Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Economic Analysis of Banana Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Kollegala Horticulture Farmers Producer Company Limited (KHFPCL) Members and Non-members in Kollegala, Karnataka
No full textBanana cultivation plays a significant role in the agricultural economy of India, particularly in regions like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, which is well-suited for banana farming due to its fertile soils and favourable climatic conditions. The study evaluates the economics of cultivation for banana farmers who are members of the Kollegala Horticulture Farmers Producer Company Limited (KHFPCL) compared to non-members. Data were collected from 400 farmers, equally split between KHFPCL members and non-members, to estimate key cost components such as labor, fertilizers, plant protection chemicals (PPC) and machinery usage. Results revealed that membership in the KHFPCL significantly reduces input costs due to collective procurement of inputs, technical guidance and resource-sharing mechanisms. Human labor costs for members are ₹34,000 per acre, compared to ₹38,000 for non-members, while machine labor expenses decrease by 36.84%. Input costs for fertilizers, including DAP, Urea, MOP and PPC, are consistently lower for members owing to bulk purchase discounts and advisory support. KHFPCL members also benefit from improved resource management, which enhances productivity. The yield per acre for members is 11 tons, compared to 9.3 tons for non-members, resulting in a gross return of ₹3,30,000 for members against ₹2,60,400 for non-members, a 26.67% increase. Net returns for members, at ₹2,00,841, are significantly higher, reflecting a 71.05% increase over non-members. Statistical analysis, including t-tests, confirms the significance of these differences, emphasizing the financial advantages of FPC membership. These findings underscore the role of Farmer Producer Companies in optimizing input costs, promoting modern farming practices and enhancing market access
Management of Pulse Beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis) through Different Inert Materials and Plant Powders in Stored Black Gram
No full textThe experiments were conducted in the laboratory under the Department of Entomology, S.K.N. College of Agriculture, Jobner (Jaipur) during the period from August, 2023 to April, 2024. Out of nine inert materials, viz., talc powder, sand/ bajri, gypsum, clay, Neem kernel powder, Neem leaf powder Karanj kernel powder, Karanj leaf powder and Tulsi leaf powder two dosages were evaluated among which the maximum developmental period was recorded on Neem kernel powder 2.5 g (38.22 days). It was followed by Neem leaf powder 2.5 g (37.33 days) and Karanj kernel powder 2.5 g (36.88 days). The minimum male adult longevity was observed in Neem kernel powder 2.5 g (5.33 days), which was found at par with Neem leaf powder 2.5 g (5.65 days) and Karanj kernel powder 2.5 g (6.10 days). The minimum female adult longevity was observed in Neem kernel powder 2.5 g (5.66 days). Which was found at par with Neem leaf powder 2.5 g (6.10days) and Karanj kernel powder (6.33 days). The adult emergence was minimum in Neem kernel powder 2.5 g (0.00-2.67 adults). It was followed by Neem leaf powder 2.5 g (0.00-2.71adults) and Karanj kernel powder (0.00-3.00 adults) up to 90 days of treatment, which was found most effective. The seed damage was minimum in Neem kernel powder 2.5 g (3.00-7.33 adults). It was followed by Neem leaf powder 2.5 g (3.12-7.69%) and Karanj kernel powder (3.22-7.89%) up to 90 days of treatment, which was found most effective. The weight loss was minimum followed by Neem kernel powder 2.5 g (1.16-5.37%), Neem leaf powder 2.5 g (1.21-5.54%) and Karanj kernel powder (1.23-6.16%) up to 90 days of treatment, which was found most effective
Impact of Storage Conditions and Process Variables on the Quality of Flatbreads Prepared with Maize Flour
No full textIn the present investigation the effect of storage condition on the quality of maize flour based flat bread was studied. The mechanized preparation of maize flour based flatbread using Roti making machine was standardized at optimum combination of blending with gram flour; dough resting time 12.45 min, blending ratio 38.90% and temperature of water 31.47°C; likewise blended with wheat flour as dough resting time 20 min, blending ratio 20% and temperature of water 29.680C respectively. The flatbreads were stored in a zip lock packaging of HDPE packaging material (dimension 25×35 cm, thickness 50µ) at ambient and refrigerated storage condition. Different parameters like moisture content, browning index, color change, cutting force, free fatty acid, peroxide value, colony count and overall acceptability were measured at regular intervals of time. It was observed from the analysis that moisture content of flatbread decreases linearly with storage period in both the storage conditions. The free fatty acid and peroxide value also increase with the increase in storage period in both the storage conditions. The colony count was more pronounced in wheat flour blended flatbread at ambient condition. The gram flour blended flatbread was more acceptable than the wheat flour blended flatbread. The flatbread can be stored in refrigerated storage conditions up to 30 days and under ambient storage conditions up to 2 days without deterioration in quality parameters
The Effect of Polishing Time on the Proximate and Antioxidant Properties of MARDI Warna 98 Red Rice
