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Abstract: Agricultural sector plays a leading role in Pakistan’s economy. It contributed to nearly one fifth of the national GDP in 2010. Agricultural productivity is regions dependent, demanding further investigation. This study examines the productivity index in districts of Balochistan province of Pakistan from 1981-82 to 2008-2009. Besides the thermal and water regime, pedological conditions play a favorable role in growing of valuable crops. The food crops, wheat, rice, bajra, barley jowar and maize have been selected for the study. By contrast, very low level of agricultural productivity is confined to the districts falling in the drought prone areas characterized by irregular rainfall, rugged topography and poor irrigation facilities. Inadequacy of water is the main hurdle in agricultural productivity. For the present investigation, district wise secondary data have been collected from the agricultural census of Balochistan. The data collected have been processed and Yield Coefficient method has been employed to find out the level of agricultural productivity. The results are depicted by choropleth method on map. Hence, in the present paper an attempt has been made to assess the regional disparities in levels of agricultural productivity in districts of Balochistan province. Identification of causes of the disparity can prove helpful in solving the problem, thus enabling solution of food security. Keywords: Yield Co-efficient, variation, sustainability, food crop, technological factors.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Climate change is expected to have serious impacts on developing countries, including Vietnam. The central government of Vietnam has launched programs to study climate change trends and impacts on natural resources, environment and socio-economic development, and adaptation strategies. These programs have the active involvement of many ministries, sectors, research institutions and local governments. This paper addresses the perceptions of provincial officers in Vietnam regarding climate change, its impacts on agricultural activities, and adaptation options. It examines the current knowledge and understanding capacity of provincial officials in implementing the National Target Program to Respond to Climate Change, and the Action Plan to Response to Climate Change of the Agriculture and Rural Development Sector. The results from the study provide insight into the perceptions on climate change and climate change adaptation measures held by Vietnamese government officials working in environmental and agricultural sectors. The survey data indicate that Vietnamese government officials are aware of climate change and its potential impacts, but have relatively poor understanding of some aspects, given the key role of government officials in implementing Vietnamese adaptation policies and mitigation measures. These new findings are important to Vietnamese and international organizations involved in assisting agricultural research and extension agencies with identifying and implementing strategies to adapt Vietnamese farming systems to a changing climate. Keywords: Climate change, perception, adaptation, agriculture, Vietnam, National Target Program to Respond to Climate Change. Download Full Article |
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Abstract: The present paper explores theoretical aspects of solving the heat equation in the monodimensional case. The proposed study method is the variables separation method, finding thus an original solution, which is compared with the numerical solution obtained by finite difference method. Keywords: Heat equation, non-stationary regime, variables separation method, finite difference method.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Sorghum and sunflower are considered as highly allelopathic plants with inhibitory efficacy on plants of other species. In a pot study, the phytotoxic potential of sorghum and sunflower shoot and root on germination and seedling growth of cotton was evaluated through soil incorporation of powders and spray of water extracts. The experiment was conducted at Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam during Kharif (summer) 2010 and 2011. The analysis of pooled data suggested that all the powders and water extracts of both allelopathic crops caused substantial suppression of germination and related traits of cotton seedlings as compared to control (untreated). Sorghum shoot powder (10 g kg-1 soil) caused highest allelopathic effects and reduced cotton seed germination by 12.8%, root length by 45.4%, shoot length by 51.9%, fresh weight seedling-1 by 41.7% and dry weight seedling-1 by 36.7%, followed by sunflower shoot powder (10 g kg-1 soil) in phytotoxic efficiency for inhibiting seed germination, seedling growth and weight in contrast to control (untreated). Sorghum showed superiority over sunflower in allelopathic efficiency. Powder of both crops was found more allelopathic in contrast to water extract. Among plant parts phytotoxic potential, shoot proved higher in inhibitory effect than root. However, it was concluded from the results of present study that both sorghum and sunflower possess allelopathic compounds with growth suppressing ability which could be utilized for effective weed management in cotton under field conditions as eco-friendly low-cost alternate of herbicides with wise strategy. Keywords: Sorghum, sunflower, allelopathy, cotton, germination, growth.Download Full Article |
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Abstract: Exploitation of farmers’ profit margins by middlemen is well documented and reported by various studies. In this regard, public sector initiated support price and procurement policies especially for wheat. Presently, Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) is a key procurement agency in Pakistan. It has been reported that in certain cases, PASSCO do not reach directly to farmers for the purchase of wheat. Hence, the role of middlemen in procurement of wheat is once again emerging and leaving low profit margins for the farmers. In this regard, this study aimed to assess wheat procurement issues in Jaffarabad district of Balochistan. Quite a large majority of the respondents were aware about seed dealers (69.4%), whole sellers (66.6%) and commission agents (62.5%). On the other hand, majority (55.5%) of the respondents were not aware about procurement centers of PASSCO. Price variation by various wheat procurement agencies was observed from Rs. 22.50kg-1 offered by seed dealer to Rs. 31.25 kg-1 offered by PASSCO. One fourth (25.0%) of the respondents opted “lack availability of gunny bags” as one of the top most problem in selling wheat while 20.8% respondents reported for timely availability (especially during harvesting season) of gunny bags as a serious problem. Lack of coordination was reported by 13.8% while the same proportion of the respondents was of the opinion “delay in announcement of the support price” is one of the most important issues. Majority (94.44%) of the farmers suggested that the transport facilities should be provided to farming community for transport of their wheat from farm to market. Keywords: Wheat Procurement, PASSCO, Support Price.. Download Full Article |