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Prevalence of Common Diseases in Kabul City Broiler Chicken Farms through the Evaluation of Macroscopic Pathological Changes
Get PDFThe poultry industry is a vital segment of the nation's livestock sector, ensuring food security and bolstering economic stability. However, the persistent occurrence of diseases presents a significant challenge, jeopardizing poultry's health and productivity and causing substantial financial losses for farmers. These challenges threaten not only farmers' livelihoods but also the industry's overall sustainability. This cross-sectional study, conducted between August and mid-October 2023, aimed to assess the prevalence of significant poultry diseases to inform effective prevention and mitigation strategies. Findings revealed chronic respiratory disease as the most prevalent condition, affecting 22% of the surveyed chickens, followed by ascites and intestinal inflammation (16% each), infectious bronchitis (12%), infectious bursal disease (10%), and coccidiosis (8%). Identifying common disease strains through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is recommended to address these challenges. These insights should guide the development of targeted vaccines, enabling the industry to manage disease outbreaks better and ensure long-term sustainability
Optimization and Characterization of Niosomal Transdermal Patch of Lornoxicam
Get PDFLornoxicam has a low solubility; therefore, its oral use is restricted due to its adverse effects on the gastric system. Hence, we intend to design a niosomal transdermal patch of Lornoxicam to improve clinical efficacy and enhance its absorption and penetration through the skin by applying surfactants. Surfactants generally improve the solubility and penetration of the active ingredients. The niosome vesicles are prepared by using the rotary film evaporation technique. The result showed that the percentage entrapment efficacy of unsonicated niosome vesicles was 70.13 ±0.2% and sonicated 72.39 ±0.02% of the optimized formulation. The sonicator apparatus reduced the size of vesicles; hence, the entrapment efficacy of sonicated formulations is greater than that of unsonicated formulations. The in vitro release of optimized niosomal patches formulations (TPF1- TPF2-TPF3) was performed for 6 hours across the egg membrane, where results showed that the maximum release of TPF1 formulation due to less thickness (121 ±1.53 μm) was 90.86%
Climate Change, Government Agricultural Expenditure, and Agricultural Growth Nexus in Afghanistan: An Investigation with FMOLS and DOLS Approaches
Get PDFAgriculture is one of the main providers to Afghanistan’s economy. Since 2002, the government, in collaboration with donor organizations and the private sector, has undertaken various projects in the agricultural industry. However, a notable upsurge in atmospheric CO2 emissions has resulted in significant climate change influences in contemporary decades. Therefore, this article examines the causal association between climate change, government agricultural expenditure, and agricultural growth in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2020. Despite evidence that climate change may be a primary driver of Afghanistan’s agricultural production decline, no specific studies have addressed this matter comprehensively. This article’s empirical investigation reveals a negative association between CO2 emissions and agricultural production, indicating that rising emissions are linked to decreased agricultural output, subsequently impacting Afghanistan’s agricultural growth. Both theoretical considerations and empirical findings highlight the importance of adopting clean and green energy solutions and technologies to mitigate pollution in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the research underscores that the impacts of carbon dioxide emissions on agriculture production exhibit robust long-term dynamics, contributing to the heterogeneity of the findings. Additionally, the study establishes a positive correlation between government agricultural expenditure and agricultural production. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that the Afghan government take proactive initiatives to enhance the agricultural sector. This can be accomplished by allocating more financial resources and implementing projects that promise long-term benefits for the country’s agricultural development
Role of Household Agro-Industries on Enhancement of Household Food Security in Afghanistan
Get PDFFood security has been being the most important goal of United Nations under Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) since 1992. Household food insecurity is an acute challenge of developing countries including Afghanistan. Agro-industrial institutions can play a vital role to alleviate food insecurity. Household agro-industry has close relationship with household food insecurity. This study aims to find the relationship between agro-industry, especially household agro-industry with household food insecurity in Afghanistan. Three districts and the center of Kandahar City have been selected for the study. Non-probability sampling methods specifically convenience random sampling has been applied with a sample size of 300. Primary data has been collected via questionnaire and survey conducted by four trained fourth-year university students. For analysis SPSS version 26 has been used. This study revealed that about 56% vulnerable people are women and 33% children. Result of research showed that 54, 66% respondents supply their processed and conserved food from household industry. Study indicated that 54% agro-industrial products utilize in winter and there is positive relationship between agro-industry and food security. This study found that those family who process and dry fruits, vegetable and dairy are lesser fragile than those who do not. Study recommend for alleviation of poverty and food insecurity encouragement of household industry is an applicable solution way for those household who have garden and a small dairy farm.  
Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Path to Sustainable Food Production
Get PDFClimate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to farming that focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing resilience to climate change, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while ensuring sustainability and food security. This systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines explores the key role of CSA in addressing the challenges of climate change within the context of global food production. It investigates the impacts of climate change on agriculture, emphasizing disruptions to weather patterns, extreme events, and the consequent threats to food security. The paper discusses the core principles of CSA, highlighting sustainable intensification, climate resilience, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions after an in-depth analysis of 20 articles selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Moreover, a range of CSA practices and technologies is evaluated with a specific emphasis on research conducted over the past five years. In addition, insights into the potential of CSA practices are provided to enhance agricultural productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability. Case studies from diverse regions demonstrating the practical benefits of CSA are also included in the review. Furthermore, the paper addresses policy support and existing challenges in promoting CSA, as reported during 2018-2023. Finally, it emphasizes the need for future advancements and interdisciplinary collaboration to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on global food security. This comprehensive study lays the foundation for implementing a sustainable and resilient framework by transforming conventional agriculture into CSA
Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds of Bok-choy: Beneficial Effects on Human Health
Get PDFBok-choy is a green leafy vegetable packed with impressive health benefits. Bok choy is rich in many nutritious, such as vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, as well as non-nutritive bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, total glucosinolates, anthocyanins, kaempferol, and quercetin. These bioactive compounds protect chronic diseases, such as inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases. Bok chow is the best source of nutritional and non-nutrient compounds and should be taken as a part of the diet regularly
Studies on Aflatoxin-Producing Fungi in Stored Maize (Zea mays L.) and the Use of Bentonite Clay in Reducing their Toxin Levels
Get PDFAflatoxins are a group of mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus fungi that are both toxic and carcinogenic to animals and humans; however, studies on their removal by natural substances have had great success, and bentonite was seen as a possible remedy in this aspect. The study on aflatoxin-producing fungi in stored Maize (Zea mays L.) was conducted on stored maize collected from Muna Market, Maiduguri, based on their year of harvest (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018). Out of which a total of 49 isolates consisting of Aspergillus spp, Talaromyces islandicus, and Scopulariopsis candida were obtained, these include Aspergillus niger 38.78%, A. flavus 12.24%, A. oryzae 12.24%, A. fumigatus 10.20%, A. parvisclerotigenus 6.12%, A. aflatoxiformans 4.08%, Scopulariopsis candida 14.29%, and Talaromyces islandicus 2.04%. The molecular assay confirms the identity of the isolates amplified using universal ITS primers with 100% query and identity, except sample A (A. aflatoxiformans 087-A2) has 99.62% identity compared with NCBI library. The total aflatoxin profile of the stored maize collected for the 2015 harvest year was 100 ppb before treatment and reduced to 2.2 ppb after treatment. In contrast, the 2016 maize sample, which had 1.8 ppb before treatment, reduced to 1.7 ppb; the 2017 sample had 1.9 ppb reduced to 0.9 ppb; and 2018 had 3 ppb before treatment reduced to 0.3 ppb after treatment; the AfB1 profiles depict that 2015 maize sample had 60 ppb before treatment and reduced to 1ppb after treatment. The 2016 maize sample had one ppb reduced to 0.9 ppb, whereas the 2017 sample had 1 ppb and reduced to 0.6 ppb, and 2018 had 2 ppb and detoxified to 0 ppb after treatment. The Bentonite clay used was found to reduce the toxin levels of the stored maize
Genetic Transformation of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum. L) Using Cry1Ac Gene to Impart Resistance Against Fruit Borer
Get PDFParticle gun-mediated genetic transformation was used to produce transgenic plants of tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.) resistant to fruit borer. Cotyledon and leaf explants from invitro tomato seedlings of variety ‘Punjab Upma’ with Cry1Ac gene construct (pGEM-4Z) were driven by Ubi promoter and NOS terminator, and GUS gene construct (pWRG 1515) were driven by CaMV 35S promoter and NOS terminator. The constructs were maintained as plasmids in E. coli strain JM109. These results signify the successful introduction of the Cry1Ac gene into tomato plants. Further PCR analysis for the Cry1Ac gene of three putative transgenic plants were performed, but no amplification was observed
Drones in Agriculture: Real-World Applications and Impactful Case Studies
Get PDFUncrewed aircraft, commonly known as drones, are deployed manually by a ground-based pilot through remote control or autonomously through pre-programmed flight sequences. This paper explores the multifaceted applications of drone technology within agriculture. The scope of this technology extends to various crucial facets, including managing water resources in agricultural systems, detecting water stress, identifying diseases and pests, estimating crop yield and maturity, detecting weed flora, workforce monitoring, livestock maintenance, and logistical concerns. Integrating drone technology in agriculture yields notable benefits, enhancing operational efficiency, task precision, and cost-effectiveness by reducing inputs such as land, water, seeds, agro-chemicals, and manual labor
Climate Smart Agriculture Opportunities and Challenges in Afghanistan
Get PDFAgriculture in dryland regions is directly affected by climate change. In Afghanistan, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) improves productivity resilience and reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). However, climate change, water shortage, population growth, and food insecurity are major challenges in developing countries such as Afghanistan. In the face of climate change, traditional agriculture methods need to be transformed into CSA that are capable of improving food production within the constraints of climate change. A review study was conducted to identify opportunities and challenges for CSA in Afghanistan. Among the many CSA technologies in Afghanistan, the review found, the use of drought resistance varieties, implementation of conservation agriculture, the use of Zai and Half-moon techniques for planting pits, moisture conservation, rainwater harvesting, watershed management, drip irrigation system, soil carbon sequestration, control erosion techniques, and climate forecast services are the best opportunities and as promising options for risk management and adaptation to climate change. Still, unfortunately, most of these options have not yet been implemented by Afghan farmers, just followed by researchers. In addition, CSA in Afghanistan faces several solvable challenges. Limited understanding of the CSA concept and framework, limited investment to develop and implement CSA technologies, inadequate communication between government, policymakers, farmers, climate change impacts, GHG, and traditional agriculture. The review recommended that CSA practices be suitable options for all stakeholders to increase income and ensure food security and sustainable agriculture by adaptation practices against climate change. This review provides new strategies and ideas for strengthening sustainable agriculture, food security, environmental protection, and mitigating the impact of climate change