Agribusiness Challenges and the Impact of Contract Farming on Market Access among Small-scale Bean Farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh

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This study explores agribusiness challenges and examines the impact of contract farming on market access among small-scale bean farmers in Pabna District, Bangladesh. The study aimed to understand farmers’ experiences regarding production constraints, institutional relationships, market participation, and livelihood conditions within contract farming arrangements. A qualitative case study approach was employed to obtain in-depth insights from farmers and relevant stakeholders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observation, and documentation involving contract farmers, non-contract farmers, agricultural extension officers, and agribusiness representatives. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software. The findings reveal that small-scale bean farmers face several agribusiness challenges, including price instability, high input costs, weak bargaining power, limited access to formal markets, and dependence on intermediaries. Participation in contract farming was found to improve market access through stable buyer linkages, technical assistance, input support, and greater price certainty. However, farmers also experienced challenges such as delayed payments, unequal bargaining relationships, limited transparency in contractual agreements, and dependence on contracting firms. The study concludes that contract farming has the potential to strengthen market integration and improve farmers’ livelihoods when supported by transparent agreements, institutional coordination, and fair governance mechanisms. The findings provide practical implications for policymakers, agribusiness firms, and rural development practitioners in promoting inclusive and sustainable agribusiness systems in Bangladesh.

Farming Efficiency of Pest and Disease Control Techniques on The Efficiency of Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Farming in Local Agricultura Areas in Timor-Leste

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Agriculture is one of Timor-Leste’s most important economic sectors, providing a living for the vast majority of the population. The key issue for shallot producers in Timor-Leste’s local agricultural areas is the high intensity of plant pest organism attacks, which has an impact on production costs and revenue. The purpose of this study is to determine how pest and disease control approaches affect the efficiency of shallot (Allium ascalonium L.) cultivation in Timor-Leste’s local agricultural areas. This study employs a quantitative approach, collecting primary data from farmers via surveys, structured interviews, and questionnaires administered to a sample of 10 shallot farmers and 40 respondents in the study area, and analyzing farming efficiency using the Linear Regression Analysis method implemented in SPSS version 22. This study found that, when compared to other ways, the use of integrated control in shallot cultivation is the most profitable and efficient. With a production of 3,700-4,320 kg and a consistent selling price of $3.50, total production costs (TC) range from $660 to $785. The t-test results showed that the variables Chemical Use (X1), Biological Use (X2), and Integrated Control (X4) all had a significant and positive effect on the dependent variables. The use of biological uses (X4) was the most significant factor, with a tcal value of 6,715, demonstrating that chemical technology intervention is still the principal driver of agricultural efficiency at this research site. The model accounts for 69% of the variance in farming efficiency (R² = 0.690). As a result, expanding farmer training and extension programs on integrated pest management (IPM) is critical for improving sustainable pest control and increasing the efficiency of shallot farming in Timor-Leste. So extension and training initiatives on integrated pest management (IPM) techniques should be strengthened to help farmers manage pests more efficiently and sustainably.

Land Suitability Analysis of Coffee (Coffea arabica), Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Mango (Mangifera indica) for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Burkina Faso, West Africa

