This literature review examines sustainable agriculture in Zambia by synthesising theoretical, empirical, and policy-based studies that relate to climate-smart agriculture (CSA), agroecology, and broader sustainability transitions. The purpose of the review is to analyse how existing research frames opportunities for sustainability in the agricultural sector, the constraints that undermine adoption, and the persistent gaps in policy implementation. The review focused on literature from Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, FAO repositories, and regional policy reports published between 2010 and 2024. A thematic screening process was used to identify key patterns across theory, empirical evidence, and institutional frameworks. The review shows that sustainable agriculture holds clear potential for improving productivity, resilience, and environmental health. Key themes include the role of CSA in mitigating climate risks, the contribution of agroecology to soil fertility, and the importance of renewable energy irrigation systems. However, the literature consistently highlights systemic constraints—high input costs, weak extension support, fragmented policy implementation, and limited access to finance. A major gap involves the adoption–retention problem, where farmers adopt CSA techniques temporarily but fail to sustain them. This review contributes by clarifying theoretical linkages and identifying structural reforms necessary for sustainable agricultural transformation. Implications point toward integrating policy coherence, farmer training, and accessible financing.
Background: Ammonia is a by-product of amino acid metabolism and has been shown to exert deleterious effects on embryonic development under experimental conditions. Despite this, little is known about the physiological regulation of ammonia metabolism during normal embryonic development in vivo. This study aimed to investigate developmental changes in ammonia concentrations within the maternal fetal environment during gestation. Materials and Methods: Pregnant Wistar-Imamichi rats (220–260 g) were sacrificed at gestational days 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. Ammonia concentrations were measured in embryonic fluid, placenta, maternal serum, and maternal and fetal kidneys using the catalyzed indophenol colorimetric reaction, with absorbance measured spectrophotometer at 625 nm. Results: Ammonia concentrations showed significant gestational stage dependent variations across all tissues examined. Placental and maternal serum ammonia levels increased significantly from day 10 to day 16, reaching peak values at mid gestation, followed by a marked decline toward late gestation. In contrast, ammonia concentrations in both maternal and fetal kidneys decreased progressively with advancing gestation and remained relatively stable after mid-gestation. No significant differences were observed between maternal and fetal kidney ammonia concentrations at corresponding developmental stages. Embryonic fluid ammonia levels exhibited a consistent decline from mid to late gestation, suggesting improved embryonic regulation of nitrogenous waste as development progressed. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that ammonia metabolism and clearance are dynamically regulated during gestation and highlight a potential window of increased metabolic sensitivity at mid gestation. The results underscore the importance of ammonia homeostasis in placental function and fetal physiology and provide insight into normal embryonic metabolic regulation in vivo.
Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) produce a diverse array of vocalizations that play fundamental roles in social communication, predator avoidance, reproductive behavior, and parent-offspring interactions. Despite being one of the most numerically abundant domesticated birds worldwide, chicken vocalizations remain understudied compared to other avian species such as songbirds and parrots. This review synthesizes recent literature on chicken vocalization patterns, acoustic characteristics, functional contexts and behavioral mechanisms. The analysis reveals that chickens produce at least 24 distinct vocal signals that can be categorized into functional groups including alarm calls, food calls, social contact calls, aggressive vocalizations, and reproductive signals. The acoustic properties of these vocalizations show significant variation based on context, individual characteristics, and social dynamics. The review examined vocalization types such as rooster crowing (territory advertisement, flock coordination, dominance signaling), alarm calls (aerial versus ground predators), contact calls (group cohesion), maternal clucking and filial peeping (offspring care and recognition), and reproductive vocalizations (mate attraction and courtship coordination). Understanding chicken vocalizations has important implications for animal welfare assessment, poultry management optimization, human-animal interactions in agricultural settings, and our broader understanding of avian communication systems.
