Current Topics in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2

Women play a major role in dairy farm activities in India. They do most of the work in Animal Husbandry, yet remain as invisible workers. The present study is conducted to document their contribution to dairy farming. The participation of rural women in dairy farm activities is studied in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 225 farm women were selected based on their land holding capacity. The study revealed that women from small farmer category had more participation in taking animals for pregnancy diagnosis (81.33%) and post calving care (77.33%). Women under landless category were more involved in regularly taking animals for grazing (45.33%), green fodder collection and feeding (68%) and feeding animals with concentrates (88%). Feeding of animals with dry fodder regularly was more in small women dairy farmer category (89.33%) and landless (86.66%) than that in medium (56%) farm women category. Cleaning of animal sheds regularly was high in landless (76%) and small (69.33%) farm women than in medium (44%) farm women. Majority of women under landless category were regularly using disinfectants for cleaning of animal sheds (49.33%). Regular involvement in disposing of dung and composting of dung is high in women under landless (69.33%) and small (65.33%) farm women categories. Women under small (76%) and landless (73.33%) farmer category were regularly taking care of sick animals. More number of medium (9.33%) women dairy farmers were regularly involved in purchase of animals compared to landless (5.33%) and small (1.33%) farm women.

The genus Azospirillum comprises free-living bacteria that inhabit soils of various ecological conditions, where they are often associated with the rhizosphere and endorhizosphere of plants. These bacteria have multiple attributes that can benefit host plants, due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (N₂), secrete phytohormones such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins. In addition, they can suppress populations of phytopathogenic microorganisms from the soil and decompose soil pollutants. Therefore, the objective of the work was to determine if topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus) and yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) plants grown in the Central Valley of the Province of Catamarca naturally have mutualistic symbiosis with endorhizospheric bacteria of the genus Azospirillum and / or with other genera of native atmospheric nitrogen-free fixing bacteria. Roots of each species were collected and the technique proposed by Döbereiner et al. [47] for the isolation of the N₂-free binding endorhizospheric bacteria, Azospirillum sp. Native rhizobacteria of the genus Azospirillum were not isolated from the endorhizosphere of topinambur and yacón. The isolates obtained were characterized morphologically and physiologically, and three different morphotypes of each plant species were selected for their molecular identification. Eleven free fixing autochthonous microorganisms of atmospheric nitrogen present in the endorhizosphere of the study cultures were described, 6 in topinambur and 5 in yacón. All isolates belonging to the genus Pseudomonas. In topinambur, Pseudomonas sihuiensis and in yacón of Pseudomonas alcaligenes, P. resinovorans and P. sihuiensis. The natural colonization of the endorhizosphere of the cultures of topinambur (H. tuberosus) and yacón (S. sonchifolius) by autochthonous rhizobacteria of the genus Azospirillum could not be verified. The isolation of autochthonous atmospheric nitrogen-free fixing bacteria of P. sihuiensis, P. alcaligenes and P. resinovorans in the endorhizosphere of topinambur and yacón, cultivated in soils of the Central Valley of the Province of Catamarca, is reported for the first time.

To analyse the nutritional content of the soil, it was decided to identify soil attributes at a specific place. Physicochemical soil parameters analysis is important to farming land for plants growth and soil management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical parameters of Dabus villages agricultural land, including pH, %OC, %TN, ppmP, exchangeable acidity, Cmol/100g soil of CEC, exchangeable acidity and potassium content, g/cm³ of bulk density, %sand, %clay, %silt and textural class. All of the soil samples taken from the villages yielded a unnoticeable amount of results. However, all samples showed lower nutrient content than the standards, village nine (S9) was showed best results in most parameters. pH, N, P, K, organic carbon, and CEC were all evaluated. The pH was discovered to be rather acidic. The study area had insufficient organic carbon and other important elements for plant growth, according to the findings.

Covid 19 pandemic has a very serious impact to all productive activities of the people especially in Lombok West Nusatenggara, because the people have not recovered from the earthquake on July 2018, they have to face the pandemic covid since march 2020. Trygona honey is a leading home industry in accordance with the natural and cultural potential of the community, but it has not been fully developed for the economic recovery of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this research is to develop the most appropriate strategy of commercialization of trygona honey to ensure sustainabiloity in the time of covid 19 pandemic, that can be used as a model for economic recovery in Indonesia. The analytical methods used are SAST (Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing), and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process). The results of study showed that trygona honey home industry was not affected by pandemic covid 19, the demand is actually increasing due to people’s awareness of their health. This honey has a very complete nutritional content, which can be used to increase immunity against of COVID-19. There are three main problems that were faced by the trigona bee farmers to develop their business: Trigona seeds, cultivation technology, and business management. The best strategy to increase their business and income is cultivation system technology and providing added value through packaging and labeling. The most appropriate commercialization strategy to increase farmer’s income and ensuring sustainability of the business is involving BUMDES as an interconectivity institution between trygona honey producers with the market.

