The digital divide in the agricultural sector is a pressing issue that must be addressed urgently to achieve national food security through technological transformation. This study examines how millennial farmers in the UPTD BP4 Region III of Sleman Regency, Indonesia, perceive agricultural technology in the context of ensuring food security. The study aims to understand why and how technology is present in their world to achieve future food security. This study employs a qualitative method, adopting a critical constructivist approach. It utilizes a digital humanities lens to analyze how the meaning of “human-friendly” technology is formed in the daily interactions of millennial farmers. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), observations, and literature reviews. Data analysis was conducted using NVivo 14, and data validity was assessed through triangulation of techniques and sources. The research findings indicate that millennial farmers' interpretation of agricultural technology is concentrated within the logic of the digital market, a condition that contradicts the potential of digital humanities to humanize technology and achieve sustainable food security. Therefore, technological transformation requires holistic policy interventions to empower a digitally savvy and inclusive millennial farmer ecosystem. This can be achieved by strengthening the role of millennial farmers and agricultural extension workers as the state's extension arms in a more balanced digital ecosystem between food provision and profitability.
Efficiency is one of the most important factors in productivity growth, especially in the agricultural economies of developing countries. The use of inputs in the production of agricultural products can improve the quantity and quality of these products and move towards food security. Tomatoes are considered the second-most important agricultural product. Tomatoes are primarily produced in greater quantities in the eastern and southern regions of the country. In the current research, Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan is an important tomato-growing area with the aim of evaluating the efficiency of agricultural units in the province and examining the reasons for inefficiency. However, the current study, conducted in 2024, selected 102 tomato producers from 16 districts of this province using a random sampling method and measured their efficiency using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).The data used in this research included yield per unit, pesticide use rate in liters, chemical fertilizer consumption rate (Urea, DAP) in Kg, seed consumption rate in Kg, number of hours of machinery use, and energy use rate. Work is in man-days, cultivated area in hectares, water consumption in cubic meters, and production in Kilograms. The results show that, in terms of Variable Return to Scale, there is an average of 98.6% technical efficiency, 49.9% allocation efficiency, and 49.3% economic efficiency. In this regard, it is recommended that the government of Afghanistan subsidize expensive items such as pesticides. In addition, regular and frequent visits are recommended to disseminate the latest methods of tomato cultivation, reduce losses, and educate and promote the practices of more productive farmers.
This study assesses the economic feasibility of climate adaptation strategies at the farm level in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. We integrate meteorological data from 2001 to 2019 with a 2023–2024 survey of 200 farming households across 20 villages to evaluate the adoption, costs, and returns of adaptation strategies. A Climate Change Adaptation Index (CCAI) is developed, and the factors influencing adoption are analysed using multinomial logistic regression. Economic outcomes are assessed through panel regressions (fixed and random effects) on income and yield, and benefit–cost ratios (BCR’s) for key adaptation strategies are calculated. Our main findings include: (i) investments in water management and climate-resilient crop varieties lead to significant income increases; (ii) climate-resilient varieties have the highest benefit–cost ratio (≈2.2), while water management provides the greatest marginal income benefit; (iii) farm size and credit access are strong predictors of adoption, raising concerns about equity for smallholders. The study provides evidence for targeting subsidies toward smallholders to enhance equitable adaptation. We conclude with policy recommendations to lower adoption costs for resource-limited farmers and emphasize public investments that enhance the net social benefits of adaptation strategies.
