Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2

Pearl millet is the only reliable source of food for many of the people living in the arid zones of India and Africa. This crop originated in tropical western Africa around 4500 years ago. Downy mildew is the most calamitous disease of pearl millet. Resistance to the pathogen is required to guarantee a stable harvest. Eight Open Pollinated Varieties belonging to two putative heterotic clusters were used to generate 16 variety-cross hybrids during the 2012 dry season in the INRAN station of Kollo. Pot-grown seedlings of parents, hybrids, and checks were inoculated with four isolates of Sclerospora graminicola under glasshouse conditions at the ICRISAT Centre in Sadoré. The analysis of data was carried out using GenStat to sort out the difference between plant genotypes and isolates. The isolates collected from different fields in Niger were not different from each other. The four isolates in contact with the parental OPVs as well as with the variety-cross hybrids incited similar mean disease incidence due to the related genetic makeup of both kinds of germplasm. Still, the isolate from Maradi showed the highest level of pathogenicity. Twelve hybrids and six parents were resistant over the 4 isolates with a mean disease incidence of less than 10%. Gamoji, one of the central varieties in the breeding program showed its highest disease incidence with the isolate from Maradi. Ex-Borno the highest resistant variety to the oomycete attack would be a good source of downy mildew tolerance under Niger growing conditions. Souna-3 and HKB showed the lowest General Combining Ability for the disease incidence. The hybrids Ankoutess x Souna-3 and Moro x HKP-GMS had the best Specific Combining Ability for disease resistance. There was a prevalence of additive gene action in terms of the inheritance of the resistance, also affected by epistatic effects. The resistant parents will be used for further pearl millet breeding activities. Because pearl millet constitutes the most important staple food particularly in Niger, screening for disease resistance should continue to identify valuable new germplasm, inbred lines, or else.

Recently, biochar has been suggested as a soil amendment to enhance crop productivity and help address global warming. The present chapter discusses biochar, its properties, production, uses or application, its advantages and disadvantages, and its role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Biochar is typically created by heating biomass through pyrolysis within a temperature range of approximately 300-600°C. Physically, biochar is dark in colour, with high porosity, low weight, fine-grained texture, and large surface area and chemically, carbon makes up about 70% of its composition. The inclusion of biochar in soil can greatly influence the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties and ultimately enhance the soil quality. Crop growth and yield are positively impacted by biochar. It improves the crops' ability to access and utilize nutrients. Biochar is gaining significant interest because of its ability to lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil fertility, and boost crop yield and crop quality. Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction are two important areas of climate change mitigation whereby biochar has played a crucial role.

This study provides a comparative analysis of the socioeconomic factors influencing the use of family and hired labor on small-scale maize-cowpea farms in Mubi North Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria with a focus on enhancing sustainable agriculture. The data used for the study were collected from 160 respondents in Mubi North Government Area with the aid of a structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling techniques. Utilizing four functional forms of regression models—linear, semi-logarithm, double logarithm, and log inverse—the research identifies key determinants impacting labor use. For family labor, significant positive influences include household size (p<0.05), total farm output (p<0.05), and farmers' experience (p<0.01), collectively explaining 73.93% of the variation. In contrast, hired labor is significantly influenced by the distance of the farm from the residence (p<0.001) and total farm output (p<0.01), while the household size and farm size exhibit significant negative influences (p<0.001), accounting for 93.48% of the variation. The correlation analysis reveals that larger households and greater farm sizes positively correlate with increased productivity through both labor types, though mechanisms differ. The findings suggest that family labor is maximized in larger households with experienced farmers and higher farm outputs, whereas hired labor is necessitated by farm distance and increased outputs, with larger households and farm sizes reducing reliance on it. The study concludes that both family and hired labor are crucially shaped by socioeconomic variables, and the policy implications are significant. Policies should support large households in farming, improve farmer training, develop rural infrastructure to reduce the need for hired labor, regulate labor markets, and provide subsidies and technological support to enhance farm productivity. These measures can collectively boost the efficiency and sustainability of small-scale maize-cowpea farming in Mubi North, fostering economic well-being in the region's farming communities.