A field experiment was conducted during the 2023/2024 dry season at two locations; Audu bako College of Agriculture research farm at Tomas Dam Dambatta and at Fadama site of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology Wudil both in the Sudan Savannah of Nigeria, to evaluate the effect of different irrigation interval on the productivity of four wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combination by the use of four irrigation intervals (3, 6, 9, and 12 days) and four wheat variety (LACRIWHIT-1, LACRIWHIT-4, LACRIWHIT-5, and LACRIWHIT-11). The studies adopted the use of splitplot design with irrigation frequency in the main plot and wheat variety in the sub plots and were replicated three times. Growth and yield data were subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical package (version 9.0) and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability. Results revealed that irrigation frequency and wheat variety significantly affected key growth and yield parameters at both sites. LACRIWHIT-5 and LACRIWHIT-11 recorded the highest plant heights (63.8–72.2 cm), leaf area indices (10.17–11.44), and 100-grain weights (93.8–99.0 g). The highest grain yields (3.84 and 3.80 tha-1 ) were obtained under 3 days interval by LACRIWHIT-1 at both locations, while the 12-day interval resulted in significant yield decline (2.73 tha⁻¹). No significant interaction effects were observed for the physiological traits, indicating consistent varietal response across irrigation treatments. It is recommended that farmers in the Sudan savannah zone can adopt 3 – 6 days irrigation interval for LACRIWHIT-1 to optimize yield and resource use efficiency.
La Réserve Partielle de Faune de Dosso est l’une des aires protégées au Niger classée en catégorie 6 de l’Union Internationale de la Conservation de la Nature aux multiples sollicitations en biens et services écosystémiques par les populations résidentes dont les effets des dégradations et de détériorations sont observés sur sa composante ligneuse. L’objectif visé par cette étude est de caractériser l’influence des pressions humaines sur la diversité spécifique ainsi que la structure démographique ligneuse à travers les types d’occupation des sols. Un inventaire forestier basé sur échantillonnage aléatoire stratifié a été conduit sur 195 relevés de végétation selon les types d’occupation des sols suivants (50*50m pour les champs et brousses tigrées ; 20*50m pour les savanes et 20*20m pour les galeries forestières). Au total 44 espèces ligneuses ont été inventoriées répartie dans 37 genres et 16 familles. La famille des fabaceae est la mieux représentée avec un effectif de 15 espèces soit une fréquence de 34,09%. Elle est suivie par trois familles respectives par ordre d’importance : la famille des combretaceae (avec 6 espèces soit 13,64%). La densité moyenne de l’ensemble des peuplements ligneux est de 339,3±127 pieds à l’hectare. Selon les types d’occupation des sols, la densité la plus élevée est observée au niveau de la brousse tigrée régulière soit 469,3±252,1 pieds/ha. La plus faible valeur de densité moyenne est constatée au niveau des galeries forestières soit 176,3±90,98 pieds/ha. Il existe une différence statistiquement significative (P<0,001) entre les galeries forestières et les savanes ainsi que les brousses tigrées dégradées et régulières. S’agissant du diamètre moyen, la valeur la plus élevée est observée au niveau des champs jachères soit 32,04±74,33cm. Mais la plus faible valeur de diamètre moyen est recueillie au niveau des brousses tigrées dégradées soit 10,13±6,416cm. La hauteur moyenne de Lorey la plus élevée (10,98±4,40m) est enregistrée au niveau des galeries forestières. La plus petite hauteur moyenne (6,82± 2,59m) est obtenue au niveau des brousses tigrées dégradées. Et enfin la valeur de surface de terrière la plus forte est enregistrée au niveau des champs jachères soit 11,75±29,55m2 /ha contre 0,78±1,14 m2 /ha la plus faible valeur de surface terrière obtenue au niveau des brousses tigrées régulières. Il existe une différence statistiquement significative (P<0,001) entre toutes les types d’occupation des sols concernant les valeurs de la surface terrière. Une approche de gestion systémique s’avère nécessaire afin de réduire les perturbations anthropiques pour son futur aménagement.
