Purpose: Ants are commonly observed crawling on crop plants in Sri Lanka, where fungal diseases are frequently reported. This pilot study aimed to identify plant-ant-fungi associations on Solanum melongena (L., 1753) and to determine whether A. gracilipes workers carry the inoculated plant pathogenic fungus, Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon & Maubl, in their gut contents. Research Method: Worker ants observed on S. melongena plants at three selected localities in the Gampaha District were identified, and their frequency of occurrence was recorded. A. gracilipes workers, the ant species with the highest frequency of occurrence in the field, was collected from the same localities. In each trial, 200 workers were starved for 48 hours, and then allowed to crawl on brinjal plants inoculated with L. theobromae. Genomic fungal DNA was extracted from pooled heads and digestive tracts, followed by metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Findings and Values: The inoculated plant-pathogenic fungus L. theobromae was detected in the gut contents of A. gracilipes workers. Metagenomic analysis revealed a diverse gut mycobiome comprising 78 fungal species, including plant pathogens, endophytes, epiphytes, and insect gut symbionts. These findings suggest the potential ingestion and transport of plant-pathogenic fungi by A. gracilipes, conclusive evidence requires further research.
Purpose: Gibberellic Acid (GA3) is generally applied to increase the size of berries for a better yield. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of GA3 doses and time of application on berry yield and return of fruitfulness in the next season in table grape cv. Poloskei Muskotaly during the years 2023 to 2024 in a commercial vineyard, Dhading, Nepal. Research Method: : Studies were carried out in two factorial randomized complete block design using four concentrations of GA3 (0, 5, 10 and 20 ppm) at post-flowering, 4-5 mm berry size and both post-flowering and 4-5 mm berry size stages, and inflorescences per vine were also counted to assess the vine fruitfulness. Findings and Values: Application of 20 ppm GA3 at 4-5 mm berry size increased berry weight by 26.91% and cluster weight by 41.17%. There was a distinct relationship between berry diameter and berry weight that showed about 55.22% and 55.12% variation in berry weight, which was explained by berry transversal and longitudinal diameter, respectively. GA3 concentrations and stages of application in the previous season of 2024 did not show any significant effect on return fruitfulness in the following season of 2025. Sizing spray of GA3 after berry set is effective for improving yield in Poloskei Muskotaly and has the potential to enhance commercial grape production in Nepal.
Purpose: This study explores the life experiences of rice farmers in the paddy monoculture area of Thoai Son District, An Giang Province, Vietnam. It aims to understand how monoculture rice farming affects their daily lives, livelihoods, and mental well-being. Research Method: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 24 households using semi-structured questions covering various aspects of their past and present experiences in rice monoculture areas. Findings and Values: The findings reveal that crop diversification is difficult due to cultural practices, infrastructure limitations, and access to markets. Farmers employ various livelihood strategies and social networks to maintain resilience and well-being. Vocational training programs were found to be misaligned with farmers' actual livelihood needs. The study highlights the influence of socio-economic and policy factors on farmers' lives and provides insights for sustainable agricultural development and farmer support programs.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate bio-rational insecticides in controlling major hemipteran-sucking pests of tomatoes and to assess their impact on natural enemies during the winter season of 2023-2024. Research Method: The experiment was conducted with six treatments applied at 10-days intervals: Spinosad 45 SC, Matrine 1EC, Abamectin 1.8 EC, Azadirachtin 0.03% EC, Cypermethrin 10 EC, and an untreated control. The insecticides' effectiveness in reducing pest populations (aphids, jassids, and whiteflies) and the number of marketable and infested fruits, yield, adjusted net return, and BCR were recorded to compare the treatments. Findings and Values: Spinosad 45 SC significantly reduced pest populations, recording the lowest abundance of aphids (3.25-4.18), jassids (0.75-0.90), and whiteflies (1.02-1.18) per six leaves per plant. It produced 88.36% increase in marketable fruits than control. Increases in marketable fruits of other treatments over the control were 63.58%, 44.61%, 36.85%, and 31.25%. Untreated control plots had the highest number of predatory insects, while Spinosad 45 SC-treated plots supported the second highest count (2.85-3.22), followed by Abamectin 1.8 EC (2.42-3.17), Matrine 1EC (2.59-2.94), and Azadirachtin 0.03% EC (2.24-2.79). All bio-rational insecticides were relatively safe for natural enemies, with Cypermethrin 10 EC showing moderate toxicity. The highest yield (21.07 t ha-1), adjusted net return, and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) (7.94) were observed in the Spinosad 45 SC treatment, followed by Azadirachtin 0.03% EC (5.51), Abamectin 1.8 EC (4.56), and Cypermethrin 10 EC (3.49). Overall, Spinosad 45 SC proved effective and eco-friendly for managing hemipteran pests in tomato.