No full textMARDI Warna 98 (MW 98) is coloured rice, released in 2018 by the Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), specifically as nutrient-dense rice. It has the potential to substitute traditional coloured varieties in East Malaysia, where most coloured rice is consumed. The bran of MW 98 is red, and the pigment would give an undesirable taste that most people refuse to consume, although the healthy properties lie in the bran. A study was carried out to determine the bran removal degree that may affect the proximate and antioxidant properties of MW 98 rice. The bran removal degree depends on polishing time, where a longer time removes more bran. The bran was removed at four (4) polishing times (10, 20, 30 and 60 seconds), and unpolished rice was used as a control. The proximate content evaluation was moisture content, carbohydrate, protein, fat and ash. At the same time, the antioxidant properties measured were total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC) and 2, and 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. Antioxidant parameters were measured spectrophotometrically. The study proves the accumulation of health benefits of rice is in the bran, that unpolished rice significantly showed higher TPC (220.46 mg GAE/100g), TFC (943.30 mg CAE/100g), TAC (73.42 mg CYE/100g), as well as the protein (8.2g) and fat (2.3g) content. Whereas the carbohydrate content showed a significant increase with a longer polishing time (79.5g). Therefore, rice with the bran intact was highly recommended for a healthy diet
Comparative Life Table Analysis of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on Different Brassica Hosts
No full textThe study was conducted to determine the effect of different brassica hosts (cabbage, cauliflower, and red cabbage) on the life table of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) (Linn.) under the laboratory conditions (26 ± 2°C temperature, 65 ± 5% relative humidity, and 14 L:10 D photoperiod). The findings revealed that the age-specific, stage-specific, and female fertility life table was significantly influenced by brassica hosts. The longest survival and shortest life expectancy were observed on red cabbage, while the shortest survival was on cabbage and the longest life expectancy on cauliflower. The maximum survival rate and lowest mortality were found on cabbage, followed by cauliflower and red cabbage, respectively. The mortality was recorded highest in the pupal stage on all hosts. While within the larval stage, the maximum mortality was recorded at the 1st instar on red cabbage and the 3rd instar on cabbage and cauliflower. However, the generation mortality was increased on red cabbage while decreased on cabbage and cauliflower. The potential fecundity (Pf) and net reproductive rate (Ro) were highest on cabbage (105.99 and 23.55 females/female/generation), followed by cauliflower (77.58 and 15.50 females/female/generation), and lowest on red cabbage (12.79 and 3.57 females/female/generation). However, both mean and corrected generation time (Tc and τ) were shortest for cabbage (24.97 and 24.78 days) and longest for red cabbage (31.46 and 31.45 days). The population of P. xylostella was double with a minimum time duration on cabbage (5.48 days), while the maximum time duration was on red cabbage (17.12 days). The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and monthly rate of increase were found to be maximum on cabbage and minimum on red cabbage, while medium on cauliflower. Based on experimental findings, we conclude that the cabbage was a favorable host for the growth and development of P. xylostella, followed by cauliflower
Impact of Front-Line Demonstrations on Taramira (Eruca sativa)
No full textOrganization of front-line demonstration is most effective tool for transfer of cost effective technologies among the farmers. Taramira (Eruca sativa), a drought-tolerant winter oilseed crop, is primarily grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of north-western India. Despite its suitability to rainfed conditions, traditional practices and local varieties result in low productivity. The primary aim is to showcase the effectiveness of modern farming technologies, identify limitations in production, and evaluate how improved techniques perform across different agricultural settings. To address this, twenty Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted during the rabi season of 2018–19 by the AICRP on Oilseeds (Taramira Unit), SKNAU, Jobner. A total of 20 demonstrations were conducted using two varieties RTM-1355 and RTM-1351, compared with local farmer practices. The demonstration technologies included timely sowing, line sowing, seed treatment, recommended dose of fertilizers and plant protection measures. The yield data were collected from both the demonstration and farmers practice plots and expressed in terms of per cent increase in yield. Field days and group meetings were organized to give other farmers the chance to observe the advantages of the demonstrated technologies. Results showed a yield increase of 17.68% to 28.84% under improved practices, with yields ranging from 1085 to 1230 kg/ha compared to 875 to 1024 kg/ha under farmers\u27 practices. Economic analysis revealed higher gross, net returns and benefit-cost ratio (3.54 to 4.29) with improved technologies. The results indicate that the adoption of improved taramira varieties RTM-1355 and RTM-1351, coupled with a full package of recommended practices, not only enhances grain yield but also significantly increases the profitability for farmers cultivating under rainfed conditions. The study shows that scientific interventions using FLDs can significantly enhance the yield and profitability of taramira under rainfed conditions, helping bridge the gap between improved technology and traditional practices
Evaluating the Environmental and Health Risks of Agrochemical Use in the Mile 4 Water Catchment, Limbe I, Southwest Cameroon