Food irradiation is a preservation technique that uses ionizing radiation like X-rays, gamma-rays, and electron beams for improving the safety and prolonging the shelf life of food and agricultural produce. Orange (Citrus sinensis) is a one of the outstanding dietary fruits of the world. Its quality and nutritional attributes, the scale of production and ability to grow in the tropical and subtropical regions makes orange fruits a popular fruit item. Population growth in recent years has increased global fruit consumption including oranges. This has increased the demand for quality fruits in large quantity. Most of the oranges in Nigeria are not necessarily grown where they are consumed. It may take from a few days to weeks for the fruits to reach its target market and sometimes before they get sold most of the oranges may have spoiled. This study examined the effects of xray irradiation on fresh orange fruits preservation. The study adopted experimental design and was carried out in Uyo, Nigeria using freshly plucked orange fruits obtained from a local orange fruits farm. There were 5 groups of oranges each having 4 orange fruits making a total of 20 orange fruits. One group served as control while 4 groups served as test groups. The control group was stored away from the radiation area, under room temperature of about 25oC. The test groups were equally stored away under the same storage conditions after each exposure. The test groups were exposed to varying energy of x-ray every day at approximately the same time of the day for 7 consecutive days. The energies of the exposures were 60kvp, 70kVp, 80kVp and 90kVp using 40mAs, 50mAs, 60mAs, and 70 mAs respectively. Following each day of irradiation, each group of the test samples as well as the control samples were visually scrutinized for possible physical changes including spoilage and ripening. Each group also had samples taken for laboratory culture to evaluate the growth of spoilage organisms on day 7, day 14 and day 21. The test groups were then physically compared with the control group for any similarities or differences. Results showed that orange fruits irradiated with x-ray had a longer shelf life compared to the non-irradiated fruits, and the increase in shelf life was proportional to the dose of radiation used. Irradiated orange fruits also survived longer before succumbing to microbial or fungal attacks compared to non-irradiated ones. With the high cost of Gamma installations and other expensive types of food irradiation facilities, it might be more cost-effective to consider the use of medical grade x-ray equipment for the purpose of food irradiation since the facilities are readily available and affordable.
Antioxidant vitamins are associated with overall animal wellness, increased performance, and other economic indices. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lipid-soluble vitamin E and water-soluble vitamin C, individually and in-combination, on hematology, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status and growth performance of neonatal dairy calves. Twelve neonatal female Holstein Friesian calves were recruited for this study and distributed randomly into four groups, each group having (n=3) calves. Experimental treatments were T0 (control), T1 (500 mg of vitamin E), T2 (1000 mg of vitamin C) and T3 (500 mg of vitamin E and 1000 mg of vitamin C), where the vitamins were supplied to calves in milk. Blood from the jugular vein was collected from all calves on the day of birth (before any treatment), and on days 30 and 60 for analyses of hematological indices, serum biochemistry and antioxidant status. The body weights of all experimental calves were measured on days 1, 30 and 60. A combined supplementation with vitamins E and C had significant effects on white blood cells (WBCs), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and pact cell volume (PCV), followed by individual treatment with vitamin C and vitamin E on day 60, except for PCV which, was higher at day 30 and remained unaffected at day 60. All investigated serum biochemical indices were affected by vitamin treatment in the calves, excluding creatinine. Glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were significant in vitamin-treated groups, either individually or combined, on day 60 of the study. Cholesterol was higher in vitamin treatments on day 30 and afterwards remained unaffected. The total antioxidant activity was significantly higher in vitamin E supplemented and combined vitamin E/vitamin C supplemented groups on day 60. The highest body weight was recorded in calves supplemented with the combination of both vitamins followed by individual vitamins at days 30 and 60. The average daily weight gain was significantly higher in calves supplemented with a combination of both vitamins. In conclusion, the combined supplementation of vitamin E and vitamin C for the first two months of life had a positive impact on hematological parameters, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant status and growth performance of neonatal calves.
Community gardens have increasingly become important livelihood interventions, particularly empowering women and enhancing household resilience in rural West Africa. This study empirically examines the contributions of women’s community gardens to household food security, income generation, and women’s empowerment in rural Gambian communities. Drawing on-site observations, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and survey data from 149 garden participants across three rural communities, the study reveals that community gardens substantially enhance economic stability by generating meaningful supplementary income. Participants reported average monthly incomes from garden produce sales, enabling households to cover expenses such as children’s education, healthcare, and daily needs, thereby reducing financial vulnerability. Direct consumption of garden produce decreased household food expenditures, improving food security and nutritional diversity. The findings also highlight gardens as social cohesion, community solidarity, and collective action hubs. Women’s active involvement in garden governance enhanced their financial autonomy, household decision-making power, and leadership capabilities, in line with broader empowerment objectives. To increase these benefits, the study recommends investments in infrastructure especially irrigation systems, market linkages, secure land tenure, and targeted agricultural training. These findings affirm community gardening’s potential as a sustainable model for rural development and women’s economic empowerment, offering practical pathways for policymakers and development practitioners in similar contexts.