Purpose: In rural areas, most goat farmers keep various breeds under different farming systems, subject to change based on seasons, grazing resource availability, and government breeding policies. This study aimed to investigate the evolving characteristics of goat farming practices in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, which hosts a large goat population. Research Method: A total of 266 goat farmers were randomly selected from all veterinary divisions in the Eastern Province with the assistance of local veterinary offices. Data were collected from each farmer using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews, supplemented by farm visits and observations. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Review Committee (ERC/FT/2022/09). The collected data were tabulated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The data was tabulated and analyzed using MS Excel. The results were then compared with existing literature to identify and explore recent changes in farming practices. Findings and Values: Most of the goat farmers were male (92%), had primary or secondary education (75%), and were self-employed (75.8%) rearing goats at a subsistence level. The breed composition changed with the introduction of Jamnapari (45%) and Saanen (6.9%) breeds. Whereas, rearing goats for meat production (98.1%) remained unchanged. A majority of farmers (54%) had adopted a semi-intensive system, representing a shift from the previously dominant extensive system. Farmers adapt their feeding methods based on grazing resource availability, often adopting short-term, seasonally-dependent intensification strategies. These findings indicate that goat farming continues to coexist with the prevailing ecosystem as a sustainable production entity, albeit with evolving characteristics. These evolving characteristics, namely breed composition and farming systems, driven by policy and resource availability are critical for farmers and relevant authorities to inform field-level decision-making.
Purpose: Banana (Musa spp.) always possesses a prominent position in our daily diet due to its astounding nutrition profile and medicinal potential bioactive compounds. An investigation was carried out in the northern region (Bogura district) of Bangladesh to explore the effect of differential phosphate fertilization levels on bunch attributes and fruit yield parameters of three banana cultivars: Grand Naine, Champa and Anupom. Research Method: Five TSP rates (0, 200, 300, 400 and 500 g plant-1 TSP) were evaluated in this study for two production cycles with the aid of GT (Genotype X Trait) biplot methodology. Findings and Values: The findings implied that all three cultivars exhibited a consistent increment in the magnitude of all bunch attributes and shorter phenological cycle (days from planting to flower emergence and days from flower emergence to harvesting) as a response to the ascending P fertilization, which culminated in 400 g plant-1 TSP rate. The responsiveness to P fertilization was more conspicuous in the cultivar Grand Naine as revealed by more pronounced enhancement in bunch attributes. A longer phenological cycle and drastic declines in all bunch and yield parameters were observed in all three cultivars at a 500 g plant-1 TSP rate, indicating the detrimental effect of excessive Phosphate application beyond the specific threshold. All three cultivars showed higher productivity across all bunch traits in the second production cycle than in the first. This study signifies the judicious determination of P fertilization for lessening of excess P-mediated soil toxicity, nutrient deficiency and disease incidence in banana for the northern region of Bangladesh.
Purpose: Green leafy vegetables (GLVs) are integral to human diets due to their nutritional value. Among these, Basella spp. is notable for its nutrient density. This study aims to assess and compare Basella alba with Basella rubra for their nutritional and phytochemical composition, and antioxidant properties, lacking in the Sri Lankan context, providing insights to enhance crop utilization in agriculture. Research Method: The total chlorophyll and carotene contents, the total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant potential was assessed using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The results were analyzed using the Independent Sample t-Test. Findings and Values: The Independent Samples t-Test highlighted that only carbohydrate contents were statistically significantly different (P<0.05) between the two species. The higher carbohydrate content was observed in the B. rubra. The aspects of proximate composition except carbohydrate content showed approximately similar results between the two species. The total chlorophyll, carotene, TFC, TPC, and reducing power and radical scavenging ability were statistically significantly different between the species, showing the highest values in B. alba in each aspect. This study compares and highlights the higher antioxidant activity and potential health benefits of B. alba over B. rubra, with new implications for agriculture.