The objectives of this work were to determine the optimum plot size for tomato seedlings by Hatheway’s method, using the Mestiço and Ozone cultivars, and verify the possibility to obtain the optimum plot size only by nondestructive characteristics. Determining the optimal plot size based on scientific criteria is extremely important to give greater credibility to the experimental results. Non-destructives (aerial part height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf area) and destructives (aerial part dry matter, root dry matter, total dry matter and Dickson quality index) characteristics were evaluated. For each characteristic evaluated, experimental plans were simulated in a randomized block design with the combination of I treatments (I = 3, 4, 5, ..., 10, 15, 20 and 25) and R repetitions (R= 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7). The optimum plot size ranged according to the characteristic evaluated. Considering the number of treatments, repetitions and the same experimental accuracy, the stem diameter showed the highest size plot.  Thus, the stem diameter can be used as a basis characteristic for the non-destructives characteristics, without the need to destroy the seedling.

The research was conducted in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kericho, Kilifi, and Uasin Gishu counties.

The study's overarching goal was to identify and record the obstacles that prevent dairy value chains from being managed effectively. The identification of restrictions will aid in the development of strategies to increase dairy productivity and profitability. A stakeholder survey among the value chain stage actors gathered primary and secondary data, yielding the following results: Research institutions and vaccine producers experienced constraints at institutional levels that impacted on the effective animal health management.

Agro-vets were important contact points for livestock sector participants and hence have the capacity to disseminate animal health information messages. Some of the Agro-vets were run by non-professionals, lacked suitable drug storage facilities, sold illegal substandard pharmaceuticals, had limited input capital, and had exorbitant interest rates on loans, all of which affected their ability to operate. 33 counties were served by the three Regional Veterinary Investigation Laboratories (VILs) that were visited. Those near VILs submitted more samples for testing than counties further away.

Over the course of 11 years, 45,040 samples were collected, with 6,971 in Eldoret, 11,975 in Kericho, and 26,091 in Mariakani. The top ten disorders diagnosed accounted for more than 85% of the total. Mastitis was the most common problem, accounting for 41.9 percent of all cases, followed by ECF at 10.6 percent and nematodes at 4.5 percent.

The goals of this study were to determine the effects of Roselle calyces (Hibiscus sabdariffa) (RC), liquid smoke (LS), and a combination of both (RCLS) on taste, pH, total plate count (TPC), and cholesterol content in se'i (Rotenese smoke beef). This experiment would produce se’i with better quality.  A completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment, which included six treatments and three replications. The six treatments were as follows: Control (C)= se’i conventional (without treatment), RC₁ = roselle calyces 4% (v/w), RC₂ = roselle calyces 8% (v/w), LS = liquid smoke (5%) (v/w), RCLS₁ = roselle calyces 4% + liquid smoke 5%, RCLS₂ = roselle calyces 8% + liquid smoke 5%. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan multiple range tests (DMRT) to detect differences between means. To detect differences between means, the Kruskal Wallis test was used first, followed by the Mann Whitney test.  Treatments reduced the aroma and taste score, TPC numbers, and cholesterol content of se'i (P<0.05) but had no effect on the pH value.  It can be concluded that roselle and the combination of roselle + Schleichera oleosa liquid smoke are more effective than Schleichera oleosa liquid smoke in reducing bacterial numbers in se'i.  Because both Schleichera oleosa liquid smoke and control contain similar bioactive compounds, they have the same effect on taste and TPC numbers. Adding liquid smoke or roselle reduces cholesterol content but has no effect on the pH of se'i.