Aquaponics integrates aquaculture with hydroponic crop cultivation, which offers a sustainable approach to food production. However, feeding management remains a critical bottleneck because it directly affects feed efficiency, water quality stability, and ecosystem balance. This paper proposes AquaGPT, a multimodal Transformer framework that embeds expert knowledge to address challenges in feeding management in aquaponic systems. The system employs a distributed sensing network, processed by modality-specific encoders and projected into a shared embedding space, to capture synchronized acoustic, sensor, environmental, and visual data. A spatiotemporal attention mechanism models complex fish–environment interactions, and a differentiable expert rule layer then aligns predictions with established aquaculture practice to improve interpretability. A dynamic weight allocation strategy further enhances robustness by prioritizing reliable modalities under noisy or incomplete input conditions. Experiments on the Full Fish Interaction Analysis (FFIA) dataset demonstrate that AquaGPT outperforms state-of-the-art multimodal fusion baselines by up to 4.5% accuracy under severe noise. Also, it achieves a 30% reduction in parameters compared to similar models, enabling real-time deployment on edge devices. These results highlight AquaGPT’s potential for sustainable, precision aquaponics, thereby improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
This study investigated the substitution of wheat flour with tofu dregs flour, a nutrient-rich by-product of tofu processing, to improve the nutritional quality and sustainability of cinnamon-flavored baked brownies (Cinnamomum burmannii). The research aimed to evaluate the effect of different substitution levels on the brownies’ chemical composition and sensory characteristics. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of five treatments with substitution levels of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% tofu dregs flour, each replicated three times. Proximate analyses were conducted to determine moisture, ash, fat, protein, and total sugar content using standard laboratory methods, while sensory evaluation was performed by 30 panelists using a 9-point hedonic scale to assess color, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. Results showed that increasing tofu dregs flour substitution significantly affected the chemical composition of brownies, increasing protein, ash, and fat contents, while reducing moisture and total sugar levels. Sensory analysis indicated that brownies with 30% tofu dregs flour substitution were the most preferred, exhibiting balanced flavor, aroma, and texture, with cinnamon effectively masking the beany odor of tofu dregs. In conclusion, tofu dregs flour can serve as a functional ingredient that enhances the nutritional and sensory properties of baked products while contributing to food waste reduction. Further research is recommended to assess the dietary fiber content, antioxidant properties, and shelf-life stability of tofu dregs–based brownies.
Cigar waste, consisting of leftover leaves, wrapper dust, and stem fragments from tobacco processing, holds potential as an alternative raw material for the hand-rolled kretek cigarette (SKT) industry in Jember Regency, one of Indonesia’s main cigar production centers. This study aims to (i) map the value chain of cigar waste utilization, (ii) identify key technical, institutional, and coordination constraints, and (iii) prioritize policy strategies to support a localized circular economy in the tobacco sector. A mixed qualitative–quantitative approach was employed, combining Porter’s value chain framework for activity and actor mapping, Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) for structuring interrelationships among constraints, and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for ranking policy alternatives based on expert judgments. The findings show that only about 44% of cigar waste is currently reused in SKT and related agro-industrial processes, while the remainder is sold at low value or discarded. ISM results indicate that institutional performance and coordination occupy the highest positions as independent, system-driving elements, shaping the behaviour of other technical and market constraints. AHP analysis further identifies policy coordination for cigar-waste downstreaming as the most influential strategic option, followed by SME empowerment and data transparency. Rather than offering definitive causal claims, the study provides an exploratory, empirically grounded diagnosis of how cigar-waste flows, actor relations, and governance gaps interact in a specific industrial cluster. The proposed policy options—such as a downstreaming forum, cooperative-based microfinance, and a digital waste inventory—are discussed as context-sensitive scenarios that require further piloting and evaluation.
In recent years, Vietnam has demonstrated increasing interest in developing circular economy models in agriculture, particularly in rice production and related business activities. The implementation of circular economy practices is crucial in promoting sustainable development among farmers. This study aims to examine the effects of applying circular economy practices on sustainability performance. A covariance-based structural equation model with Bootstrap analysis was applied to data gathered from 370 rice farming households in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The findings revealed that there are five key factors that influence farmers’ adoption of circular economy practices: confidence in the benefits, evaluation of social response, perceived behavioral control, belief, and motivation. Furthermore, the study also demonstrated that the application of circular economy practices by farmers has a positive impact on economic, environmental, and social performance. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, extension agencies, and agricultural managers seeking to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and circular agricultural systems in the Mekong Delta and beyond.
Cultivation of the raja bulu banana (Musa paradisiaca var. raja bulu) is carried out on a large scale through tissue culturing. However, the slow growth of raja bulu banana seeds necessitates the use of PGRs to improve the growth of the cultured explants. This optimization was studied at the Plant Physiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, UNS Surakarta, April–August 2024. A completely randomized study design was used with two factors: the concentrations of jasmonic acid (JA) and benzylaminopurine (BAP). The same concentrations were used (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 ppm) with three repetitions. Observational data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and if the treatments were significantly different, then processed by DMRT at a 5% significance level. The results showed that a combination of JA and BAP in MS media could increase the root lengths of Raja Bulu banana subcultures. The number of leaves could be increased in the absence of additional JA. JA at 0.5 ppm shortened the time of root emergence by 15.9%, and at 1 ppm shortened the time of shoot emergence by 8.92%. BAP at 1.5 ppm could increase the number of shoots of Raja Bulu banana subcultures by 64.72%. JA at 1 ppm and BAP at 0 ppm was the best combination for increasing the length of the roots of Raja Bulu banana subcultures, by up to 12.12%.
