143 research outputs found
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The Effect of Melatonin on Essential Oil Production in Mentha Spicata
Get PDFMentha Spicata (spearmint), an herbaceous perennial aromatic plant, is the most common herb in tropical and subtropical countries. The essential oil (EO) of Mentha spicata is a valuable source of antioxidants in nutraceuticals and cosmetic industries. In-vitro culturing of Mentha Spicata was done via the micro-propagation technique, and exogenous Mel was used as a plant growth regulator. The field trials involved the plant’s foliar spray of different concentrations of Mel at various time points. The EO of leaves of control and Mel-treated plants (S1-S6) was steam-distilled using a Clavenger-type apparatus. The UV, FTIR, and GC analyses of the EO of control and S1-S6 were recorded. The antioxidant capacity of the EO of control and S1-S6 was measured using a DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The nodal explants of Mentha Spicata showed different responses to the shoot proliferation process in the presence of exogenous Mel. The EO yield percentage of control and S1-S6 were in the range of 0.92±0.05% and 0.74±0.03%-0.39±0.04%%, respectively. The UV, FTIR, and GC spectra of the EO of control and S1-S6 presented different numbers of peaks and compounds in the selected range. The EO of control and Mel-treated plants could reduce the free radical DPPH to DPPHH with varying values of IC50. Melatonin could regulate the plant’s growth and development, change the EO yield, improve the EO’s phytochemical profile qualitatively, and enhance the free-radical scavenging capacity of the plant’s EO in a concentration and time-dependent mode. So, it may act as a promising molecule to increase aromatic crop yield with the desired quality
Determination of Iodine Content of Different Brands of Edible Iodized Salts Available in Kabul City, Afghanistan
Get PDFSalt is an excellent carrier of iodine since it is consumed by all community members at approximately consistent, well-defined levels, regardless of socio-economic condition. Iodine is an essential micronutrient of thyroid glands for average growth and mental development. Iodine deficiency is a common problem in some parts, especially in mountainous fields of Afghanistan, and causes specific diseases. One of the essential ways to prevent Iodine deficiency disease is to fortify edible salt with iodine. This research aims to find out how much iodine was in various brands of edible table salts sold at the retailer level in various Kabul shopping centers. This cross-sectional research was performed from 15 July to 15 August 2023. The iodometric titration method determined Iodine in salt samples—23 different brands. We have found 39% of selected samples that are not standard in amount of iodine content. Also, marked samples were found to be 17% without iodine, and 43% had a sufficient amount of iodine. Determination of iodine content in salt samples showed that more than 50% of the powdered samples don’t have adequate iodine content (15 ppm and above). That means advice on powdered salt use does not ensure the proper iodine intake
Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources in Harirod-Murghab River Basin
Get PDFClimate change represents one of the paramount challenges confronting humanity today. The profound impacts of phenomena such as changes in precipitation patterns, global warming, polar ice melt, floods, and the onset of untimely and extreme temperatures worldwide have instilled a sense of urgency and concern. This critical issue has been placed at the forefront of climate change. To understand the ramifications of climate change on water resources within the Harirud-Marghab River basin, an analysis of average precipitation and temperature variations (including minimum, maximum, and average values) across different time frames (annual, monthly, seasonal, and during wet and dry seasons) has been conducted using data from hydrometeorological stations in the catchment area from 1979 to 2022. the non-parametric Mann-Kendall and PCI methods were chosen as the analytical tools. The findings reveal a notable decline in annual rainfall within the Harirud-Marghab River basin, with a pronounced reduction during the winter, the basin's primary water season. Conversely, an increase in seasonal rainfall has been observed in summer and autumn. Overall, rainfall in this river basin tends to be intense, occurring on limited days throughout the year. Furthermore, a significant rise in the annual average temperature has been documented, alongside fluctuations and changes in water flow across most stations within the basin. Consequently, the surface water resources of the Harirud-Marghab River basin have experienced a substantial decrease, amounting to approximately 29% of its capacity, equivalent to a reduction of 0.98 billion cubic meters of water
Innovative Approaches for Afghanistan's Agricultural Water Management
