Volume-10, Issue-9, September 2024

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the factors limiting rural women participation in dairy value chain activities in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. Using a multi-stage sampling approach, 250 rural women were selected. Primary data were collected and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics to meet the research objectives. The findings indicated that the average ages of women who took part in the activity and the age of those who didn'twas 39.2 and 42.1, respectively. Participants in the dairy value chain tend to have more years of experience compared to non-participants. with an average of 15.6 years, while non-participants had an average of 10.7 years. Additionally, the majority—60.0% of participants and 25.0% of non-participants were members of cooperatives. Logit regression analysis identified educational level, farm size, and cooperative membership were significant at the 5% level, while contact with extension agents was significant at the 1% level, whereas, marital status and access to credit were significant at 10% level. In terms of perceptions, women generally held positive views regarding their participation in the dairy value chain. Most perception statements received mean scores of 2.5 or above. For instance, the perception that dairy farming has improved their income (3.00), the belief that participation had enhanced their skills (3.08) and their family’snutrition has improved due to dairy farming (3.00). The respondents' main challenges include limited access to credit (75.2%), lack of technical knowledge (66.0%), time constraints due to household responsibilities (60.8%) and limited access to markets (50.8%). Based on these findings, recommendations were made that financial institutions and government programs should develop tailored credit facilities that address the specific needs of rural women in the dairy value chain.

Keywords: Rural women, Dairy value chain, Nigeria, Kaduna State, Zaria LGA, Factors limiting participation, Socio-economic barriers, Gender-based discrimination, Dairy production, Agricultural sector

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Abstract

Agricultural production in Nigeria is mainly carried out by subsistence farmers who depend heavily on rain-fed agriculture and use of rudimentary traditional methods for their production. But despite abundant water resources and rainfall in addition to wide diversity of ecological conditions with which Nigeria is blessed, the amount and timing of the rains are not adequate to meet the water requirement of the crops. This has led to low agricultural yields resulting to low income earning among farmers, diseases, hunger and malnutrition. Therefore, in order to meet national target on poverty reduction, and food security, the Federal Government of Nigeria embarked on establishment of irrigation facilities to make water available for agricultural production all the year round. One of such irrigation projects is the Lower Anambra-Imo River Basin Irrigation Project at Omor, in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. This study was undertaken to investigate the contributions of Lower Anambra-Imo River Basin Irrigation Project in Omor, Anambra State, Nigeria; towards alleviating poverty and eradication of hunger and malnutrition. Primary data for this study was collected from 200 farmers who were randomly selected and given structured questionnaire designed to seek information in such areas as age, literacy level, and number of farm holdings, efficiency of irrigation water supply, and other challenges encountered by the farmers. The study revealed general switch from low-value subsistence farming to high-level market–oriented production resulting in increase in farmers’ production, increased income, and provision of basic infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, schools in the area.

Keywords: Irrigation; Rain-fed; Alleviation of Poverty and Hunger; Food Security and River Basin

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Abstract

The effect of insecticides on development and adult survival of Trichogramma chilonis was investigated under laboratory condition. Insecticides tested were endosulfan, coragen, monocrotophos and deltamethrin+triazophos on following concentrationi.e. 0.009%, 0.010%, 0.020%, 0.022% and 0.024%. Treating eggs with all the concentration of chemical insecticides caused death of the emerged adults within few hours post emergence when the treatment was carried out 4 days post parasitism or one day before adult emergence. The number of host eggs turned to black (the parasitoid larvae developed to pupae) varied according to timing of treatment. Adult emergence rate varied according to the used insecticide, the parasitoid stage and the generation. All the concentration of insecticides, with the exception of endosulfan and some cases coragen, adversely affected T. chilonis emergence from Corcyra cephalonica host eggs when exposed at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th day of developmental stages (larval and pupal) of T. chilonis. Regardless of the developmental stage treated, none of the insecticides tested had a significant effect on the emergence and survival of T. chilonis male and a female significantly varied among insecticide treatments, and were significantly affected by the developmental stage of parasitoid when treated. Based on toxicity, deltamethrin+triazophos was the most toxic followed by monocrotophos, which was comparatively less toxic compounds to adult male and female T. chilonis. No parasitoids emerged from parasitized eggs treated with deltamethrin+triazophos in second generation.

