Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Not a member yet
236 research outputs found
Sort by
Supply chain analysis of silage in Chitwan district of Nepal
Get PDFSilage, anaerobically fermented green fodder, is valued worldwide as a source of animal feed during lean months. No studies have yet been documented exploring the supply chain map of silage and production economics of fodder used. Also, identification and prioritization of the major problems associated with fodder maize production, silage production and marketing is necessary. Chitwan district was purposively selected for this study as there are a greater number of commercial dairy cattle farms and silage-making agro-industries. A field survey and FGD was conducted among the fodder maize gowing farmers, Key Informant Interview was taken with the owner of six different silage producing farms during the time period between September, 2023 to February, 2024. A total of 90 sample farmers were selected for the study by applying the simple random sampling technique. The average productivity of the fodder maize was 539 qt/ha. The average land holding of the farmers growing fodder maize was found to be 0.38 ha. Moreover, the average price of the fodder maize was estimated NRs.345/qt. The positive gross margin and benefit cost ratio (BCR) greater than one showed both fooder maize production and silage production profitable and financially viable enterprises. Indexing identified the inadequate availability of fertilizers in time and the low price of fodder maize in the market as the first major problems associated with fodder maize production and marketing respectively. The role of cooperatives seemed to be important in the backward and forward linkages of silage as cooperatives were found to be closely associated with the marketing of fodder maize and silage as well. Assuring the timely availability of fertilizers, quality seed of suitable varieties and irrigation facilities must be the priority areras of government intervention to enahcne the production of fodder maize and silage. Moreover, price favour for the farmers, prioritizing the development of marketing channels, assuring the availability of market information, developing the transportation and storage facilities seemed to be primary areas of intervention to promote and strengthen the supply chain of silage. Assessing the demand for silage and exploring the more sustainable value chain could be an important area for further research
In vitro screening of rice landraces for increased drought tolerance at early growth stages using Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)
Get PDFDrought stress at germination stage can negatively impact the emergence and uniformity of seedlings leading to poor seedling establishment. Screening for drought tolerance at germination stage helps to identify potential rice germplasm tolerant to water scarcity during early growth. An experiment was conducted at the laboratory of Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Lamjung Campus, Nepal from 18th to 27th July 2023 in order to assess the seed germination of 20 rice landraces under drought stress condition. The experiment was carried out in a two factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The genotypes were evaluated against three levels of drought stress simulated at three concentrations of Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) @ 0% (Control), 10% and 20%. 20% PEG condition significantly (p≤0.05) recorded the lowest values for Germination Percentage (82%), Vigor Index (443.65), Coefficient of Velocity of Germination (9.91), Germination Index (160.78), Root Length (3.63 cm), Shoot Length (1.67 cm) and the highest values for Mean Germination Time (3.22 days) and Root-Shoot ratio (2.67 cm). Conversely, Control exhibited the fastest Mean Germination Time (1.75 days) and highest Germination Index (219.7). Highest Vigor Index (1329.35) and Shoot Length (7.83 cm) along with lowest Root-Shoot ratio (0.80 cm) was noted in 10% PEG. The Control and 10% PEG were statistically at par for parameters Germination Percentage and Root Length. Genotype Manamure significantly exhibited the highest Germination Index (224.33) and the fastest Mean Germination Time (1.67 days) whereas genotype Rato Anadi Lamcho showed an inferior performance with the lowest Vigor Index (786.37), Germination Index (146.78) and the slowest Mean Germination Time (3 days). Genotype Pahele was observed with maximum values of Germination Percentage (94.67%), Vigor Index (726.8), Germination Index (198.33), Shoot Length (2.713) and fastest Mean Germination Time (2.38 days) under 20% PEG condition. Using PEG 6000 to assess early growth traits is a cost-effective approach in achieving rapid screening for tolerant rice germplasm
Impact of wild pigs in agriculture and their management