Purpose: Soil microorganisms significantly influence crop growth and quality, yet their effects on garlic's nutritional and functional components remain underexplored. This study investigates the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation on garlic growth and Phytochemical Properties. Research Method: Garlic plants were inoculated with 1g of mycorrhized root powder obtained from two isolates of endemic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), designated as MO (isolated from Allium triquetrum plants) and MA (isolated from Mentha plants) isolated from different host plants and regions. The effects of these inoculants were assessed by measuring growth parameters, including plant height, root biomass, bulb weight, and mycorrhization levels. Additionally, biochemical parameters including the contents of leaf pigments, sugars, total phenols, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Findings and Values: The isolation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (MO) inoculation significantly enhanced plant height, root biomass, bulb weight, root colonization, leaf pigment content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity compared to the control. In contrast, inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (MA) isolate increased plant height, root fresh weight, total sugar content, and antioxidant activity but had no significant effect on bulb weight, leaf pigment content, or total phenol content. The isolate MO exhibited the highest root colonization frequency and greater hyphal length, confirming its role in enhancing nutrient uptake and plant development. This study highlights arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation as a sustainable strategy to improve garlic growth and quality, emphasizing the importance of soil microbiota management in optimizing cultivation.
Purpose: Foxtail millet is an ancient cereal crop and a model species used for studying C4 photosynthesis and stress resilience. The composition of its seed starch is primarily determined by the waxy gene, which encodes granule-bound starch synthase1 (GBSS1). Polymorphisms in the first intron of GBSS1 are known to influence allelic diversification in cereals; However, Sri Lankan foxtail millet germplasm has not yet been characterized at the molecular level. This study aimed to evaluate endosperm type and apparent amylose content (AAC) of Sri Lankan accessions, analyze the first intron polymorphism of the GBSS1 gene, and assess their phylogenetic relationships with reported haplotypes. Research Method: Six accessions collected from diverse agro-ecological regions were evaluated using I2-KI staining, AAC and sequencing the first intron of GBSS1 gene. Findings and Values: All accessions displayed a dark blue color in I2-KI staining and 17.7-31.5%, AAC values conformed non-waxy phenotypes. Sequence comparison with the reference non-waxy genotype (AB089142.1) revealed 152 polymorphic sites (SNPs and indels). Moreover, a novel 4bp deletion was identified across all local accessions, representing the first report of this mutation in foxtail millet. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all accessions belong to the Type 1-1 non-waxy haplotype but exhibit considerable intra-type diversity. These findings provide new insights into the regional diversification of GBSS1 alleles in Sri Lankan foxtail millet and highlight the potential of this germplasm as a resource for molecular marker development and breeding programs aiming at improving grain quality.
Purpose: This review aims to focus on the role of field farmer schools in solving the problems related to weed management under climate change in developing countries, taking Jordan as an example. Therefore, awareness helps farmers adapt to emerging weed issues and incorporate effective control strategies. This is especially true in regions like Jordan, where low-input farming systems are common, and there is a need for trained extension agents to educate communities on agroecology and weed management. Research Method: A structured literature search across major academic databases and synthesis process were used in this review article to ensure comprehensive coverage of the role of FFSs to deal with weed problems under climate change, where Jordan was used as a case study representative of developing countries. The search covered 104 publications up to 2025 to capture two decades of evolving knowledge on FFS and climate-related challenges in agriculture. Jordan as a case study, highlighting specific FFS experiences, challenges, and lessons applicable to broader developing-country contexts. Findings and Values: FFSs provide practical, on-site training, helping farmers learn modern weed control strategies. These schools have proven successful in spreading knowledge to neighboring farms, raising collective awareness of sustainable management practices across farming communities. A collaboration between the governmental bodies and academic researchers is requested to activate the role of FFSs to produce a generation of pioneer farmers who could circulate their knowledge to other farms. However, a success in Jordan happened in Farmer Schools in enhancing the use of soil solarization to combat soil-borne diseases and weeds in the Jordan Valley.