The present study has been carried out at Al-Jummum District, Western K.S.A., with aim of investigating some reproductive characters of Acacia ehrenbergiana and Acacia tortilis subsp raddiana. The specific goals are to investigate and measure the fruit and seed sizes and weights, and seed number per fruit. The findings of the research work show that the pod and seeds characteristics differed significantly among the two species under the study. The differences were in parameters measured, which included Pod length (PL cm), Pod width (PW cm), Seed number/pod (SNP-1), Seed length (SL mm), and Seed width (SW mm). However, the mean pod length of 6.4 cm of Acacia ehrenbergiana was significantly higher than that of acacia tortilis subsp.raddian with 4.5 cm. The Acacia tortilis subsp raddiana recoded the highest mean seed number/pod of 9.8 seed/pod against 5.3 seed number/pod of Acacia ehrenbergiana The mean pod width of 5mm of Acacia tortilis subsp raddiana, was higher than the 3,8mm of Acacia ehernbergiana. The study also revealed considerable variations in pods and seeds weights between two species under study. The weight of 100 pods of Acacia raddiana reported the highest weight of 240 gm, and 18 gm for Acacia ehrenbergiana. The weight of 31 gm of 30pods and 15gm of the seeds of 30 pods were obtained from Acacia raddiana against 3gm and 1gm for Acacia erhrenbergian respectively. The study found that Acacia tortilis susp. raddiana had the largest weights of empty pod 0.53gm, pod 1.03 gm, seed/pod 0.5 gm and 5 gm of 100 seeds, while Acacia ehrenbergiana had the smallest weights of 0.03 gm, o.1 gm, 0.07 gm and 1gm respectively. The variations of Acacia tortilis susp. radiana pods, this may be due to the ecological adaptability. The study revealed that the pod and seeds characteristics differed significantly between the two species under study.

The present study was carried out in 0.8 ha rainfed farm from April 2010 to March 2013 with two sources of water i.e. no pond/rainfed and pond/irrigated in five different blocks viz., Khajuripada of Kandhamal district (North Eastern Ghats Zone), Dhenkanal Sadar and Odapada of Dhenkanal district (Mid Central Table Land Zone), Golamunda and Narla of Kalahandi district (Western Undulating Zone) of Odisha. Integrated Farming System (IFS) model farm recorded 31.92 q Rice Equivalent Yield (REY) as compared 3.78 REY in conventional rice-greengram system. The net return in IFS model was Rs. 1,61,148/- whereas an amount of Rs. 11,631/- was obtained in conventional system. The recyclable wastes of 3.3 t paddy straw, 3000 kg pond silt, 2129 kg poultry excreta and 13 t mushroom spent in IFS model were used as resources for use by different components of IFS model. The productivity and profitability of IFS models were higher due to efficient recycling of wastes. Almost no waste was left to pollute the environment or to degrade the resource base where as the wastes in conventional system were not utilized effectively.

Cassava is grown mainly in South region of Ethiopia. However, it shows expansion to northern, eastern and western parts of the country. In this study, evaluation of eleven cassava germplasms promoted from previous preliminary work was done at different agro-climatic conditions. The list of cassava genotypes used in the study were 1038, 869, Umbure, M94/0117, 1554, 1630, 1708, M94/0125, 196/624, Kello (standard check) and Local farmers variety. These were planted in two growing seasons of 2015/2017 and 2017/2019. The experiment was conducted at four different locations namely Hawassa, Dilla, Areka and Jima. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The statistical analysis was computed using two computer statistical software packages; Gen Stat and SAS (1999). SAS software was used to compute analysis of variance. Gen Stat computer software was used to determine the stability of the genotypes across different locations. The result showed that presence of significant difference among cassava genotypes due to root yield. Based on genotypic stability index, the cassava genotypes 1708 and M94/125 selected as best varieties due to their high stability and yield performance in various environmental conditions. The correlation coefficient indicated association among different agronomic trait. Regarding to this, total root yield of cassava was highly significant and positively correlated with stand count (r=0.90), storage root length (r=0.86) rather highly significant and negative correlation was found between total root yield to above ground biomass weight (r= -0.74), plant height (r=-0.77) and storage root girth (r= -0.04).

Biological control is a natural ecological phenomenon. Which can be successfully used in the management of pesticides, and it can be a balanced, sustainable and economical pest control tool. The use of micro-organisms for pesticides is called microbial control. This is a new aspect of biological control, in which the use of pesticides microbes is used for their control. By practically looking for microbial control of insects and looking after the natural enemies of pests, their number can be increased by utilizing them for control of pesticides, which is available by marking experts and accessible. Inter-essentially, we can resolve this solution in such a way. It is necessary to determine the timing of the use of micro-organisms carefully on the weakening of the life cycle of the harmful insect. Their individual age, i.e. life cycle, is reduced due to their use, be sure to note the pre-production method. We can naturally take control of microorganisms; we also have to use the microscope in this work in a variety of tests. This study highlights the potential that some microorganisms have in improving the conservation status of plants classified as vulnerable, endangered and even critically endangered.

