Authors:Tegene Ayele, Teklu Gebretsadik Pages: 1 - 9 Abstract: Identification and recognition of gender-dis aggregated constraints, gender imbalances, differentials in gender roles, and decision-making on agriculture production, technology transfer, and input utilization are essential to the transformation of research output to benefit women and men. This study aimed to assess gender integration in selected agricultural practices and gender division of labor in the Gedeo and Halaba Zones. The study employed a cross-sectional design. The sample respondents were randomly 86 men and 69 women farmers, and a total of 155 farmers were selected to collect the data through triangulation of key informants interviews, focus group discussion, and household survey. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data analysis results in the frequency of men and women's participation computed. Different gender participation factors evaluated. According to the data analysis result, the effect of community norms was assessed among 155 respondents, men 54 (34.8%), 0 (0%), and 15 (9.7%), responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Similarly, women participants believed that 64 (41.9%), 1 (0.6%), and 36 (23.2%), responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Decision-making could affect gender participation. Men 66 (42.6%), 1 (0.6%) and 20 (12.9%) responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Likewise, women participants believed that 53 (34.2%), 1 (0.6%) and 15 (9.7%), responded as yes, no, and undecided, respectively. Concerning care workmen 65 (41.9%), 0 (0%) and 21 (135%), responded as yes, no and undecided, respectively. Similarly, women participants believed that 54 (34.8%), 0 (0%) and 15 (9.7%), responded yes, no and undecided, respectively. Average task share of the household is 30%, 15%, 43% and 12% for men, boys, women and girls, respectively. Women and men performed a larger share of the gender role in rural households than boys and girls. The reproductive work of women in the household covered 67% of the total household care work. The gender participation index in selected agricultural practices was 0.709. However, the Participation Index of men was found to be 0.55 and that of women was 0.45. According to this statistical result, household members spent agricultural labor hours differently, as converting this labor share into daily labor hours indicated that women, men, boys, and girls are spending 10, 7, 4 and 3 hours per day on average, respectively. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 1-9, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74523 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Tanjum Ara Sinthy, Md Abu Hasan, Md Najmol Hoque, Md Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, Md Abdul Momin, Seuli Sharmin, Md Nuruzzaman, Md Rabiul Islam Pages: 10 - 17 Abstract: Giant milkweed (Calotropis gigantea L.) is a salinity and drought-resistant xerophyte that is widespread around the world and serves significant ecological and medicinal purposes. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of saline stress on germination characteristics and prompt growth attributes of seedlings of C. gigantea. Seeds were germinated under five salinity levels viz. 0, 6, 8, 10 and 12 dS m-1 and allowed to grow for 30 days for traits assessment. Germination percentage (GP), germination rate index (GRI), co-efficient of the velocity of germination (CVG), mean germination time (MGT), Timson germination index (TGI), shoot length (SL), root length (RL), seedling dry weight (SDW) and healthy seedling number at 30 days were found lower in the salt solution compared to the control condition. Mean germination time was expanded with the increment of salinity levels. TGI of C. gigantea sustained a significant positive linear regression with GP (r = 0.9881), GRI (r = 0.9923) and CVG (r = 0.7887) at P < 0.001, but MGT (r = 0.7855) at P = 0.005. The correlation coefficient among the germination traits revealed insignificant between RL and other germination traits (GP, CVG, MGT, and TGI) except GRI (r = 0.499*) and SL (r = 0.541*). It is recommended that, as an emerging medicinal and fiber resource plant, C. gigantea can be cultured productively in coastal saline areas. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 10-17, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74524 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Johnson Opoku-Asante, Emmanuel Bobobee, Joseph O Akowuah, Eric Amoah Asante, Albert Kumi Arkoh Pages: 18 - 29 Abstract: In recent years, postharvest loss has been a serious concern. However, knowledge of the mechanical properties is vital to developing any postharvest technology for rice production better. The objective of this research is to conduct a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties of selected paddy rice at different variety-moisture content interactions. The mechanical properties of AGRA rice, CRI-Amankwatia, CRI-Enapa, and CRI-Dartey, four local varieties developed in Ghana, are compared at 11.5%, 13.0% and 16.5% on wet basis moisture content. Tukey's Honest Significant Difference (HSD) comparisons test was conducted during data analysis to compare all possible pairwise combinations of the various varieties and moisture content interaction. From the results, it was concluded that CRI-Dartey, at 16.5%, recorded the highest Sphericity and Aspect Ratio of 0.391 mm3 and 0.298 mm3, respectively. For grain mass, AGRA rice at 13.0% also recorded 0.0312 g as the highest score. The GM1000, Angle of Repose and Bulk density CRI-Amankwatia at 16.5 % moisture content recorded the highest score of 29.33 g, 47.3o, and 654.0 kg/m3, respectively. AGRA rice at 13.0% observed the highest value of 1685.8 for kg/m3 true density, and the highest value for porosity was 70.83%, which was recorded by CRI-Enapa at 11.5 % moisture content. In all cases, the difference in mean value was less than the Least Square Difference. This indicates that there were no significant statistical differences between their mean values, indicating that technologies developed and adapted for one variety can equally be used for all the other varieties. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 18-29, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74525 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Johnson Opoku Asante, Emmanuel Bobobee, Joseph O Akowuah, Eric Amoah Asante Pages: 30 - 44 Abstract: Threshing and drying are two major postharvest activities that contribute significantly to postharvest losses for small and medium-scale rice farmers, leading to food insecurity and hunger in Sub-Saharan Africa. Developing an appropriate system for threshing and drying needs urgent attention. The objective of the study involved the use of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for evaluation and selection of the best option among four design concepts for development and fabrication. The four design concepts shortlisted were: (1) batch flow biomass-powered manual threshing and drying system, (2) recirculating diesel-powered mobile threshing and drying system, (3) mechanized threshing with solar drying batch system, and (4) tractor-powered recirculating continues flow integrated system. For the MCAHP analysis, 17 attributes were proposed and divided into five main criteria. The evaluation of the main criteria showed that cost had the highest score, followed by performance, safety, ease of installation and operation, and manufacturability, with a global score of 0.560, 0.202, 0.108, 0.083 and 0.048, respectively. It was observed that design concept two received the highest weighted score of 0.35 and was selected as the design concept to proceed with. The consistency ratios of the main criteria and attributes were all less than 0.1, which is the allowable limit of inconsistency. In conclusion, concept 2 was selected as the best design for developing an integrated threshing and drying system for paddy rice and is recommended for development, fabrication, evaluation and optimisation. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 30-44, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74526 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Most Ishrat Jahan Arthi, Aysha Siddiqa, Md Sabbir Hossen, Md Shazadur Rahman, Md Jahidul Islam Pages: 45 - 52 Abstract: Making of jam and jelly is the common method of preserving fruit, the main factor being high concentration of sugar that helps in preservation. In Bangladesh, the star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) BARI Kamranga-1 is available from September through October and January through February. To obtain the health benefits (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, hepato-protective and anti-ulcer activity) of star fruit throughout the year, jam and jelly products were developed using star fruit. Five jams and five jellies were prepared as value-added products using different ingredients with different combinations. Biochemical properties, chemical analysis, and organoleptic observations of star fruit jam and star fruit jelly were measured to determine the quality of the products and overall public acceptance. The overall acceptability of Jam 2 was the highest, and in case of jelly , Jelly 4 showed the highest score. Additional study is needed to understand better, how star fruit can be processed because there are so many local sorts and variants of the fruit. This will enable us to decide which kinds are most suitable for developing specific goods with the potential to enhance health. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 45-52, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74527 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Rabirou Kassali, Adetomiwa Kolapo, A O Ige, Kayode Emmanuel Adebayo Pages: 53 - 61 Abstract: This study assesses the factors that influence consumers’ preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), emphasizing the effects of information on its health benefits. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 180 respondents for study. Primary data were collected using a well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics, viz, the hedonic pricing and probit models. The results show that factors such as gender, root size, availability and storability influence consumers’ preference for OFSP. The results further revealed that the root size negatively influenced preference for OFSP, while availability positively influenced it. These results also indicate that preference for OFSP decreases with the length of storage. In terms of willingness to pay for OFSP, the result of the hedonic pricing model indicates that the age of the respondent and colours of the OFSP positively influence consumers’ willingness to pay for OFSP. There was a (17.1%) increase in consumers’ level of preference after information on the health benefit was provided to them and the result from comparing means (T-Test) of prices consumers are willing to pay before and after information was provided showed a negative co-efficient (-16.341), which was significant at 1% level of significance. We suggest that research should concentrate on identified OFSP characteristics to improve acceptance, while in the short run, there is a need to promote OFSP production to increase availability. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 53-61, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74528 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Shure Soboka, Nardos Matiwos, Tolera Oluma Pages: 62 - 69 Abstract: Moringa plants are among high-value trees and belong to the Moringaceae family, consisting of 13 species and highly distributed in Africa and southern Asia. It is multi-purpose tree with medicinal, nutritional, industrial and socio-economic values. Preliminary information indicates that the human dietary usage of the edible parts of these species is limited. Assessment of the nutritional quality of different moringa parts was not well documented in Oromia. Hence, the aim of this activity is to assess the nutritional qualities of different parts of moringa collected from different districts of Oromia. Sample collection was done from Bako from West Showa, Bishoftu from East Showa, Dalo Mena and Goro from Bale Zone, of Oromia