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Agricultural Economics Literature (Volume 9)
No full textIssue features include: Signed Reviews – Descriptive Notes and Abstracts – Selected List of Recent Reviews – Translation – Bibliographies – State Publications – U. S. Department of Agriculture Publications, Economic in Nature – New Periodicals – Periodical Articles – Notes. Book reviews included: Family and Society; A Study of the Sociology of Reconstruction (C. C. Zimmerman and M. E. Frampton) --- A Program for Land Use in Northern Minnesota; A Type Study in Land Utilization (O. B. Jesness, R. I. Nowell, and associates) --- Cotton Goes to Market; A Graphic Description of a Great Industry (A. H. Garside) --- Trend Analysis of Statistics; Theory and Technique (Max Sasuly) --- Vanishing Farm Markets and Our World Trade (T. W. Schultz) --- Die vorstädtische kleinsiedlung in der mark Brandenburg und in der Grenzmark (Gertrude Laupheimer and Marie Högel-Wertenson) --- Remarques sur le mouvement de la population en France depuis le début du XIXe siècle (Georges Mauco)
Impact of Climatic Factors on Sugarcane Yield and Farmer Income: Evidence from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
No full textThis study examined the impact of climatic variability on sugarcane yield and net economic returns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. Cross-sectional data from 180 randomly selected farmers across four distinct climatic zones, along with location specific data, were used to estimate a Ricardian land-rent regression model. The findings revealed a U-shaped quadratic relationship between temperature and both yield and net returns, with a lower threshold of 22°C. Given KP’s relatively lower temperatures compared to tropical regions, projected temperature increases due to climate change are expected to enhance sugarcane yield and profitability in irrigated zones. Rainfall exhibited an inverted U-shaped relationship, with optimal net returns observed at approximately 70 mm. However, monsoon irregularities—characterized by infrequent yet intense rainfall—can disrupt sugarcane productivity. Beyond climatic influences, more labor, high chemical fertilizer use, and efficient irrigation contribute significantly to improved yield and returns. The study emphasizes the need for policy interventions, including farmer awareness programs and training on climate adaptation strategies. Additionally, the promotion of innovative techniques such as chip-bud cultivation and water-efficient irrigation practices are recommended to enhance resilience against climatic uncertainties. Given the increasing water constraints in central and southern KP, targeted water management policies are deemed essential for sustainable large-scale sugarcane production
The Local Economic and Welfare Consequences of Demand Shocks for Coal Country
No full textThis paper estimates the welfare costs of declining coal demand from the power sector on coal mining regions of the US. Using an instrumental variable derived from a stylized model of the electricity sector, I estimate that coal producers shed jobs and wages primarily in coal mining and adjacent industries. In-migration, home values, and public education expenditures also decline. Applied in a spatial equilibrium framework, my estimates imply about 8.03 billion in thermal coal production value from 2007-2017
Irrigation from Big Thompson River
No full textContents: Introduction --- Physical Characteristics --- Water Supply --- Ditches --- Reservoirs --- Duty of Water --- Seepage --- Administration and Distribution --- Titles to Water --- Laws --- Litigation --- Comments --- Conclusions. Irrigation in Colorad
Farmers’ Satisfaction with the Use of AgriTecH in Disseminating Improved Oil Palm Production Technologies in Western Tanzania
No full textThis study assessed the level of farmers' satisfaction with the use of AgriTecH in disseminating improved oil palm production technologies in Tabora and Katavi regions in the Western parts of Tanzania. The study adopted a cross-sectional mixed-methods research design involving quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a sample of 120 respondents, while focus group discussions and key informant interviews were employed to obtain qualitative data.The collected quantitative data were analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to yield descriptive statistics while content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study found that the majority of the farmers expressed high level of Satisfaction with the use of AgriTecH in dissemination of improved oil palm production technologies across all measurement indicators including responsiveness (93.3%), assurance (90.8%), reliability (89.2%), empathy (89.1%), timeliness (85.0%), access (65%) and tangibility (60.8%). Although farmers showed that they are satisfied with the AgriTecH in the dissemination of improved oil palm production technologies, the lower positive percentage scores in access (65%) and tangibility (60.8%) indicators implied that there is a need for improvements in the components of these indicators.
