetle was highlighted as the major disease and insect affecting banana farming. Among protective measures were insufficient, 82% farmers using only masks but fewer adopting gloves (4%) or aprons (3%) during application of pesticides. Health issues such as burning sensation and skin irritation were commonly reported due to pesticide exposure. Additionally, unsafe storage of pesticide cans and containers were observed, and only 30% farmers storing them in separate storage houses. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted training programs to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and safe pesticide handling practices. Enhancing farmers’ awareness through extension activities and policy interventions is critical to mitigate health risks and environmental damage
Economic analysis of maize production in traditional and mechanized farming systems in Nilkantha Municipality, Dhading, Nepal
No full textThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic analysis as costs and profitability of maize production in traditional and mechanized farming systems. For this, a purposive random sampling of 101 maize farmers, comprising 30 using traditional methods and 71 employing mechanized systems was selected for structured household surveys. Cobb-Douglas production function, independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and descriptive statistics was performed using MS Excel and STATA software. Farmers under traditional and mechanized systems produced maize on average on 6.18 and 5.46 ropani, respectively. In mechanized systems, the mini tiller was the main tool used for the land preparation, while urea and farmyard manure (FYM) were the main suppliers of nutrients. Weeding was the most expensive operation in maize production. Traditional farming incurred higher costs for land preparation, planting, and plant protection. The net return per ropani was NRs. 1158.98 (8.47) for mechanized farming. The benefit-cost ratios were 1.42 for traditional and 1.57 for mechanized systems, respectively. Although the difference in returns per area between the two systems was not statistically significant, but mechanization effectively reduced production costs and enhanced profitability, representing a viable approach to improving maize farmers' financial circumstances. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis revealed a coefficient sum of 0.756 for traditional systems and 1.248 for mechanized systems, indicating decreasing and increasing returns to scale, respectively. Therefore, adoption of mechanization for maize production is recommended for cost minimization and profit maximization in Dhading district of Nepal
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agronomic practices of rice farmers: A case study in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh
No full textThis study was conducted to determine the changes occurred in agronomic practices during the COVID-19 pandemic among rice farmers in rural and peri-urban areas of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. A survey was conducted among 64 farmers including 32 from rural areas and 32 from peri-urban areas. This study examined the characteristics of farmers, the extent of changes in agronomic practices adopted, problems faced by farmers during the pandemic, strategies adopted to cope with the pandemic situation, and possible solutions. There were significant differences in agronomic practices between rural and peri-urban farmers, with education, training exposure, and extension personnel contact being substantial factors for both the groups. Farmers faced different problems related to agronomic practices; however, rural farmers faced more problems compared to peri-urban farmers. In terms of strategies, rural farmers emphasized local sourcing for agricultural inputs, while peri-urban farmers emphasized on marketing via mobile phone calls. Both rural and peri-urban farmers suggested that more incentives from the government would be the most effective solution during the post-pandemic time. Rural farmers had more stable rice yields than peri-urban farmers despite making more changes in agronomic activities during the pandemic. Most of the rural farmers changed their fertilizer application techniques and patterns, while majority of the peri-urban farmers changed their seed selection and planting techniques to cope with the pandemic. The findings of the present study will help to formulate strategies to cope with similar situations in the future to ensure food security in the country and livelihood of the farming community
Effect of calcium chloride and gibberellic acid as post-harvest treatments on quality and shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. Var. Srijana) in Chitwan, Nepal
No full textThe research entitled, effect of calcium chloride and gibberellic acid as post-harvest treatments on quality and shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) var. Srijana in Chitwan, Nepal, was conducted to find out the best concentration of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) for better quality and shelf life of tomato under ambient room conditions (28±5°C, 64% RH). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design, which comprised six treatments: control (water), CaCl2 @2%, CaCl2 @4%, CaCl2 @6%, CaCl2 @8%, GA3 @1.5% GA3 @3% each replicated three times. Different postharvest parameters were assessed over a 12-day storage period. Results demonstrated that CaCl2 @4%, CaCl2 @6%, GA3 @1.5%, and GA3 @3% were found to be more effective in maintaining the quality and longer shelf life of tomatoes. On the 12th day of storage, the lowest decay loss was observed with CaCl2 @6% (0), GA3 @3% (0), followed by CaCl2 @4% (6.67%) and GA3 @1.5% (6.67%). The minimum TSS was observed in CaCl2 @4% (3.33˚Brix). Treatments GA3 @1.5% (1.12 kg/cm²), GA3 @3% (1.11 kg/cm²), CaCl2 @4% (1.08 kg/cm²) CaCl2 @6% (0.94 kg/cm²) effectively maintained the firmness of tomatoes fruits. Physiological loss in weight was minimum in CaCl2 @6% (4.50%) which was at par with CaCl2 @4%, GA3 @1.5%, GA3 @3%. Thus, it can be concluded that CaCl2 @4%, CaCl2 @6%, GA3 @1.5%, and GA3 @3% are effective in maintaining post-harvest quality and prolonging the shelf life of tomato. In addition to this, enhance marketability without reliance on cold storage
Metals contamination and its ecological risk assessment in the coastal sediments of Badagry Creek, Nigeria