representing mid and low land agro-ecologies of the region. Three to four sampling PAs were used from each district. Different parts of Moringa, namely, leaf, pod, bark, seed and flower were collected from the four districts at least in triplicate. The collected samples were made to dry at room temperature, milled with coffee miller, and passed through a 1 mm standard sieve. The prepared samples were analyzed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard methodologies. The result obtained indicated that leaf is rich in nutrients Ca, Na, Mn and Zn. Moringa flower is rich in nutrients like Zn and Mn, and second in K composition next to pod. The pod is also rich in K and Zn, while the fat and CP contents are high in the seed part of moringa. Generally, Higher % CP, K and P were found from the Bishoftu collection, while Mg, Ca and K were higher for the collection from DM. Bark is poor in protein content compared to other parts of the plant. However, Ca, Mg and Zn are double the optimum composition of plant material. Finally, it is possible to use different moringa parts for food fortification, where determination for antioxidant and nutritional composition analysis is mandatory, as well as future research directions. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 62-69, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74530 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Engonwie Sharon Mbachan, Ngwa Martin Ngwabie Pages: 70 - 76 Abstract: Tillage practices make up one of the most essential operations executed on the soil during crop production. They manipulate the soil by mechanical means using tools, implements, and powered machinery with the intention to prepare the soil and make it suitable for plant growth. For the adoption of sustainable agriculture, tillage practices carried out in a particular region and their consequences on soil health need to be assessed. This review article identified traditional, conventional, and conservation tillage as the major tillage systems employed by farmers during crop cultivation in the North West Region of Cameroon. Traditional tillage practices (traditional ridging, burning in ridges (“Ankara”), and slash and burn) were highly predominant especially among small-holder farmers, followed by conservation tillage. Conventional tillage practices were the least practiced among farmers. Due to the less adoption of conventional and conservation tillage, soils in the region are mainly affected by the identified widely used traditional tillage practices. Traditional ridging exerted beneficial effects on the soil such as improved soil water conservation, increased soil nitrogen, and soil organic matter contents while burning in ridges and slash and burn exerted negative consequences on the soil by declining soil fertility, destroying soil physical properties and reducing overall land productivity. Due to the adoption of poor tillage techniques, soil degradation is rampant in the region placing the population at risk of low land productivity and food insecurity. The adaptation of improved tillage practices such as traditional ridging is thus required for sustainable soils and increased food security. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 70-76, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74531 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Bornali Saha, Md Matiul Islam, Mohammad Bashir Ahmed Pages: 77 - 86 Abstract: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the concept of the Fourth Agricultural Revolution (4AR) are interconnected, as they both refer to the application of advanced technologies. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has the power to revolutionize agriculture, enabling farmers to embrace innovation, increase productivity, and foster sustainable practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of knowledge and attitude of respondents; to determine the familiarity of the respondents with 4AR technologies, to measure the severity of problems perceived by the respondents concerning 4AR, to find out the suitability of solutions for adopting 4AR innovations and to explore the relationship between each of the selected characteristics of the respondents with the focused issues. Primary data were collected from purposively selected 70 respondents during the period of 1 May, 2023 to 9 May, 2023 at Khulna district through face-to-face discussions and online interviews by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, percentage and Spearman Coefficient of Correlation were measured for data interpretation by using SPSS. Almost 72.9% of the respondents had low knowledge of 4AR technologies and a proportion of 95.7% of the respondents had a favorable attitude toward 4AR. Maximum respondents are highly familiar with the technology of “Using an automated machine for seedling transplantation” and “Using agricultural drones in applying fertilizers and pesticides in crop fields”. The main problem based on the problem severity index was “High initial investment to purchase 4AR technologies”. The best possible solutions according to the solution index were making the 4AR technologies available at low prices in the local market” followed by financial support from the Government and other agencies. Knowledge and attitude towards 4AR technologies had a significant positive relationship with the familiarity of 4AR technologies. Training experience had a highly significant relationship with the determination of associated problems in 4AR implementation. Knowledge of 4AR and training experience had a highly significant positive relationship with the measurement of the suitability of probable solutions. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 77-86, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74532 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Mariha Rahman, Gazi Md Mohsin, Md Bayzid Sarker, Md Nasimul Gani, Mohammad Enayet Hossain Pages: 87 - 95 Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during the year 2018-2019 at the vital place of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Dhaka. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of Mn fertilizer on the dry matter yield and potential nutrient uptake of the newly developed jute variety BJRI Tossa jute-7. The treatments used in the experiments were T1: Control, T2: RDF sole (N90P10 K30 S20kg/ha), T3: RDF + 1 kg Mn/ha, T4: RDF + 2 kg Mn/ha, T5: RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha and T6: RDF + 4 kg Mn/ha. Mn application had a favorable effect on the dry matter yield of jute. Among the fertilizers of Mn with RDF, interaction promoted the dry yield biomass compared to sole RDF and control. Maximum dry matter yield (leaves + shoots + roots) achieved (20000 kg/ha) with T5 (RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha) and minimum (6421 kg/ha) in T1 (control). Study indicated that it needs to apply Mn to obtain optimum yield production. The interaction effect of Mn, NPK and S fertilizer significantly influenced nutrient uptake by the jute plant. The uptake of nutrient found highest N (218.9 kg/ha) in T5, P (92.75 kg/ha) in T3, K (239.73 kg/ha) with T6, S (19.59 kg/ha) in T4, Fe (0.64 kg/ha) in T5, Zn (0.38 kg/ha) in T5 and Mn (0.63 kg/ha) recorded in T6. The amount of micro nutrient uptake may be arranged in the order of Mn >Zn> Fe. Considering the highest uptake of major element, it can be kept as in the order of K > N>P>S. Study indicated that a higher rate of nutrient uptake was promoted dry matter accumulation in jute. Research revealed that the rate of nutrient uptake maximized with the addition of Mn in the RDF treatment. Hence, it could be concluded that applying RDF + 3 kg Mn/ha may be a suitable dose for optimum yield production of jute. Yet, in order to draw a sound conclusion, repeating the experiment is needed. In the future, the study will be a guideline for further investigation. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 87-95, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74533 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Md Belal Hossain, Md Abu Sayed Mondol, Pallab Goswami, Saiful Huda Pages: 96 - 103 Abstract: The vital determination of the study was to determine the farmers’ attitudes towards modern maize production. The study was carried out in the Chehelgazi unions of Sadar upazila under Dinajpur District. Ninety-two farmers were selected as sample from an updated list of 920 farmers involved in maize production. Data were collected by a pre-tested interview schedule during September to October 2017. Simple and direct questions with different scales were used to obtain information. The co-efficient of correlation (r) was computed to explore the relationships between the nine selected characteristics of the farmers and their attitude towards modern maize production. About three-fourths (73.9%) of the farmers had highly favorable attitude towards modern maize production, while 26.1% moderately favorable attitude and none of them had slightly favorable attitude towards modern maize production. Correlation analyses indicated that among nine selected characteristics, education, farm size, cosmopoliteness, and extension media contact of the farmers had significant positive relationships with their attitude towards modern maize production. However, age, family size, area under maize production, annual income and training received had no significant relationships with their attitude towards modern maize production. ‘Cost of modern maize production is high than other crops’ (78.3%) emerged as the 1st ranked problem and last ranked (25.0%) perceived problem mentioned by the farmer was ‘Lack of knowledge on hybrid maize variety’ expressed by the farmers. The vital (56.5%) suggestion cited by the farmers was ‘organizing more training program for the farmers’ and ‘Application of IPM technique’ (28.3%) was last suggestion. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 96-103, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74535 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Minhazul Abedin Sun, Seam Rahman, Sarder Safiqul Islam, Md Shafiqul Islam, Dhiman Mondol, Md Mustajabur Rahman Pages: 104 - 107 Abstract: Sheep are small ruminants that require small amounts of feed and can graze on poor-quality pastures, including fallow lands, roadsides, dikes and playgrounds. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the grazing length on growth performance of crossbred sheep in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. Sixteen crossbred female sheep were divided into four treatment groups and randomly allowed four different grazing periods. The experimental design was based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Lambs were initially weighed and grouped by keeping the average weight of the four treatment groups approximately the same. The grazing hours allocated to the four treatment groups were 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours, respectively. During this period, the sheep of particular treatment groups were housed when their allocated grazing period was completed. Empty body weight data were taken fortnightly in the morning before they were allowed to graze. The results revealed that body weight increased with increasing grazing length but the mean difference did not differ significantly (p>0.05). In most cases, the highest body weight was observed in sheep grazing for 12 hours per day. Average growth rates of grazing sheep varied significantly between the 6 to 8 hour and 10 to 12 hour grazing groups. But between the 6 to 8 hour grazing group and the 10 and 12 hour grazing group, the growth rate of crossbred sheep did not vary significantly (p>0.05). The growth rate (g day-1) of crossbred sheep ranged from 22.44±4.75 to 92.00±11.95, highest in 12 hour grazing group and lowest in 6 hour group. It can be concluded that the body weight and growth rate of crossbred sheep increased with an increase in grazing length. However, 10 hours of grazing meets the requirements for their maintenance and growth due to good pasture quality. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(1): 104-107, June 2024 PubDate: 2024-06-30 DOI: 10.3329/ijarit.v14i1.74536 Issue No:Vol. 14, No. 1 (2024)
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