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important edible oilseed crop in the World and Pakistan. It has a healthy vegetable oil because of its balance with omega 3-6-9 essential fatty acids, making canola oil a healthy vegetable oil throughout the World for the cooking and processed food industry. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) are some of the major nutrients required to significantly increase canola yield. A high-yielding canola production needs a well-balanced fertilization program. In Pakistan, the production of oil seed crops with their nutrition values could not be enhanced in accordance with domestic edible oil needs. Canola is consumed as vegetables and its edible oil is used for cooking. The agronomic and nutritional values of vegetable oils are dependent on the nature of fertilizers that are added to the soil. An experiment was launched to check the impact of various fertilizer combinations on two canola varieties at the Agronomic research area of Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. RCBD with a split-plot arrangement, having three replicates were used for the study. PARC canola (hybrid) and Faisal canola (open-pollinated) cultivars were kept in main plots, whereas various fertilizers NPK (120:60:60 kg ha^-1). Rustam organo (125 kg ha^-1), Bio care (125 kg ha^-1), H R care (125 kg ha^-1), Ferti source (125 kg ha^-1), NPK + Rustam organo, NPK + Bio care, NPK + H R care, NPK + Ferti source and control (no fertilizer used) were assigned to sub-plots. The yield and yield components of canola were significantly affected by using different fertilizers and varieties. Grain yield and its components were found to be maximum in PARC hybrid Canola with NPK applied @ 120:60:60 kg ha^-1. Use of organic manure (Ferti source) + half NPK (60:30:30) kg ha^-1. With PARC hybrid produced statistically at par results in comparison of in-organic manure. Data also demonstrated that the balanced fertilizer application of NPK either organic or inorganic ensures good quality proteins and high values of linoleic acids such as alpha linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid in canola oil content. In conclusion, this experiment also showed that the application of organic manures had a significant impact on canola nutrition, canola yield and soil health by increasing organic matter in the soil.

This study examines the comparative analysis of labor costs and returns in small-scale maize-cowpea farming, focusing on Mubi North Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The research investigates the costs incurred by farmers using family labor versus hired labor for various farm operations, as well as the returns generated from these operations. Data were collected from farmers, and the results show that the mean cost of labor per man-day for family labor ranged from N1716.43 to N328.44, with the highest cost being for the first weeding and the lowest for planting maize. In comparison, farmers utilizing hired labor had higher costs, ranging from N2750.11 to N350.85 per man-day, with the highest cost for the second weeding and the lowest for the second fertilizer application. Overall, hired labor was more expensive, leading to a total expenditure of N23,120.24 on labor, with hired labor constituting N14,513.99 and family labor N8,606.25. The cost and returns analysis revealed that farmers spent a mean total of N46,246.82 and N48,561.16 per hectare for family and hired labor respectively, and realized revenues of N69,084.39 and N73,201.22 for family and hired labor respectively. The study also found that hired labor resulted in higher returns over variable costs of production, total revenue, and gross margin per man-day, indicating that farmers who used hired labor tended to make greater profits. However, the return on capital investment for both family and hired labor was relatively low, suggesting the need for more efficient use of production inputs to enhance profitability in small-scale maize-cowpea farming. 

This study evaluates household income and animal protein food intake in Gombi Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the income distribution of the respondents in the study area and to identify the constraints to animal protein foods demand in the study area. The data used for the study were collected from 120 respondents in the four districts of the Local Government Area with the aid of a structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling techniques. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics, average propensity to consume, Gini Coefficient and Lorenz curve. Income differences and consumption consequences are highlighted by the findings. About 44% of respondents earn below N40,000, 38% below N60,000, and 19% above N60,000. Low-income predominance shows challenges in meeting household demands, supporting Simon's [1] claim that spendable income affects consumption. Respondents earning between N20,000 and N60,000 had the highest average consumption propensity, supporting Jhingan's [2] finding that lower-income groups consume more. The study's Gini coefficient of 0.58 surpasses Dillon and Hardaker's [3] 0.35 threshold for equitable distribution, indicating substantial income inequality. This coefficient and the Lorenz curve's large departure from 45 degrees highlight household income inequality. The result of the income distribution shows that 40% of total income comes from earnings above N80,000, although just 13% of respondents. This disproportionate contribution shows how money affects animal protein food demand. Animal protein affordability was the biggest barrier for 80.75% of responders. According to the rule of demand, greater prices decrease demand [2]. Transportation and production costs make animal protein expensive. Major animal protein meals are sold mostly in urban markets, making them inaccessible to rural residents. Low-income earners also struggle to build sustainable animal protein sources like fish ponds and cattle rearing due to inadequate private and government credit. This study emphasizes the need to reduce income disparity and increase the availability of inexpensive animal protein meals to improve Gombi Local Government families' nutritional well-being.

The present study highlights pest succession of sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill.) Forsberg] under the hill zone of Karnataka, India. Considering the need to have an effective management strategy the present study which deals with various pests attacking sapota at different crop stages during both on-season and off-seasons was taken up. Fifteen species of insect pests were recorded at various stages of sapota crop during 2012-13 under the hill zone of Karnataka. Among them only eight species viz., Banisia myrsusalis elearalis Walker, Anarsia achrasella Bradley, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), B. zonata (Saunders), Achrocercops gemoniella Stainton, Icerya sp., Coccus viridis Green, Planococcus lilacinus Cockerell and Planococcus citri Risso attained major status prevailing in a severe form a long time. Four species were recorded only as stray pests during crop growth. The remaining three insect species appeared as minor pests without causing any severe and perceptible damage to the crop. Scale insects and mealy bugs were found during the vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stages of the plant as a minor form. Leaf-eating caterpillars, Semi-loopers, and Leaf twister weevils appeared as a stray form during the vegetative growth of sapota.

