Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International
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Identification of Constraints in Cotton Cultivation: A Study of Jamnagar District, India
Cotton serves a dual purpose as both a fibre crop for industries and a feed crop for livestock, playing a pivotal role in India\u27s agrarian economy. This study examines the constraints faced by cotton growers in Jamnagar district, Gujarat, one of India\u27s leading cotton-producing region. Primary data were collected from 120 cotton growers respondents of Jamnagar district through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Garrett ranking to prioritize the constraints encountered by farmers. The findings reveal significant hurdles across production, input supply, economics, and marketing, including timely unavailability of seed, poor seed quality, high labor costs and inadequate storage facilities. These constraints collectively affect the profitability and sustainability of cotton cultivation. Addressing these challenges can achieve sustainable growth, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and enhance market competitiveness
Evaluation Study of Reclamation Success on Former Coal Mine Land of PT. Komunitas Bangun Bersama Batuah Village, Loa Janan District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency
Environmental management of ex-coal mining land needs to be carried out through reclamation activities. Revegetation is an effort to repair and restore damaged vegetation through planting and plant maintenance activities. In this regard, it is necessary to assess the achievement of the reclamation activities that have been carried out as an effort to review the return of ex-coal mining land to its original habitat so that restoration of ex-coal mining land can be effective and efficiently implemented in the field. The purpose of the study was to determine the percentage of plant life and the level of success in reclaiming ex-coal mining land at PT. Komunitas Bangun Bersama. The study was conducted from September to November 2024 on the reclaimed land of PT. Komunitas Bangun Bersama, Pit Arjuna and Kresna, in Batuah Village, Loa Janan District, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province. The data collected consisted of primary data obtained directly from observations, interviews, and observations of plants in the field such as height, stem diameter, plants that are still alive, and plants that have died; and secondary data obtained from company documents, literature/libraries, and relevant journals. The results of the study showed that that percentage of living plants is white albizia (Paraserianthes falcataria) of 96.18 – 97.24%, monkey soap (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) of 97.30%, rain tree (Samanea saman) of 78.52%, cassia siamea of 75%, Mexican lilac (Gliricidia sepium) of 67.86%; and mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) plants of 29.01%; and revegetation using white albizia, monkey soap and rain tree plants in Kresna Pit and Arjuna Pit showed a good level of reclamation success
Effectiveness Test of Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya L) on the Intensity of Attacks of Fireworm Pests (Setothosea asigna) on Oil Palm Plants (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)
Fireworm pests can reduce the productivity of oil palm plants, causing significant economic losses for farmers and oil palm plantation companies, so fireworm pest control needs to be carried out. Pest control using chemical pesticides can pollute the environment and disrupt human health, the use of plant pesticides is more environmentally friendly, easily decomposed, and safe for humans and animals and does not cause immunity in insects. The purpose of this research was to determine the intensity of fireworm pest attacks on oil palm plants (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in oil palm plantations. And to determine the effectiveness of papaya leaf extract (Carica papaya L.) on fireworm mortality in the laboratory. Field research was arranged in an exploration and purposive sampling method by taking 150 samples from 3 different Afdeling (III, IV, and V). Observations include the characteristics of pest attacks, identification of symptoms and signs of attacks, and observation of surrounding conditions. Laboratory research used an experimental method consisting of 4 replications and 5 treatments of papaya leaf extract with concentrations of 0%, 15%, 20%, and 25% with the observed parameters being the mortality of fireworm pests calculated for 8 days. The results of the field research showed that the intensity of the fireworm pest attack in Afdeling V was 38% (moderate category); in Afdeling IV it was 20% (moderate category), and in Afdeling III was 8% (light category). Giving papaya leaf extract with a concentration of 25% for 3 days was effective in controlling fireworm pests with a mortality rate of 100%
Response of Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) Varieties to Different Sowing Dates in Lowland Irrigated Areas of Somali Region, Ethiopia