Morphometric techniques have been increasingly employed to detect body shifts and variations within biological communities as indicators of environmental stress. This study investigates shell shape variation of the Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) using geometric morphometric (GM) analysis to assess the presence, spatial distribution, and sex-based differences in shape variation in the second largest lake in (Mainit) in Mindanao, Philippines. One hundred eighty adult shells of uniform size were collected from three selected areas within the lake. Sampling was stratified by site, with 60 individuals collected from each location, ensuring an equal representation of males and females (n = 30 per sex per site). Using Relative Warp Analysis (RWA) to discriminate the shell shapes, the anatomical landmark points were employed in the Multivariate Analysis of Variance, Principal Component Analysis, and Canonical Variate Analysis. The highest levels of fluctuating asymmetry were observed in the northern portion of the lake, particularly in the abapertural (55.76%) and apertural (56.89%) shell regions, followed by the southern portion and the middle part, respectively. MANOVA and RWA confirmed significant morphological variation across sites and sexes, suggesting that environmental factors strongly influence shell development in different lake regions. Findings revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in shell shape across the sampling sites and between the sexes. Additionally, the Pearson correlation coefficient (r = −0.3156) and found that the water did not affect on the shell shape of the gastropods. Thus, the results showed that P. canaliculata shell shape varies in size and shape and indicates distinguishable morphology across varying ecological locations.
Syngonium podophyllum, commonly known as arrowhead, is widely used in interior scaping and home gardening due to its attractive, arrowhead-shaped leaves and tolerance for indoor conditions. Mutation breeding in Syngonium is needed to increase its adaptability for commercial multiplication and to develop a new cultivars. The current research addressed to employ ability on various parameters viz. Morphological (number of leaves, leaf length (cm), plant height (cm), survival percentage (%) and Physiological (Leaf chlorophyll content, Leaf area index). The experiment was set up using a Completely Randomized Design with six treatments and four replications. The plant roots of Syngonium were treated with different concentrations of Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) for four hours, including with control treatment. The experiment results showed EMS 0.5% treated plants significantly increase in leaf number (8.67), leaf length (14.17 cm), chlorophyll content (32.08), and leaf area index (27.95). Whereas growth was inhibited and survival percentage was decreased in the higher doses of EMS concentrations at (1.0% and 1.5%). The experiments results indicate that EMS induced mutagenesis is an effective method for Syngonium mutation breeding, with controlled concentrations improving plant vigor and photosynthetic efficiency and excessive concentrations affecting growth and viability.
The present study aimed to develop nutritionally enhanced, gluten free noodles suitable for gluten-related disorders and health-conscious consumers. Rice flour (RF) and proso millet flour (PMF) were used to prepare different noodles formulations namely, S1-100:0, S2-75:25, S3-50:50, S4-25:75, S5-0:100, respectively. Proximate composition, cooking, textural, and sensory properties of prepared gluten-free noodles were investigated. PMF incorporation in noodle formulation resulted in significant increment in ash content, crude fiber and crude protein values. S1 (0% PMF) had the lowest value of 1.9% crude protein and 0.69% crude fiber, whereas S5 (100% PMF) were observed with 12.60% crude protein and 12.05% crude fiber. Cooking time increased from 7.34 min (S1) to 11.02 min (S5) with rising concentration of PMF which might be attributed to its higher protein content. Cooking loss enhanced with increasing proportion of PMF in samples due to the higher content of fiber which resulted in porous structure and loose binding of soluble components. PMF-based noodles represented higher cooking yield due to their high fiber directing higher water uptake during cooking. Firmness of noodles enhanced with increasing percentage of PMF in noodles indicated by increase in hardness from 9.48 N (S1-0% PMF) to 14.07 N (S5-100% PMF). Sensory evaluation indicated the acceptance of all developed gluten free noodles; however, it was highest (7.76) for noodle prepared with 75% PMF and 25% RF. The study suggests that 75% PMF can be substituted in formulating gluten free noodles which are healthy and nutritionally wholesome for consumers.
