The Productivity of Wineries – An Empirical in Moldova

Wine has historical importance to the Moldovan economy. Since the 18th century, it is noted, this commodity has contributed to revitalizing the export market and has prospered many workers. It’s not enough to stop there. Wine also plays a role in lifting Moldova’s status because it is an inspiration for other countries that have similar potential in rural areas. The goal of this research was to identify how large the land size, seed, and labor are for the productivity of wineries in Moldova with 2 models. We intend to examine and explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables using panel data in 5 regional units (Bălţi, Chisinau, Bender, Gagauzia, and Transnistria). The analytical tool used is a multiple regression through SPSS software. Empirical findings produced are that there is a positive significant influence on land size and labor on productivity, while the seed has a negative-significant effect.. This discovery also resulted in an important experience, which is regulated to stimulate the productivity and potency of wine through the relaxation of the agrarian sector.

Unboxing the Ready Made Garments (RMG) sector of Bangladesh

The ready-made garments (RMG) sector of Bangladesh has developed immensely under the broad radar of the export market, and its size is beyond imagination. Unfortunately, there has been no study that explores the whole universe of the RMG sector of Bangladesh rather the story of the RMG sector often involves the export market only. The discussion of this paper intends to explore the methodology of unboxing the whole universe of the RMG sector of Bangladesh that includes small and medium-sized manufacturing and processing units that are often involved with subcontracting for other factories (producing for the export market as well as domestic market), are suppliers of the domestic market, are producers of accessories, and are providing backward linkages and associated services. The discussion addresses that along with export-oriented RMG factories there exists an unexplored and unboxed universe of manufacturing and processing units associated with the RMG sector of Bangladesh that contributes to investment, employment, trade, export, and the economy as a whole, all of which remains unaccounted for.

Innovation and supply chain orientation concerns toward job creation law in micro, small, and medium enterprises export-oriented products

The supply chain of MSME products in the context of export penetration is very important, but MSME actors have not been able to meet all export needs. This study aims to: 1) analyze the supply chain of MSMEs in the context of export penetration in the era of the covid-19 pandemic, and 2) examine the potential of MSMEs to develop in terms of corporate legality, industrial design, and brand registration, as well as the use of digital marketing. This research method was quantitative research with survey approach and normative empirical study. The population of this study was 134 MSMEs, samples from 63 MSMEs in Central Java (Brebes), West Java (Bogor), and the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Bantul). Quantitative data analysis used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach and analyzed with Smart PLS 3.3 software. The results of the study show: 1) the supply chain needs of MSMEs in penetrating the export market in the era of the covid-19 pandemic are very difficult; 2) MSMEs must be able to meet all export needs to create a balanced supply chain, 3) in order to prepare export-oriented MSMEs, they must first motivate and educate, establish policies that support their legality and export management.

The Role of NGO In Community Empowerment (Case Study LPPSLH Penderes Empowerment in Pasinggangan Village, Banyumas Regency)

Behind the life that we see in the capital city, it turns out that we still know the phenomenon of people's lives in rural areas who still depend on the natural resources around them. One of them is the phenomenon of coconut sugar farmers, who are often called penderes, who still cannot process coconut sap correctly and adequately to increase the selling value of the sugar. It is due to the low level of education and the lack of public knowledge in processing coconut sugar. LPPSLH is a non-government institution engaged in community empowerment, both urban and rural. With the phenomenon experienced by the farmers, LPPSLH as a facilitator, invites the farmers to take part in the organic certification program for ant sugar. Later, it can increase the farmers' income, increase the selling value of sugar, and market their products to the export market. The training and assistance aim to change farmers' behavior and old habits into more productive and profitable habits (efforts) to build farmers' independence. The method used in this research is descriptive-qualitative, and the sampling was collected purposively. The data collection technique used interviews, observation, and documentation. The results showed that LPPSLH played the role of education, facilitation, and advocacy to penderes farmers in empowerment programs, especially in rural areas.

Financial feasibility assessment of adopting active controlled atmosphere containers for exporting highly perishable fruits during COVID-19: case of Taiwanese atemoya

PurposeThis study deals with attenuating the risk of relying on a single export market, which was heightened by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on Taiwanese atemoya (a fruit with short storage life) and the adoption of active controlled atmosphere (CA) containers, a new technology which lengthens storage time for other export markets. This study looks at the financial feasibility of the technology's first ever use in atemoya exports.Design/methodology/approachApart from the standard financial assessment tools—like net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and payback period (PBP)—this study calibrated five different scenarios based on data gathered from relevant market agents including suppliers, exporters, customs brokers and technology developer.FindingsDue to the high profit margin and low investment cost, the use of active CA containers for long-haul exports of this highly perishable fruit is found both technically and financially feasible, despite the generally higher operational cost during the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThis study looked at three specific export markets: Malaysia, Dubai and Canada. Results here may lack generalizability in other markets, although it is believed that slight deviations would not invalidate the conclusions of this research because short, medium and long distances were all covered therein.Originality/valueThis paper studies the first time that active CA is used for export of atemoyas to expand existing markets.

