143 research outputs found
Sort by
Constraints of Livestock Sector Development and Low Economic Contribution to The Economy of Afghanistan
Get PDFThis manuscript explores issues related to constraints of livestock sector development and low economic contribution to the economy of Afghanistan. Livestock is a fundamental part of agriculture with the contribution of live animals and their products. In Afghanistan, most of the country's poor people are living in rural areas that are primarily dependent on this sector. Meanwhile, food costs, in general, and livestock product prices determine the cost of living for the urban poor. The agriculture and livestock sector employs about 80% of the population in Afghanistan; therefore, the income per capita must be strongly influenced by the income levels of this sector. Animals are a source of human diets, income, and employment. Considering the large livestock population of Afghanistan, its contribution to the country's economy is still low. In contrast, the country has no clear, applicable policies and strategies for livestock development. The traditional methods of livestock management and production, poor feeding, minor health care, poor breeds, lack of suitable institutions and technologies, poor services and low capital investment in humans, and lack of development policies are becoming major factors in the poor performance of the livestock sector in Afghanistan. Despite some improvements in the livestock sector in recent years, the sector remains regressive. Thus, continuous assurance is needed to reduce the limitations and increase the sector's economic contribution. Afghanistan's development depends on rural residents’ financial self-sufficiency and high income
Effect of Pure Corn Oil on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)
Get PDFIn recent years, consecutive research has been conducted on the nutrient requirements of the quails to find an optimum and affordable legitimate growth promoter. Different types of vegetable oil have been tested so far. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pure corn oil (PCO) on growth performance and live body weight gain in Japanese quails. A total of 80 four-day-old quail chicks were divided into two groups: control (20 checks) and experimental (60 checks). The experimental group was subdivided into three subgroups (G1, G2, and G3) of 20 chicks per group. All the control and experimental group chicks were fed a commercial grower quail diet in all three growth phases. Despite the commercial diet, the G1, G2, and G3 experimental groups were fed 1, 3, and 5% PCO, respectively. The values for live body weight did not significantly change after adding PCO to the quail’s diet. According to the study's findings, adding PCO to the commercial diet of Japanese quails in various amounts had no beneficial effects on feed consumption and growth rate. Additionally, it had an insignificant (p>0.05) detrimental impact on the growth performance of the quails compared to control groups. In conclusion, we can say that adding PCO to quail's commercial diet in the hot months of the year under Afghanistan's climate has no positive impact on growth and further slows down the rate of body weight gain
Balance Sheet (Kg/Ha) As Influenced by Treatment Combination of TurfVigor, Agriplex, and Fertilizer Levels
Get PDFAn investigation on the effect of TurfVigor (microbial fertilizer) and Agriplex (chelated liquid nutrient) along with fertilizer levels on palak, yield, and quality of palak was conducted at the Horticultural Research Station University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, in 2018. This research aims to determine the minimum consumption of nutrients in palak through the soil using a solution of low-consumption elements. Foliar application of TurfVigor at (1%) has increased the leaf area per plant of palak (358.89 Sq.m), and TurfVigor (2%) has increased the total chlorophyll content (0.94mg/g), total dry weight per plant (0.32g) and yield per plot (3.48kg) in the third harvest. The number of leaves per plant and leaf area index were significantly higher (5.98 and 1.39) in the 75 percent recommended dose of fertilizer application. The better performance of these fertilizers could be attributed to producing a maximum number of leaves, dry weight, and total chlorophyll content with a 100 percent fertilizer dose, a spray of 2 percent TurfVigor, and 0.65 percent Agriplex
Evaluation of Wheat Genotypes for Slow Rusting Resistance to Stripe Rust (Puccinia Striiformis) in Afghanistan