The study was conducted to investigate the acceptability and performance characteristics of West African dwarf rams fed basal diet supplemented with graded level of concentrate mix. Twenty five (25) West African Dwarf rams of average weight of 15.01 ± 0.5kg were allotted into five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design. The experiment lasted for 14 weeks. The rams were fed with basal diet (Pennisetum purperum) supplemented with concentrates at 2600 kcal/kg, 2400kcal/kg, 2200 kcal/kg, 2000 kcal/kg and 1800 kcal/kg as treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 respectively. Free choice of intake was determined by cafeteria method using two indices; Coefficient of Preference (CoP) and Percentage preference (Pp) while for the growth performance study, animal were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments where feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were determined. The result revealed that the free choice intake of the diet (135.38-305.23 g/day) was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. The concentrates with energy levels of with 2600kcal/kg (T1) and 2400kcal/kg (T2) were inferred acceptable as CoP above unit (1.07 and 1.04) but were not significantly (p>0.05) different among other treatments. The highest percentage (16.57) was recorded with rams fed diets with energy level of 2600kcal/kg Pennisetum purperum (Treatment 1) was ranked first (1st). The feed intake ranged from 580.98 to 642.56g/day which was not significantly (p>0.05) different. Rams fed diet supplemented 2600kcal/kg/day energy level with Pennisetum purperum also recorded the highest daily weight gain (77.86 g/day) which was significantly (p<0.05) different across the treatments. The metabolic weight gain (2.89- 4.08 W0.75 g/day) were significantly (p<0.05) different among the treatments. It was therefore concluded from this study that basal diets (Pennisetum purperum) supplemented at 2600kcal/kg/day was best accepted, preferred and exhibited the best feed conversion ratio without any adverse effect on the West African Dwarf rams.
Background: Health is a vital indicator of regional development, and the efficiency of primary health services plays a crucial role in improving community well-being. The present study focuses on evaluating the spatial distribution and intensity of diseases in rural areas through the performance of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Rural Hospitals. It aims to understand the level of healthcare accessibility and the relationship between disease occurrence and available medical facilities. The study was conducted in the selected region comprising 38 Primary Health Centres and 5 Rural Hospitals. The area is predominantly rural, where health infrastructure serves as the first point of contact between the population and the healthcare system. Each PHC covers a distinct hinterland, and variations in service delivery were observed across different locations. Materials and Methods: The main objectives of the study were to (1) assess the performance of PHCs and Rural Hospitals, (2) analyze disease intensity and morbidity rates, and (3) establish a link between the hinterland population and healthcare service distribution. A detailed field investigation was undertaken using three structured questionnaires—household, village, and PHC-level surveys. Data on patient numbers, types of diseases, and healthcare facilities were collected through direct observation and official health records. The Kendall’s Rating Co-efficient approach was applied to measure disease intensity, and the composite weightage method was used to evaluate the service area and healthcare reach of each PHC. Results: The analysis revealed notable spatial disparities in disease intensity and healthcare accessibility. Some PHCs exhibited higher patient loads and greater disease intensity, indicating pressure on limited medical resources. Centres with lower ranking co-efficient values reflected higher disease severity. Conclusion: The study highlights significant variations in disease intensity and healthcare service distribution across rural areas, emphasizing the need for balanced healthcare planning and improved accessibility to primary health services.