Based on the findings of the study, TARI should make some improvements in the physical component of the AgriTecH to ensure more efficiency in service delivery. Also, both TARI and the Local Government Authorities through the Division of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries should provide convenient ways to increase farmers’ regular visits to the AgriTecH by either supporting their visits at least once per each cropping season or decentralizing the services to the grass root level where farmers are found by strengthening the linkages between the AgriTecH and the Ward Agricultural Resources Centres (WARCs
Resource Use Efficiency Analysis for the Cucumber Production in the Bishnupur District of Manipur and Sepahijala District of Tripura, India
No full textVegetable crops offer high yields, better profits, and job opportunities, making diversified agriculture successful in the northeastern region. Cucumbers are a popular and in-demand crop, especially among small and marginal farmers due to low cultivable land. The research study's conclusions regarding the cultivation and marketing of cucumbers in the Northeastern states of Tripura and Manipur are emphasized in this article. Data was collected from 80 respondents by adopting random sampling in 2022–2023. The study used a production function approach to analyse the efficiency of various input resources in cucumber production. The Cobb Douglas production function was used for Manipur and Tripura farms to fit the analysis. Factors affecting crop yield were identified, such as seeds, fertilizer, plant protection chemicals, human labor charges, and organic manure. The results showed that the unadjusted coefficient of multiple determinations (Ṝ2) was 0.62 and 0.58, respectively, which explained 62 and 58% of the variation in output. The remaining 38 and 42% variation in total output was explained by factors not included in the model. In Manipur, all coefficients of seed, plant protection chemical, and organic manure were positively significant at a 1% level of significance. In Tripura, all coefficients of fertilizer, human labor, and organic manure were positively significant at a 1% level of significance and also examined the relationship between the average value productivity of a resource with the factor's cost about resource use efficiency in cucumber production. The optimal resource use efficiency of a particular input occurs when the marginal value product (MVP) and marginal factor cost (MFC) are equal, or when MVP/MFC=1. The calculated values of the ratio of marginal value product to marginal factor cost were less than unity except for fertilizer in Tripura, indicating that seed, fertilizer, PPC, and organic manure in Manipur are overutilized, and fertilizers in Tripura are underutilized
An Analysis of Trend, Growth and Instability of Major Cereals and Millets in Chhindwara District of Madhya Pradesh, India
No full textThere is a significant correlation between increasing population and the demand for food grains. Madhya Pradesh has been one of the leading agricultural state in the country. The present study aims to analyse the Trend, Growth and Instability of the major cereals and millets in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Research Methodology: The present study adopts a Quantitative, Descriptive and Analytical research design focused at examining the long-term changes in the area under major cereals and millets in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. Purposive sampling design was used to analyse the trend, growth and instability under major cereals and millets for the period of 22 years from 1998 to 2019 in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh since it had the largest area under Cereals and Millets cultivation during the study period. Four major cereals and millets namely Paddy, Wheat, Maize and Jowar had been selected for the purpose of the study since they covered more than 90 per cent area in each year during the study period.
Types of Data Analysis and Research Findings: The trend has been worked out using the Graphical Plot Method, growth rate using Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) and Simple Growth Rate (SGR). For analysing the instability in the Total Cropped Area, Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDVI) was used. The total Cereals and Millets increased from 48.22 per cent in 1998 to 78.28 per cent in 2019. Maize covered the largest area with 36.78 per cent followed by Wheat (34.29 %), Jowar (12.67%) and Paddy (6.15 %). Maize had a positive growth rate of 8.38 per cent whereas Wheat had a positive growth rate of 4.97 per cent. Paddy experienced a negative growth of -2.48 per cent while Jowar had a negative growth of -7.88 per cent. Maize was found to be highly unstable with a CDVI of 30.11 per cent. Wheat and Paddy were found to be moderately unstable with a CDVI of 20.09 per cent and 16.39 per cent respectively. Jowar was comparatively stable with a CDVI of 6.49 per cent.
Theoretical and Practical Implications of Study: The results revealed that Maize and Wheat had the largest area and highest growth rate but both of them were found to be least stable. Continuous cultivation of Wheat and Maize may detriment the fertility of land. Farmers should focus on adapting crop rotation to replenish the fertility of soil. There is a need to recharge, maintain and manage the irrigation resources in the region. Storage houses should be constructed in order to reduce the wastage of Wheat and Maize.