A field experiment was conducted to investigate the yield performance of four sesame varieties at different sowing dates, with the aim of determining the optimum sowing date for improved sesame varieties in the lowland irrigated areas of the Somali Region. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. At each location, Idan, Barsan, Kelafo, and Serkamo, four sesame varieties and four sowing dates (mid-April, late April, mid-May, and late May) were used as treatments. The findings revealed that sesame varieties and sowing dates differed significantly in yield-related traits. The variety Idan (ACCOO44) recorded the highest number of capsules per plant (37.75) and biomass yield (2,489 kg/ha), while the Kelafo variety recorded the highest number of seeds per capsule (53.0), thousand seed weight (2.23 g), and grain yield (2,216 kg/ha). Plots sown in mid-April produced the highest values for number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight (g), biomass yield (kg/ha), and grain yield (kg/ha) compared to the other sowing dates. In conclusion, both varietal differences and sowing dates had significant effects on the agronomic performance and yield of sesame, with mid-April sowing proving most favorable across all traits evaluated. Therefore, this research recommends that the two varieties, Kelafo and Idan (ACCOO44), be sown in mid-April to achieve higher grain and biomass yields in the study areas
Empowering Mango Farmers through Policy: An Analysis of Government Schemes and Export-Oriented Implementation Challenges in India
India, recognized as the foremost producer of mangoes globally, continues to encounter systemic obstacles in integrating its agricultural producers into international export markets. This research examines the execution and efficacy of governmental initiatives designed to empower mango cultivators, employing a mixed-methods research approach. Quantitative data were gathered through a structured questionnaire distributed to 250 mango farmers, who were selected using stratified random sampling from various regions. The survey evaluated awareness, accessibility, and perceived advantages of significant schemes such as Mission for Integrated Horticulture, PradhanMantriKrishiSichaiYojna, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, while qualitative data provided insights into personal experiences and challenges related to export participation. The results indicate a lack of awareness, insufficient utilization of schemes, inadequate institutional support, and limited readiness for export due to infrastructural and technological limitations. In light of these findings, the paper suggests practical policy recommendations, including the simplification of schemes, enhancement of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), implementation of digital traceability, measures for climate resilience, and training that is inclusive of gender considerations. It is essential to bolster grassroots engagement and ensure that policies are aligned with the realities faced by farmers to empower mango producers for sustainable participation in export markets
Vegetative and Floral Characteristics of Different Strawberry Cultivars Growing in Low Polytunnels under Shivalik Foothills
This study was conducted on fifteen genotypes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) to evaluate the extent of morphological variability and to examine the associations among various traits. The results revealed notable differences among the genotypes. ‘Sweet Sensation’ exhibited the greatest plant height (48.57 cm), plant spread (20.66 cm), and flower size (2.86 cm). ‘Shimla Delicious’ recorded the largest leaf area (177.72 cm²), and so on. The study identifies significant genetic variability among strawberry genotypes, providing essential data for breeding programs aimed at improving plant traits, and by analyzing associations among traits, the research supports more informed selection strategies, ultimately contributing to higher productivity and better adaptation in strawberry cultivation
Analysis of Geo-Morphometric Indices of Kal River Basin Using Quantum GIS
Morphometric parameters are important indicators to understand the hydrological and morphological behavior of river basin. In this study, GIS and remote sensing techniques were effectively used to analyze the morphometric parameters including linear, geometric, basin texture (aerial) and relief aspects of the Kal River Basin in the Raigad district, Maharashtra, India. The work outlines the significance of digital elevation model (SRTM 30m acquired from the USGS Earth Explorer) for assessment of drainage pattern and extraction of relative parameters by using QGIS 3.18 software. The findings of the study categorize Kal River Basin as a 5th order drainage basin based on Strahler order with a total area of 272.64 km². The linear aspects, stream length ratio, bifurcation ratio, and rho coefficient indicated that presence of mountain environment and plateau, dendritic drainage pattern and higher hydrologic storage during floods within the basin. In areal aspects, drainage density (1.18 km/km2), stream frequency (1.03 km2), circulatory ratio (0.19), form factor (0.38), length of overland flow (0.42) and sinuosity index (1.57) implied that area having coarse drainage texture, permeable sub-soil materials, low density of streams, highly elongated shape, younger stage of basin, high length of overland flow during intensive rainfall with more channel erosion and moderate runoff potential and the basin has meandering topology. Further the relief parameters depict geo-morphologically mature stages of the basin development, presence of rolling and gentle slopes in the basin, having complex structures of an erosion prone landscape. These findings underscore the necessity of adopting targeted soil and water conservation measures, promoting vegetation cover restoration, and implementing sustainable watershed management strategies to ensure the long-term hydrological and ecological stability of the Kal River Basin. appropriate measure structure locations for preventing the soil from getting eroded from the study area
Constraints in Popularizing Nutri-Sensitive Agriculture in Home Gardens of Kerala: A Regional Comparative Study