In the two and a half decades that preceded Nigeria’s independence, Yorubaland recorded some socio-economic transformation that changed its rural and urban landscapes. Banking on the promise of self-rule and its attendant benefits, which included modernity, thousands of young men and women from cocoa-growing villages, yam fields, and palm oil groves migrated into the bustling streets of Ibadan, Lagos, Abeokuta, and other emerging urban centres. While the migration reflected aspirations for education, wage employment, and urban living, it quietly drained the countryside of its most energetic labour force. This work seeks to investigate how rural–urban migration reshaped agricultural labour in post-colonial Yorubaland between 1960 and 1985. It will explore demographic changes in farming communities, the economic and cultural push-and-pull factors behind migration, and the subsequent feminisation and ageing of the agricultural workforce. Attention will also be given to the way state policies, such as Operation Feed the Nation and the Green Revolution, attempted to address food shortages without adequately reversing rural labour depletion. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, with reliance on census data, colonial and post-colonial government records, agricultural reports, and contemporary newspaper accounts. Oral histories from farmers, migrants, and community leaders will offer invaluable insight into lived experiences, bridging the gap between statistics and human stories. The work situates rural-urban migration within the broader economic development of post-colonial Nigeria. Accordingly, it is expected to contribute to our understanding of how development trajectories can both empower and undermine agrarian societies. In doing so, it will shed light on the long-term implications for food security, rural sustainability, and socio-cultural continuity in Yorubaland.
Over the years, the search for animal-safe, environmentally friendly and human-safe methods for sustainable control of nematode has increasingly focused on natural alternatives. In tomato production, lowering the population of nematodes minimizes economic loss, enhances vegetative growth and ultimately improves yield. This study considers the control of root knot nematode on tomato using selected plant extracts as organic amendments in Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A pot experiment was conducted at the Plant Science Botanical Garden of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Girei Local Government Area, Nigeria. The experiment evaluated leaf extracts of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), false ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia) and jatropha (Jatropha curcas) for their nematicidal effects. The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications, including a control treatment. Four amendment rates (10g, 20g, 30g and 40g) of ground leaf extracts were applied to 25kg of sterilized soil contained in perforated polythene bags, while control bags received no amendment. Four tomato seeds were sown per bag, and seedlings were inoculated four weeks after planting with 50 juveniles of M. incognita. Data were collected weekly on vegetative and reproductive parameters, including number of leaves, branches and flowers. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at a 5% probability level. The results showed that all plant extract treatments significantly reduced nematode populations compared to the control. The 20g amendment rate was particularly effective across treatments. The study therefore recommends the use of these plant extracts by farmers, as they are affordable, readily available, environmentally friendly, and require minimal technical expertise
Zambia’s agricultural sector remains central to national development, yet its progress continues to be undermined by climate variability, low mechanisation, weak policy implementation, and limited access to sustainable farming technologies. The problem addressed in this study concerns the persistent gap between the availability of sustainable agricultural practices (SAPs) and their adoption in Lusaka District. Although policy frameworks emphasise sustainability, farmers experience systemic obstacles that restrict consistent uptake. The aim of the study was to examine strategic approaches that strengthen sustainable agricultural development in Zambia by identifying existing opportunities, assessing key challenges, and evaluating gaps in policy implementation. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining quantitative data from 130 respondents with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse survey data, while thematic analysis guided interpretation of qualitative evidence. The findings reveal significant opportunities for sustainable agriculture through climate-smart agriculture (CSA), agroecology, renewable-energy-driven irrigation, and emerging organic markets. However, high input costs, weak extension services, inconsistent policy implementation, and climate shocks continue to constrain widespread adoption. The study highlights the need for stronger institutional support, improved financing mechanisms, and targeted capacity-building interventions. The main implication is that Zambia can accelerate sustainable agricultural transformation by aligning policy with practical farmer realities, strengthening coordination across institutions, and investing in farmer-centred technologies and training
An experiment was conducted in 2022 to find out the nematocidal effects of aqueous extract and powder of Momordica balsamina (African pumpkin) on M.javanica on okra in Yola Nigeria. For the laboratory experiment, there were six treatments comprising the control (Tc-distilled water), crude extract (T1) and four dilutions of the crude extracts as T2 (5 ml), T3 (10 ml), T4 (15 ml) and T5 (20 ml). For the juvenile mortality test, these treatments were applied to 18 perti dishes containing 1000 M. javanica J2 juveniles. These treatments were also applied to 18 petri dishes containing 1000 J2 eggs of M. javanica all arranged in CRD. For the screen house experiment, 18 plastic pots each containing 4 kg sterilized loamy soil incorporated with six levels of M. balsamia leaf powder treatment (Tc (0 g), T1 (5 g), T2 (10 g), T3 (15 g), T4 (20 g) and T5 (25 g)) arranged in CRD. Okra seeds were planted in the pots and one week after emergence were inoculated with 1000 M. javanica juveniles. Data collected were analysed. Results for juvenile mortality showed the crude extract treatment (T1) the highest mortality with 91.67 % followed by T2 (5 ml dilution) with 81.50 % after 72 hours. For egg hatchability test, T1 recorded highest egg hatch inhibition with only 19.30 % hatch after 72 hours. For the screen house test, the 25 g powder treatment (T5) produced the least soil nematode population (228.57) and RF (0.22) showing M.javanica reproduced most poorly in this treatment. Therefore, the experiment reveals the nematocidal potency of extract and powder of M. balsamina leaf and can be used to replace toxic chemical nematicides. Also, field trial of its performance is recommended.
