scholarly journals Bio-economics of Indian hybrid Bt cotton and farmer suicides

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Paul Gutierrez ◽  
Luigi Ponti ◽  
Keshav R. Kranthi ◽  
Johann Baumgärtner ◽  
Peter. E. Kenmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pure Line ◽  
High Density ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Bt Cotton ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
South Central ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Farmer Suicides ◽  
Short Season

Abstract Background The implementation of hybrid Bt cotton unique to India has been heralded as a grand success by government agencies, seed companies and other proponents, and yet yields have stagnated at low levels and production costs have risen 2.5–3-fold. The low-yield hybrid cotton system of India contributes thousands of farmer suicides to the annual national toll. Conceptual and methodological barriers have hindered bioeconomic analysis of the ecological and social sustainability of such cross-scale agro-ecological problems in time and geographic space, under global technology and climate change. As a paradigm shift, we use conceptually simple, parameter-sparse, theoretically based, mechanistic, weather-driven physiologically based demographic models (PBDMs) to deconstruct the bio-economics of the Indian cotton system. Results Our analysis of Indian hybrid cotton system explains some extant ecological and economic problems, and suggests a viable solution. Specifically, the model accurately captured the age-stage mass dynamics of rainfed and irrigated cotton growth/development and the interactions with the key pest pink bollworm across five south-central Indian states, and enabled identification of proximate bioeconomic factors responsible for low yield and their relationship to farmer suicides. The results are reinforced by analysis of Ministry of Agriculture annual state-level data. We explain why short-season, high-density non-GM cotton is a highly viable solution for Indian cotton farmers in rainfed and irrigated cotton areas of the five states, and possibly nationally. The transition from a theoretical bioeconomic construct to a real-world regional bioeconomic analysis proved seamless. Conclusions The hybrid long-season Bt technology for rainfed and irrigated cotton is unique to India, and is a value capture mechanism. This technology is suboptimal leading to stagnant yields, high input costs, increased insecticide use, and low farmer incomes that increase economic distress that is a proximate cause of cotton farmer suicides. The current GM Bt technology adds costs in rainfed cotton without commensurate increases in yield. Non-GM pure-line high-density short-season varieties could double rainfed cotton yield, reduce costs, decrease insecticide use, and help ameliorate suicides. The GM hybrid technology is inappropriate for incorporation in short-season high-density varieties.

scholarly journals Correction to: Bio-economics of Indian hybrid Bt cotton and farmer suicides

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Paul Gutierrez ◽  
Luigi Ponti ◽  
Keshav R. Kranthi ◽  
Johann Baumgärtner ◽  
Peter. E. Kenmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bt Cotton ◽  
Farmer Suicides

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

scholarly journals Energy use efficiency in soybean crops in different regions of Brazil

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (6supl2) ◽  
pp. 2991-3010
Author(s):  
Roni Fernandes Guareschi ◽  
◽  
Marcio dos Reis Martins ◽  
Leonardo Fernandes Sarkis ◽  
Bruno José Rodrigues Alves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Total Output ◽  
Soybean Crop ◽  
South Central ◽  
Total Input ◽  
Adverse Weather

The soybean crop in Brazil has been growing in area and productivity in recent years and the analysis of its energy efficiency is very important to guarantee the sustainability of the production system. Assessment of energy efficiency (EE) enables the evaluation of the sustainability of agrosystems, as well as decision-making regarding the reduction in production costs and negative environmental impacts. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess energy efficiency of soybean in different regions of Brazil. For this purpose, 29 areas of soybean across the major producing states were assessed. Energy inputs and outputs of agricultural operations and/or agricultural inputs were calculated by multiplying the amount used by their calorific value or energy coefficient at each stage of production. Energy efficiency was calculated as the ratio between the total output energy and the total input energy during the production process. For every MJ of energy consumed in the production of soybean crop, 6.1; 6.7; 7.1 and 7.2 MJ of energy were produced in the form of grain, respectively in the areas assessed in the Midwest, northeast, southeast and south regions of Brazil. Generally, the main energy expenditure on soybean cultivation in different regions of Brazil was with fertilizers, seeds and herbicides. The adverse weather conditions of the year / harvest evaluated in the south-central region of Brazil resulted in low soybean yields and consequently resulted in lower energy efficiency in these regions. The evaluation of energy efficiency in soybean crops to be representative must be carried out in different regions and edaphoclimatic conditions.

