Journal of the Austrian Society of Agricultural Economics (JASAE)

Abstract : Slow- and controlled-release fertilizers (S-CRF) were proposed as a compound to improve the nutrient use efficiency of plants and hence considered a response to address the problems due to the growth of the world's population and water shortage of bell pepper. Thus, this study adapted a physical barrier to help regulate a gradual release of fertilizer from the soil use of plastic bottle barriers. It aimed to evaluate the potential investigation of the effects of the slow-release fertilizers – plastic bottles of barriers (SRF-PB) and CRF on the growth and fruit yield. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with treatment (7) and replications (3). It was assigned as T0 - control, T1 - conventional application of fertilizer, T2 - commercial CRF; and T3 - 25%, T4 - 50%, T5 - 75%, and T6 - 100% at the holed portion in SRF-PB. The results revealed that utilizing had significantly (p < 0.05) increased the plant height on T1, width of leaves and length of leaves on T1; fresh dried on T1 and oven-dried on T2; early-to-flowering on T2 and fruiting set between T1 and T2; and root characterizing were weight root, length root, and roots density with T1 and T2; T2; and T1 and T6, respectively, the growth period of bell pepper. Furthermore, the specific higher root density of T6 and T2's nutrient utilization efficiency has improved, resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) due to the rise in T2 and T6 high yield of harvested fruits. In conclusion, SRF-PB of T6 could be an alternative means for commercial T2 in terms of achieving better productivity of bell pepper..
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Abstract : The study assessed the Adoption of Modern Post Harvest Rice Handling Technologies in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select 130 rice farmer-processors. Primary data on usage of modern post harvest rice technologies, level of adoption and perceived factors influencing adoption of modern technologies were obtained using a questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD). Data were analyzed using frequency counts, mean and sigma score (Z). Modern post harvest rice handling technologies available were combine harvester, blower, parboiler using false bottom, batch dryer, de-stoning machine, modern rice miller and rice grader. Sigma scores showed that parboiler using false bottom (Z = 5.36), Modern rice miller (Z = 5.36), de-stoning machine (Z = 5.15) and blower (Z = 5.06) were the major modern postharvest rice technologies. These technologies removed drudgery experienced in the traditional methods of processing (𝑥̅= 4.44), improved income (𝑥̅= 4.24), has relative advantage (𝑥̅= 4.10) and not complex (𝑥̅= 3.01). FGD with one of the respondents established that “using modern postharvest rice handling technologies produce quality rice”. The study concluded that there is adoption of modern post harvest technologies among rice farmer-processors and recommends that key factors that determine adoption needs to be taken into consideration when expanded program on technology adoption are to be considered for meeting the challenges of food production..
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Abstract : lbania’s agricultural sector is dominated by small to very small farms. Farm smallholders are facing currently tough challenges to survive or prosper. Major challenges are international trade liberalization and globalization, climate challenges, low access to credit and agricultural services, and low public support for extremely small farms in particular. We strongly believe that learning from foreign experiences, and from research, is vital for the design of a policy framework that works for the farm smallholders and assists them in the struggle to face these challenges, stay in the system and modernize. Based on this, the purpose of our research is to identify and present policy options that potentially can be integrated with the design of an effective policy agenda that works for the farm smallholders in Albania. We focus on major agricultural development issues such as the viability of small farms, alternative systems of agricultural products such as conventional and agro-ecological agriculture, cooperation among and vertical integration of farms into markets, the competitiveness of farm products, and investment climate for small farmers, improving institutional quality, and governance of the agricultural sector as a precondition for a pro-smallholder policy framework and effective implementation, etc..
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Abstract : The study analysed the effect of risk and management strategies on vegetable production in Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 120 vegetable farmers, and covering 3 communities within Asa Local Government Area in the State using a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Gross margin, Discriminant analysis and Regression analysis were used in the study. The study revealed that the mean age of the vegetable respondent was 46 years, with the male vegetable farmers (77.5%) outnumbering the female (22.5%) vegetable farmers in the State. Majority of the respondents had primary education with the average farming experience of 14 years. An average area of 0.30 ha was cultivated by the vegetable farmers. The sources of risks identified among the respondents were natural risks, social risks, economic risks, production risks and marketing risks. The study further revealed that vegetable production is profitable in the study area. The strategies employed at combating the risks and management skills in vegetable production by the farmers were diversification of the system, non farm business, crop planning and time security, adoption of new technology. It is recommended that introduction of a more comprehensive agricultural insurance scheme and introduction of improved technology can ameliorate the effect of risks on vegetable farmers. Also, public intervention can facilitate better risk management through improved information system..
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Abstract : Automation in agriculture is increasingly popular; more and more AIoT applications are applied to reduce human labor. In this paper, we share a study on classifying agricultural products by image processing based on artificial intelligence. Each agricultural product will be put through the feed system and identified for size, color, sweetness and sour before evaluating quality..
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