Get PDFDue to the difficulties of water shortages and climate change, innovative water management solutions in agriculture are essential for food security, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. This study addresses several innovative techniques for agricultural water management in Afghanistan, considering specific issues in the region. Afghanistan's dependency on imported food reveals the ineffectiveness of the irrigation system, as well as a lack of new agricultural technologies and infrastructure. This study was conducted at the Paktika Higher Education Institute to analyze key irrigation challenges and provide innovative approaches to water management in Afghanistan's agriculture. Sixty-nine agricultural faculty students participated in the study. The primary data for this quantitative descriptive study were collected through questionnaires. SPSS version 24 was used to analyze the data. The analytical methods used were frequency and percentage. According to the findings, the key problems were drought, lack of a plan for managing water in agriculture, failure to apply water management regulations, lack of modern irrigation systems, and farmers' lack of knowledge regarding crop water requirements. Water management in Afghanistan's agriculture can be enhanced by precision agriculture, rainwater collection, the reuse of treated wastewater, conservation tillage, crop rotation, cover crops, smart irrigation, and drip and sprinkler irrigation systems
Development of Blended RTS (Ready to Serve) Drink from Pomegranate and Plum Fruits
Get PDFFruit drinks which known as functional food is required for healthy life and also, they diversify the consumer choice. Pomegranate and plum juice could be blended for production of nutritious RTS (ready to serve) drinks. The present study was done to develop blended RTS drinks from pomegranate and plum juice. The fruits were blended in 10 varying ratios, totaling 20 percent total volume plum and pomegranate juice with and without kokum water with sugar added to 13-degree brix. The developed product was tested for biochemical and sensory properties. The range of pH and titratable acidity were 3.29 to 3.46 and 0.22 to 0.51, respectively. The blend with 20 per cent plum juice with 80 per cent kokum water had the most antioxidant and ascorbic acid content. The 10:10 per cent of pomegranate and plum juice blend with 80 per cent kokum water was the most acceptable by sensory panel with average score of 8.21 on a 9-point hedonic scale. We concluded that the 10:10 pomegranate and plum juice blend with kokum water RTS drink could be commercialized as a nutritious drink
The Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Afghanistan: A Review
Get PDFClimate change is a global threat to agriculture and agricultural products worldwide. Since the Green Revolution, greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere have increased rapidly, such as CO2, N2O, and CH4, which have caused global warming. Furthermore, due to global warming, the temperature has risen rapidly in most parts of the world in recent years. Agriculture in Afghanistan has been negatively affected by climate change factors in the last few decades. Such as drought, changes in the time and quantity of precipitation, and temperature caused losses in agricultural products. The impacts of climate change on Afghanistan's agriculture sector and agricultural products have not yet been widely investigated in previous literature. Thus, this review aims to describe the most vulnerable factors of climate change in Afghanistan. This review also focuses on adapting practices that reduce the negative effects of climate change on agriculture. The combination of all the information mentioned above may be useful to policymakers and governmental and nongovernmental organizations to state a reasonable plan to reduce the negative effects of climate change on agriculture and agriculture products that the plants face in the future under climate change conditions in Afghanistan
Performance of Agriculture Export Commodities from Afghanistan to World
Get PDFThis study delves into the symmetric comparative advantage of agricultural products in Afghanistan using the Balassa index from 2011 to 2021 and Cuddy-Della Valle's formula to measure instability in time series data from 2008 to 2022. The study focuses on eight agricultural product groups, with cereals, dairy products, and tobacco having a negative comparative advantage. However, the study finds that Afghanistan can focus on producing fruits, pulses, nuts, and textiles due to their positive symmetric comparative advantage over time. The study also finds that India, Iran, and other countries have a higher instability index than Pakistan in terms of agricultural export commodities from Afghanistan. The findings suggest that Afghanistan should accelerate export promotion policies, increase participation in regional trade, and improve product quality to be competitive in regional and international markets. Additionally, there is high instability in agricultural exports to India, Iran, and other countries, urging Afghanistan to take steps for smoother agricultural exports to improve its economic position