Purpose: Given the threat of climate change, the study examined the factors influencing decisions to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) and the impacts of their adoption on nutrition and food security among smallholder maize-farming households in Southwestern Nigeria. Research Method: A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to elicit data, CSAPs were clustered into 3 components: adaptation, mitigation, and coping strategies, and food security dimensions were measured using Household-HH-Dietary Diversity (HDDS), HH-food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), and HH-food consumption score (HFCS) indices. To account for selectivity bias, data were analyzed using a two-stage multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model. Findings and Values: Results show that majority of farmers are young, educated and smallholders. CSAPs adoption is positive and significantly impacts nutrition and food security, which differed across sole, simultaneous and synergistic adoption with the greatest effect recorded when they use a larger package that contains all three categories of CSAPs. Consequently, farmers were 29.32%, 2.27%, and 6.02% more food secure based on HDDS, HFIAS, and HFCS indices, respectively, a potential role in adopting this package for its triple benefits of improved productivity, synergistic impacts, and enhanced household food and nutrition security. The study concludes that CSAPs adoption enhances nutrition and food security, especially, when used synergistically. The evidence can be used to deploy novel policy directions for sustained nutrition and food security attainment.
Purpose: Soybean meal is the traditional protein source for poultry, but rising costs necessitate alternatives. This study investigated the effect of a strategic inclusion of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal (BSFLM), using 10% as a partial protein replacement during early phases and 1% during the finisher phase, on the productive performance and systemic health of Ross 308 broiler chickens under tropical conditions. Research Method: A one-way ANOVA design was used with two treatments (Control vs. BSFLM). Each treatment comprised 132 birds divided into three replicates (n= 44). Diets for Pre-starter (1-10 d), Starter (11-22 d), and Finisher (23-42 d) phases included 10% BSFLM in the first two phases and 1% in the last. Productive parameters (initial body weight, final body weight, daily feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality percentage), haematological, and blood biochemical were evaluated. Findings and Values: BSFLM inclusion drastically reduced mortality (P < 0.05; 2.24% BSFLM vs. 20.45% Control). Growth performance showed a numerically higher final body weight, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.436). Haematologically, BSFLM prevented early anaemia, although both treatments exhibited extreme leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia. Biochemically, BSFLM stabilised glucose and improved protein and lipid profiles, however, both treatments showed signs of liver/kidney damage, likely due to heat stress and water quality issues (no residual chlorine and high nitrates). This study demonstrates BSFLM's practical value in enhancing early survival and metabolic stability.
Purpose: Around the globe, wheat is a significant cereal crop, used for food, feed, and raw materials. Terminal heat stress threatens wheat production, notably in subtropical countries like Bangladesh. An experiment was conducted to select heat-tolerant, high-yielding transgressive segregants using the F2 populations from several biparental crosses of elite wheat varieties in Bangladesh. Research Method: A total of ten thousand F2 seeds (1000 from ten crosses) were evaluated in the field of Bangladesh under late sown conditions to induce terminal heat stress and assess eight yield and yield-related traits. Statistical analysis was conducted using R-studio software among the transgressive segregants and their respective parents. Findings and Values: A total of 100 F2 genotypes obtained from biparental crosses of five elite wheat varieties were selected based on yield and related traits under late sown conditions imposing terminal heat stress. Significant differences were observed for most of the traits between the segregating lines and their five parents. Traits such as flag leaf length, hundred-grain weight, number of grains per plant, spike length, and yield per plant showed high heritability and genetic advance, making them suitable for breeding programs. Terminal heat-tolerant genotypes H10, J9, J4, E2, F2, and G7, grouped in cluster 4, are promising for developing advanced heat-tolerant wheat lines in Bangladesh. The work involved selecting promising terminal heat stress-tolerant transgressive segregants using an elite vs elite crosses approach to plant breeding.
Purpose: Animal-mediated pollination services are essential for food production on farms. Deficient pollination leads to lack or low fruit set, in pollinator-dependent crops, and consequently reduced yield. Cucurbits largely depend on honeybees; however, its colonies are reportedly declining globally. This study indicated sufficient pollination of Cucurbita maxima Duchesne in the farm by natural pollinators and therefore man assisted pollen transmission had no significant change in the yield characteristics of the pumpkin. Research Method: This study was conducted on cucurbit farms in Machakos County, to assess possible pollination deficit in cucurbits production. Treatments involved supplemental pollination with Hypotrigona spp, manual pollination and natural pollination in a randomized complete block design with a farm being a block. Data was collected on fruit set and yield characteristics. Findings and Values: The variation in magnitude of fruit and seed weight, latitudinal and longitudinal length of fruits and ovary, number of developed and undeveloped seeds per fruit were not significant because of subjecting flowers to various pollination methods. The results imply adequate and efficient pollination for pumpkin production within the study sites. Recent studies stipulating the loss of bees in agricultural ecosystems serve as a caution to farmers, as it may lead to low fruit production in the farms. Current study provides an evidence of enough natural pollinators within the study sites. With proper field practices, compatible with natural biodiversity, high yields for pumpkin production is not threatened by inadequate pollination. These findings are beneficial in pollinator conservation planning, especially in smallholder farming systems relying on natural and incidental pollination.
