Asian Research Journal of Agriculture
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Growth and Yield of Rabi Sesame as Influenced by Weed Management Practices
No full textA field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 on sandy loam soils at the S.V. Agricultural College Farm, Tirupati which is geographically situated at 13.5°N latitude and 79.5°E longitude. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications, comprising ten weed management treatments. Among the various weed management practices evaluated, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) were found to be superior and statistically at par with the pre-emergence application of pyroxasulfone 85% WG @ 125 g ha⁻¹ followed by post-emergence application of quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 50 g ha⁻¹ at 20 DAS. These treatments recorded higher values of plant height, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation at all stages of observation, along with enhanced seed and stalk yields. In contrast, the weedy check treatment registered the lowest growth parameters and yield, indicating the detrimental impact of uncontrolled weed competition on crop performance
Comparative Evaluation of Soilless Growing Media for Enhancing Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Yield and Nutritional Quality
No full textAims: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different growing media on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under soilless farming conditions, as a sustainable alternative to traditional soil-based cultivation.
Study Design: A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed to assess plant performance using five different growing media treatments.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm of Faculty of Agricultural sciences, Ekiti State University and was carried out between July and December.
Methodology: Five growing media were evaluated: cocopeat, rice husk, rice husk biochar, topsoil, and water. Tomato seedlings were transplanted into containers filled with the respective media. Growth parameters including plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves were recorded weekly for a period of six weeks. At harvest, yield parameters such as total fruit weight, fruit girth, fruit length, and number of fruits were measured. Additionally, the nutritional qualities of the harvested fruits were analyzed to assess treatment effects.
Results: The highest values for plant height, number of leaves, and stem girth were observed in tomato plants that were grown using cocopeat, in terms of yield, tomato grown in rice husk was most productive with 1884g of fruits per plant compared to 831 g of fruits per plant for the tomato grown in top soil medium, also the number of fruits observed in tomato grown in rice husk was 91% more than that grown in soil. Overall, the media (rice husk biochar, rice husk, and cocopeat) significantly outperformed the soil medium in terms of fruit yield and growth characteristics, variations were also observed in the nutritional qualities with respect to the different media used.
Conclusion: Soilless farming using alternative media especially those derived from agricultural waste enhances plant growth and fruit yield, thus, promoting sustainability
Effect of Feeding Cashew Apple (Anacardium occidentale) Powder on Nutrient Digestibility of Konkan Kanyal Kids
No full textAn experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding Cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale) powder on growth performance of Konkan Kanyal kids. Twenty Konkan Kanyal kids were selected and classified in five treatments by using Randomized Block Design (RBD). Each treatment was subdivided into four replications. All the animals were fed with complete feed comprised of hybrid Napier grass, jowar kadabi and concentrate mixture (goat pellets). In treatment T1 no cashew apple powder was supplemented while in treatment T2 10.0 g cashew apple powder, in treatment T3 15.0 g cashew apple powder, in treatment T4 20.0 g cashew apple powder and in treatment T525.0 g cashew apple powder was supplemented. The duration of experimental trial was 90 days. The study showed that cashew apple inclusion in the diet improved digestibility thus 15 g cashew apple can be included in diet of konkan kanyal kids for better performance
Assessing Ecopreneurship Impact on Composite Sustainable Livelihood: Evidence from the Selected Rural Agri-base Small Businesses in Sri Lanka
No full textAim: Entrepreneurship and livelihood development paradigms are inclusive of one another and have become prominent modes of development in global societies, as development policies seem to resonate with the agenda of social inclusivity. One can see how ecopreneurship affects sustainable rural livelihood development. This study aimed to identify motivators for adopting ecopreneurial behavior in Sri Lankan rural areas and to explore the impact of ecopreneurship on sustainable rural livelihoods.
Methodology: The investigation was conducted using a deductive content analysis approach covering seven individuals operating in agriculture-based value-added businesses in selected rural areas in Sri Lanka. A purposive sampling technique was employed and semi-structured interviews were conducted in a non-contrived setting. The Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) and the Schumpeterian entrepreneurial theory of innovation were used as theoretical frameworks.
Results: The results reveal the human, financial and natural capitals are the significant factors fostering rural ecoprenuership. The impact of rural ecoprenuership in reducing poverty is reflected through increased income level, improved food nutrition conditions, sustainable production, and better adaptation to climate vulnerabilities. By encouraging the expansion of sustainable businesses, rural ecopreneurship creates new business opportunities. These initiatives usually draw upon local resources and traditional knowledge, fostering the economic growth of the community. Ecopreneurs in rural areas usually focus on sustainable resource management.
