Agricultural Research最新文献

{"title":"Problems and Its Related Factors Affecting the Hatchery Owners in Producing Fish Seeds in Rural Bangladesh","authors":"Mohammed Nasir Uddin,&nbsp;Arup Kumer Das,&nbsp;Md Asaduzzaman Sarker,&nbsp;Debashis Roy,&nbsp;Md Nur Alom Sarkar Mithun,&nbsp;Saifur Rahman,&nbsp;M. Salim Uddin","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00770-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00770-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bangladesh ranks high among the world’s leading fish producing countries. However, there is need to consistently increase fish production for feeding the growing population as well as meeting global demand. Production and supply of quality fish seeds is the precondition for successful fish farming and production, which is often hindered by multitude of problems. The study was conducted to identify the problems affecting the hatchery owners in producing quality fish seeds and its associated factors. Empirical data were collected from 70 randomly selected hatchery owners in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh during March and April 2019 using a structured interview questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics, such as multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Major findings indicate that most of the hatchery owners (98.6%) experienced medium extent of problems in fish seed production, followed by high extent of problems (1.4%). In general, problems associated with financial capital, such as lack of capital to pay electricity bills (PFS = 199 out of 210) and high cost of fish feeds (PFS = 196) were found important for the hatchery owners. On the contrary, lack of knowledge of optimum doses of hormones use (PFS = 59) in fish seed production was identified as the least important problem. Correlation analysis suggested that annual income, hatchery management experience, investment at the hatchery, organizational participation, extension media contact, and knowledge of hatchery management were significantly associated with problems in fish seeds production. Moreover, multiple linear regression identified that extension media contact and hatchery management knowledge were the highest contributing factors that can explain variation in the focus variable by 17.2% and 16.2%, respectively. The study identified some opportunities for policymakers to address the important factors for reducing problems in producing fish seeds. Moreover, frequent contact with the extension service providers and adequate training on hatchery management might be effective measures in minimizing problems of the hatchery owners in the study areas.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"363 - 374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143949495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Soil Erosion Assessment Using the RUSLE Model, Remote Sensing, and GIS in the Woybo Watershed, Ethiopia","authors":"Mudesir Nesru","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00769-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00769-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa, is noted for its diverse natural landscapes and rich agricultural legacy. However, it faces a significant challenge in the form of soil erosion and loss. The country’s pace of soil loss, particularly in the Woybo watershed, has been a major cause of concern due to its detrimental impact on food security, livelihoods, and long-term development. To construct the soil loss rate map in the Woybo watershed, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was integrated with Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System. The RUSLE model was used to analyze soil erosion using rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, land cover and management, and conservation support practice. The calculated average soil loss rate from the watershed was 19.58 tons per hectare per year, resulting in a total annual erosion rate of 572,611.15 tons per year. Furthermore, nearly half of the watershed (47.78%) is affected by very slight to moderate and very severe (39.96%) soil loos. Furthermore, the western portion of the watershed is predominantly composed of brown soil, which is intrinsically more sensitive to the eroding force of rainfall droplets. The majority of the watershed’s eastern half is made up of red soils, which are significantly influenced by soil loss and erosion. Managers and policymakers can use the findings of this study to establish suitable conservation programs, ensuring that water and soil conservation measures are implemented quickly in the study watershed, in accordance with the priority watersheds’ ranking.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"351 - 362"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143949535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Soil Attributes Modulate the Fungal Population and Diversity of Phytopathogens and Biocontrol Agents","authors":"Isha Verma,&nbsp;Sumit K. Soni,&nbsp;Rahul Kumar,&nbsp;Bhavya Priyadarshini Mishra,&nbsp;Udit Yadav,&nbsp;Anshu anshu,&nbsp;Touseef Fatima,&nbsp;Sanjeeva Nayaka,&nbsp;Mariya Naseem,&nbsp;Suchi Srivastava,&nbsp;Poonam C. Singh","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00766-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00766-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Assam, along with other Northeast (NE) Indian states, is a pesticide-free zone, which increases the risk of pathogen infiltration to the fields from the surrounding biodiversity hotspot region. To identify potential phytopathogens and beneficial microbes (BCs) from these regions, we investigated the fungal diversity collected from eight districts in Assam. The fungal population in the clay-textured soil ranged from 4.27 to 4.83 × 10⁴ CFUgm⁻¹ soil. A