89 research outputs found
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Potential of Postharvest Extension Service Delivery in Reducing Food Losses: A Study of Two Periodic Markets in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Get PDFThis study assessed the current status and potential of postharvest extension in reducing food losses at the Adawso and Asesewa periodic markets in the Eastern Region of Ghana. A survey utilizing direct face-to-face questionnaire interviews to obtain data and information was undertaken on 167 marketers in the two markets by simple random sampling. The results revealed that trading at the two markets was dominated by women (96.4%) mostly of a mixed age group of the youth and middle-aged (72.0%) with the majority (67%) having primary and junior secondary levels of education. Most marketers (71.2%) reported more than 10% postharvest food losses and had no access to postharvest extension services (85.6%) and information on postharvest technologies for food loss prevention or reduction (88.6%). However, marketers were willing to participate in postharvest training (86.6%) and adopt new food loss prevention technologies (85%). Probit regression analysis identified marketers’ education level and access to postharvest extension as significant predictors of their perception of postharvest extension contribution to food loss prevention in the markets. Each additional unit of education increases the likelihood of perceiving postharvest extension as beneficial by 1.21, similarly, access to postharvest extension increases the likelihood by 1.1 times. This implies that education and access to postharvest extension services are significant factors in food loss prevention and reduction. The study therefore suggests that provision of the services in the markets that include practical demonstrations and hands-on training presents a valuable opportunity for food loss reduction to promote sustainability
Investigating Eco-Friendly Practices in Vegetable Cultivation: A Comprehensive Analysis of Knowledge and Use among Farmers in Narsingdi, Bangladesh
Get PDFThe widespread use of pesticides is a major barrier to sustainable agriculture, polluting vital resources. In this context, eco-friendly agriculture offers a holistic farming approach that promotes health and sustainability. This study aimed to assess vegetable farmers’ knowledge of eco-friendly farming, examine how often they practice these methods, and identify factors influencing their awareness and adoption. A pre-tested structured interview was conducted with 112 vegetable farmers, 50% of the total, in the Shibpur sub-district of Narsingdi, Bangladesh, between January and April 2023. The study focused on farmers’ knowledge and use of environmentally friendly practices. Bloom’s Taxonomy was used to evaluate their knowledge, while use was measured on a 4-point scale (no, rarely, occasionally, frequently). Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that 71.4% of farmers had moderate knowledge, scoring 78.56% at the application level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Additionally, 64.3% demonstrated medium-level utilization of eco-friendly practices. Factors such as education, experience, training, and extension contact influenced both knowledge and practice. To increase farmers’ understanding and stimulate adoption, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) should establish adult education and training initiatives and boost extension contact
Assessment on Impact of Agricultural Subsidies on Potato Production: Evidence from Syangja, Nepal
Get PDFThis study examines the impact of agricultural subsidies on potato production in the Syangja District of Nepal, where the current productivity is not sufficient to meet the increasing demand despite favorable policies by the government. The study analyses data from 103 potato farmers across four municipalities of Syangja, using a mixed-methods approach to assess the changes in yield, profitability, and farming practices- after the implementation of agricultural subsidies. Major findings of this study reveal substantial improvements: yield increased by 37%, gross margin increased by 85%, and the benefit-cost ratio increased by 72%, following subsidy. Agricultural subsidies also promoted the rapid adoption of modern farming techniques like the use of quality seeds, fertilizers, modern machineries, and improved farming techniques. Regardless, the study unravels critical challenges of such support, including a 15% decline in potato market price, reflecting marketing saturation, and disproportionate benefits to large-scale farmers due to unbalanced subsidy allocation. Although the result demonstrates the efficacy of agricultural subsidies in enhancing short-term productivity and farm income, it also highlights structural challenges in program design regarding equitable access to such programs and market linkages of farm produce. These findings contribute to ongoing policy discussions by providing empirical evidence that while agricultural subsidies help to intensify agriculture, their long-term sustainability requires fair distribution, enhanced extension services, and improved market infrastructures. The study provides valuable policy recommendations for policymakers to improve subsidy schemes towards sustainable agriculture development in Nepal and similar contexts
Evaluation of Agroecological Performance Toward Sustainable Agriculture of Beni Municipality, Myagdi, Nepal
