The number of people interested in environment-friendly products and becoming health-conscious has increased. The tendency of consumers to buy organic fruits and vegetables is growing gradually. Nonetheless, the number of people consuming organic fruits and vegetables is low in the case of Nepal due to the higher price of organic products. As a response to the problem, a study was conducted among 159 people who were randomly surveyed consumers of Kathmandu Valley to determine the various factors affecting the willingness of consumers to pay for organic fruits and vegetables. We used general linear regression model was applied to determine the consumers’ willingness to purchase organic vegetables and fruits. The analysis shows that 46 percent of consumers are willing to pay up to 24 percent for conventional products. The study found that the factors like Income, and Education were significant factors in determining the willingness of consumers to purchase organic vegetables and fruits. Consumers' health awareness is critical in determining the attitude, intention, and frequency of purchasing organic vegetables and fruits However, this study shows that in underdeveloped nations like Nepal, health issues and environmental issues are not significant factors in consuming organic products, whereas higher income plays a significant role in purchasing organic products.

This study examined the genetic diversity and phenotypic characteristics of 60 wheat landraces from 24 districts across Nepal. The study was conducted at the National Agriculture Genetic Resources Centre (NAGRC) in Khumaltar, where it employed a non-replicated augmented block design to assess eight qualitative and sixteen quantitative traits based on Bioversity International descriptors. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') for wheat landraces varies from 0.457 to 0.979 across qualitative traits. Tillering capacity shows the highest diversity at 0.979, and glume hairiness has the lowest diversity at 0.457. The coefficient of variation (CV) for the quantitative traits of wheat landraces varied widely; percentages ranged from 7.58% for days of heading, suggesting relatively low variability, to 36.56% for spike exertion, indicating high variability among the samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with an eigenvalue greater than 1 revealed that five principal components accounted for 70.95% of the variability, with traits like plant height and spike exertion playing pivotal roles in genotype differentiation. A dendrogram generated using a UPGMA clustering approach organized the landraces into two groups. Cluster-I consists of 56 accessions (93.33%), and Cluster–II consist of 4 Accessions (6.67%) separated by 2374.99, indicating phenotypic differentiation between the groups. These findings underscore the importance of targeted breeding programs based on specific trait performance, supported by further correlation analysis to identify optimal characteristics for breeding. This research highlights the need to continue evaluating these landraces through environmental trials and biotechnological approaches to fully capitalize on their genetic potential for improving wheat cultivation.

A field experiment was conducted at The Gambia College Research Farm in the wet season from June to November, 2022. The aim was to determine the growth and yield response of groundnut cultivars to selected rates of phosphorous and soil amendments in The Gambia. A split-plot design was used with two groundnut cultivars assigned to the the main plots and sixteen rates of phosphorous fertilizer and organic soil amendments allocated to the subplots. The treatments were replicated three times. The treatments were applied and incorporated into the soil two weeks before planting. Sowing was done at a depth of 5 cm and the plants were spaced at 50cm between rows and 12cm between stands within the row with one seed per stand. The application of phosphorus (P) at 30 kgha-1 + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) at 5,000 kgha-1 recorded the highest number of branches (18.67) and largest canopy (57.93cm), highest pod weight (1088.70 kg ha-1) and kernel yield (1025.50 kg ha-1), followed by P at 30 kgha-1 + Biochar at 2500 kgha-1 and P at 60 kgha-1. The study concluded that application of P at 30 kgha-1 + FYM at 5,000 kgha-1 significantly increased the production of pod and kernel yields than rest of the treatments tested on groundnut. Therefore, this treatment is recommended for adoption by small-scale farmers to increase groundnut production and P availability in Gambian soils.