Forensic limnology is a branch of forensic science that focuses on the study of inland waters and their ecosystems. It plays a crucial role in various forensic investigations related to aquatic environments. Forensic limnology involves the analysis of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of lakes, rivers, ponds, and other water bodies, providing essential insights into cases such as drowning, disposal of evidence in water, connecting crime scenes, victims, and suspects, and estimating the time elapsed since submersion. A particularly noteworthy element within forensic limnology is the microalgae (phytoplankton), which are tiny, ubiquitous, and diverse organisms that thrive in the upper regions of water, where sunlight is abundant. Microalgae are invaluable tool in aquatic forensic investigations due to their microscopic size, not only they can easily enter the victim’s body (ante-mortem drowning), but they can also easily transfer to the victim’s body or belongings such as clothing and shoes. Forensic limnology is thus critical for examining the aquatic ecosystem and the evidence it contains, aiding in the resolution of various types of crimes. This review paper outlines the importance of forensic limnology in solving crimes in the aquatic environment. It emphasizes the role of microalgae (phytoplankton) in forensic science and demonstrates their applications in determining drowning cases, estimating postmortem submersion intervals, and establishing links between suspects, victims, and crime scenes. The chapter aims to raise awareness among forensic pathologists, forensic scientists, and forensic medico-legal experts about the potential utility of microalgae in solving the mysteries of cases involving aquatic environments.
This study explores the identity, role, and impact of institutional entrepreneurship as a catalyst for transforming the Robusta coffee value chain in Lampung, Indonesia. It aims to understand how institutional entrepreneurs initiate, organize, and sustain governance innovations within agrifood systems. The research is grounded in institutional change theory and uses a qualitative approach. Data were collected through individual and group interviews, participant observation, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted in 2015, followed by a desk study through 2024. The analysis focuses on a retired agricultural extension officer who became an institutional entrepreneur within the Kelompok Usaha Bersama (Joint Business Group, KUB) farmer group. This actor introduced key innovations, including price transparency, internal control systems, certification schemes, and capacity building. These interventions reshaped local practices and fostered institutional legitimacy across the value chain. The study finds that social and professional capital, participatory leadership, and strategic framing enable institutional entrepreneurs to address market failures and governance gaps. Outcomes include improved coffee quality, greater trust, and better market access. However, challenges remain, such as dependency on individual leadership, climate variability, and inadequate structural support. The findings underscore the need for policies that recognize and scale institutional entrepreneurship to drive inclusive, sustainable agribusiness transformation.
Invigoration of Expired Soybean Seeds Using Plant Extract: Effects on Viability and Growth
In the lowlands of Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia, shifting cultivation is still a prevalent practice among local Papuan communities. The secondary succession on abandoned shifting cultivation lands warrants investigation, given that these lands are typically reused for agriculture after a period of fallow. Key parameters for assessing the succession process include vegetation structure and litter production; however, information on these aspects in Manokwari, West Papua, remains limited. This research examined the distribution of stem diameters and developed a model for litterfall types across three different ages—age 5 year (LB-5), 10 (LB-10) and age 15 year (LB-15) in the lowland tropical ecosystems of Manokwari. Vegetation analysis with nested plots and litter trap methods were employed. Litterfall modeling utilized pseudo replication principles, combining principal component analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) based on Bray-Curtis’ similarity. Results showed distinct distribution patterns and diameter classes for each dominant type. Dominant species in LB-5 and LB-10 accumulated stem diameters below 25 cm, whereas LB-15 exhibited a more complex distribution with stem diameters exceeding 50 cm. Species such as Macaranga aleuritoides, Macaranga tanarius, Kleinhovia hospita, and Ficus nodosa exhibited higher diameter growth rates at early successional stages (e.g., age/DBH), indicating their fast-growing nature. The litterfall model explained 99.9% of data variability. LB-5 showed positive correlation with leaf litterfall production, while LB-10 and LB-15 correlated with branch, twig, and reproductive organ litterfall. This study demonstrates that vegetation structure and composition significantly influence litterfall quality, emphasizing the importance of long-term litterfall modeling.