The present work intended to analyse several physical and chemical properties of different hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal, namely Tonda de Giffoni, Grada de Viseu, Segorbe, Longa de Espanha, Butler, Gunslebert, and Negreta. Hazelnuts are a good source of proteins, monounsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic acid), carbohydrates, fibre, minerals, vitamins (such as vitamin E), phytosterols, and also phenolic antioxidants. In general, the results revealed statistically significant differences between the varieties under study. The Grada de Viseu's kernels were found to be heavier, but the Gunslebert's had heavier-shelled fruits and more elongated hazelnuts. Gunslebert had a tougher core, Segorbe was more fracture-resistant, and Grada de Viseu had a harder shell. Fat was the more representative component for all varieties and in some cases, the values of moisture and water activity were over the recommended amount ($\ge$0.62). The results also established the expected ranges for each colour parameter in the shell, hilum, skin, and kernel, with Butler exhibiting a clearer shell and Tonda de Giffoni exhibiting a clearer hilum and skin. In contrast, Negreta exhibited a clearer kernel. As for texture, Grada de Viseu had a harder shell while Gunslebert had a harder core.  Tonda de Giffoni was the variety with the highest induction time, indicating the highest oxidation stability. Moreover, discriminant analysis revealed that the variables more important to distinguish the varieties were protein ($\lambda$ = 0.007) and water activity ($\lambda$ = 0.010). The results of this study help to better understand the differences between some hazelnut varieties that are cultivated in Portugal, which gives important hints for all players in the hazelnut sector.

Evidence has shown that farm gate milk prices have often been significantly variable and vary considerably between farmer-household milk producers. Dairy farmers have been unaware of milk prices received by other farmers due to the weak physical and commercial infrastructure and asymmetric information flow. This study aimed to determine the factors that affect farm gate milk price variability among dairy farmer households in Kericho County, Kenya. A multistage cluster sampling technique was used to collect data from 432 dairy farmer households selling raw milk to different milk marketing channels. Both primary and secondary data were collected and used in the study. Multivariate probit and selectivity-biased mixed-effects linear regression models were used to estimate the survey data. The study results showed that an increased daily milk output sold and the number of commercial milk buyers resulted in an increased probability of farm gate milk price variability by 3.8% and 12%, respectively. However, the number of milking cows and trust levels of commercial milk buyers by the seller decreased the farm gate milk price heterogeneity by 89% and 87%, respectively. Selling through commercial milk marketing channels significantly positively affected farm gate milk prices. However, most dairy farmer households hesitated to engage with them since the commercial milk buyers valued their supply security, which came from trusted relationships and contracts. Therefore, critical strategies to improve farm gate milk prices are needed. These include strengthening the dairy farmer groups and partnership development, bolstering milk cooperative societies and increasing the financial investments in livestock milk markets by the national and county governments in Kenya.

The present study explores the influence of planting dates on NPK composition in soybean cultivars, conducting a comparative analysis across various planting schedules. Legumes provide a protein-rich source of food which is an essential part of the diets of people inhabiting in the tropics.. Growth, development, and production of Soybean Glycine max (L.) are negatively impacted by delayed planting dates and poor environmental circumstances. The nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium accumulation at harvest and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in seed impacted by changes in photoperiod, temperature, and precipitation with delayed planting. Extremely high temperatures and drought stress are examples of environmental variables that negatively impact plant development and productivity and are frequently linked to delayed planting. The finding reveals significant variation in the NPK composition contingent on planting dates, underscoring the importance of optimal timing for planting. This study also provides valuable insights for farmers and agronomists seeking to optimize soybean production through strategic planting schedules.

The present study highlights the response of the cropping system to find out suitable row proportions of turmeric and Pigeon-pea with additive and replacement series. Intercropping farming is considered very useful in dealing with such challenges. In pigeon pea growing areas of the country, farmers often plant pigeon pea on the bunds of paddy fields. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) is a significant cash crop cultivated by tribal farmers of Odisha for their sustenance. Despite favorable agro-climatic conditions, turmeric productivity lags considerably behind the national average, standing at 2.4t/ha compared to the national average of 5.1t/ha. The present study was carried out during 2021-22 and 2022 -23 kharif seasons to evaluate the performance of the cropping system to find out suitable planting geometry and row proportions at the Regional Research Technology and Transfer Station (RRTTS), G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal, Odisha. Experimental Design was a Randomized Block Design with three replications and eight treatments. Fresh rhizome (106.04 q/ha) in Sole crop of turmeric and pigeon pea grain (14.07 q/ha) produced the highest yield when compared with other intercropping systems. Turmeric +Pigeon pea (10:2) geometry gave the highest net return and benefit cost ratio over other intercropping system. Research findings indicate that this specific planting pattern promotes synergy between turmeric and pigeon peas, leading to mutually beneficial growth and development. The study recommended that response of the cropping system to find out suitable row proportions of turmeric and Pigeon pea with additive and replacement series in multilocational trials and farmers field.