total of 449 fungi were isolated, 437 were morphologically characterized, and 70 isolates showing macroscopic and microscopic variations were identified using ITS sequencing. Based on ITS sequences, the fungi belonged to 3 phyla, including Ascomycota (60), Basidiomycota (4), and Zygomycota (6), which were dispersed in 7 classes and 28 genera, and 12 isolates remained uncharacterized. Among the identified isolates, the known plant pathogens and mycotoxin producers included <i>Fusarium, Curvularia, Penicillium,</i> and <i>Aspergillus</i>, while BC included <i>Trichoderma</i>. Pearson correlation studies revealed that the fungal population was greatly affected by the soil pH and EC. Comprehensive studies using PCA plot indicates that soil EC promotes the evenness of fungal diversity. Moreover, the soil organic carbon alters the soil pH, which interacts with available nitrogen in the soil and consequently improves the fungal diversity. The finding concluded that the soil attributes, viz., organic carbon, available nitrogen, soil pH, and soil EC impacted heterogeneous microbial populations and fungal diversity. We also report status of soil Cd, Cr, As, and mineral nutrients. Soil As ranged from 3.48 to 9.09 mg kg⁻¹. Equilibrium between biocontrols and phytopathogens among the isolated fungal population was observed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"318 - 328"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143949553","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Oxyfluorfen's Environmental Fate: Soil Affinity, Persistence, Degradation Dynamics and Ecological Implications","authors":"Sara Majid,&nbsp;Khuram Shahzad Ahmad,&nbsp;Muhammad Azad Malik,&nbsp;Abdulnasser M. Karami","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00740-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00740-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The growing usage of pesticides in agriculture need to be assessed by measuring the pace at which they absorbed into the soil. This study employed batch equilibrium technique to examine the sorption behavior for studying environmental fate of the oxyfluorfen through meticulous simulation and analyzing complex soil matrices. Determinative experiments with a thorough evaluation of the oxyfluorfen behavior, including its adsorption and desorption characteristics as well as its kinetics of hydrolysis and photolysis degradation. Oxyfluorfen molecules were shown to interact strongly with soils, primarily through physio-sorption mechanisms. Thermodynamic investigation clearly demonstrated exothermic and spontaneous adsorption processes, which were characterized by negative Gibbs free energy values (− 23.5 to −30.1 kJmol⁻¹). Notably, soil no. 6 (Parachinar), which was characterized by a remarkable organic matter concentration (1.88%) and a pH of 9.01, had the maximum adsorption capacity (K_d(ads) = 382.8 gmL⁻¹). The linear and Freundlich models both confirmed that this adsorption behavior followed a C-type isotherm. The half-life of oxyfluorfen was calculated using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, and it was found to be 115 days in hydrolysis studies and 3.20 days in photolysis experiments, respectively. These data highlight oxyfluorfen's strong affinity for the chosen agricultural soils, indicating little possibility for degradation resulting in higher persistence. These findings also provide prospects for streamlining degradative pathways, opening the door for workable methods of environmental restoration through organic means.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"13 4","pages":"763 - 778"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142672673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining the Prevalence and Predictors of Stunting in Indian Children: A Spatial and Multilevel Analysis Approach","authors":"Venkata Naga Sindhuja Padigapati,&nbsp;Alka Singh,&nbsp;Praveen Koovalamkadu Velayudhan,&nbsp;Anbukkani Perumal,&nbsp;Selvaprakash Ramalingam","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00757-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00757-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Stunting is a complex issue in India that has deep-seated health, social, and economic causes. The problem of stunting is a clear indicator of chronic undernutrition and has long-term impacts on both individuals and society. Identifying hot-spot areas with the highest stunting prevalence among children is important for addressing the multifaceted issue of childhood stunting in India. Therefore, we conducted a study to analyze the spatial distribution and identify the predictors of stunted children in India using spatial and multilevel analysis. We analyzed data from the National Family Health Survey-5 and included a sample size of 201,276 children (aged 0–59 months) in 707 districts, 28 states, 8 union territories, and 30,198 clusters throughout India. From Getis-Ord hot spot analysis, we identified Meghalaya, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh as the hot-spot areas in India for childhood stunting. The study’s findings could be used to develop targeted interventions and strategies to reduce stunting in identified hot-spot areas of India. From multilevel logistic regression analysis, we found that stunting prevalence was greater among male children aged 12–59 months in India, especially those born to young, underweight, uneducated mothers, households with poor sanitation facilities, larger family sizes, and the poorest wealth index. We must prioritize the effective implementation of policies aimed at improving maternal education and basic sanitation facilities, reducing family size, and enhancing the socioeconomic conditions of the poorest households to significantly reduce stunting in India.