Short-season varieties of red clover on the drainage lands of the Non-Chernozem region

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Е. Павлючик ◽  
А. Капсамун ◽  
Н. Иванова ◽  
В. Тюлин ◽  
О. Силина
Keyword(s):  
Red Clover ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Multicomponent Mixtures ◽  
Ecosystem Productivity ◽  
Humid Zone ◽  
Green Mass ◽  
Short Season ◽  
Tver Region ◽  
Gramineous Species

Представлены полученные в отделе кормопроизводства ФГБНУ ВНИИМЗ трехлетние данные по продуктивности травосмесей на основе клевера лугового, люцерны изменчивой и злаковых трав на осушаемой почве Нечерноземья. В опыте, заложенном в 2012 году, представлены сравнительные данные роста, развития и урожайности зелёной массы разноспелых травосмесей за период 2012 2015 годов. Исследования проводились на институтском полигоне в Тверской области. Возделывание многолетних трав в смесях на кормовые цели обеспечивает их эффективное использование при затратах на посев один раз в 5 и более лет, сокращённых затратах на уборку урожая и минеральные подкормки в связи с использованием в смесях двух бобовых культур. Рекомендуемый разноспелый сортовой состав клевера лугового и расширенный видовой состав злаковых компонентов позволяет удлинить время их скашивания. Введение в сельскохозяйственное производство многокомпонентных травосмесей обеспечивает максимальную урожайность зелёной массы за два укоса (до 40 т/га) и получение полноценного зелёного корма для крупного рогатого скота в течение июняавгуста, что особенно важно в настоящее время. Отмечено, что возделывание в смесях бобовых трав разных лет жизни клевера лугового и люцерны изменчивой со злаковыми травами способствует стабилизации и продлению продуктивности травосмесей при удешевлении производства кормов и сохранении плодородия почвы. В ходе проведения опыта определены и рекомендованы наиболее приспособленные к условиям гумидной зоны бобовозлаковые трёхкомпонентные травосмеси, отличающиеся высокопродуктивным долголетием. This paper presents the data on ecosystem productivity cultivated on the drainage lands of the NonChernozem region in 2012 2015. Mixtures were composed of red clover, bastard alfalfa and gramineous. The experiment taken place in the Tver region dealt with plant height, growth and green mass productivity. Introduction of two legume crops into grass mixtures was effective and reduced seeding, harvesting and fertilizer costs. Combination of clover of various maturation times with different gramineous species extended cutting time of grass mixtures. Multicomponent mixtures produced up to 40 t ha1 of green mass for 2 cuts and provided cattle with green forage in JuneAugust. Growing crops of different maturation times as mixtures optimized and increased ecosystem productivities as well as reduced production costs and maintained soil fertility. The experiment determined threecomponent legumegramineous mixtures that had the best adaptability to the humid zone and productive longevity.

The Mango Value Network (Mangifera indica L.) in Campeche, Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.R. Ireta-Paredes ◽  
P. Pérez Hernández ◽  
J. Bautista-Ortega ◽  
A.V. Ayala-Garay ◽  
A. Soto-Estrada
Keyword(s):  
Mangifera Indica ◽  
High Density ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Social Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
New Production ◽  
Value Network ◽  
The Social ◽  
Production Technologies