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Land suitability assessment is critical for sustainable agricultural planning, especially in Burkina Faso’s Sudano-Sahelian zone, where soil deterioration and nutrient deficits limit perennial crop development. Pineapple, coffee, and mango are commercially attractive crops that have the potential to diversify rural livelihoods and increase food security. The objective of this study is to evaluate the land suitability for pineapple, coffee, and mango based on the soil physical and chemical properties in Saaba. A soil profile was conducted to determine the physical features, and soil samples were collected and examined to determine the chemical characteristics. Physical soil parameters, such as texture, rooting medium, and depth, showed high appropriateness (S1) for pineapple and mango. However, coffee was classified as not suitable (N) because to its shallow soil depth (<40 cm). Chemical characteristics indicated an appropriate pH (5.7-5.8). Exchangeable potassium (48.54-79.25 mg/kg) was consistently classed as highly suitable (S1) across all crops. However, available phosphorus levels were dangerously low (0.88-2.44 mg/kg), resulting in a “not suitable” (N) rating for all samples and crops. Organic matter differed significantly: Sample 1 (0.73% OM) was classed as non-suitable for all crops, whereas Samples 2 and 3 were moderately acceptable (S2) for pineapple and mango but only marginally appropriate (S3) for coffee. The primary limitations to land suitability for perennial crops in the study area are severe phosphorus deficiency and organic matter depletion. Although pH and potassium are favorable, sustainable production of pineapple, coffee, and mango requires interventions such as phosphorus fertilization and organic matter restoration. Pineapple and mango are more adaptable to current soil conditions, while coffee should be grown in areas with higher organic matter and robust soil management.

Comparison of Anxiety Levels Between Primigravida and Multigravida Pregnant Women in the Working Area of Bola Community Health Center, Sikka Regency

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Background: Anxiety during pregnancy is a common mental health concern arising from physiological and psychological changes that may adversely affect both maternal and fetal well-being. Primigravida women may experience heightened anxiety due to their first exposure to pregnancy, whereas anxiety among multigravida women may be shaped by previous pregnancy experiences. Anxiety that is not adequately managed during pregnancy may result in significant physical and psychological consequences, including prolonged labor, preeclampsia, postpartum depression, and developmental impairments in the infant.

Objective: This study aimed to compare anxiety levels between primigravida and multigravida pregnant women in the working area of Bola Community Health Center Sikka Regency.

Methods: This quantitative study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit 40 pregnant women, consisting of 18 primigravida and 22 multigravida participants. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality and the Mann–Whitney test for group comparison.

Results: No significant difference in anxiety levels was observed between primigravida and multigravida participants, with p-value 0.095 (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Anxiety levels did not differ significantly between primigravida and multigravida pregnant women in the working area of Bola Community Health Center Sikka Regency.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by Tribes of Durg, Chhattisgarh

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The tribal communities of Durg district in Chhattisgarh possess a rich heritage of traditional knowledge, particularly in the use of ethnomedicinal plants for healthcare and healing practices. This study explores the various medicinal plants employed by these tribes to treat a range of ailments, including fever, skin diseases, digestive disorders, and respiratory issues. Field surveys, interviews with local healers, and participatory observations revealed that a diverse range of plant species, primarily sourced from local forests and farmlands, are used in traditional remedies. The knowledge passed down through generations, highlights the sustainable and holistic approach of indigenous communities toward healthcare. However, increasing modernization and loss of natural habitats threaten this traditional wisdom. Documenting and preserving this ethnomedicinal knowledge not only help in cultural conservation but also offers potential leads for the development of novel drugs in modern medicine.

Study on the Utilization of Nickel (Ni) on the Growth and Yield of Mutant Sugarcane

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Enhancing national sugar productivity through the development of mutant sugarcane varieties necessitates precise nutrient management, particularly regarding the efficiency of nitrogen metabolism. Nickel (Ni) plays a vital role as an essential cofactor for the urease enzyme in hydrolyzing urea; however, its requirement thresholds in mutant genotypes require in-depth investigation to mitigate phytotoxicity risks. This study aims to evaluate the interactive effects of Nickel micronutrient on growth parameters, physiological responses, and yield components in the Bululawang sugarcane genotype and its mutant clones. The research employed a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD), testing four sugarcane genotypes (M1: Bululawang, M2, M3, and M4) against four Nickel concentration levels (0 ppm, 0.25 ppm, 0.5 ppm, and 1 ppm). Observed parameters included vegetative growth, total tissue nitrogen, and yield components such as pol, sugar recovery rateand cane yield. Results indicated that Nickel application at 0.25 ppm elicited the most optimal response across nearly all parameters. Physiologically, this concentration stimulated urease activity, ensuring nitrogen availability for chlorophyll biosynthesis and vegetative growth. The M2 genotype treated with 0.25 ppm Nickel recorded superior production performance, yielding a cane weight of 117.64 tons/ha. Conversely, increasing the concentration to 1 ppm triggered oxidative stress mechanisms and impaired nutrient assimilation, leading to a drastic decline in all agronomic parameters. It is concluded that low-dose Nickel supplementation (0.25 ppm) effectively enhances mutant sugarcane productivity via the optimization of nitrogen metabolism, whereas excessive doses prove destructive to the plant.