Yam (Dioscorea spp) is produced through vegetative propagation using its areal and underground tuber. As many vegetative propagated crops grown in the country, its improvement work is done through collection, characterization and evaluation of germplasms found at farmers field. This study was done to observe yam (Dioscorea spp) flowering and botanical seed germination for its’ genetic improvement and conservation activities. The study was conducted at Gedio Zone, Wonago district, Ethiopia. A total of 60 yam clones of six different species collected from different major growing regions of the country were used in this study. Botanical seeds obtained from open pollinated field showed variability. Among 60 yam germplasms, 21, 12 and 27 genotypes were male, female and none flowering plants respectively. This showed that female plants are small in yam population compared to male yam plants. In this study, 85 percent of botanical seeds were germinated and gave healthy and, vigor yam seedlings. Hence, there is a possibility of increasing yam genetic variability using its’ botanical seeds obtained through open pollination. Indeed, it will be an alternative way for conserving yam and other root and tuber crops germplasms with botanical seeds to minimize their loss and genetic erosion at field gene banks due to biotic and abiotic factors.

The paper aims to study the Performance Evaluation of Tubular Maize sheller under Frontline Demonstration in comparison to farmers’ practice of using finger tips and thumb pressing. Technology developed by CIAE Bhopal was used as Action Research Participatory Approach carried out during 2016-2019 in Kohima district of Nagaland. The demo involved 150 beneficiaries belonging to small and marginal Socio Economic Status. Farmers after maize harvest sundry and later stacked above the fireplace for smoke drying in traditional kitchen to minimize the moisture content and protect the seed from pest which has been the tradition for years. The demonstration results showed that, shelling capacity of tubular maize sheller (31.36 kg/hr) was twice as much as that of farmers practice (13.11 kg/hr) indicating percentage increase by 140%, i.e. increase in shelling percentage over the years from 92-177%. It also highlighted an efficiency of 99. 69%, Cost of shelling one quintal of maize to be` 171.58 indicating a saving of nearly 60% against hand shelling. Feedback views on the Technology were recorded and assigned rank according to responses, of the eight statement four statement were ranked one on the basis of weighted mean such as No special training required for handling the maize sheller, avoids injury to fingers during use, reduce drudgery during handling and women friendly tool. Rank two was obtained for saves time and energy, Rank three was assigned towards the statement that it avoids irritation of eyes, nose, mouth during shelling, Rank four was in favour of convenient to operate, use and handle. Few (6 Nos) had the opinion in modifying and standardising the sheller as the local maize cultivars were larger in circumference than the demonstrated Technology. Chi-square testing of Tubular sheller (x=33.2) proves that its performance is significantly different from hand shelling p<0.05.

Flowers of Strychnos nux-vomica are small, greenish-white, bisexual, nectariferous and emit mild sweet odour. They open during evening hours and offer pollen and nectar to the visitors.  Bees, flies, wasps, butterflies, beetles and birds are the pollinators. Apis dorsata and Euploea core are the principal one and makes diurnal visit between 7.00-17.00 hours.  The anther dehiscence starts at 16.00-16.15 hours. The capitate stigma receptive to pollen germination at 17.30-18.00 hours and remain in receptive state one day after complete anther dehiscence. Breeding system is mixed type. Flowers favour cross-pollination (29.78-60.26%) however selfing is also possible (17.94-39.74%). Results pertaining to floral biology, reproductive phenology, mating system and pollinators will be much helpful in developing breeding strategies for genetic improvement as well as conservation in the wild.

The present study was carried out to assess the growth rate of agricultural exports and imports in major countries in Asia Pacific region along with entire Asia Pacific region. Data for a period of 27 years i.e., from 1992 to 2018 is considered for analysis. Among major countries, compound annual growth rate for export of agricultural commodities in terms of value is highest for Indonesia (10.28%) followed by India (9.52%), China (8.60%), Thailand (6.30%) and Australia (4.68%). The agricultural commodity export for major exporting countries in Asia Pacific in terms of value showed an increasing trend due to increase in unit value of commodities. The agricultural exports from Asia Pacific region and the world showed positive and significant annual growth rate of 7.90 per cent and 7.09 per cent, respectively. The major importing countries India, China, Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Japan showed positive and significant growth rate of 12.92, 12.89, 8.64, 5.92 and 1.78 per cent per annum respectively. There is increasing trend in agricultural commodity imports in terms of value due to increase in income, changing life style of people and changing commodity prices. And also, there is increasing trend in import of agricultural commodities to Asia Pacific region (7.29%) and world (6.94%). In case of Asia Pacific agricultural exports as well as imports, the share of Animal and Fibre products decreased whereas share of Vegetable and Food products increased gradually over the study period. The growth rate of Vegetable products is 9.33 and 9.29% in case of exports and imports, respectively. The growth rate of both agricultural exports and imports is increasing for entire Asia Pacific region due to increasing share of Vegetable products. There is need for reforms which must focus on liberalizing logistics, facilitating adoption of modern information and communication technologies promoting competition among service providers and improving access to credit and trade finance.