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"265 - 276"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141642062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Buzzing for Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica): Exploring Insect Pollinators, Their Behaviour, Single-Visit Efficiency and the Significance of Honey Bees in Yield Enhancement","authors":"Sunaullah Bhat,&nbsp;Johnson Stanley,&nbsp;A. R. N. S. Subbanna,&nbsp;Amit Umesh Paschapur,&nbsp;Jaiprakash Gupta,&nbsp;Sandeep Kumar","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00765-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00765-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Entomophily plays an important role in optimum seed set of self-incompatible <i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i>. In the present study, a total of 27 insect species belonging to three orders Hymenoptera (64.88%), Diptera (33.15%) and Lepidoptera (1.97%) visited broccoli flowers, among which the Indian bee (<i>Apis cerana indica</i>) was the dominant pollinator (49.21%). The peak activity of <i>A. c. indica</i> and <i>A. mellifera mellifera</i> was recorded at 13.00 h during all the flowering stages. Pollen foragers of <i>A. c. indica</i> (61.14%) were more frequently observed than nectar foragers (38.86%), whereas <i>A. m. mellifera</i> recruited a higher number of nectar foragers (63.67%). The pollen foragers of <i>A. m. mellifera</i> were swift flyers visiting significantly a higher number of flowers (12.35 flowers/minute) and spending least time per flower (3.32 s/flower). The pollination efficiency of <i>A. c. indica</i> and <i>A. m. mellifera</i> was found to be 0.50 and 0.64, respectively. The foragers of <i>A. c. indica</i> and <i>A. m. mellifera</i> were estimated to pollinate 6838 and 7935 flowers a day and required 2.00 and 1.56 visits per flower for optimum seed set. Yield enhancement studies through entomophily showed that flowers receiving unrestricted visit from pollinators (open control) recorded 286.38% higher yield followed by interaction of two pollinators (<i>A. c. indica</i> + <i>A. m. mellifera</i>) 234.71%, <i>A. m. mellifera</i> (197.43%) and <i>A. c. indica</i> (178.3%) with respect to control close treatment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"308 - 317"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141655585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predatory Behavior of Wasp Species, Antagonistic Defense Mechanism of Apis mellifera Honey Bees and Effective Wasp Management in Apiaries","authors":"Mohammad Ilyas Motmayen,&nbsp;Surender Kumar Sharma,&nbsp;Prem Chand Sharma,&nbsp; Shivani","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00759-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00759-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To manage bee-wasp species interaction, knowledge of wasp predaceous behavior and honey bees’ defense mechanism are of utmost importance. It is an elaborately oriented experimental attempt to save the world of honey bees from incineration and to address the alternative stringent menace posed by wasps. Predatory behavior of wasp species viz<i>. Vespa auraria</i> Smith, <i>V. tropica</i> (Leefmansi) Vecht., and <i>V</i>. <i>basalis</i> Smith was studied at hive entrance of <i>Apis mellifera</i> and also their inherent defense mechanism was described. <i>V</i>. <i>auraria</i> was the most agile wasp species with highest attacks on colony at 3.68 ± 0.98/week, and it also spent the least time of 7.47 ± 0.28 s to catch a bee followed by <i>V. tropica</i> (25.58 ± 0.51 s) and <i>V. basalis</i> (31.26 ± 0.73 s). <i>V. basalis</i> had the tendency to attack at ground level than at hive entrance. On an average, 6.04 guard bees/colony significantly can resist wasp attack. In heat balling a wasp, after 45 s a maximum of 25.75 ± 0.43 bees were seen engulfed and in the process, a rise of 3.59 °C temperature was recorded. Higher thermal exposure of bees for 5 and 20 min was also recorded. Bee-wasp protector was the most suitable wasp management technique and it had the lowest successful bee catches of 0.55 ± 0.07, 0.21 ± 0.01 and 0.00 ± 0.00 bees by the wasp, <i>V. auraria, V. basalis</i> and <i>V. tropica,</i> respectively. Acetic acid was the most effective among six bait materials, and all tested wasp repellents (Neem Kernel Extract 1500 ppm, Pure Clove oil, Karanj seed oil and Menthol) at 5 ml per treatment showed promise. Wasps are a significant threat to the honey bee apiaries in northern hill states and northeastern regions of India. Despite proposed management techniques, a foolproof method is elusive due to insufficient studies on bee-wasp interactions. This study aims to highlight the predator–prey relationship for effective management.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"277 - 284"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141662509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Investigation on the Present Status of Wetlands in Majuli River Island; The World Largest River Island and Its Fishery Resources","authors":"Moirangthem Kameshwor Singh,&nbsp;Chandopal Saikia,&nbsp;Shyamal Saikia,&nbsp;Prabin Payeng","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00762-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00762-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Wetlands are widely known for its distinctive and most diverse ecosystems in the world. Assam is blessed with number of lentic systems<i>.