This study aimed to identify and prioritize the key constraints hindering the adoption of Nutri-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) in home gardens across Kerala. An ex-post facto research design was used, and data were collected from 180 farm households in Kasaragod, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram using a multistage random sampling method. A structured, pre-tested interview schedule gathered information on twenty potential constraints categorized under ecological, economic, institutional, and socio-personal domains, which were ranked using Garrett’s ranking technique. The findings revealed notable regional variations. In Kasaragod, lack of financial support (mean score 53.98) and climatic variability (53.35) were most critical; in Thrissur, wild animal attacks (72.77) and climatic stress (58.25) prevailed; and in Thiruvananthapuram, financial constraints (65.18), climatic variability (64.85), and land fragmentation (64.37) were most severe. Farmers’ interest in adopting NSA may vary depending on income from other crops, highlighting that the adoption of nutrition-sensitive practices is context-specific. At the state level, lack of financial support (58.94), climatic variability (58.82), and wild animal menace (57.26) were identified as top constraints, while socio-personal factors such as literacy, irrigation, and family support were less influential. The study emphasizes the role of ecological pressures, financial barriers, and knowledge gaps in hindering NSA adoption, and recommends region-specific interventions, including irrigation support in the north, wildlife management in the central region, and land-use planning in the south, alongside statewide efforts to improve credit access, reduce input costs, and promote climate-resilient farming practices. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, extension workers, and researchers to strengthen home gardens and support nutrition-sensitive farming across Kerala
Participatory Demonstration of Fattening Sheep Supplemented with Improved Forage Species in Dabafayd Kebelle, Adadle District, Shebelle Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
This study was conducted in Adadle District, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, to evaluate participatory sheep and goat fattening using improved forage-based supplementary feeding for yearlings. Twenty-seven model agro-pastoralists, each with ten yearlings, five Black Head Somali (BHS) and five Local Ethiopian Somali Goats (LESG), were selected based on their prior experience in small ruminant fattening and willingness to participate. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups for BHS and LESG finishing and provided with supplementary rations of locally available feed ingredients, including 1% common salt. Training on improved fattening practices and feeding management was delivered to agro-pastoralists, development agents, and livestock experts to enhance capacity and awareness. Supplementary feed was introduced gradually at 3 kg per head per day over fifteen days, and initial live body weights were recorded. Fortnightly weight measurements were conducted over 90 days, and data were analyzed using ANOVA and the GLM procedure of SAS (2002). Results showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in live body weights for both BHS and LESG yearlings. Economic analysis revealed high returns from selling the finished animals, indicating the profitability of the feeding strategies. The study concludes that these improved forage-based supplementary feeding technologies are effective and recommends their wider adoption to enhance small ruminant production, improve agro-pastoralist livelihoods, and strengthen food security in the region
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mustard Seeds Cultivated in North Eastern Hilly Region of India
The physical and mechanical properties of mustard seeds cultivated in the North Eastern Hills (NEH) region were investigated at five different level of moisture content i.e., 10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%to know how it affects the physical and mechanical properties of mustard seeds to optimize the seed handling, processing and sowing operations. It was found that the average size of seeds like mean diameter, surface area, thousand seed weight were increased where as the bulk density, true density and porosity of seeds was decreased when the increasing moisture content. Mechanical properties i.e. static coefficient of friction and angle of repose were increasing and decreasing, respectively as the moisture content increase. With increasing moisture content from 10 to 12% dry basis the average diameter, surface area, thousand grain weight, coefficient of static friction and bulk density, true density, porosity, angle of repose was found from 2.13 to 2.29 mm, 6.71 to 7.21 mm2, 5.22 to 6.10 g, 0.28 to 0.51 and 807 .99 to 778.41 kg cm-3, 1250.90 to 1122.86 kg cm-3, 35.41 to 30.67%, 23.65 to 21.46 degree, respectively. These physical attributes provides a crucial data for designing agricultural machinery components such as seed hopper, ensuring precise seed metering, uniform delivery, and optimal seed placement in the field. Understanding these properties aids in efficient seed handling and contributes to improved planting efficiency and crop establishment. The study highlights the importance of these parameters in mechanized farming and provides a scientific basis for developing region-specific agricultural equipment, enhancing productivity and resource utilization. This research supports better development of seed drills, planter metering plates and augments the overall effectiveness of mustard cultivation in the NEH region by aligning machinery design with locally adapted seed characteristics