Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources
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Bridging yield gap of winter maize using improved agronomic management practices
Get PDFAppropriate combinations of inputs determine the productivity of crops. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different combinations of inputs on the yield of winter maize at National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replications comprising of six treatments (T1= Hybrid (H) + recommended doses of NPK (RD) + irrigation (I) + high density (HD) (83333 plant ha-1) + improved weed management practice (IWMP), T2=Open pollinated variety (OPV)+RD+I+HD+IWMP, T3=OPV+ farmer’s doses of NPK (FD)+I+HD+IWMP, T4= OPV+FD+rainfed (R)+HD+IWMP, T5=OPV+ FD+ R+low density (LD) (55555 plant ha-1) + IWMP, T6=OPV+FD+R+LD+ farmer’s weed management practice (FWMP). The research result revealed significant variation on the grain yield among the different treatments. The highest grain yield (5357 kg ha-1) was obtained when hybrid maize was grown with recommended dose of fertilizer, higher density, irrigation and improved weed management practices. This treatment was followed by replacement of OPV in the above treatment (4410.77 kg ha-1). The decline in yield due to replacement of OPV from hybrid was 17.67 percent. The percent yield decline from full Package of practices (T1) were 23.01, 47.81, 36.66 and 35.95 when input combinations OPV+FD+I+ HD+IWMP, OPV + FD+R+HD+IWMP, OPV+FD+R+LD+IWMP and OPV+FD+R+LD+ FWMP respectively were used..The contrast for grain yield between hybrid vs. OPV, RD vs. FD and Irrigated vs. Rainfed were significant. Therefore, present investigation showed hybrid maize, recommended dose of fertilizer and irrigation were the most important inputs for improving maize productivity in winter season in Chitwan like climatic condition
Evaluation of bread wheat genotypes under rain-fed conditions in Terai districts of Nepal
Get PDFThirty four percent of the total wheat cultivated area is under rain-fed condition in Nepal and that of the Terai is nineteen percent. The objective of this study was to develop drought tolerant and high yielding varieties of wheat for timely sown rain-fed environments. Coordinated Varietal trial (CVT) was carried out in normal wheat growing season during 2016/17 and 2017/18. The research was conducted at five locations (Rampur, Bhairahawa, Doti, Jitpur and Nepalgunj) of five research stations of Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) throughout the Terai region in alpha lattice design with two replications. Data on different yield attributing traits were recorded. In the CVT-TTL 2016/17 highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the genotypes was found for days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, number of grains per spike and thousand kernel weight and significant difference (p<0.05) for grain yield. The highest grain yield was observed in NL 1326 (2954 kg/ha) which was followed by NL 1327 (2819 kg/ha), NL 1211 (2719 kg/ha), NL1202 (2683 kg/ha), BL 4707 (2654 kg/ha) and BL 4708 (2652 kg/ha). Similarly, in CVT-TTL 2017/18, highly significant difference (p<0.01) among the genotypes was observed for the days to heading, days to maturity and plant height and non-significant different for number of grains per spike, grain yield and TGW. However, Genotype by Environment (G x E) was found highly significant (p<0.01) for the days to heading, plant height, grain yield and TGW and significant different (p<0.05) for number of grains per spike. The highest grain yield was obtained in NL1322 (2305 kg/ha) which was followed by NL1369 (2287 kg/ha), NL 1202 (2205 kg/ha), BL 4708 (2197 kg/ha) and BL 4820 (2118 kg/ha). Among these tested genotypes BL 4708, NL 1202, NL 1211, NL 1307, NL 1327 and NL 1369 are recommended for the coordinated farmer\u27s field trial for further verification and release as variety
Behavioural science principles for scaling-up zero tillage wheat and maize in the Eastern Terai region of Nepal
Get PDFFarmers have a set of convictions and tend to do what their forefathers had practiced. By identifying their beliefs and designing appropriate ways of upscaling to convince them of new and improved practices, we can improve the adoption of zero tillage technology for maize and wheat. Small and fragmented landholdings that resulted from the cultural system of distributing land to heirs are diverse in their cropping requirements. Moreover, farmers are risk-averse and do not believe easily in new technologies. Traditional extension approaches have not been effective in upscaling these technologies. A new way of thinking based on behavioural science can provide some insights and guidelines for improving the effectiveness of technology adoption. Understanding farmers\u27 socioeconomic circumstances and their decision-making system at the household and society level can help in designing upscaling approaches. Approaches such as capitalising on social bonding, use of established technology leaders, and use of farmers\u27 organizations can improve adoption. Recommended strategies include encouraging a comprehensive contracting system of service provision, using active community influential local leaders in technology expansion, taking group and social identity approaches in technology extension, and capacity building programs for service providers/operators and farmers to help raise confidence and to remove perceived barriers to technology adoption.  