Get PDFThis study assessed the effectiveness of agroecological farming practices in Beni municipality, Myagdi district, Nepal, by surveying 150 households. The analysis considered various sociodemographic factors, occupations, and ecological aspects to calculate the Characterization of Agroecological Transition (CAET) scores. Only 20 out of the 150 farms received CAET scores between 50-60%, categorizing them as “incipiently transitioning” toward agroecological practices. Three of the ten evaluated elements scored below 40%, while four scored below 50%, and the remaining three were under 60%, resulting in an overall average score of 43.39%. This low score indicates limited adoption of agroecological practices in the area. The highest CAET scores were associated with male farmers, individuals identifying as Brahmin, those with basic literacy, and farms involved in beekeeping, where beneficial pollinators were present. Beekeeping was significantly correlated with higher CAET scores and also linked with food self-sufficiency for daily needs. Additionally, significant differences in CAET scores were observed across gender, ethnicity, and involvement in beekeeping. The study concludes that while interest in agroecological practices exists, adoption is hampered by limited knowledge and socioeconomic challenges. To foster greater agroecological transitions, targeted education and support systems must be developed, with a focus on integrating beekeeping and promoting a pollinator-friendly environment
Addressing Nutritional Challenges through Agricultural Extension: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Nutrition-Sensitive Interventions
Get PDFThe global nutrition crisis, characterized by the triple burden of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and obesity-related non-communicable diseases, poses a systemic challenge to human health and sustainable development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Agricultural extension services (AES), traditionally focused on productivity, are increasingly pivotal in delivering nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions to address these issues. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 42 studies (2015–2025) to evaluate the effectiveness of NSA through AES, with a focus on dietary diversity, micronutrient status, and food security in LMICs. Key findings highlight the efficacy of nutrition education, biofortification, gender-sensitive strategies, digital innovations, and policy coherence in improving nutritional outcomes. Successful cases—such as Rwanda’s Home Garden Program, India’s Nutrition Gardens, and Uganda’s biofortification efforts—demonstrate AES’s transformative potential when integrated with multisectoral approaches. However, challenges, including resource scarcity, cultural resistance, and fragmented policies, persist, alongside research gaps in the longitudinal impacts and urban-rural dynamics. Recommendations include capacity building, technological scaling, and policy alignment to embed AES within national nutrition frameworks, advancing Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). This review highlights AES as a critical lever in the agriculture-nutrition nexus, offering scalable strategies to nourish populations sustainably
A Review on What Consequence Did COVID-19 Leave on Agriculture and Its Associated Sectors?
Get PDFThroughout history, humanity has grappled with the widespread repercussions of pandemics, both economically and socially. The contemporary landscape contending with multifaceted challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic brings to the forefront a need for a thorough examination of its pervasive impact on agriculture and its interconnected sectors. Governments across the globe have responded with a spectrum of non-pharmaceutical interventions, encompassing measures such as social distancing, self-quarantine, and travel restrictions. While these interventions aim to mitigate the spread of the virus, their consequences also extend to vital sectors such as agriculture, that have received limited attention thus far. The disruption of supply chains, coupled with reduced production and distribution, has engendered a cascade of challenges. Notably affected are sectors integral to agriculture, including floriculture, information collection, pisciculture, irrigation facilities, agro-processing units, animal husbandry, labor availability, etc. The current study aims to disentangle the intricacies of challenges faced by agriculture and its allied sectors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By unravelling the complexities of this global crisis, it aims to contribute to the academic discourse, fostering a deeper understanding of the implications for sustainable development, economic resilience, and policy information
Effects of Agricultural Land Practices Management on Sustainable Crop Production
Get PDFThis study investigates effective soil management practices aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural production and preventing soil degradation. Soil degradation remains a significant global challenge, threatening food security, ecosystem stability, and rural livelihoods. In this context, adopting well-planned soil conservation measures is essential to maintain long-term agricultural productivity. The research reviews various techniques, including contour farming, mulching, and the use of cover crops, conservation plowing, terracing, and agroforestry. The findings reveal that these methods collectively improve soil structure, increase water infiltration and moisture retention, enhance nutrient cycling, and promote biodiversity. For instance, mulching and cover crops protect the soil from erosion and temperature extremes; while terracing and contour farming reduce surface runoff and increase water availability for crops. Agroforestry not only stabilizes soils but also provides additional economic benefits through diversified farm outputs. These improvements contribute to higher