No full textChemical-intensive agriculture has become increasingly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa as farmers strive to enhance yields amid rapid urbanization and climate variability. However, its environmental and public health consequences remain under-investigated in peri-urban settings. Over 70% of residents in the study area depend on surface water for domestic use, concerns about agrochemical contamination of water catchments are rising. Despite this, empirical data linking land use, water quality, and health outcomes are scarce. This study assessed the impact of chemical-intensive farming on water catchment quality and associated health risks. Field sampling was conducted across ten sites during both dry and wet seasons, with laboratory analyses of nitrates, phosphates, pesticide residues, lead, and pH. Health surveys and stakeholder interviews were used to triangulate findings. The results revealed widespread exceedance of WHO standards during the wet season: nitrates (58.7 mg/L), phosphates (3.1 mg/L), pesticides (0.26 µg/L), and lead (0.05 mg/L). Strong correlations among key pollutants (r = 0.76–0.85) indicate common sources, chiefly runoff from agrochemical applications. Health data showed high incidences of diarrhea (63%), typhoid (47%), and skin irritation (35%), pointing to significant exposure-related illness. These findings underscore the ecological vulnerability and public health implications of unsustainable agricultural practices. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated catchment management, agroecological alternatives, and regulatory enforcement. Future research should focus on longitudinal exposure assessments and the viability of sustainable farming models in similar agro-ecological zones
Nutrient Management on Forage Yield and Quality in Fodder Cowpea
No full textAmong the essential nutrients required for optimal fodder cowpea growth, phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) stand out due to their key physiological roles. The current research experiment is planned to know the nutrient management on forage yield and quality in fodder cowpea during rabi season (2024-2025). A field experiment was conducted on dryland farm of S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, to evaluate the effect of graded levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) and zinc (0, 25 and 50 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹) on yield and nutritional quality of fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Statistical significance was tested by ‘F’ value at 5 per cent level of probability and wherever the ‘F’ value was found significant, critical difference (CD) was worked out at 5 per cent level of probability and the values were furnished. The findings of the present experiment concluded that application of 60 kg P₂O₅ and 25 kg ZnSO₄ ha⁻¹ significantly improved the yield and nutritive value in fodder cowpea, making it more suitable for livestock feeding under dryland conditions. The lowest zinc content was observed under the control treatment (Z₀), indicating that zinc application effectively enhanced the zinc concentration in plant tissues. This improvement could be attributed to better root proliferation and nutrient uptake facilitated by zinc application
Determination of Moisture Content and Water Reconstitution Capacity of Some Commercially Available Dried Marine Species in Bangladesh
No full textA study was conducted to assess the moisture content and water reconstitution capacity (WRC) of some marine dried fishes collected from the local market of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. These two parameters were chosen for the current study as they are crucial index for microbial spoilage as well as quality and functionality of dry fish, especially for consumer acceptability, cooking performance, and market value. Among a large number of marine dried fish species, eight, viz., Bagda (Penaeus monodon), Loitta (Harpadon nehereus), Mola (Stolephorus commersonnii), Alufa (Albula oligolepis), Rupchanda (Pampus chinensis), Kalochanda (Parastromateus niger), Ekchoka (Hyporhamphus limbatus), and Churi (Trichiurus lepturus), were chosen for the present study considering their availability and economic importance. The range of moisture content in these samples was from 13.41% to 23.21%. The highest moisture content was obtained in dried P. monodon (23.21%) from the market, and the lowest value was in dried Churi (13.41%). In comparison to other species, the moisture content of dried P. monodon, H. limbatus, and P. niger exceeded the acceptable limit for dried fish. The pattern and capacity of water rehydration at 25°C and 50°C temperatures varied considerably. At 25°C, maximum reconstitution capacity obtained from P. monodon ranged from 71.20% to 94.43%, whereas the minimum value obtained from H. nehereus ranged from 1.51% to 11.23%. Dried P. monodon again performed best at 50°C, while P. niger had the lowest
Study on the Current Status of Agriculture under Climate Change and Groundwater Recharge Methods in Paddy Fields in South Korea
No full textThis paper offers a comprehensive overview of the current status and challenges related to groundwater use in agriculture, emphasizing its critical role in water resource management, soil quality improvement, and environmental sustainability. With global climate change accelerating and agricultural practices developing, groundwater demand is increasing significantly, particularly in regions like South Korea. Over exploitation and contamination from excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers pose serious threats to groundwater quality and availability. The paper synthesizes recent findings on groundwater depletion, pollution risks, and the impacts of shifting agricultural patterns, such as crop changes and irrigation methods. It highlights the importance of sustainable practices—including water-saving irrigation, soil permeability improvement through deep tillage and ridge cultivation, and eco-friendly farming certifications—to replenish and conserve groundwater resources. Moreover, the paper underscores the necessity for integrated policy frameworks and advanced technological solutions to address groundwater scarcity and ensure agricultural productivity amid climate variability. These efforts are essential to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and secure a resilient agricultural water supply for the future