Economic analysis and marketing system of Apis mellifera honey production in Dang, Nepal
Get PDFDang valley, the major honey producing district in Nepal, contributes 14 percent of national honey production in the country. Understanding the constraints and opportunities contributes in improving production and productivity of honey bee (Apis mellifera), in Dang, the study was initiated to find out the status, constraints and opportunities of honey production and its marketing system in the valley so as to increase the productivity and effective marketing. Total 60 beekeepers, 35 from Ghorahi and 25 from Tulsipur sub-metropolitan municipality having more than 20 beehives were selected based on proportionate stratified random sampling method and 2 processor cum wholesalers, 2 retailers, 2 middlemen and 2 cooperatives were selected based on simple random sampling method for interview. Personal interview, focus group discussion, key informant survey was used to collect primary data and secondary data were collected from topic related publications of various institution. The average annual honey productivity was 23.5 kg/hive with benefit cost ratio of 2.15 in 2019/20. Producers disposed their honey through nine marketing channels. Out of nine honey marketing channels, maximum portion i.e. 54.14% of honey disposed through producers to processor cum wholesalers to retailers/ traders inside or outside Dang to consumers, and only 2.66% of honey disposed through producers to cooperatives to consumers. Strengthening the appropriate management practice, quality testing and product certification of honey is must to enhance production and marketing of honey
Growth and yield performance of different open pollinated tomato genotypes in Terai region of Nepal
Get PDFTomato is one of the major vegetable crops inNepal. The productivity of tomato in Nepal is very low due to lack of high yielding, disease and pests resistant varieties.The objective of the experiement was to evaluate the performance of open pollinated tomato genotypes. Ten open pollinated tomato genotypes were evaluated at on-station research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Parwanipur, Bara in the winter seasons of 2015 and 2017, and seven tomato genotypes were evaluated at farmers’ fields of Bara and Parsa districts, Nepal in the winter seasons of 2017 and 2018.The experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results of the on-station experiments showed that HRDTOM084 produced the highest yield (29.1 t/ha in 2015 and 28.5 t/ha in 2017) and showed consistant performance over the two seasons. It was the superior genotype in terms of yield and yield attributing traits. Tomato genotypes HRDTOM011, HRD109, HRDTOM080 and HRDTOM086 were found vigorous with a score value 5 in 1 to 5 rating scale. The results of the farmers’ field experiment showed that the tomato genotypes HRDTOM084 and HRDTOM085 were found more productive and high yielding compared to other genotypes. The highest yield was produced in HRDTOM084 with a mean of two season yield 49.85 t/ha followed by HRDTOM085 with a mean of two season yield 47.42 t/ha).These genotypes showed moderate resistance to late blight and septoria leaf spot with a score value of 2.3 in 1-5 rating scale. Therefore, HRDTOM084 and HRDTOM085 were the most productive and gave higher yield compared to others. Hence, these two tomato genotypes can be used by tomato growers under field conditions in Terai region of Nepal
Late blight of potato and its management through the application of different fungicides and organic amendments: a review
Get PDFLate the blight of potato is a devastating and one of the economic diseases of potato and other plants belonging to family Solanaceae. Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most threatening pathogenic diseases which not only results in direct crop losses but also cause farmers to embrace huge monetary expenses for disease control and preventive measure. It was first reported during the Irish Potato Famine, leading to massive starvation in Ireland and other parts of Europe during the middle of 19th century. Phytopthora harms the foliar portion in the field and also the tuber in the storage that can result in complete crop failure in potato. The pathogen has distinct survival mechanisms and two life cycles infection processes. The development of a sexual spore known as oospore includes two types of pairs, A1 and A2. The spores are introduced to good plants by wind and rain. Different methods for prevention of crops from late blight has been developed and used worldwide. An integrated disease management strategy includes successful control of this disease. Cultural control, chemical management, and advanced disease management are the most effective interventions. Integration of late blight control in tropical regions with abundant fungal inoculants in most months of the year was also seen as one of the best choices in disease management. This paper reviews the significance of late blight of potato and controlling strategies adopted for minimizing yield losses incurred by this disease by the application of synthetic fungicides and different organic amendments
Effect of seed treatment using Mancozeb and Ridomil fungicides on Rhizobium strain performance, nodulation and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.)