Keywords: Insecticides, Effect, Development, Survival, Trichogramma

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Abstract

A sizable section of the population makes their living from agriculture, which is the foundation of the Indian economy. One of the main challenges facing the sector is marketing agricultural products, though. This research paper aims to address and comprehensively examine the numerous issues pertaining to agriculture marketing in India and its states. This study used secondary data from a number of sources, including the India state database, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the Government of India and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Government of India. The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act and e-NAM (National Agriculture Market), two recent government policies and regulations aimed at reforming agriculture marketing, are also reviewed in this research paper. This research paper evaluates their efficiency in resolving the noted problems and makes recommendations for possible areas of development. The issues surrounding the marketing of agriculture in India and its states are thoroughly examined in this research paper. The main issues are highlighted, along with how they differ indifferent places and possible fixes. India'sagricultural sector can become more resilient, effective, and profitable by addressing these problems, which will ultimately improve the lives of millions of farmers and support the country'seconomic expansion. India'sagricultural market is evolving quickly, with different viewpoints emerging at the state and india levels. Enhancing farmers' livelihoods, implementing sustainable practices, and embracing technological innovations are the main priorities.

JEL Classification: Q130, M31, M48, O3.

Keywords: Agriculture marketing, farmers, agricultural market, innovations, sustainable

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Abstract

Agricultural machines and equipment have become the most effective instruments used extensively to boost agricultural production. Astronomical population increase in the country without corresponding increase in food production has led to massive importation of agricultural machineries by the Federal and State governments with the aim to mechanize agricultural practices and boost agricultural production. However, agricultural machinery whether they are power units, field implements, processing equipment or pumps cannot perform their duties indefinitely. Like any other machines, they breakdown from time to time. The high frequency of tractor breakdown are caused by environmental factors, unskilled operators, poor repair and maintenance culture, age of the machines and high cost of spare parts. Various researchers had noted that proliferation of tractor in the country makes widespread and high incidence of un-serviceability of farm tractors, gross underutilization of farm tractors, and frequent breakdown of tractors amongst other problems which is the hallmark of tractor hiring services in Nigeria. The study shows that poor maintenance culture of these agricultural machines and implements results to their unavailability for the works they are meant for, which affects timeliness of agricultural operations and mechanization programmes of the sector. It is recommended that preventive repair and maintenance should be adopted to make the machines and implements always available and prolong their useful life. The work aims to study the effect of poor culture of repair and maintenance of agricultural machines and equipment on mechanization of agriculture in Anambra State if Nigeria.

Keywords: Repair and Maintenance; Mechanization; Agricultural Machines and Equipment

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Abstract

The Indian economy and society depend heavily on agriculture. Approximately two thirds of the nation'speople make their living either directly or indirectly from agriculture. The innovations of the Green Revolution in the 1960s made it possible to achieve food production self-sufficiency and transformed a nation experiencing a food deficit into one experiencing a food surplus. This resulted in a rebirth of agriculture centred on the adoption of intensive farming supported by the use of manures, fertilisers, pesticides, and assured irrigation, as well as high-yielding seed varieties. Chemical fertilisers were more well-liked by the high-yielding cultivars, and they eventually became a staple of Indian agriculture. Water conservation and effective usage, as well assoil health maintenance, are critical to the future food security of the planet. The largest source of nutrients for humans still comes from soils. Soil health is a direct indicator of human health.

The focus of agricultural research has shifted recently to emphasize both food and nutritional security. The primary cause of the imbalance is thought to be the overuse of N fertilisers and the relatively low use of P and K fertilisers. In addition, India'sfertilizer use has been rising over time. Nurturing the soil has become essential to improve its health and productivity. The Indian government introduced the soil health card programme in this regard. This is intended to encourage the implementation of fertiliser recommendations based on soil tests, which will help to sustainably maintain soil productivity while simultaneously increasing crop production.

Keywords: Agriculture, Indian Agriculture, Soil Health, Soil Testing, Soil Fertility, Soil Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, Nutritional Security

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Abstract

This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of glyphosate on the soil mycoflora of yam farms and yam rots as a followup on a previous study which suggested that glyphosate use had no effect on yam rots as held by farmers. This study was set up at the field level and in the laboratory to investigate these concerns. Two yam varieties; “laribako” and “olodo” were grown in a replicated control trial design under the conditions of chemical weed control (use of glyphosate) and manual weed control in three replicate sites in the Wulensi traditional area of the Nanumba south district. The transient effect of glyphosate on fungal population and diversity were determined by serial dilution method on Cooke’smedia. Combined methods of soil plate fungi isolation and food poison was used to determine the effect of normal and double the normal rate of glyphosate application on fungal population and diversity. Fungal species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Rhodotorula and Trichoderma were isolated. The positive control (fungicide) totally inhibited fungal growth. Generally, there were no significant differences (P≤0.05) among the fungal population recorded for the glyphosate treated soils and the negative control (water). The glyphosate treated soil initially recorded a lower fungal population, which subsequently increased with passing days. The recorded fungal population ranged from 3.6×105 to 7.7×105 CFU/gfor 10 days old glyphosate treated soil and non-treated soil respectively. The normal and double the normal rate of glyphosate application did not significantly (P≤0.05) affect the fungal population among the various treatments, but influenced fungal diversity over a short period of time. The study revealed after the storage period, that there was no difference (P > 0.05) in rots between yam treated with glyphosate herbicide and yam manually weeded. The study further revealed that glyphosate application at the recommended rate had no adverse effect on the mycoflora of the soil under consideration; hence did not distract the natural mycoflora of the soil which could have resulted in the proliferation of fungal pathogens causing yam rot.