Contributions of Study: The study may aid the policymakers in promoting resilient crops like millets for food security and sustainable agriculture, reducing future losses. It also provides a robust statistical outline for researchers to analyze agricultural trends
Socioeconomic Determinants of Livelihood Income Shares of Rural Migrant Households in Southwestern Nigeria
No full textThere is a consensus that most rural migrants get involved in multiple income-generating activities, but there is little or no evidence on factors affecting the level of income shares generated from the different livelihood activities of the rural migrants. The total household income is the aggregate measure of all the outcomes of all activities (farm, non-farm, off-farm) the household is engaged in. The objectives of the study are to examine the level of human, social, natural and physical, and financial endowments among migrant households in the study area and estimate the determinants of livelihood income shares of rural migrant household heads. This study estimated the determinants of livelihood income shares of rural migrant households in Southwestern Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states were purposively selected from the six states of the South-west, Nigeria. 20% of the rural LGAs were selected in each state. 10% of wards in each LGA were selected, where a sampling frame was created for migrant households, 40% of households on the sampling frames were selected to arrive at 413 respondents. A structured questionnaire was administered to respondents to collect data on generational status, duration of stay, household assets, livelihood activities and income generated and the major source of income of rural migrants. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a multivariate regression model. The mean age and household size were 49.97 years and 7 persons, respectively. The majority (76.75%) of the respondents were first-generation migrants. The mean duration of stay in various locations was 29.51 years. The majority (55%) of household heads chose farming as their main occupation. The study suggested that respondents participate in three primary income-generating activities: farming, non-farm, and off-farm activities. Although farming is the primary occupation for most households, the majority have reasonably diversified income sources, recognising that sole reliance on farming may not sustain their desired livelihoods. The major factors that determine migrant households’ choice of non-farm activities and off-farm over farm activity were the size of land holdings. Therefore, policy on rural development should follow a multidimensional approach to enable rural households to sustain their livelihoods and also contribute to agricultural development and food security throughout the year
Dynamics of Soybean Production in Buldhana District of Maharashtra, India
No full textSoybean is a major oilseed crop in the state of Maharashtra and Buldhana is considered as the largest producer district of Soybean crop in Maharashtra. Buldhana district contributes to a major share in the total area under Soybean cultivation as well as total Soybean production in Maharashtra which is among the largest producers of Soybean in India. The research was aimed to study the dynamics of change in production of Soybean crop. The study was used to analyse the effect of area and yield over the production of Soybean. The research was carried out in Buldhana district of Maharashtra for it contributed to the total share of 9.66 per cent in area and 13.65 per cent in the production of Soybean. The study was carried out for the period of 15 years from 2007-08 to 2021-22. The study was based on the time series data collected from authorized government sources on area, production and Yield of Soybean in Buldhana district for the duration of 15 years. Buldhana district in 2022-23, had the area under Soybean cultivation of 445955 hectare and the production of 792435 tonnes. The research used additive decomposition model as the research tool to determine the impact of area and yield over the increase or decrease in Soybean production. In, the area effect and yield effect were calculated to determine the change in production of Soybean. The study also revealed the contribution of each effect over the change in production to determine the drivers behind the increase or decrease in production of Soybean in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. The area effect and yield effect were calculated for individual year. The present research reveals that, the yield effect contributed 84.88 percent to the change in production of Soybean in Buldhana district of Maharashtra while the remaining 15.12 percent was due to the area effect. Hence, the yield effect was the driving factor behind the increase or decrease in production of Soybean in Buldhana district of Maharashtra over the study period. It was concluded that, with the average annual growth of 29 per cent and the contribution of 84.88 percent, yield effect contributed a major share to the growth in production of 34.17 per cent in Buldhana district of Maharashtra. It was concluded that, though the yield of Soybean was observed to be increasing, it is not consistent and hence, it has become necessary to stabilize the yield of Soybean in Buldhana district as well as Maharashtra as a whole
Comparative Analysis of Constraints Faced by Solar Water Pump Adopters and Non Adopters in Haryana and Rajasthan, India
No full textThe shift towards Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems (SWPS) presents significant potential for sustainable agricultural advancement in India, especially in regions facing water scarcity and energy shortages. This research examines the barriers impacting the uptake of SWPS in Haryana and Rajasthan—two prominent states in solar pump deployment. A comparative study was performed utilizing data from 240 farmers (120 who adopted and 120 who did not) across six intentionally chosen districts. Findings indicate that the decision to adopt is shaped by a mix of technical, financial, extension-related, farm-level, operational, environmental, and socio-personal barriers. Among those who adopted, technical issues such as the absence of standardization and insufficient post-installation support were notable, whereas non-adopters were mainly impeded by high upfront costs, limited access to credit, and a lack of awareness. Gaps in extension services, particularly the lack of demonstrations and follow-up assistance, were evident in both groups. Comparisons between states revealed that adopters in Haryana encountered significantly greater levels of constraints across various categories compared to those in Rajasthan, indicating dissatisfaction post-adoption and gaps in implementation. Conversely, non-adopters in both states reported similar obstacles, highlighting pervasive structural challenges. The research emphasizes the necessity for tailored interventions, including quality assurance, timely subsidies, improved extension services, and awareness initiatives. Tackling these multifaceted constraints is crucial for promoting the fair and effective integration of solar technology in Indian agriculture