Get PDFThe viability of commercial Rhizobium strains (SB-14 and SB-12) were inoculated and fungicides (Mancozeb and Ridomil) were used as seed dressed on soybean seed to investigate their effect on nodulation, plant growth and seed yield of soybean. Application of Rhizobial inoculants alone gave the highest nodulation and shoot dry weight performance as well as seed yield of soybean on both sites. SB-12 inoculant had significantly shown to be more effective than SB-14 inoculant in increasing nodulation and thus produced higher plant growth and seed yield. Rhizobial survival on the seeds was severely affected by both fungicides, resulting in decreased nodulation, plant growth and seed yield for both inoculants. However, Ridomil fungicide gave the lowest nodulation and seed yield when applied with either SB-12 or SB-14 Rhizobial strains. The strains differed in their sensitivity to Mancozeb fungicide that with strain SB-12 showed a slight effect or no effect on survival of rhizobium, nodulation and yield of soybean. Seed-dressing of mancozeb and ridomil resulted in reduction of seed yield by 882.8 kg ha-1 and 1154.7 kg ha-1, respectively with SB-12 strain. The present results indicate that inoculated Rhizobium inoculants differ in their capacity to develop resistance to the two dressed fungicides. Seed treatment with Mancozeb in combination with SB-12 strain slightly affected the survival of the inoculated strain. Consequently, mancozeb fungicide may be compatable with survival of the inoculated SB-12 Rhizobia. The results also indicate that the suppressive effects of seed-applied fungicides on Rhizobium strains survival and nodulation development depend on specific strain and fungicide. Soybean seeds inoculated with SB-12 may not need management with fungicides or lower concentration of Mancozeb that could be compatible with SB-12 to suppress soil-borne pathogens for both Assosa and Begi sites, western Ethiopia
Determinants of gross income from carp production in Bara district, Nepal
Get PDFA study was conducted from March to June 2020 to analyze the determinants of gross income from carp production in the Bara district of Nepal. Altogether, 90 carp producers, 45 each from Simraungadh and Pachrauta municipality in equal basis were sampled by using cluster sampling technique. Primary information was collected through a pre-tested semi-structured interview-based schedule while secondary information was collected reviewing the relevant publications. Data was entered in SPSS 25 and analyzed using STATA 12.1. The results revealed that the cost of labor, cost of feed, assistances and services, and training had significant positive effect on gross income from carp prodcuiton. Furthermore, lack of quality inputs was identified as the most severe production problems whereas Dhalta to be given was recognized as the most severe marketing problems. Thus, encouraging the carp producer to manage the cost of labor and cost of feed deliberately, rationally providing the assistance and services and strengthening the skills and knowledge of producer through training could significantly increase gross income from carp production
Nepalese legal standard of milk and common milk products and its implications
Get PDFThe milk and milk products are diversified and there is increasing awareness about the quality standards of products among the consumers.Therefore this study reviewed the legal standard of milk and common milk Products in Nepal and its implications using desk review and exploratory research.In Nepal, the department of food technology and quality control has developed several legal standards for the quality assurance of milk and milk products. National Dairy Development Board has established the Code of Practice for Dairy Industry 2004 which directs six criteria for the standardization of milk and milk products like Organoleptic test, Clot On Boiling (COB) test, Alcohol Test,Fat test and Solids-Not-Fat (SNF)test, Adulteration test, phosphate test, and microbial and coliform test. The review identified the quality standards of milk products like ghee, butter, paneer, milk powders but some quality parameters for ice-creams and cheese are still missing. The research identifies the quality non-compliance rate of milk and milk products that is about 19% which is in a decreasing trend. To the effective implementation of the legal standards, maintenance of health and hygiene of livestock at the production site, lab and infrastructure support at the distribution site, and creating consumer awareness to the consumer site is imperative
Desert locust and its management in Nepal: a review
Get PDFLocusts are among the most dangerous agricultural pests. They are a group of short horned grasshoppers belonging to Acrididae family and are hemimetabolous insects. This group of grasshoppers have a unique character of changing habits and behaviors when they aggregate in a group and this habit is catalyzed by different environmental factors. In the adult stage, gregarious locusts migrate from one place to another in a swarm. Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Forksal), is one of those locusts which cause damage to different types of crop which fly in the direction of wind up to a distance of 150 km. Because of polyphagous feeding habits and swarming in a plague (large group of adults), this pest is considered as the hazardous migratory pest. These pests entered Nepal for the first time in 1962 and then in 1996. In 2020 the pest entered the country from India on three different dates 27th June and continued till 29th (5 districts), 12th July (1 district), and 16th July (2 districts). The swarms migrated to 53 districts and caused the considerable loss in agricultural and field crop in 1118 hectare. These pests are monitored on the basis of environmental factors and many tools and practices such as eLocust3, SMELLS (Soil Moisture for Desert Locust Early Survey), P-locust and SUPARCO Disaster Watch Desert Locust Situation Alert are being used. Their control is critical to food security. Many tools and techniques are integrated for prevention and management of these pests to minimize damage in the existing crops where they migrate. These are physical methods, cultural methods, use of botanicals, green muscle, PAN (phenylacetonitrile) and chemicals. Effective preventive management strategy relies on an improved knowledge of the pest biology, more efficient monitoring and control techniques