The potential of biochar and organic fertilizer to enhance soil fertility, promote crop growth, and increase yield is driving their growing popularity in modern agricultural practices. This research investigated the effects of applying a combination of biochar and organic fertilizer on soil physico-chemical properties and the growth attributes of soybean (Glycine max L.) in the strong acidic soil of Taiwan. The study was conducted in a greenhouse using a pot experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design with two factorial treatments, replicated three times. Fifteen days after soil amendment, treatment B35F140 had a significant increase in soil pH of 5.54 compared to the control group. Similar treatment resulted in higher P available in soil of 19.11 mg kg-1. In addition, 45 days after soil amendment, organic matter, available potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc increased by 19.59%, 236.36%, 38.39%, 112.76%, 7.01%, and 44.59% in the application of treatments B70F140, B35F140, B35F105, B70F140, and B35F70, respectively, compared to control.  The tallest soybean plants were seen on the application of treatment B70F140 with a maximum height of 112.75 cm, while treatment B35F140 produced many soybean plant leaves — 51 leaves per plant. Moreover, root hairs extensively grew on soybean plants grown on the amended soils than those of the control treatment. Conclusively, our findings have statistically demonstrated that the combination of biochar and organic fertilizer can improve soil quality and soybean growth characteristics under conditions of strongly acidic soil, as evidenced by a short-term pot and greenhouse study.

The paper provides an estimate of the marketing efficiency of BINA Sarisha-11, the mustard variety of Brassica juncea, developed by BINA and grown in Rangpur, Jamalpur, and Magura. It looks at various aspects of marketing: the cost of cultivation and returns, the identification of participants in the marketing chain, marketing costs, margins, and efficiencies at different levels. A total of 180 respondents were selected through stratified random sampling comprising 90 farmers and 90 traders. The statistical tools used included profitability and marketing efficiency models. The results showed that the cultivation of BINA Sarisha-11 was profitable as an average net return of BDT 51,291 (423.64 USD) per hectare was estimated with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.94. Marketing efficiency varied among the chains; the Farmer to Retailer to final Consumer chain was the most efficient, least costly, and had the highest producer share of 64.61%. On the contrary, longer chains were costlier and offered reduced producer shares. Farmers complained of seed unavailability, high prices of fertilizers, and lack of training, while traders complained of unstable prices and high costs of transportation as major challenges. The study identifies that there is a need for policy intervention to smoothen the marketing chains, improve access to inputs, and reduce problems related to market infrastructure. This will ensure the value chain of BINA Sarisha-11 is profitable and efficient, adding to the overall sustainability in mustard cultivation within Bangladesh.

Onion is one of the most important commercial spice crops in Bangladesh, grown and consumed almost all over the country. The purpose of this study was to look at the socioeconomic factors, loan profile, profitability and efficiency, as well as the effect of credit on onion production in Bangladesh's Pabna district. Stochastic production frontier method and profitability analysis was used in this study. Primary data were collected through a field survey of 120 onion farmers using a semi-structured interview schedule. The major findings of this study revealed that the majority of the sample farmers were between the ages of 30 and 64; the average family size and annual household income were 5.36 persons and Tk. 264,450 (US$ 2409.57). About 85 percent of the loan money was used for onion cultivation in the study area. Onion production was profitable in the study area. Per hectare, total cost, total return, gross margin, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were Tk. 384090.5 (US$ 3499.69), 973657 (US$ 8871.59), 671957.5 (US$ 6122.62), 589566.5 (US$ 5371.90), and 2.53, respectively, for the credit group and Tk. 378412 (US$ 3447.95), 895920 (US$ 8163.28), 599761 (US$ 5464.79), 517508 (US$ 4715.33), and 2.37, respectively, for the non-credit group. The mean farmer's technical efficiency was 94 percent. The impact of credit on onion cultivation was positive. The coefficient value was 0.081. Thus, the study area has tremendous potential for onion production; relevant authorities need to ensure the smooth, timely, and hassle-free flow of sufficient credit to the onion farmers.