To meet essential probiotic criteria – providing health benefits to the host, surviving gastrointestinal conditions, and ensuring safety for consumption – lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from food sources hold significant promise due to their natural origin and functional versatility. This study investigates Streptococcus thermophilus strain M2, a LAB isolated from the yogurt-based beverage Mattha, for its probiotic potential, functional competence, technological properties, and safety attributes. The strain exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholerae. It also demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, with a 71.51±1.03% DPPH free radical scavenging capacity. Probiotic competence was evident through its tolerance to harsh gastrointestinal conditions, including low pH, bile salts, and phenol, suggesting its potential to survive and function in the gut. Furthermore, the strain displayed high cell surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, and co-aggregation capabilities, which are critical for gut colonization and pathogen inhibition. Safety assessments confirmed its non-hemolytic nature and antibiotic susceptibility profile, with resistance to certain antibiotics. In addition, the strain exhibited desirable technological traits, including efficient milk coagulation and exopolysaccharide production, which are beneficial for enhancing dairy product quality. These findings collectively position S. thermophilus M2 as a versatile probiotic candidate with potential applications in gut health promotion and dairy product development. By utilizing a strain isolated from the traditional fermented beverage mattha, this research underscores the value of exploring underutilized, culturally significant foods as reservoirs for beneficial microorganisms.
Hypertension represents one of the major global health problems, and a cardiovascular disease risk factor is a public health concern. The use of conventional drugs is effective, but they have adverse effects, resulting in the search for complementary, safer therapies. Moringa oleifera, a nutrient-rich and bioactive source, has now been discovered to be a potential natural remedy with cardioprotective potential by affecting blood pressure and vascular function. The phytochemical composition of the plant is reviewed, the multiple mechanisms (ACE inhibition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, diuretic effects, and endothelial function improvement) are described, and the significant outcomes across different study designs are summarized. Parameter, nutritional, and bioactive mechanisms are compared and presented in comprehensive tables. Although dosing, methodology, and heterogeneity all exist, the overall evidence indicates significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improvement in nitric oxide availability, and decreased oxidative stress on supplementing with M. oleifera. However, further extended, large-scale, standardized clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Fungi are one of the most common microorganisms dominating soil communities. Currently, soil ecosystem has changed due to anthropogenic activities. One of the efforts to stabilize the ecosystem is urban green spaces that covered by vegetation. There are still few studies that discuss the comparison of the presence of fungi in Surabaya Urban Green Space. The objectives of this research were: to detect the number of fungal colonies and differences in the types of fungi, and explored the relationship between soil physicochemical factors, soil texture, and vegetation on the presence of fungi in both places. This research was conducted to reveal differences in the presence of fungi in sport field and old revegetation site. Soil samples were collected and isolated fungi were identified using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Dominant filamentous fungi were subjected to further analysis through molecular identification using ITS5 and ITS4 markers. Our results analysis showed that soil sample from sports field yielded 2.61 ± 0.83 log CFU/g, whereas old revegetation site yielded 0.96 ± 0 log CFU/g. Differences in soil physical, chemical structures, and vegetation, influenced the presence of filamentous fungi at both sites. The common fungal genera identified in sport field and old revegetation area were: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Acremonium, Trichoderma. Culvularia and Cunninghamelawere found in sport field and Paelomyces and Chrysosporium isolated from old revegetation area. The dominant species in sports field were Aspergillus niger and Penicillium citrinum, whereas the dominant species in old revegetation area were Aspergillus parasiticus, Penicillium shearii, and Penicillium simplicissimum. Keywords: Fungi, Molecular Evaluation, Surabaya
The present study investigated the drivers and ecological consequences of forest fires and proposes a community-based management framework, with a particular focus on Odisha state, India. A structured literature review on fire drivers, impacts, and governance was integrated with a policy analysis of national and international fire management approaches. Secondary analyses of satellite-based fire records from ISFR (MODIS/VIIRS; 2020–2024) were conducted alongside field surveys and photographic documentation in the Bonai Forest Division, Odisha (2021–2024), to assess burn severity, fuel loads, vegetation response, and ignition sources. Results indicate that India’s Central Forest Cluster accounts for the largest burned area, especially within dry deciduous forests. Anthropogenic ignitions predominate, with increasingly hot and dry conditions exacerbating fire severity. High-severity fires were found to reduce seedling recruitment, facilitate invasive species proliferation, and degrade soil structure, moisture, and microbial activity. Habitat simplification and prey scarcity further intensify human-wildlife conflicts near settlements. Evidence highlights that prevention-first strategies such as prescribed patch burns, participatory fire lines, integrated early-warning systems, tiered response teams, and post-fire invasive control serve as the most effective interventions. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for transition from suppression-oriented responses to community-centered, technology-enabled prevention systems that can mitigate destructive fires while preserving the ecological functions of low-intensity burns.
Reducing Agrochemical Dependency in Rice Production: Lessons from a Sustainability Study in Tonosí, Panama