Enablers and Barriers in Indonesia’s Household Energy Transition to Induction Cookstove: A Sustainability Perspective

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The transition from LPG stoves to induction cookstove is an important part of efforts to decarbonize the household sector and achieve sustainable development in Indonesia. Although induction cookers offer potential environmental, social, and economic benefits, their adoption rate is still relatively limited. This study aims to identify and analyze the enablers and barriers to transitioning to induction cookers from a sustainability perspective, considering environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study is based on a structured synthesis of empirical and conceptual findings from previous studies discussing the transition to electric cooking technology and clean cooking, with a focus on countries that have implemented this technology. The analysis was conducted to group and interpret the main enablers and barriers within the sustainability framework. The results of the study show that the main enablers of transition include energy efficiency and technological performance, perceived benefits of use, awareness of health and environmental risks, reliability of electrical infrastructure, and government policy and program support. Conversely, the dominant barriers include the high initial cost of the devices, the perceived high cost of electricity, limited household electricity capacity and reliability, cultural cooking habits and preferences, and strong dependence on LPG subsidies. This study concludes that the transition to induction cookers in Indonesia is still at a partial readiness stage and requires an integrated, inclusive, and sustainability-oriented policy approach to ensure fair and sustainable transition.

Effect of Soaking Duration of Mucuna prurian Seeds on Chemical Composition Changes

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This study is conducted to evaluate how different durations of soaking influence the levels of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), tannins, phenolic compounds, and soluble proteins present in fresh Mucuna pruriens seeds. The study was carried out on December 13, 2024 – December 27, 2024. This study involved four different treatment levels, each repeated four times: P0 (no immersion), P1 (submerged for 48 hours), P2 (submerged for 96 hours), and P3 (submerged for 144 hours).Then treated Mucuna prurian seeds were tested for the contents of cyanide, tannins, phenolics and soluble proteins. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test if there was a significant effect. The results showed that soaking Mucuna prurian had a significant effect (P<0,05) on the content of cyanide, tannins, phenolics and soluble proteins. The conclusion of this research is soaking Mucuna prurian seed of 96 hours would reduce the chemical content recognized as antinutritional factors that inhibit digestibility of nutrients, so it might improve broiler if Mucuna prurian seed would be used as feed ingredient.

Effect of Feeding Corn Stover Silage with FML Additive on Feed Digestibility in Female Sheep

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This study aimed to assess how female fat-tailed sheep respond to diets containing fresh corn stover and corn stover silage enhanced with Fermented Mother Liquor (FML) additives. The experiment involved 15 sheep with an average weight of 18.5 ± 1.55 kg, using a randomized group design (RAK) comprising three dietary treatments and five groups classified by body weight. The dietary treatments were: 100% fresh corn stover, a 50:50 mix of fresh corn stover and corn stover silage, and 100% corn stover silage. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA, and significant results were further examined with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The findings indicated that none of the treatments had a significant impact on the digestibility of Dry Matter (DMD), Organic Matter (OMD), or Crude Protein (CPD). It was concluded that the diet containing an equal mix of fresh and silage corn stover yielded the most favorable outcomes, although overall digestibility did not differ significantly across treatments. Consequently, corn stover silage with FML additives may serve as a practical alternative to fresh corn stover.