Keywords: fungi, glyphosate, herbicide, soil, yam

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Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play vital roles in our everyday life such as in fermentation, preservation and production of wholesome foods. This work is aimed at studying the bacteriocin production of lactic acid bacteria from Ugba (a local condiment) sold in Anambra state. A total of 5 samples of Ugba each were purchased randomly from three locations in Anambra state. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated and characterized using standard microbiological procedures. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion method while bacteriocin production was achieved by culture on appropriate medium and partially purified by centrifugation method and then characterized. Antimicrobial activities using cell free supernatant and partially purified bacteriocin of the isolates against Escherichia coli, Staph. aureus and Candida albicans found in Ugba were equally assessed. The isolate that gave the highest zone of inhibition was identified by 16s rDNA sequencing and was selected for further assay. Biopreservative study of the choice isolate against Escherichia coli, Staph. aureus and Candida albicans which were extraneously introduced into the Ugba was conducted. A total of Six LAB isolates designated with codes were obtained based on their catalase spot test reaction. zones of inhibition ranging from 13-20mm, 12-18 mm and 10-19mm were obtained against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicians respectively. The LAB isolate code A1 with the Best Antimicrobial Activity was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. The bacteriocin produces by Lactobacillus plantarum (A) was slightly stable at 40 and 60°C with a continuous decrease at 80 and 100°C for 30 mins but totally lost the activity at 121 °C for 15 min. The effect of pH on partially purified bacteriocin showed maximum activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus auerus and Candida albicians. at pH 5.0 (18 mm ,17mm and 15mm respectively) and a continuous decrease as the pH increased from 6 to 9. The antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin was lost after treatment with proteolytic enzyme: trypsin and pepsin. This study show that Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from ugba has great potential for exploitation in food safety and preservation as a result of its bacteriocin content. Thus this locally fermented food plays a dual role of protection from pathogenic agents as well as serving as a functional food. It is therefore recommended that everybody should begin to consume ugba on a regular basis.

Keywords: Ugba, Lactic acid bacteria, Bacteriocin

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Abstract

This review paper seeks to explore the potential of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.)in the fight against land degradation within arid and semiarid areas of the world, especially Kenya. Soil degradation impacts 1. 5 billion people globally and more than 60% of the Earth’sland surface experience poverty, hunger, and environmental pollution. The current drought cases in ASAL countries, including Kenya, exhibit the need to develop effective land restoration approaches. Several studies have reported that Buffel grass has improved germination and initial growth rates, improved disease control, improved water use efficiency, and increased resistance to weeds, which makes it a tool that could significantly alleviate problems related to soil erosion, low soil fertility, and land degradation. This review integrates the literature and case study evidence and presents practical recommendations for policy makers, landowners and managers and all interested inland restoration. This study highlights how buffel grass can be incorporated into sustainable land management practices while considering risks to the environment.

Keywords: Cenchrus ciliaris L., Drought tolerance, Controlled burns, Selective grazing, Carbon credits, Ecological stability

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Abstract

The Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the solanaceae family of flowering plants. It is a staple food in many parts of the world and an integral part of much of the world’sfood supply. The Irish potato is a critical crop in terms of food security in the face of population growth and increased hunger rates. Despite the potential for the potato as an important food and income security crop, very little effort has been made in Ghana to adopt and integrate it into the food production system. It is against this backdrop, that this study was designed to investigate the potential for introducing Irish potatoes as a new crop for Ghana. In this study, certified seed of three Irish potato varieties (Maris Peer, Mayan Rose and Nadine) was imported from Scotland (UK) and planted in July under rainfed conditions. The study was implemented in a four-block randomized complete block design in three replicate sites in the northern region (Nebilyili, Yapalsi and Wulensi). The planting was done on both ridges and on flat land. The crops were monitored till harvesting. Generally, the yield was poor, with a maximum of 3.1MT/ha. Among the varieties, Nadine performed better than Mayan Rose and Maris Peer, although there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between varieties. Among the three sites that were used for the trial, there was significant difference (P < 0.05) between Wulensi and the other two sites with the Wulensi site performing better. There was also no significant difference in yield between potato planted on ridges and those planted on flat land. Fungal species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium were isolated from the healthy and rotten Irish potato tubers. Also, fungal species belonging to Alternaria, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium and Trichoderma were isolated from the root system of the Irish potato crops. Based on the findings, we conclude that, Irish Potato can be grown as a food crop in Ghana, if the necessary agronomic conditions are provided.