Objective: Characterize the mango value network in the State of Campeche and identify its problems. Design/methodology/approach: Based on documentary information and 40 semi-structured interviews, the structure of the value network, its key actors, and technologies were identified. Results: Researchers advise to establish high-density orchards (3 333 plants ha-1), although growers accept to increment from 69 to only 278 plants ha-1. New production technologies are required for important cultivars, such as Tommy Atkins, Manila, and creole. Their vegetative growth responds differently to local humidity, rain, and soil conditions, due to their monoembryonic or polyembryonic origin. Limitations of the study/implications:  Producers in the social sector do not keep accounting and production records. An estimate of mango yields, investment, income, and profits was obtained based on the opinion of producers from the social and business sector of Campeche. Findings/conclusions: Social sector producers of mango are willing to grow their orchards with 278 plants ha-1; it is required to evaluate the production technologies of Tommy Atkins, Manila, and creole cultivars, and to estimate the production costs. Private sector growers are choosing to substitute mango for high-density Persian lemon; they also prioritize fruit fly management and commercialization of fruits.

Financial inclusion in India: an application of TOPSIS

Humanomics ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Yadav ◽  
Anil Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Composite Index ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Critical Parameters ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Order Preference ◽  
Farmer Suicides

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to combine the critical parameters used to study financial inclusion into a composite index. The idea is to rank Indian states and union territories (UTs) on the basis of this index, determine change in ranks during 2011 to 2014 and identify factors affecting high/low scores on the index. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study were collected from secondary sources published by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Central Statistical Organization. Applying technique of order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), a composite multi-dimensional index of financial inclusion (IFI) has been built by using three broad parameters of penetration, availability and usage of banking services. Factors significantly influencing scores of states/UTs on IFI were identified using multiple regression analysis. Findings The value of financial inclusion for India on composite IFI has increased by 0.045 points during the study period. Share of agriculture to state gross domestic product, literacy ratio, population density, infrastructure development and farmer suicides are significant factors affecting financial inclusion. Practical implications The multi-dimensional IFI is a useful tool to measure financial inclusion using several parameters for various states/regions. The index can also be used to compare the performance of states/regions over same/different periods. Originality/value This paper is unique in its attempt to construct multi-dimensional IFI for Indian states/UTs by applying TOPSIS. It will prove useful for future researchers by combining several aspects of financial inclusion into single index.

scholarly journals High-density hiPSCs expansion supported by growth factors accumulation in a simple dialysis-culture platform

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuad Torizal ◽  
Qiao You Lau ◽  
Masato Ibuki ◽  
Yoshikazu Kawai ◽  
Masato Horikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Stress ◽  
Growth Factors ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
High Density ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
High Density Culture ◽  
Differentiation Potential ◽  
Dialysis Culture ◽  
Factor Accumulation

Abstract Three-dimensional aggregate-suspension culture can produce large numbers of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs); however, use of expensive growth factors and method-induced mechanical stress potentially result in inefficient production costs and difficulties in preserving pluripotency. Here, we developed a simple, miniaturized, dual-compartment dialysis-culture device based on a conventional membrane-culture insert with deep well plates. The device allowed growth-factor accumulation and improved cell expansion up to ~ 32 × 106 cells/mL, and reduction of excessive shear stress and agglomeration following addition of the functional polymer FP003 supported high-density expansion. The results revealed accumulation of several growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor 2 and insulin, along with endogenous NODAL, which acts as a substitute for depleted transforming growth factor-β1 in maintaining pluripotency. Because we used the same growth-factor formulation per volume in the upper culture compartment, cost reduction increased significantly in proportional manner with cell density. We showed that growth-factor-accumulation dynamics in a low-shear-stress environment successfully improved hiPSC proliferation, pluripotency, and differentiation potential. This miniaturised dialysis-culture system demonstrated the feasibility and cost-effective mass production of hiPSCs in high-density culture.