crop and livestock yields, better resilience against climate variability, and overall ecosystem health. However, despite their proven benefits, the widespread implementation of these practices faces significant obstacles. High initial costs of adoption, limited access to skilled labor and technical expertise, and weak legislative and policy support remain major constraints. In many regions, farmers lack financial incentives and government-backed programs to encourage long-term conservation efforts. The study showed that increased financial and technical assistance to farmers, capacity-building programs to develop expertise, and the introduction of strong policy frameworks that promote these globally recognized soil conservation techniques. Addressing these challenges is vital for ensuring soil health, sustainable production, and food security for future generations
Assessment of Drinking Water Quality at Selected Public Places of Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFWater is essential to all life on Earth, serving as a critical resource for both industrial and agricultural activities. However, the quality of groundwater, particularly in urban areas, is a growing concern due to its direct impact on human health. This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality in selected public places within Meerut City, Uttar Pradesh, India, to assess its suitability for drinking purposes. A total of 48 groundwater samples were collected from four locations across the city. Various physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and ion concentrations, were measured and compared against the national standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The analysis revealed that while certain parameters such as pH, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate levels were within acceptable BIS limits, others, including TDS, total hardness, magnesium, and calcium, exceeded the permissible thresholds. The Water Quality Index (WQI) assessment further categorized the water quality at all studied locations as \u27bad,\u27 indicating significant contamination. The findings suggest that the groundwater in these areas is unsuitable for human consumption without prior treatment. The presence of elevated levels of dissolved solids and hardness, along with other contaminants, highlights the need for immediate intervention to mitigate potential health risks. This study underscores the urgent necessity for effective water management and treatment strategies in Meerut City to ensure safe and sustainable access to potable water
Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Visitors of Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) at Baisjagar, Tanahun, Nepal
Get PDFLitchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a highly cross-pollinated plant, and the identification of insect visitors is critical for enhancing its production. A study was conducted in Baisjagar, Tanahun, Nepal, from March to April 2023 to assess the diversity and relative abundance of insect visitors to Litchi trees. The experiment involved the use of yellow sticky traps placed on five different Litchi trees, with two traps installed per tree on branches near the panicles. Readings were taken weekly over four weeks. A total of eighteen insect species from six orders and thirteen families were identified during the study. Among the recorded insects, the order Diptera was the most abundant, accounting for 51.12% of the total, and was represented by five families: Syrphidae, Sarcophagidae, Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Tachinidae. This was followed by Hymenoptera (32.02%), Hemiptera (12.54%), Lepidoptera (2.24%), Coleoptera (1.31%), and Orthoptera (0.74%). The species Apis cerana was the most frequently recorded, with 108 individuals captured. The study highlights the importance of pollinators, particularly Diptera and Hymenoptera, in Litchi production. Effective management and conservation of these pollinating insects can help ensure successful pollination and fruit production. Additionally, integrating apiculture with Litchi farming can enhance pollination services and provide mutual benefits, increasing yields and economic returns for farmers. This study suggested the need for sustainable practices to protect insect diversity in agricultural ecosystems
Exploring Genetic Diversity and Variability of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.): A Comprehensive Study in the Bilaspur Region of Chhattisgarh, India
Get PDFThe genetic diversity and variability of Tamarindus indica L., a valuable multipurpose tree species, was investigated through a comprehensive study conducted in the Bilaspur region. This research aimed to assess the morphological variations and growth responses of T. indica under contrasting environments, specifically agroforestry and natural forest systems. The study employed a rigorous scientific approach, encompassing field surveys, statistical analyses, and morphological assessments. The results indicated pronounced morphological differences between T. indica trees in the agroforestry and natural forest systems. T. indica trees in the natural forest exhibited significantly greater average height and diameter at the breast height (DBH) compared to those in agroforestry settings, highlighting the influence of the environment on growth parameters. Here, the crown diameter displayed homogeneity across both environments, suggesting a potential level of adaptability in this trait. The findings show the importance of considering environmental conditions when assessing the growth and development of T. indica, providing valuable insights for both scientific research and practical applications in agroforestry and conservation efforts