Get PDFWild pigs cause substantial damage to the agriculture crops and leads to the economic loss of rural farmers. They harm the environment by shifting plant composition and decreasing its productivity. Wild pigs destroy habitat, predation and competes for resources with rare, threatened and endangered species in ecosystem. Their damage in fields can be accessed by regular monitoring which can be achieve by the use of drones. The management approaches to control wild pig encroachment in farm lands are baiting, hunting, fencing and catching with the use of dogs. Among them shooting or hunting is more common in practice. In addition, they transmit the various diseases like classical swine fever and Brucella spp. to livestock. This review summarizes the importance of wild pigs as genetic resources, factors affecting human-wild pig conflict, crop raiding and economic loss and various management approaches. This study suggests the controlling of wild pigs in farm lands which leads to the increase in agricultural production
Application of production function approach to estimate the economics of broiler production in the Rupandehi district of Nepal
Get PDFA study was conducted in a year 2020 A.D to analyze the application of production function approach to estimate costs and returns, resource use efficiency, and problem in broiler production. A total of 120 broiler farmers were selected representing small, medium and large farms, also 10 number of wholesalers, retailers and consumers were selected for market study and interviewed with a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were collected, entered and analyzed by using SPSS and MS-Excel. The total cost of production per bird was maximum (Rs.372.93) in small and minimum (Rs.340.96) in large farms, it was Rs.361.42 in medium farms. FCR for small farms was 1.67, for medium 1.81 and for large farms 1.89. It was further seen that the B: C ratios 1.27 for small farms, 1.25 for medium, and 1.34 for large farms. It was clear that large farm is more profitable as compare to small farm. Cobb-douglas production function analysis showed that with every other factors remaining constant an increase in 100% in the chicken cost, feed cost, vaccine cost and others cost the gross return was expected to be increased by 3.75, 8.6, 2.6 and 1.7 % respectively. The different agent involve in the marketing of broiler are producer, retailer, wholesaler, dealers, commission agent, middleman and finally consumers. The SWOT analysis was done on the basis of the interview taken by all the stakeholder in the study area of the district. In spite of broiler production potentiality, there were many constraints in production, marketing and research site which need to be addressed by enhancing technology adoption, such as targeted training programs and financial support, could contribute to sustainable broiler farming practices in the research site
Evaluation of carrot varieties for morphological traits, yield attributes and nutritional profile in Bhaktapur, Nepal
Get PDFCarrot is an important root vegetable and commonly used as a snack, part of salads, cooked in curries and used in making pickles. A research was carried out to evaluate the performance of different carrot varieties for their morphological traits, yield attributing characters and nutritional parameters from Feb 2023 to June 2023 at Thimi Municipality-2, Bhaktapur. There were five carrot varieties such as Nepa Dream, Red Champion, Sigma, SK3, and New Kuroda. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Results showed that there were significant differences in growth parameters, morphological characters, and nutrient composition. Nepa Dream showed the greatest root length (25.24 cm), weight (100.25 g), total yield (27.48 t/ha), βcarotenoid (12.34 mg/100 g), dry matter (12.35%) and TSS (11.25 ºBrix). New Kuroda had the maximum plant length (78.17 cm). The results of the current study showed that varieties differed significantly for morphological traits, yield attributes and other nutritional aspects. Nepa Dream was found to be the appropriate variety in terms of yield, TSS, β-carotene and dry matter content for growing at Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Among other varieties, SK3 seemed to be the promising for its overall traits and so it needs to be further tested over multiple seasons and locations
Effect of different weed management practices on growth and yield of spring rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Banke, Nepal
