International Journal of Agricultural Sciences

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-003, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Short Communication

Development of anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid concentrations in grapes grown at high latitudes – Short communication

Juha Karvonen

Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted 16 February, 2020

Abstract

Polyphenols of grapes and wine have been observed to have many health-promoting effects. Their concentrations are affected by the growth environment, such as the geographical location, climate, the amount of light and length of day during the growing season and the cultivated grape variety. In this study, the anthocyanins (ANC) and chlorogenic acids (CGA) from grape, juice and vine samples of the hybrid grape variety Vitis ‘Zilga’, grown in the Helsinki region in Northern Europe at the latitude of 60°N, were studied by liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD). They were at the same level as those in Central and Southern Europe. In fresh grapes and pressed grape juice the concentrations of anthocyanins and chlorogenic acids were higher than in the wine, so the use of grapes and fresh juice as such may have a better health effect than the vine made from them.

Key words: Nordic wine growing, grapevine, anthocyanin, chlorogenic acid, hybrid grape varieties.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-012, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study of off-farm labor supply decision of adults in rural Ethiopia

Meseret Ashenafi¹*, Ashenafi O. E², Miruts Gessesse³ and Ejegayehu Wolde⁴

¹Department of Economics, Wollega University, P.O.Box 395, Nekemte, Ethiopia.

²International Water Management Institute (IWMI), P.O.Box, 5689, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

³School of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Haramaya University, P.O.Box 138, Ethiopia.

⁴School of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Haramaya University, P.O.Box 138, Ethiopia. 

Accepted 07 October, 2019

Abstract

This article examined the determinants of off-farm labor supply decision of adult members of households in rural western Ethiopia using cross-section data collected from 324 sample households. The double hurdle model was employed and the off-farm work participation and hours of work decision of male and female adults were jointly estimated. The result indicated that individual characteristics, household composition, availability of credit, value of off-farm equipment and location factors significantly influenced participation decision; yet, individual attributes, economic incentives and location were the major determinants of hours of work decisions. The findings imply that given the importance of off-farm activity in alleviating the problems of low agricultural productivity and the resulting low income, policy measures which can promote rural investment and create employment opportunities in off-farm activities may help minimize the effects of low farm income.

Key words: Double hurdle, Ethiopia, household, off-farm, labour supply.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the operational efficiency of village development fund in Champasak Province, Lao PDR

Chartchai Sukosol, Pongsak Teppitaki* and Chattapong Yodkamol

Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900 Thailand.

Accepted 11 November, 2019

Abstract

Village Development Fund (VDF) is a microfinance institution that has been established across Lao PDR since 1997. This study assesses and compares operational efficiency of the VDF in urban and rural areas of Lao PDR. Data envelop analysis (DEA) approach was used to analyze operation efficiency of VDF in Pakse (urban) and Bachieng (rural) districts of Champasak province in 2010. The result showed that the VDF, on average, had technical efficiency score s under constant return to scale and variable return to scale of 0.87 and 0.90, respectively. The fund had the scale efficiency of 0.97. The VDF in rural areas, despite their small sizes and location in poor infrastructure and public facilities, were more efficient than those in urban areas. The main input factors contributing to inefficiency were number of staff and operating costs, while output factors contributing to inefficiency were the contribution money and financial revenue. Most of the VDFs in rural areas also had better repayment rate than those in urban areas. To improve operational efficiency of VDF in Lao PDR, it is important for the management to search for optimum scale of operation. There is a need to improve skill in operation and reduce operating costs. Balancing contribution to social welfare and ensure financial return is also a key to efficiency improvement. Finally, social norms and measure s would also enhance responsibilities and transparency among members and hence improve the operational efficiency of the VDF.

Key words: Operational, efficiency, village development fund, Champasak province, Lao PDR.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-005, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper 

Effective factors on the demand of insurance of agricultural crops in Sistan area, Iran

Kamran B. Khomeini¹*, Parviz H. Omidyar² and Hossein Daneshjoo³

¹Department of Agricultural Economics, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran.

²Department of Agricultural Economics, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran.

³Department of Scienc e of Extension and Agriculture, Zabol University, Zabol, Iran.

Accepted 28 October, 2019

Abstract

As farming is faced with uncertain conditions such as climate (rain reduction and drought), pests, diseases, production, price and market fluctuations, it is an economic activity under risk. In order to reduce risk and stimulate investment, agricultural insurance has been planned in agriculture. This study attempts to investigate the performance insurance of agricultural crops by collecting sectional information in the region of Sistan. A Tobit model was used to analyze effective factors on the demand of agricultural insurance. The results indicate that agricultural services insurance of crops has fluctuated because of several socio-economic effects on farmers’ acceptance and demand of insurance in recent years. Annual return and experience are two main effective factors which affect farmers’ demands of insurance. The structural improvement and appropriate government policies can potentially increase the insurance of agricultural crops.

Key words: Insurance of agricultural crops, censored regression model, demand, Iran.

International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN 2167-0447 Vol. 10 (2), pp. 001-010, February, 2020. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of the production potential and constraints of chicken in some Chagni town, Awi - administrative zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Habtamu Mulugeta, Bereket Kalid and Binyman Amare

Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Ambo University, Ethiopia.

Accepted 05 October, 2019

Abstract

The study was conducted from November to December 2011 in Chagni 01, 02 and 03 kebeles by using questioner survey with the aim of assessing production potential and constraints of chicken in the study area. A total of 72 households were used in the study. The 62% of the respondents were males and 38% were females. The age group was between 14 to 81 years old. The average mean number of members in the family was 4.5 and the range varies 1 to 10 in number. The 88% (n=63) of the respondents were farmers, 8% (n=6) were government workers and 4% (n=3) were daily laborers. Purpose of keeping chick was, 70 percent (n=50) to generating income, 23% (n=17) for their own consumption, 7% (n=5) either for cultural reasons or simply for leisure. The average flock size per household was 7.76. The chickens were housed permanently on 24% (n=17) of the farms, while only night shelter was provided on 73% (n=52.5) of the farms, and 3% (n=2) of the farms provided shelter for brooding only. 97% (n=70) of the respondents provide additional feed daily and others occasionally. For hatching of chicken eggs, farmers depend up on broody hens. The total number of eggs incubated using a broody hen varied from 8 - 13 and hatched 7 - 12, out which 2 - 6 chicks survived to adulthood. The total number of eggs produced ranged from 27 - 45 eggs/year/ hen, which was very low. Poultry disease was reported to be the major constraint of 58% (n=42) of respondents, followed by inadequate veterinary and extension service, high feed costs 17% (n=12) and 13% (n=9) of the farmers, respectively. In conclusion the dominant chicken production systems in the study area were the back yard extensive system with low productivity based on the local indigenous birds. Improving management techniques to promote productivity and reduce mortality were recommended.

Key words: Chagni, indigenous chicken, Awi-zone, Ethiopia.