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) grown mainly in the hilly regions of Nepal, is a valuable export commodity that fetch higher prices compared to other agricultural products. Its cultivation which was once restricted to country's eastern regions has now spread to 53 districts of Nepal.  There is an increasing trend in both the acreage and production of large cardamom over the past 12 years in Nepal with peak production and productivity recorded in the year 2019 and 2020 which were 9545 Mt. and 0.58 t/ha, respectively. However, various challenges such as diseases and insects has reduced the potential of its production. Thus, the study focuses on identifying the requirements for improving large cardamom production, including disease management, suitable cultivars, and orchard management techniques. The problems associated with the marketing system and challenges related to price instability of large cardamom are also discussed, along with potential solutions. Also, the study proposes future goals to enhance productivity and evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the large cardamom production and marketing in Nepal.

This paper investigates the neglected and underutilized fruits (N&U fruits) of Nepal, aimed to explore the potential of N&U fruits in Nepal, examining their importance, challenges, and conservation strategies. The study employs a comprehensive review of N&U fruit species in Nepal, focusing on their ecological distribution, socio-economic significance, and barriers to conservation and utilization. Key findings indicate that certain indigenous fruits, grown at altitudes ranging from 60 m to 4700 m, have the potential to contribute up to 5-10% of local agricultural income and can significantly boost rural economies. These fruits also provide ecological benefits, such as soil erosion prevention and increased biodiversity, with deep root systems that stabilize soils, particularly in the hilly regions. Additionally, N&U fruits are highly nutritious, providing essential carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that aid in addressing malnutrition and preventing health issues such as cardiovascular diseases. Despite these advantages, challenges such as insufficient research, shifting preferences toward exotic varieties, and climate change hinder their cultivation and commercialization. Conservation strategies like on-farm, in-situ, and ex-situ methods have been implemented, with approximately 30% of local crop diversity being conserved through on-farm strategies. Strengthening research and improving market access could increase the utilization of these fruits by up to 50%, contributing to both economic development and environmental sustainability. This study highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary research and the development of comprehensive conservation frameworks to ensure the sustainability of these valuable genetic resources for future generations.

Plant health is cornerstone for agricultue productivity and food security. Severe impacts have been observed in wheat crop including physiological, morphological and bio chemical components as a result of water insufficiency. Seedling growth aspects such as seedling length, length of primary roots, seedling dry weight, and germination percentage are also affected whenever water scarcity prevails in the soil. Early flag leaf senescence decreased the grain yield of wheat while a delay in flag leaf senescence enhanced the grain yield of wheat under drought stress. Physiological phenomena like chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, rate of evapotranspiration, and relative water content in wheat are affected by water scarcity in soil. Proline content, osmotic adjustment, and abscisic acid accumulations are affected in periods of water deficit in wheat. Escape, avoidance, recovery, and tolerance meachanism appear in the wheat crop to sort out drought stress. More effective and suitable drought-resistant wheat cultivars producing through advanced techniques are pivotal to combat against drought stress as well as for higher yield and sustainability purposes. In this paper we discussed the causes, mechanism and management practices of drought stress in wheat.

Maize is a vital cereal crop in Nepal, contributing to food security and livestock feed. Enhancing its productivity through high-yielding maize hybrids is essential to meet the increasing demand. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of maize hybrids based on agro-morphological traits, yield-attributing parameters, and flowering attributes to identify promising hybrids for cultivation in maize growing regions of Nepal. The experiment was conducted during the winter season of the year 2023 at the National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on days to 50% flowering and silking, plant height, cob height, ear number per hectare, kernel rows per cob, kernel count per row, and grain yield. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis were performed to assess variability and trait relationships with yield. Results showed the significant (p<0.05/p<0.01) differences among hybrids, with the commercial hybrid SULTAN achieving the highest grain yield (11.00 t/ha), followed by CML161/RML96 (10.68 t/ha) and RML36/RML2244 (9.87 t/ha), both statistically on par with SULTAN. These hybrids outperformed the national checks Rampur Hybrid 10 (4.82 t/ha) and Rampur Hybrid 16 (7.11 t/ha). Correlation analysis indicated strong positive associations between grain yield and plant height, cob height, kernel rows per cob, and kernel count per row. Therefore, maize hybrids demonstrating superior yield potential and favorable trait combinations will advance to multi-location trials, holding promise as future recommendations for the inner terai maize-growing zones of Nepal.