Diploknema butyracea (Phulwara/cheura plant) grows in wild form in sub-Himalayan tracts and outer Himalayan ranges of Uttarakhand state. The plant contains high concentration (> 60%) of oils/fats in kernel along with high palmitic acid (56.80 - 64.10%), oleic acid (28.00 – 31.30%), linoleic acid (4.30 - 5.70%) and stearic acid (2.40 – 3.50%). Oil/fat is used for edible purposes and for preparation of local medicine, soap, etc. Conventional approaches of breeding are difficult for the improvement of plant because of recalcitrant types of seed and perennial nature of growth habit. There has a need to harness the quantity and quality control of oil in crop through selection of superior genotypes based on its fatty acid compositions in seeds and on seed characters as morphological marker traits of plant species. In this investigation correlation and path coefficient study was performed among 4 major fatty acid components, total fat/oil content and some seed characters. The results revealed that palmitic acid, stearic acid and seed coat colour determined the oil content in kernel. Non-significant relation between total fat/oil content and other traits emerged from negative influence of oleic acid, linoleic acid and other fatty acid in opposite direction.

We evaluated 4 Robusta coffee intercropping models (Coffea canephora Pierre var. Robusta) with perennial trees on Rhodic ferrasol soil and tropical climate at Ea Yong commune, Krong Pac district, Daklak province, Vietnam. These are models: sole coffee, intercropping coffee with Siamese cassia (Cassia siamea Lam.), intercropping coffee with durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) 9 x 9 m and intercropping coffee with durian 9 x 6 m. Research objective: to evaluate the ability to return biomass to soil over the years and additional income when intercropping fruit trees. The result: green biomass increases from 71.6 tons.ha^-1 to 101.4 tons.ha^-1 (intercrop coffee with Siamese cassia) or to 176.4 tons.ha^-1 (intercrop coffee with durian 9 x 9 m) or to 178.6 tons.ha^-1 (intercrop coffee with durian 9 x 6 m); the yield in the intercrop model of coffee with durian (9 x 9 m) reduced by 300 kg.ha^-1 of dry coffee beans and by 1,000 kg.ha^-1 in the model of coffee with durian (9 x 6 m) compared with sole coffee (4,120 kg.ha^-1). However, these models produced between 22 and 23 tons.ha^-1 of durian fruits, which brought about high income and large green biomass. At present, planting sole coffee or intercropping with forestry trees are mainly, it is recommended that farmers intercrop coffee with perennial fruit trees. 

The livestock sector, especially poultry has a great opportunity to be developed. For this reason, a vertical integration system is needed as a business from upstream to downstream. To understand this, the research is carried out on partnership patterns and supply chain management as an effort to fulfill access and production of broilers. The aim of research was to know the cooperation of broiler farming partnerships and productivity in terms of financial aspects. To achieve this goal, an analysis was carried out: the potential for partnerships with PIR broiler patterns, the feasibility of broiler business through PIR and independent partnerships, and benchmarks for plasma business performance in partnerships. The results of analysis showed that most of the live broiler chickens (90%) were sold to collectors. Then by the traders it was distributed to various customers: traditional markets, modern markets, restaurants, hotels, catering and end to consumers. The results of analysis of partnership cooperation, the coefficient of flexibility was 1.41, the dependence of partners was 0.26, 2.32 and 0.033. With the success rate of broiler farming partnerships, the following coefficients were obtained: net profit 0.26, the time period for receiving business results is 0.35, 3.14, and 0.06 while productivity growth was 1.40, 16.09 and 1.00. Thus, viewed from the financial aspect, the partnership business pattern is more profitable than the independent business pattern. The partnership system can run well depending on the commitment of the two partners who are partners, in this case the core company and plasma farmers.