Implications: Improved access to livelihood capitals is an important factor in the embrace of ecoprenuership and a channel of attaining sustainable rural livelihood results. The greatest environmental orientation is exhibited by the ecoprenuers. This is the reason why external knowledge is important to these businesses. The creation of such a network is, among other aspects, made possible by the professional experience pertaining to the environment gained by the entrepreneur.
Originality: It is crucial to make use of ecoprenuership since it necessitates the initiation of livelihoods in the face of the intense environmental problems. This study attempts to fill the gaps present in the literature with the emphasis laid on ecoprenuership and sustainable livelihood in rural areas
Boundary Drivers and Market-Centered Expansion in Agribusiness: Integrative Review of Technological, Institutional and Policy Trends
No full textAgribusiness today stands at the intersection of rapid technological change, evolving market demands and shifting institutional frameworks. As global food systems face increasing pressures from sustainability challenges and economic integration understanding the forces that expand and redefine agribusiness boundaries has become essential for ensuring long-term growth and resilience. This study, “Boundary Drivers and Market-Centered Expansion in Agribusiness: Integrative Review of Technological, Institutional, and Policy Trends” systematically examines the evolving dynamics that shape modern agribusiness systems. It explores how market, technological, institutional, and policy forces collectively influence the transformation of agribusiness from traditional production models toward integrated, sustainability-oriented frameworks. Using a systematic and integrative review of recent scholarly literature (2015–2025) drawn from reputable academic databases the study identifies conceptual foundations, historical developments and emerging patterns defining agribusiness boundary drivers. Findings reveal that agribusiness boundaries are continuously reshaped by market globalization, consumer demand, and technological innovation. Technological advancements particularly in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and circular economy applications enhance operational efficiency, transparency and resource management. Institutional and policy frameworks provide crucial support for innovation and sustainability, though constraints such as limited access to markets, capital, and technology continue to challenge smallholder participation. Despite these barriers, significant opportunities emerge through eco-innovation, digital transformation and the inclusive participation of women and youth in agribusiness systems. The study concludes that the future of agribusiness depends on the strategic integration of technological innovation, market responsiveness and sound institutional governance. A collaborative and adaptive approach balancing economic growth with sustainability and inclusivity will be essential for strengthening agribusiness competitiveness and ensuring long-term food system resilience
Raya Hisar 1706: An Indian Mustard Variety with Low Erucic Acid
No full textRaya Hisar 1706 (RH 1706), the first zero erucic acid (erucic acid <2%) Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern& Coss] variety of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana. It was released for commercial cultivation in 2023. It is black seeded with 38.0% oil content. In Indian mustard varieties erucic acid (C:22) is a major (40-50%) fatty acid. The mustard oil is considered as antinutritional due to the presence of erucic acid as main component, as it has been concern with heart health. The variety RH 1706 has been developed with the objectives to get higher seed and oil yield with low erucic acid content under irrigated conditions by crossing NOID X EC-597324 and subsequently hybridization followed by pedigree method of selection. The NOID (RC-187) is a low erucic acid germplasm being maintained at Hisar and EC-597324 is an exotic line and a good combiner parent having desired component traits like siliqua density, number of seeds/siliqua etc. Single plants of medium duration, profuse branching with low erucic acid in oil was selected using pedigree selection method in the segregating generations during generation advancement. After F6 generation, uniform advance lines having low erucic acid characteristics, more than 38% oil content, numerically at par or better for seed yield with the best checks were retained for further evaluation in replicated trials. The superior bulks were evaluated in a station trial, initial variety trial (IVT), advance variety trial-I (AVT-I), advance variety trial-II (AVT-II), and the RH 1706 was found better in seed yield than the checks viz PM-29, RH 0749 and Kranti
Banana Value Chain Factors and Marketing Channels: A Case Study of Meru, Embu and Tharaka-Nithi Counties in Kenya
No full textBanana is a tropical crop grown in most developing countries, where it is commercialized by smallholder farmers. Banana is a major source of income, improved food security and possess great potential for value addition and export. Kenya is the largest producer of banana in East Africa, where it is a major source of food and income for smallholders. However, despite all these benefits, little is reported about its value chain factors and marketing channels in Kenya. Apparently, there are many restricting constraints in terms of banana supply and marketing management. Therefore, this study mapped socio-economic factors in the banana value chain and identified marketing channels in one banana-rich region, comprising Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi in Kenya. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and multi-stage sampling of 384 respondents, comprising farmers, traders, and middlemen. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents to collect primary data, which was subjected to descriptive and econometric analyses. The study found that majority of the farmers were small-scale, who used family labour (60%) and had limited access to credit and extension services. Middlemen were the dominant actors in marketing channels, compared to direct marketing. Farming experience and land allocated to banana were significant predictors with P=.030 and .040, respectively in Tharaka-Nithi, and P=.030 and .014, respectively in Embu. In Meru, land allocated to banana, type of labour, farming experience and education level were significant predictors with P=.012, .009, .059 and .080, respectively. Most farmers did not have a specific buyer of their bananas and hence were prone to exploitation by middlemen. Also few farmers got information on marketing channels. These findings provide insights into challenges faced by small-scale banana farmers in the region and recommends enactment of policies that support farmer access to credit, extension services, and direct marketing channels. Sustained sensitization of farmers on value chain requirements should instill the right marketing channel to adopt and consistently use
Effect of Supplementary Irrigation Water and Organic Matter Amounts on Tomato Yield and Water Productivity in a Semi-arid Climate
No full textAlthough promoted as an alternative to secure rain-fed agriculture, supplementary irrigation cannot ensure sustainable food production, regardless of the rational and optimal use of organic matter. Therefore, an experiment was set up in a sandy loam soil (bulk density =1.55 g/cm3; field capacity =18%; wilting point=1.4%) to determine the optimal combination of irrigation depth and compost rate. The experimental design was a split plot with four replications. The main factor was the irrigation water depths, which represented 50%, 75%, and 100% of the tomato crop’s water requirement (2800 m3/ha/Irrigation). The second factor consisted of two compost rates: 5 t/ha (C5) and 10 t/ha (C10). Six combinations were tested: C10 + 100%, C10 + 75%, C10 + 50%, C5 + 100%, C5 + 75%, and C5 + 50%. Fertilizers (NPK 14-23-14 and Urea 46%) were applied at the recommended rates of 250 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha, respectively, at 15 and 35 days after transplanting. The adopted irrigation interval was 2 days. After transplanting, a constant water depth (DI 100%) was applied, and water treatments were initiated 15 days after transplanting. Water application was postponed to the next irrigation if rain occurred.
The results showed that, in general under supplementary irrigation, the addition of compost increase growth parameters, yield and water use productivity. However, when water requirement is reduced by half this increase is not consistent. Indeed, the higher yield was induced by C5 + 75% treatment. The combination of C10 + 50% improved water productivity by 70%. Therefore, the combination of C10 + 50% should be recommended for the sustainable management of land and water resources
The Insecticidal Action of the Premix Formulation of Spinetoram and Methoxyfenozide against Non-target Insects of Pigeon Pea
No full textThe present study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of premix formulation of spinetoram and methoxyfenozide towards predatory insects viz., coccinellids and spiders. Many insecticides have been evaluated against these pests without considering the specificity to manage these pests besides increasing residues, environment hazards and toxic to non-target organisms. An experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Virinjipuram, Vellore during 2019-20 and 2020-21 to study the bioefficacy of premix formulation of (spinetoram 6% + methoxyfenozide 30%) to gram podborer, H. armigera and spotted podborer, M. vitrata in pigeonpea and its safety to natural enemies viz., coccinellids and spiders, along with phytotoxicity studies. Analysis is performed using R 3.2.1 and Box-Cox method is applied to determine the transformation function when needed, Residual Vs fitted value plots and Q-Q plots were checked to ensure the Equal variance and normality assumptions are satisfied. There was a significant difference in the population of natural enemies among the treatments, none of the treatments were reported with zero occurrence of natural enemies which is toxic to non-target organisms and there was an increase in the population of natural enemies in treated as well as untreated plots gradually with respect to increase in the host population
Germination and Growth of Faidherbia albida (Del.) A. Chev. under Different Proportions of Potting Soil and Different Water Regimes
No full textFaidherbia albida is an economically important forest tree species mostly used in agroforestry systems. The species is heavily threatened with livestock feed, and studies about its regeneration are scares. The aim of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of the species F. albida production techniques, specifically by investigating the best pre-treatments for lifting the dormancy of seeds and the best suited substrate and water regime to the growth and development of seedlings. An experimental study as regards germination of seeds in the laboratory, and assessment of growth parameters through irrigation regime and type of substrate in nursery was carried out. A split-plot experimental design was used for seed germination rates i.e. five pre-treatments (98% acid, 75%, 50%, 10% and H2O) with four repetitions each. Afterwards, the 98% and 75% acid concentrations were used for the remaining study. A randomized complete block design with three blocks and nine plots was established in a nursery to assess the growth variables. The highest germination rates were noted with sulfuric acid doses of 98% and 75% with respective rates of 100% and 43.75%. Significant differences in growth parameters were observed among treatments, and the treatment that consisted of 100% potting soil and watering once every two days showed the best growth for all assessed growth parameters (height, number of leaves and number of spines) except for root length. This study supports that suitable pre-treatment is needed to lift seeds dormancy in F. albida, as well as suitable substrate and water regime are required for seedlings growth and development