Purpose: Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for crops and its availability in alkaline soils is very limited. In this study, the possible growth-promoting effects of soluble Zn present in an alkaline soil to which different Zn treatments have been applied are investigated. Research Method: Four Zn chemicals (ZnSO4, ZnO-NP, Zn-EDTA or Zn-EDTA with humic and fulvic acids, Zn-EDTA+AC) at three different concentrations (2.5, 5 or 10, mg Zn kg1) were applied to soil. The effect of soluble Zn solutions extracted from soil on the final germination percentage of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seeds, radicle and shoot length and shoot dry weight in seedlings after eight days of incubation were evaluated. Findings and Values: The results indicated that Zn EDTA and Zn EDTA+AC treatments showed a high effectiveness in providing soluble Zn in the soil solution (up to 17.8 times that of the control). Although no significant differences in germination percentage were observed between treatments, the highest radicle growth was observed with the Zn EDTA-2.5 treatment (1.3 times the control). The ZnSO treatments showed a dose-dependent promoter effect. Radicle growth under ZnO-NP and Zn EDTA+AC treatments did not show a consistent relationship with Zn concentrations, indicating a non-dose-dependent effect. The results of this study suggest that Zn EDTA extract alone is more effective in promoting seed growth than when combined with humic and fulvic acids.
Purpose: The Marine Small-Scale Fisheries (MSSF) communities demand sustainable and innovative climate financing solutions as a highly vulnerable group to climate change. Hence, this study aims to map the existing climate finance landscape, assess the role of available climate financing instruments, identify the challenges MSSF communities face in accessing climate finance, and develop innovative climate financing tools tailored to the MSSF sector. Research Method: The qualitative primary data were collected through a survey from purposively Trincomalee (384 respondents; 54 fishermen in each location and 20 fish processors in Galle, Negombo and Tangalle) and from expert consultations with 25 members, primarily in the fisheries and finance sectors. The climate finance landscape and the role of available financial instruments were descriptively analysed. Two-stage thematic analyses were applied: the first stage identified the prevailing challenges in accessing climate finance, and the second stage identified innovative climate financing solutions to address them. Findings and Values: Government, private, and international/multilateral funds are the primary sources of climate financing, while the Ministry of Fisheries (MOF), multilateral organisations, public and private banks, NGOs, and informal moneylenders are the primary intermediaries. There are limited climate financing options, including insurance, grants, subsidies, financial aid, and formal and informal credit. The lack of locally governed, low-cost, flexible, inclusive and sustainable financial mechanisms is a key challenge identified. Overall, the study suggests six innovative climate-financing tools that provide the first context-specific models tailored to Sri Lanka's MSSF
Purpose: Species-specific aquafeed confirms better results in commercial aquaculture, providing optimized nutrition for each species. However, cost-effective shrimp feeds are frequently used in the ornamental fish industry due to their benefits, such as growth and pigmentation enhancement. These facts were not tested, and therefore, this experiment was conducted to fill a research gap and explore the effectiveness of shrimp feed. Research Method: A commercial fish feed was used as the control (FF) at 3% of body weight (BW) and with a feeding frequency of 2 times/day. Fish were fed the shrimp feed (SF) at 3%BW and 2/day (SF(3.2)), 3%BW and 4/day (SF(3.4)), 6%BW and 2/day (SF(6.2)), and 6%BW and 4/day (SF(6.4)). Findings and Values: The SF(6.4) and SF(6.2) fish groups achieved the highest growth performance compared with the control. Regression analysis curves proved that the growth performance of the SF(6.4) group was higher than that of the SF(6.2) group. Moreover, the SF(3.4) group achieved higher growth than the control, whereas the SF(3.2) group showed no statistically difference in growth compared with the control. All the SF-fed groups gained a higher colour intensity than the control. The SF feeding did not adversely affect the stress tolerance or survival of the fish. Shrimp feed effectively gains the weight and pigmentation of ornamental fish. However, feeding frequency and rate should be controlled to avoid hepatic alterations.