Keywords: Irish Potato, Exploring, Potential, Food security, Northern Ghana, fungi

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Abstract

This current study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of combining Aloe vera gel and African star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) juice on the shelf life and physical appearance of pelleted animal feed. The extracts of these two plants were prepared using standard methods and applied by spray pyrolysis method on the feed. The two extracts were proportionally mixed using the optimal design of mixture method. The optimal proportion was 4:1 (Aloe vera gel to African star apple juice). The phytochemical analysis of both extracts was carried out and found to contain kaempferol, flavanone, tannin, phylate, and aphylidine which are very effective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. The toxicity test (LD50) shows that the blend of both extracts was non-toxic. This result was buttressed by FTIR analysis which showed no harmful functional group. The resultant effect of coating feed pellets with this novel mixture was an extension of the shelf life of pellets by 14 days and improving the physical appearance of the feed.

Keywords: Edible coating, Aloe vera, African star apple, shelf-life, Pelleted feed

References

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Abstract

Rice is the major predominant crop during Kharif in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, cultivated in an area of 1,10,008 ha with a productivity of 2624 kg/ha. Farmers traditionally grow rice using methods involving high seed rates, close spacing, and late transplanting with over-aged seedlings—practices exacerbated by erratic rainfall and climate change. Scarcity of labor, escalating wages, and reduced labor efficiency are leading to low net returns. In this context, the DAATTC, Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, introduced the 'Drum Seeder' technology—a simple, labor-efficient method for direct seeding. This technology saves time and money, enabling harvest 7-10 days earlier than conventional transplanted rice. On-Farm Demonstrations (OFDs) were organized during Kharif 2021 and Rabi 2021-22 across 8 locations. Results showed that drum seeder technology recorded an 11.39% higher average grain yield (6245 kg/ha) compared to conventional transplanting (5604 kg/ha). The technology reduced the cost of cultivation by 9.35% (Rs. 4,850/ha), primarily through savings on nursery management and transplanting labor. Combined with a 7-10 day earlier harvest, this led to a 55.8% increase in net income (Rs. 40,430/ha vs. Rs. 25,950/ha) and a superior cost-benefit ratio (2.03 vs. 1.59). The study concludes that drum seeder technology is a viable, profitable, and labor-saving innovation for rice cultivation in the region.

Keywords: Direct Seeded Rice, Drum Seeder, Cono Weeder, On-Farm Demonstration, Yield, Economics, Labor Saving

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Abstract

Chrozophora rottleri is an aggressive, competitive broadleaf weed commonly found in rainfed and irrigated cropping systems. Its rapid growth and high resource consumption significantly reduce the growth and productivity of main crops. Effective management requires a thorough understanding of how different herbicides affect its physiological processes. Afield experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2014-15 at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Lam Farm, Guntur. The study employed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten herbicidal treatments: atrazine, alachlor, pendimethalin, 2,4-D Nasalt, bispyribac, pyrithiobac, topramezone, Iris (a.i. mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl), ethoxysulfuron, and an untreated control. Herbicides were applied at their recommended field doses, and physiological observations were recorded at 14 and 21 Days After Sowing (DAS). Parameters assessed included plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, and phytotoxicity symptoms. Results revealed significant variation among treatments for all measured traits. The untreated control showed the highest plant height (24.53 cm) and substantial leaf area (1141.0 cm²), indicating vigorous growth in the absence of herbicide stress. These values were statistically on par with those observed in plots treated with pendimethalin and pyrithiobac, suggesting minimal growth suppression by these herbicides. Chlorophyll content was highest in the control (1.375 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight), followed closely by pendimethalin (1.352 mg g⁻¹) and bispyribac (1.348 mg g⁻¹). In stark contrast, topramezone (0.642 mg g⁻¹) and ethoxysulfuron (0.0 mg g⁻¹) caused severe chlorophyll degradation. Interestingly, photosynthetic rate was highest under alachlor (51.93 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and bispyribac (50.91 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), while ethoxysulfuron completely inhibited photosynthesis. Phytotoxicity was most severe with ethoxysulfuron (score 10) and topramezone (score 9), causing plant mortality, whereas pendimethalin and pyrithiobac showed minimal visible injury (score 0). The study concludes that pendimethalin and pyrithiobac exert limited suppressive effects on the physiology of C. rottleri, while ethoxysulfuron and topramezone are highly effective and phytotoxic, causing complete physiological shutdown and plant death. These findings provide critical physiological insights for designing integrated and targeted weed management strategies against this problematic weed under field conditions.

Keywords: Chrozophora rottleri, Herbicides, Physiological Parameters, Phytotoxicity, Photosynthesis, Weed Control, Integrated Weed Management

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