The Role of Livestock Resources in Sustainable Food Security and Livelihoods in Afghanistan
Get PDFThe agri-food sector is pressured to produce more livestock products with fewer resources due to global drivers like rapid population growth and challenging climate changes. Food insecurity can lead to hunger, malnutrition, and famine over time. Recently, half of Afghanistan’s population has been food insecure due to COVID-19 and climate change, as highlighted by current food price shocks. One of the factors contributing to food insecurity is the decline of livestock production for many reasons. Meanwhile, by 2050, we will need to produce 50-70% more food to feed an additional 2 billion people, and the demand for animal-source foods (ASFs) will double. Ruminant livestock are crucial for food security by converting non-edible products into nutritious food. Still, they pose a challenge to sustainability due to resource-intensive practices and greenhouse gas emissions. In Afghanistan, empowering livestock farmers to build capacity for sustainable food security and implementing region-specific strategies for sustainable livestock production and consumption is crucial. However, creating and developing an efficient whole value chain system can help maximize dairy production and improve nutritional security in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, a single player cannot achieve livestock-based food security in Afghanistan. All stakeholders need to collaborate and recognize the significance of livestock in ensuring food security. This paper reviewed the role of livestock resources and the required percentage of ASF in human diets for sustainable nutritional security and resulting productive livelihoods in Afghanistan
Implementing a Sustainable Green Revolution Strategy for Comprehensive Economic Development in Afghanistan
Get PDFImplementing the Sustainable Green Revolution Strategy in Afghanistan is thoroughly examined in this paper, with a focus on how it might boost food security and promote economic growth. The fact that agriculture employs 61.6% of the workforce and accounts for roughly 23% of the country's GDP highlights the importance of this sector to Afghanistan's economy. To ensure greater output while protecting biodiversity, the study presents the idea of "Green Revolution 2.0," which aims to modify past agricultural advances to Afghanistan's particular socioeconomic and environmental challenges. Important prospects for agricultural development are noted, such as various climates, foreign assistance, and the involvement of young people. The paper also discusses urgent issues like poor infrastructure, budgetary limitations, and how climate change affects agricultural productivity. A successful implementation approach is suggested, emphasizing education, climate-smart agriculture, credit availability, and infrastructure development. A Gantt chart, which involves stakeholders including the Afghan government, non-governmental organizations, and foreign organizations, provides an organized schedule for the actions required to carry out the strategy successfully. The results highlight the significance of strengthening community involvement, encouraging sustainable farming methods, and creating a supporting governance structure. In the end, this paper promotes a multifaceted strategy for agricultural development that seeks to enhance rural Afghanistan's general quality of life in addition to productivity, opening the door for long-term resilience and economic stability
Modeling the Transmission Dynamics of the Ebola Virus: Effects of Quarantine and Vaccination
Get PDFQuarantine and vaccination of individuals suspected of exposure to infectious agents are fundamental public health strategies that have historically been employed to mitigate the transmission of contagious diseases within human populations. This study introduced a modified SEIVQRD deterministic model to evaluate the population-level effects of quarantine and vaccination on individuals potentially exposed to the Ebola virus. The study showed that the Model exhibits backward bifurcation when . This implies that even when the reproductive number An unstable endemic and a stable disease-free equilibrium can coexist in less than one. This phenomenon arises from imperfect quarantine and indicates that while is necessary for adequate infection control; it is no longer sufficient and creates additional challenges for effectively controlling Ebola. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the quarantine effectiveness parameter and the parameter related to the isolation of vulnerable individuals had less influence on the incidence of new Ebola cases. However, vaccinating non-quarantined susceptible individuals significantly affects the infection burden and can lower the reproductive value to less than one. Overall, the Model emphasizes the critical role of vaccination in reducing Ebola virus transmission. Although quarantine measures alone may not be sufficient, their combination with vaccination can significantly reduce infection rates