No full textThis study was carried out to assess heavy metals contamination and potential ecological risk in Badagry Creek, Nigeria. Concentrations of six heavy metals associated with environmental pollution were determined in the sediments using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The evaluation of heavy metals pollution was determined using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), modified degree of contamination and potential ecological risk index. Results showed the ranking order of heavy metals in the sediment was iron (Fe) > chromium (Cr) > lead (Pb) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu) > cadmium (Cd). Among sampling stations, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations was found to be significantly (p<0.05) varied, whereas the concentration of Pb, Cr, and Cd was found insignificantly (p>0.05) different. The Igeo results suggested that the sediment pollution level was found in the category of unpolluted to moderately polluted. Based on the modified degree of contamination, sediments categorized from non-contamination to slight contamination with heavy metals. The potential ecological risk to the biological community was recorded from low to moderate risk of heavy metals pollution. Among different heavy metals, Cd posed the most substantial risk across the sampling stations. Consequently, there is urgent requirement of appropriate regulation and management by the relevant regulatory bodies in order to stop the indiscriminate dumping of sewage and untreated waste into the creek
Effects of restricted feeding regimes on greenhouse gas emission, production and economics of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) monoculture in pond
No full textThis study evaluated the effects of different feeding regimes on water quality parameters, fish growth, feed performance, economic returns and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) in Oreochromis mossambicus monoculture. Three treatments were applied viz. T1: regular feeding (twice daily); T2: feeding off 1 day/week and T3: feeding off 2 days/week, each with two replications. Significant variations (P<0.05) were found in water quality parameters such as dissolved oxygen (4.59±0.24 to 6.31±0.22 mg/L), pH (5.51±0.08 to 6.60±0.01), CO2 (4.59±0.24 to 6.31±0.22 mg/L) and total dissolved solids (520.68±3.74 to 554.57±3.78 mg/L), while temperature remained within the optimal range (29.06 to 29.320C). Growth performance was highest in T1 (final weight: 249.65 g; SGR: 2.08%) and lowest in T3 (190.63 g, SGR: 1.74%). FCR ranged from 1.67 to 1.87, and survival rate from 80.50% to 87.50%. Net profit was highest in T2 (454322.78 BDT/ha) followed by T1 and T3, indicating 16.7% increase over T1 and 50.2% over T3. Cost-benefit ratio was also highest in T2 (0.70), suggesting economic viability of moderate feed deprivation. Importantly, GHGs emissions were maximum in T1 (8.75 kg/ha/year), and minimum in T3 (6.62 kg/ha/year), showing a 24.3% reduction with intermittent feeding. These findings highlight that moderate feed restrictions (T2) can optimize production performance, enhance profitability, and reduced environmental impact, offering a sustainable strategy for tilapia aquaculture. This dual benefit approach supports economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, aligning with global goals for climate-smart aquaculture
Life cycle of Zygogramma bicolorata and its effectiveness as biocontrol of Parthenium hysterophorus in Lamjung, Nepal
No full textThe invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. poses a significant ecological and agricultural threat in Nepal, necessitating effective and sustainable management strategies. This study investigates the life cycle and biocontrol efficacy of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister against P. hysterophorus under greenhouse conditions in Lamjung, Nepal. Detailed observations on developmental biology revealed an average life span of 62–78 days from egg to adult, with females showing longer longevity (43.3±0.72 days) than males (37.0±0.94 days). Each female laid an average of 650±21.45 eggs during its lifespan, with 84.08% hatching success, 81.32% pupal recovery, and 78.69% adult emergence. The beetle exhibited four distinct larval instars, each showing progressive growth and color changes, followed by pupation at 3–5 cm soil depth. Feeding potential varied with the developmental stage and beetle density. Feeding trials revealed that both adults and larvae caused significant defoliation of Parthenium with higher beetle densities leading to faster defoliation. Defoliation was faster at the seedling stage than the flowering stage, with five beetle pairs completing defoliation in 1.13 days and 6.67 days, respectively, compared to 6.67 and 15.67 days with two pairs. Larvae were particularly voracious feeders, contributing more substantially to defoliation than adults. Based on these findings, Z. bicolorata shows strong potential as a biocontrol agent against P. hysterophorus, and further field-based research is recommended to evaluate its establishment and effectiveness across Nepal’s diverse agro ecological zones
Nutrient management with cow dung and chemical fertilizers enhances leaf yield and gel constituents in Aloe vera
No full textSince ancient times, Aloe vera has been used extensively, including in the cosmetics and food businesses. Commercial cultivation of A. vera is scarce due to lack of information. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to examine the integrated effect of inorganic fertilizer (IF) and cow dung (CD) on the growth, yield, and nutritional composition of A. vera. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was used for the experiment having total nine treatment combinations of IF and CD viz., IF 0% + CD 0%, IF 100% + CD 0%, IF 75% + CD 25%, IF 50% + CD 50%, IF 40% + CD 60%, IF 30% + CD 70%, IF 20% + CD 80%, IF 10% + CD 90%, and IF 0% + CD 100%. Varying combinations of IF and CD significantly influenced the studied parameters. On average, applications of 30% IF and 70% CD enhanced the leaf yield by 37%, gel yield by 31% and nutritional quality by 28% compared to control. The post-harvest soil characteristics, including the percentage of nitrogen and organic matter, soil pH, exchangeable potassium, available phosphorus, and available sulfur, were found to increase with the higher application of cow dung. Applying both 30% IF and 70% CD showed a substantial increase in growth, yield, gel nutritional quality, and post-harvest soil characteristics compared to other treatments including control. Therefore, application of 30% IF with 70% CD could be a best strategy for obtaining improved growth, yield, and nutritional quality of A. vera