Plant Population, Planting Date and Cotton Variety Impact on Early Squaring and Development of a Trap Crop for Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

2002 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-226
Author(s):  
J. Breen Pierce ◽  
J. Joseph Ellington ◽  
C. Ellers Kirk ◽  
T. Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
Field Tests ◽  
Planting Date ◽  
Pink Bollworm ◽  
Bt Cotton ◽  
Trap Crop ◽  
Control Field ◽  
Plant Populations ◽  
Early Planting ◽  
Short Season ◽  
Lepidoptera Noctuidae

Bt cotton is used to control pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), in much of the southwestern U.S. Where growers choose non-Bt varieties, early fruiting (squaring) Bt cotton might be used as a trap crop for pink bollworm control. Field tests were conducted in 1997 and 1998 to determine if early planting, varietal selection, and very low planting rates could increase early squaring. Cotton planted 4 April produced 6 mm squares approximately 11 days earlier than cotton planted 7 May. Low plant populations (4.3, 2.5 plants/m) did not result in more early squares, compared to recommended populations with 7.5 plants/m. Very dense populations with 18.4 vs. 9.4 plants/m produced more early squares/m despite fewer squares/plant. However, yield was reduced with planting rates above 7.5 plants/m. Some varieties produced more early-season squares than others, but differences were not always consistent. Paymaster 1215 produced significantly more early squares compared to two other short-season varieties (Deltapine 20B and Deltapine 50B) and the standard Acala 1517-95 in 1997, but not more than Acala 1517-95 in 1998. A mid-season variety (Paymaster 1560) produced the highest number of early squares in a comparison of ten Bt varieties in 1998. A non-Bt very short-season variety, Xpress, produced the earliest squares in 1997, more than 11 days earlier than Paymaster 1215 (a short-season variety), indicating that earlier squaring varieties of Bt cotton could be developed. These results indicate that early planting will provide the earliest squares but that variety and planting rate should be considered in developing a trap crop for pink bollworm control. Planting rate should be at least 7.5 plants/m but if yield is not a consideration could be as high as 18 plants/m.

Effects of Drought and Flood on Farmer Suicides in Indian States: An Empirical Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yashobanta Parida ◽  
Devi Prasad Dash ◽  
Parul Bhardwaj ◽  
Joyita Roy Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Drought And Flood ◽  
Farmer Suicides ◽  
Effects Of Drought

scholarly journals A Smart Strategy to Improve t-Resveratrol Production in Grapevine Cells Treated with Cyclodextrin Polymers Coated with Magnetic Nanoparticles

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Almagro ◽  
Alicia De Gea-Abellán ◽  
María Isabel Rodríguez-López ◽  
Estrella Núñez-Delicado ◽  
José Antonio Gabaldón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Nanoparticles ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Extracellular Medium ◽  
Suspension Cultured Cells ◽  
Viable Solution ◽  
Recovery Strategies ◽  
Industrial Use ◽  
High Concentrations

One of the most successfully procedures used to increase the production of t-resveratrol in Vitis vinifera suspension-cultured cells is the application of cyclodextrins (CDs) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) as elicitors. In particular, β-CDs are characterized by their chemical structure which makes them special, not only by acting as elicitors, but also because they are compounds capable of trapping high added-value hydrophobic molecules such as t-resveratrol. However, the use of β-CDs as elicitors increases the production costs of this compound, making their industrial exploitation economically unfeasible. Therefore, the development of β-CDs recovery strategies is necessary to provide a viable solution to their industrial use. In this work, carboxymethylated and hydroxypropylated β-CDs have been used to form polymers using epichlorohydrin (EPI) as a cross-linking agent. The polymers were coated to Fe3O4 nanoparticles and were jointly used with MJ to elicit V. vinifera suspension-cultured cells. Once elicitation experiments were finished, a magnet easily allowed the recovery of polymers, and t-resveratrol was extracted from them by using ethyl acetate. The results indicated that the production of t-resveratrol in the presence of free carboxymethyl-β-CDs was much lower than that found in the presence of carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrins-EPI polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. In addition, the maximal levels of t-resveratrol were found at 168 h of elicitation in the presence of 15 g/L hydroxypropyl-β-CDs polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles and MJ, and non-t-resveratrol was found in the extracellular medium, indicating that all the t-resveratrol produced by the cells and secreted into the culture medium was trapped by the polymer and extracted from it. This work also showed that polymers can be regenerated and reused during three cycles of continuous elicitation since the induction and adsorption capacity of hydroxypropyl-β-CDs polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles after these cycles of elicitation remained high, allowing high concentrations of t-resveratrol to be obtained.

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