Purpose: Ectoparasitic infestations pose a major threat to non-descriptive village chickens (NDVCs) and could result in economic losses. However, systematic data regarding the ectoparasitic burden on NDVCs in central Bangladesh remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to map the ectoparasitic landscape, estimate the prevalence and intensity of various ectoparasite species, and identify associated risk factors in NDVCs. Research Method: A cross-sectional study involving the systematic examination of 225 NDVCs was conducted. Ectoparasites were collected from NDVCs and identified through direct visual inspection or specific methods used to study the parasites' biology, followed by microscopic identification. The prevalence of ectoparasites and their associations with host age, sex, and season were determined using Chi-square tests and Odds Ratios. Findings and Values: The overall ectoparasite prevalence was 99.11% (223), with six lice and four mite species recorded. The prevalence of Menacanthus stramineus (94.22%), Menopon gallinae (89.78%), Lipeuris caponis (83.11%), Cuclotogaster heterographus (32%), Goniodes gigas (32%), Goniocotes gallinae (29.78%), Knemidocoptes mutans (45.33%), Dermanyssus gallinae (11.56%), Ornithonyssus bursa (11.56%), and Megninia spp. (9.78%). Megninia spp. identified for the first time in Bangladesh. Results showed 65% of chickens had a single lice species, and 45% had mixed infestations. Ectoparasite infestation on the chicken was not linked to age or sex, but showed a significant seasonal difference in mite infestation (p<0.05%). These results provide baseline data on the ectoparasitic burden in NDVCs, highlighting specific parasite threats. Furthermore, the results will aid in developing targeted parasite control strategies to boost the productivity of local NDVCs' farming systems.
Purpose: This policy paper discusses challenges and prospects arising from commercialization of hybrid marigold seeds in Nepal. The study aims to study about policy gaps, conservation challenges and scope of maintaining genetic diversity to support economic potential of marigold commercialization through development of locally suitable hybrids marigold seed with high yield and uniform crops and conserving local marigold landraces loss. Research Method: The study adopts qualitative policy analysis approach including scoping review of relevant literature with primary insights from key informant interviews. The study also includes in-person interview with representatives from four institutional categories: a) public research authorities, b) government authorities, c) private research agencies and d) academicians. The research method also includes Geographic Information System (GIS) suitability mapping to categorize marigold cultivation potential into high, medium, and low zones based on agro-climatic and edaphic characteristics. Findings and Values: The paper concludes that integration of conservation strategies and commercial hybrid marigold development can help to achieve self-sufficiency as well as sustainability in marigold flower production business landscape. The analysis of suitability for marigold cultivation in Nepal classifies high, medium, and low-potential areas based on agro-climatic and soil conditions and highlights region-specific strategies needed to promote sustainable floriculture growth. Five-folds policy recommendations include a) strengthening existing seed governance, b) promoting local hybrid breeding programs, c) promoting in-situ conservation of indigenous landraces, and d) building public-private partnerships to ensure long-term seed security and e) development of region-specific hybrid from landraces.
Ensuring animal welfare, labor efficiency, and sustainable productivity in dairy farms requires barn and facility designs that are compatible with herd structure and animal behaviour. The aim of this study is to present the development of an expert system called the Architectural Designing of Dairy Farms (ADDF), designed to automate and support the architectural planning process of dairy cattle operations. The system is based on ten modules encompassing herd size estimation, group management, and architectural layout of pens and service structures. Each module operates with clearly defined input-output relationships, and the system was implemented as a desktop application using Visual Basic 6.0. User-defined parameters, including the number of mature cows and milking shift length, allow for dynamic scenario analysis across different herd sizes and farm management strategies. A hypothetical case involving 250 dairy cows and a 3-hour milking shift was used to validate the model, and architectural plans were generated using AutoCAD. The results demonstrate that ADDF significantly reduces design time, improves decision-making in herd housing and infrastructure planning, and supports animal welfare-focused design principles. The system offers a flexible and practical tool to improve the efficiency of dairy farm design processes, with potential for integration into future smart farming systems.