Get PDFStripe rust (Puccinia striiformis) is the most common wheat rust disease in wheat-producing areas of Afghanistan. Durable resistance based on partial resistance is an important, eco-friendly, and effective way to manage stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis). The present study was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21 to reveal variability for field-based partial resistance to stripe rust among different varieties/genotypes at (ARIA) Research Farm, Bin-Hisar, Kabul. Partial resistance genotypes were evaluated through Final Rust Severity (FRS), Area under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC), Infection Rate (r), Coefficient of Infection (CI), and Relative Area under Disease Progress Curve (rAUDPC). Genotypes 22, 26, 27, 32, and 43, consistently resistant to stripe rust in both crop seasons, were the most promising. Likewise, the genotypes that showed MS type of reaction and their severity was not beyond the 40MS during both the crop seasons indicated slow rusting behavior were genotypes no 14, 16, 20, 21, 23, 34, and 39. The average infection rate and CDL values of stripe rust development in two crop seasons indicated promising highly resistant and slow rusting behavior of varieties/genotypes
Analysis of Export Potential and Trade Direction of Afghanistan Figs in Global Market
Get PDFThe expansion of Afghanistan's share in the global market is critical for the country's development, particularly given its chronic trade deficit. Although Afghanistan is renowned for producing and exporting high-quality fruits, especially figs, it has not fully utilized its export potential. Based on secondary data from ITC and FAOSTAT, this study analyzed the export performance of Afghan figs from 2000 to 2019. An exponential growth function, the Cuddy-Della-Valle instability Index, Revealed Comparative Advantage indices and Markov chain analysis was employed. The results showed that fig exports grew positively with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.20%, exhibiting low instability. Afghanistan demonstrated significant export potential and maintained a strong and consistent comparative advantage in exporting figs, particularly to Pakistan, followed by India and the UAE. In 2019, the total export potential for Afghan figs was estimated at US 91.60 million. The largest untapped export potential was identified in India, followed by the USA and Canada. While Afghanistan has retained its market share in some regions, it risks losing its share in others. The study recommends reorienting production and marketing systems to address these challenges and align them with global market demands. Additionally, progressive export promotion strategies should be implemented to diversify export destinations and minimize market risks.
Comparative Efficacy of Weed Management Practices on Grain and Straw Yields of Wheat
No full textWheat is central to Afghanistan's food security. It accounts for 76 percent of the annual grain cereal harvest and 57 percent of the country's total food crop production. Several factors, such as low-yielding varieties, low soil fertility, low-quality agrochemicals, widespread pest and disease infestations, and widespread distribution of weeds, are the leading causes of low wheat productivity in the country. The current study was conducted at the Student Research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture at Kabul University to determine the overall effects of weeds on wheat grain and straw yields and to evaluate and compare different weed management practices in the wheat field. After applying the weed management practices, among the treatments, T1, T3, and T4 showed only 8.3, 5, and 2.3 percent weed populations, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Regarding grain and straw yields, mechanical control (hand weeding) ranked first with a grain yield of 4,867 kg/ha, followed by T1 (4,580 kg/ha), T3 (4,513 kg/ha), T2 (4,133 kg/ha), and T5 (3,416 kg/ha), respectively. The difference in straw yield among the treatments was not significant; however, mechanical control ranked first (7,103 kg/ha), followed by T1 (6,783 kg/ha), T3 (6,700 kg/ha), T2 (6,207 kg/ha), and T5 (5,280 kg/ha), respectively. The study findings concluded that by eliminating weeds, wheat grain and straw yields could be increased by an average of 30 and 26 percent, respectively. As broad-leaved weeds are widely distributed in the wheat fields, applying relative herbicides such as 2,4-D is more effective and recommended for all cultivation methods
Bacteriological Evaluation of Drinking Water Quality from Kabul University Taps
Get PDFHuman health is significantly affected by poor-quality drinking water, and water-borne diseases are of the most significant concern. A wide variety of microorganisms contaminate drinking water. Water consumers face substantial challenges due to these pollutants and harmful bacteria. To evaluate the microbiological quality of drinking water samples from different places to identify and count Escherichia coli and Coliform bacteria, multiple tube fermentation technique tests (most likely 100 ml) were used. Bacteria were identified using their morphological, biochemical, and cultural characteristics. Sixty tap water samples were collected from different locations at Kabul University. Of these, 36 samples (60 %) were positive for E. coli and Coliform bacteria, and 24 (40 %) were negative. Girls’ and boys’ dormitories showed the highest bacterial contamination level among the multiple positive water samples collected from different locations. Thirty-one samples (86.1 %) of the water were contaminated with Coliform, and five (13.8 %) samples revealed contamination with E. coli. Therefore, it is suggested that all drinking water sources should plan and carry out regular bacteriological evaluations, water supply monitoring, regular treatment, and adequate sanitation