Get PDFRice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important crop in Nepal, despite having significant contribution to food security and agricultural economy, its production is being affected greatly by weed infestation. A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2022 to evaluate the different weed management practices in transplanted spring rice at Radhapur, Banke, Nepal. Seven weed management treatments were laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 50% EC, 1 kg a.i./ha, at 3 DAT, post-emergence application of Bispyribac Na 10% SC, 25 g a.i./ha, at 28 DAT, pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin followed by post-emergence Bispyribac Na, Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin followed by one hand weeding at 40 DAT and Farmer’s practice i.e. one hand weeding at 40 DAT along with two controls (weedy free and weedy check). The rice variety Hardinath-1 was used in the experiment. Data regarding the weed flora, weed density, weed dry weight, rice growth, yield attributes and yield was recorded and analyzed. Weed flora in the experimental plot comprised of 11 weed species viz. five were broadleaf weeds belonging to four families, four grasses belonging to Poaceae family whereas three sedges belonging to Cyperaceae family. Sedges weeds were dominant as compared to broadleaf and grasses. The highest number of effective tillers per m2 (413) and number of grains per panicle (101.33) were obtained in Pendimethalin followed by Bispyribac Na treated plot. The plot treated with combination of pre-emergence followed by post emergence recorded significantly the lowest weed density (9.67 weeds/m2) at 60 DAT. This treatment significantly gave higher grain (4780 kg/ha), straw yield (4318 kg/ha) yield, harvest index (52.55%), other traits like sterility (22.19%) was recorded least and thousand grains weight was significantly higher (23.61g). The yield on weedy check plot produced the lowest yield as compared to weed free plot. Sedges weeds such as Cyperus difformis, Cyperus iria and Fimbristylismiliaceae were dominant as compared to dicots such as Amaranthus spinosus, Chenopodium album and grasses such as Echinochloa crus-galli, Echinochloa colonum at the experimental field. The ultimate overall analysis revealed that the application of pre-emergence followed by post-emergence herbicide was the best treatment so far as compared to other weed management treatments considering various data regarding variables
Soil organic carbon and nutrient status in forest and agroforestry lands in tropical region of Nepal
Get PDFSoil Organic Carbon (SOC) concentration, stock and soil nutrients vary considerably according to land use practices and soil depth. The rationale for studying SOC and nutrient status in Nepal\u27s tropical forest and agroforestry lands stems from the vulnerability of these soils to degradation, the importance of these systems in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, and the need for sustainable land management practices to ensure food security and biodiversity conservation. The objective of the study was to assess the soil organic carbon and nutrient status in Navajagriti community forest, Bharatpur Metropolitan-11 and home gardens (agroforestry) in Kalika Municipality-9 of Chitwan district, Nepal respectively. Soil samples were collected randomly from both land use types. Soil samples were collected from soil depths up to 30 cm at variable depth interval of 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm. The results showed that SOC stock was found higher in agroforestry (25.66 t/ha) than in forest (24.84 t/ha) whereas bulk density was found higher in forest (1.53 g/cmᶾ) than in agroforestry (1.31 g/cmᶾ). The average SOC stock of forest and agroforestry land in 0-10 cm soil depth was found to be 11.40 t/ha and 10.64 t/ha, and those in 10-30 cm soil depth was found to be 13.44 t/ha and 15.02 t/ha respectively. However, both were found non-significant (p<0.05). Likewise, pH (6.5) in agroforestry and 6.29 in forest, total nitrogen in agroforestry (0.216%) and (0.08%) in forest, available phosphorus 37.21 ppm in agroforestry and 7.42 ppm in forest, available potassium in agroforestry 152.22 ppm and 108.8 ppm in forest were found which showed higher nutrient status in agroforestry but these nutrients were not significantly (P>0.05) among both land use type. The carbon-nitrogen ratio was found higher in forest (7.466) than in agroforestry (3.78), with statistical significant difference. The study concluded that SOC concentration, stock, and soil nutrients were highly influenced by management practices like regular tillage, use of organic manure and multistory farming in agroforestry rather than old aged, degraded and unmanaged forest. Hence, forest management applying relevant silvicultural systems based on management objectives and multistory system can improve carbon and nutrient in community forest
Field screening of linseed genotypes against alternaria blight (Alternaria lini)