</i> The <i>beels</i> are unique water bodies, have biologically sensitive ecosystems and containing a bewildering diversity of aquatic biota. The present investigation aimed on the exploration of potential fishery resources of Majuli Island and reviewing its status while searching for a sustainable management strategy. Study was conducted from July, 2020–May, 2022 in 10 different potential wetlands of Majuli Island. Study observed that the river island is a part of the vast dynamic river system of Brahmaputra basin with a total length of 2,706 km and a catchment area of 580,000 km² is shrinking so fast. Largest shrinkage (area-wise) was observed in Jorbeel (about 17.5 ha). Study revealed that fishery and its allied agricultural activities (&gt; 70%) still stands as primary occupation of the people for their life and livelihood. A total number of 50 fish species having great commercial, ornamental and food value belonged to 22 families were recorded with large number of least concern rank. Cyprinids were emerged as a dominant group. Indigenous fishery technology was very rich among the local peoples. Thirty different variety of traditionally made fishing gears, traps &amp; crafts operated in different season were found. Highly prone to flood, population explosion, siltation, construction of roads &amp; river embankments, loss of hydrological connectivity with the river, occupancy of marginal areas for human settlement and other human encroachment activities were found to be major threats. Wetlands of Majuli acts as natural sponge. This study concludes the urgent need of proper scientific intervention &amp; awareness programmes to stop further disturbances to the rare ecological asset.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"285 - 291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141662395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantitative Analysis on Expression of Insecticidal Crystal Proteins in Different Plant Parts of BG-II Cotton Hybrids at Various Phenological Stages","authors":"Debashis Paul,&nbsp;Rishi Kumar,&nbsp;G. Balasubhramani,&nbsp;Sandeep Bagri,&nbsp;Subhash Chandra,&nbsp;S. Manickam,&nbsp;Satpal Singh,&nbsp;A. H. Prakash,&nbsp;Y. G. Prasad","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00763-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00763-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The use of insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry proteins) in Bollgard-II cotton (<i>Gossypium hirsutum</i>) hybrids enhances insect control, particularly against bollworms. The combined expression of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab protein increases the overall performance of <i>Bt</i>-cotton plants. Cry proteins content varies in different parts of the cotton plant, such as leaves, squares and bolls. This variability in protein expressions and the frequent decline in the Cry proteins content in various plant parts at different crop phenological stages is one of the reasons for the survival of pest populations on BG-II cotton hybrids. Using 96 ELISA kits, Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab concentrations were measured in leaves, squares, and bolls at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing (DAS) over 3 years. Protein content varied across plant parts, peaking at 90 DAS, and declining at 120 DAS. Cry1Ac expression was lower than Cry 2Ab, with leaves exhibiting the highest expression. The highest Cry protein expression occurred in leaves across the 3 years. Regardless of plant parts, Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab content were highest at 90 DAS, providing insights into protein expression patterns and feeding preferences, contributing to responsive insect-pest control in Bt-cotton. These results help understand the pattern of Cry proteins expression in different plant parts vis-à-vis feeding preference, which further contributes to providing valuable knowledge of responsive control for insect-pest population in <i>Bt</i>-cotton cultivars.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"292 - 300"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141665614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Level of Awareness and Willingness to Pay for Safe Milk: A Study of Urban Consumers in North India","authors":"Indrajit Mondal,&nbsp;Gunjan Bhandari,&nbsp;Biswajit Sen,&nbsp;Udita Chaudhary","doi":"10.1007/s40003-024-00764-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40003-024-00764-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Milk adulteration and contamination pose a serious challenge for the dairy sector. Consumer awareness of food safety can be crucial in addressing this problem, especially in the countries with limited regulatory resources. The present study attempts to assess consumer milk safety awareness and also estimate their Willingness to Pay for safe milk. The data required for the study was collected from 270 milk consuming households in North India which was then analysed by using contingent valuation method, regression analysis and index construction. The overall milk safety awareness index was found to be 0.73. Awareness on milk safety was found to be low among 29 per cent of the sample households. Consumers were particularly ignorant of the legislations related to food safety, sources of milk contamination and milk adulteration detection kits. Awareness can be increased on these aspects through campaigns, television and social media. Level of milk safety awareness increased with household income, quantity of milk purchased and education level of household head. It was also higher in the case of households having pregnant women and nursing mothers. Marginal Willingness to Pay for safe milk was found to be Rs. 6/ litre. The establishment of a system for milk safety certification will aid dairy farmers in receiving premiums for their safe and clean milk.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":7553,"journal":{"name":"Agricultural Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"301 - 307"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141681348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}