Effect of Different Nitrogen Rates and Plant Densities on Corn Growth, Yield, and Weed Composition in Laghman Province
Get PDFApplying sufficient nitrogen is a key factor for plant growth and yield development. A field study was conducted in 2022 at the research farm of the Agriculture Faculty, Laghman University, to assess the effects of two planting densities, D1 (75 cm x 20 cm) and D2 (65 cm x 20 cm), and four nitrogen rates, N1 (120 kg N/ha), N2 (140 kg N/ha), N3 (160 kg N/ha), and N4 (180 kg N/ha), on the growth and yield parameters of the corn variety GWG888, as well as on weed composition. Results showed that both nitrogen rates and planting densities significantly affected corn growth, yield, and weed composition. Plant height, leaf count, cob count, cob length, and dry matter yield were maximized with a nitrogen rate of 160 kg N/ha (N3). Meanwhile, the highest weed species diversity and population were observed at 180 kg N/ha (N4). The higher planting density (65 cm x 20 cm) reduced plant height and leaf number but significantly increased dry matter yield. These findings suggest that the optimal nitrogen rate for improved corn growth and yield in Laghman Province is 160 kg N/ha with a planting density of 75 cm x 20 cm
Management of Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne Spp.) in Cucumber Under Protected Cultivation System
Get PDFCucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a valued vegetable crop produced on a large scale throughout the year in a protected cultivation system. Its growth, development, and production are best in well-drained, fertile soil with 6.5 to 7.5 pH. Due to minor crop rotation and monoculture in protected structures, they are severely attacked by soil-borne pathogens. Between them, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are the most intractable root endo-parasites that cause dramatic damage and severe crop yield losses. Environmental conditions of protected structures favor root-knot disease incidence and development. The non-availability of resistant crops, biological agents, and technology limitations are the key obstacles to their control. Therefore, agrochemicals are the only reliable method of root-knot disease management. In the present investigation, available nematicides (abamectin, metham sodium, fluopyram, and phorate 5G) were engaged in randomized block design with four replications at naturally infested farmer polyhouse (626.66 J2/ 200 cc soil) located at Mirwais Mina area of Kandahar city. Data on disease incidence, disease severity, soil nematode population, and fruit yield of cucumber were recorded 45 days after sowing the seed and at the termination of the field. All the data were statically analyzed using SPSS software (v.24.0.0). Among the treatments, metham sodium was found superior on plant and nematode parameters, followed by fluopyram. About 3.23 kg yield/plant loss was recorded caused by root-knot nematodes in protected cultivation systems. Based on findings, rotating fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides could be a reliable management method in a highly infested commercial protected structure
Invitro Propagation of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Cv. Wonderful Cultivar
Get PDFThe conventional method of propagation of pomegranate is time-consuming and tiresome. It does not ensure disease-free and healthy plants. The Present investigation aimed to optimize the conditions of culture medium, shoot proliferation, and rooting for mass production of pomegranate trees (Punica granatum L.) cv. ʻWonderful Cultivarʼ. For sterilization of axillary bud explants and shoot apexes of wonderful pomegranate treatment involving HgCl2 (0.1 %) for 3 min gave better sterilization. An efficient in vitro propagation for wonderful pomegranate using shoot tip and axillary bud explants is described. The best media for the establishment was observed on DKW medium for the first three weeks. After that, explants were subcultured on a WPM medium for proliferation and elongation. ½MS and full MS were used for rooting. The maximum number of shoots (3.9) per explant and shoot length (1.5 to 2.95 cm) were obtained on WPM medium supplemented with 0.8 mg/l B A P + 0.01 mg/L IBA in the medium. The highest rooting number was recorded on ½MS medium containing IBA 1mg/l—(1.4) roots per explant. A significantly higher number of shoots (2.5) and maximum length (2.95cm) of the shoot were recorded in 3 percent sucrose, (3000 lux) light intensity, and pH 5.8. Rooted plantlets were adopted and transferred to the soil successfully