Get PDFLinseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a promising but underexplored oilseed crop in Nepal, with considerable expansion potential. However, it faces a significant threat from leaf blight disease, caused by Alternaria lini resulting in notable yield reductions. This study aimed to identify genetic sources of resistance to this pathogen. Fourty-two linseed genotypes, including resistant check ACC#7622 and susceptible check Sarlahi local, underwent disease resistance screening over two years (2021-2022) in field disease screening nurseries at the Oilseed Research Program, Sarlahi, using an incomplete block design. Each block contained seven genotypes, replicated twice. Disease severity, yield and yield attributing traits were assessed. Significant variations in disease and yield traits were observed among the genotypes over the years. While only 19% showed moderate resistance with minimal symptoms compared to susceptible types. None were immune and resistance, with 13 genotypes (31%) classified as moderately susceptible, 26% susceptible and 24% highly susceptible. A significant negative correlation (P≤0.05) between disease severity and grain yield was evident. Genotypes ACC#(5-ICLI-2001-5), ACC#96-001, ACC#7622, ACC#96-004, TN#04, ACC#(9-ICLI-2001-9), ACC#(1-ICLI-2001-1), and TN#08 demonstrated both high yield and moderately resistance to alternaria leaf blight, offering valuable genetic resources for enhancing linseed resilience to this disease through breeding initiatives
Farmers’ perception about major insect pests of cucurbits and their management in Arghakhanchi, Nepal
Get PDFCucurbits are important vegetable crops widely cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions, including Arghakhanchi, Nepal. To understand farmers\u27 perceptions on major insect pests of cucurbits and their management in this region, a survey was conducted from February 2023 to May 2023 in Sandhikharka municipality and Chhatradev rural municipality, involving 110 selected respondents applying a stratified random sample method. Data were gathered through focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews (KII), and preliminary field visits. Secondary data were collected and analyzed. The results revealed that farmers ranked insect pests and diseases as their most severe problem, with an index value of 0.892, while climate change was the least severe, with an index value of 0.337. Red pumpkin beetle was identified as the most severe insect pest at the seedling (69.1%) and vegetative stages (50.9%), while fruit flies were most severe at the fruiting stage (79.1%). The 67.3% of the respondents reported a moderately increased occurrence of insect pests compared to past years. Most farmers (90%) relied on chemical pesticides, followed by mechanical, cultural, botanical, and physical methods for pest control. However, only 23.6% of farmers knew about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), with a low level of IPM adoption at 40.9%. The study highlights the potential for enhanced cucurbit production if farmers are provided with IPM knowledge, technical support, and improved irrigation facilities
Adoption status of good agricultural practices among vegetable growers in the Arghakhanchi district of Nepal
Get PDFThe vegetable sector substantially contributes to the Nepalese economy and offers instant income, nutrition, and food security. The unsystematic use of agrochemicals for commercialising production has posed a threat to the sustainability of the vegetable sector in recent decades. The usage of agrochemicals in commercial vegetable production may be reduced by implementing Good Agriculture Practices (GAP). This study aims to find out the knowledge, application, and perception of farmers towards Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) along with the adoption index in the Arghakhanchi district of Nepal from February 2023 to June 2023. Altogether 125 households from Sandhikharka Municipality and Chhatradev Rural Municipality were chosen using stratified random sampling technique. Focus group discussion (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII), and preliminary field visits were carried out to gather primary data, and a variety of literatures were reviewed to gather secondary data. The results showed that 38.4% of households (HHs) were aware of the GAP. The higher adopters were 15.48% HHs with a mean adoption value of 19.57. About15.4% HHs were low adopters with an adoption value of 9.45 and 70.73% of HHs were medium adopters with an adoption value of 14.92 out of 29. The low level of GAP application was found in the harvesting method with the lowest mean score of 0.136, however, storage duration had the highest average score of 0.992. Farmers ranked insect pest damage as the most severe problem with an index value of 0.79, while weather as the least severe problem with an index value of 0.33 in rank I, and V respectively. All respondents gave their perception of GAP with 75.2% agree, 12.8% neither agree nor disagree and 12% strongly agree that GAP helps them to increase their productivity