Soil fertility is a key determinant of yam (Dioscorea spp.) production in tropical regions. This study evaluated soil fertility and yam production potentials across 36 communities using fertility indices approach, incorporating Soil Fertility Index (SFI), Soil Evaluation Factor (SEF), and Nutrient Index Values (NIV). Soil samples were analyzed for key nutrients, including N, P, K, organic carbon (OC), Ca, Mg and Na. Fertility indices were related to yam tuber yield to assess spatial variability and productivity potential. Results revealed significant spatial variability, with high fertility concentrated in Ndemili, Ubulu-Uku, Ibusa, Agbor-Obi, AliAgwai, Anwai and Idumuje-Ugboko, and low to moderate fertility in Oko, Mile 5, Umuokpala-Afor, Abbi and Illah. High SFI (≥54), SEF (≥44), and maximum NIV (3.0) corresponded with the highest yam yields (≥22 t/ha), while low-moderate fertility zones recorded yields below 15 t/ha. Macronutrients (N, P, K) were sufficient in most locations, whereas deficiencies in OC and secondary nutrients (Mg, Na) were observed in low-yielding communities, limiting soil productivity. SFI and SEF effectively quantified overall soil fertility and NIV highlighted nutrient sufficiency and limitations, providing a comprehensive tool for evaluating yam production potentials. The study recommends targeted nutrient management and organic carbon enrichment in low-fertility areas, balanced fertilization based on NIV scores and integration of fertility indices into planning for sustainable yam cultivation.
The present field experiment entitled "Effect of Farmyard manure and Vermicompost on the growth and yield of Turnip (Brassica rapa L.) cv. Purple Top White Globe" was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Raja Balwant Singh College, Bichpuri, Agra during Rabi season of the year 2024- 2025 .The result and the conclusion of experiment are briefly explain here. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications 10 treatments viz., T0: Absolute Control ,T1: RDF (100%)+FYM (100%) , T2: RDF (75%)+FYM (25%), T3: RDF (50%)+ FYM (50%) , T4: RDF (25%)+ Vermicompost (75%), T5 : RDF (75%) + Vermicompost (25%), T6: RDF (50%) + Vermicompost (50%) , T7: FYM (25%)+Vermicompost (75%) , T8: FYM (50%) + Vermicompost (50%), T9:FYM(25%)+Vermicompost (75%). The data were recorded on days required for germination of seedlings, plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, length of longest leaf(cm),width of longest leaf(cm) , length of root (cm), diameter of root (cm),root yield per plot (%), fresh weight of leaves(gm),fresh weight of roots (gm) ,fresh weight of whole plant (gm) ,dry matter content of leaves(%) ,dry matter content of roots(%). The early germination was recorded in T1: RDF (100%) + FYM(100%) and it was followed with T2 : RDF (75%)+ FYM (25%) . The highest plant height and number of leaves was recorded with T1: RDF (100%) + FYM (100%) which was followed with T2: RDF (75%) + FYM (25%). The length of longest leaf and width of longest leaf was recorded with T1: RDF (100%)+ FYM (100%) . The results of the present investigation revealed that the application of FYM and Vermicompost with recommended dose of NPK (60:40:50 kg/ha) which gives best results in T1: RDF (100%) + FYM (100%) is reported higher plant growth, root yield, NPK uptake, maximum net returns whereas application of T9: FYM (25%) + Vermicompost (75%) recorded better quality of turnip.
In Jashpur district, there is renewed concern about post-harvest losses which account for 20–30% loss of farm produce. The lack of adequate storage facilities also affects produce quality, reducing produce market value with negative implications for various parts of the value chain (consumers, processors, etc.) requiring high quality raw materials. Adoption of post-harvest practices was studied at Jashpur district of Chhattisgarh. Majority of the respondents (61.67%) have medium level of adoption of post-harvest management practices for rice, followed by 25 per cent of them had high extent of adoption while, 13.33 per cent of them had low level of adoption regarding post-harvest management practices for rice. Most of the post-harvest activitieswas adopted by men and women viz. drying, threshing, winnowing, de-husking, storage/packaging, processing and marketing.As the tribal farm familiesare largely poor, they can’t adopt the new technology of post-harvest management practices. Facilitating efficient post-harvest management technology in tribal/farming communities benefits not only families in terms of increased income, but also hunger-stricken populations across tribal areas in terms of food security
Climate change poses a significant challenge to global agriculture, influencing food production, water availability, and ecosystem stability. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increasing greenhouse gas concentrations are disrupting traditional agricultural systems, particularly in developing countries where food security is already at risk. Projections suggest a global temperature rise of 1.4°C to 5.8°C by 2100, which could reduce crop yields, increase drought frequency, and escalate pest and disease outbreaks. Agricultural productivity is projected to decline by 3% to 16% globally by 2080, with some developing nations experiencing up to a 40% reduction in yields. Adaptation strategies, including climate-resilient crop varieties, precision agriculture, and water conservation measures, are critical to mitigating these impacts. This review highlights the urgent need for coordinated global action to address climate change’s impact on agriculture. Sustainable farming practices, investments in climate-smart agriculture, and policy frameworks supporting adaptation will be essential in ensuring long-term food security and environmental stability.
This study assessed the efficacy of Natu Choline DS, a natural herbal choline replacer, in enhancing growth, liver health, and cost-efficiency in commercial pigs. Thirty-six weaned crossbred piglets were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: control (no choline), choline chloride (60%) at 1 kg/ton, and Natu Choline DS at 150 g/ton feed. The trial lasted 90 days. Parameters recorded included body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), liver enzymes, backfat thickness, faecal consistency, skin and hair coat quality, and feed cost per kg gain. Results showed that Natu Choline DS significantly improved ADG, liver enzyme profiles, faecal quality, and skin coat condition. Additionally, it reduced feed cost per kg weight gain. The study supports the use of Natu Choline DS as a viable, cost-effective, and holistic alternative to synthetic choline chloride in Indian pig production
Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is crucial for global food security, especially in Angola, where its production growth has experienced very little growth despite rising consumer demand. Enhancing rice productivity in the country requires development and adoption of rice varieties well-adapted to local environmental conditions. Therefore, this study evaluated three rice varietiesto the central-southern coast of Angola. Materials and Methods: A randomised block design with three replicates was used to test three rice varieties — Chilahila, Limpopo, and Sertaneja — over 2017-2018 growing season. Crops were cultivated in plots measuring 11m x 6m with 20cm plant spacing. All plots received continuous irrigation and the same fertilisation treatment (200 kg ha-1 urea). Results: the crop cycle was approximately 150 days with an overall grain yield of 2.81 t ha⁻¹ on average, but without significant differences among the varieties, highlighting uniformity in phenotypic traits under the tested conditions. Positive correlations were observed between the number of panicles per plant and grain weight, suggesting that selection for these traits could enhance yield. Conclusion: Despite no significant varietal differences in grain yield, there is the potential for improvement through optimization of practices, emphasising the need for further investigation into environmental influences on production