An Audit into the Nature of Operations of Agro-processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Uganda

The agro-processing Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) form an integral part of the manufacturing sector in Uganda. To effectively facilitate product certification among MSMEs, there is a need to fully understand the nature of their operations so that appropriate interventions can be put in place. This study assessed the status quo of operations at selected MSMEs in Uganda. A semi-structured paper-based questionnaire was administered to the owners, managers, or supervisors of the 40 selected agro-processing MSMEs enrolled under the project "Empowerment of the Agro-Processing Industry to meet the Quantity and Quality Standards for the Local and Export Market", a programme enhancing the practical skills of students at Makerere University dubbed the "EAPI Project." The seven-section questionnaire consisted of both quantitative and qualitative questions focusing on (i) product optimization, (ii) raw material verification and storage, (iii) good manufacturing practices, (iv) measuring and testing equipment, (v) product assessment, presentation, and storage, (vi) waste and pest management, and (vii) infrastructure and energy utilization. The results indicate that only 23.7% of agro-processing MSMEs clearly understood the standards. Packaging was the most optimized parameter (74.4%), followed by texture and sensory properties (59% and 51.1%, respectively). About 74% of the agro-processing MSMEs were compliant in declaring the raw materials on the product label. Results indicated that maintenance of valid medical certificates, routine inspection of personnel, and provision of protective gear ranked low, with a score of 1 out of 10. Inadequate documentation was a cross-cutting issue for all operations, yet it was a driver for GMPs. There is a need to strengthen the understanding and practice of Food processing standards from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), in the agro-processing MSMEs through continuous human and institutional-capacity development programs.

Outlook of Present Organic Agriculture Policies and Future Needs in Sri Lanka

Many countries are formulating organic agriculture or organic farming policies aimed at sustainable agricultural development. Therefore, the objectives of this study were: to understand the present situation of organic agriculture policies in Sri Lanka and also in other countries where successful organic agriculture is operating; identify problems in the organic agriculture sector; and suggest potential policy measures to be implemented in Sri Lanka in future. The research was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, a thorough literature review was conducted to study the suitable policies available in other countries and also in Sri Lanka at present. In the second stage, two field surveys were carried out using pre-tested questionnaires, from December 2019 to May 2020, in order to gather farmers’ and extension officers’ information related to organic farming policy suggestions. According to the findings of the literature review, organic systems in some countries are more integrated with national strategic plans and visions. Those governments are more involved in new initiatives and farmers are encouraged to go organic through reliable and feasible policies. Although Sri Lanka has a high potential for organic agriculture, at present it is at an initial stage. While most organic products in Sri Lanka go to the export market, a small portion is kept at local markets. Demand for organic products in export as well as domestic markets is increasing. Even though there are seven international food certification agencies operating in the country as external inspection and certification bodies, a limited number of accredited certifications exist for products on the domestic market. Results of the farmers’ survey showed that even if farmers have a significant level of knowledge, few of them practice organic farming due to several existing problems. Moreover, extension officers have also identified similar types of problems that are faced by the farmers related to organic farming. Evaluation of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) related to organic agriculture in the country helped to identify key problems facing policy-makers when balancing the supply and demand sides of organic products. Also, in developing organic agriculture, an effective linkage and coordination among government and private participants is crucial. Therefore, in Sri Lanka in this context, strategic focus on policy support for organic agriculture is needed. Current organic farming programs need to be revised in order to formulate policies covering all areas related to production, handling, processing, certification, labeling and marketing, in order to bring the benefits of organic agriculture to farmers, marketers and consumers in a fair manner.

STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN MANGGIS RATU TEMBILAHAN DI KECAMATAN TEMBILAHAN HULU

Mangosteen is fruit commodity that was sold in the form of fresh fruit and could be processed as herbal medicine and cosmetic. Market demand of mangosteen increase both of in the country and export market. Sub district of Tembilahan have variety of mangosteen that superior quality it’s name mangosteen of Ratu Tembilahan. The aims of this study to (1) know potential development of mangosteen in Sub district of Tembilahan Hulu, (2) determine strategies of mangosteen development in Sub district of Tembilahan Hulu. The data analysis was done using the Location Quotient (LQ) dan SWOT analysis. The results of the study were (1) Mangosteen was superior commodity in Sub district of Tembilahan Hulu (LQ= 1.76), (2) alternative strategies for mangosteen develepment were (a) replanting for old mangosteen, (b) Sertification of mother trees for sources of seed that used by local farmers, (c) improve management of mangosteen farming, (d) training of mangosteen processing to be derivative products. Manggis merupakan komoditas buah yang dikonsumsi sebagai buah segar maupun diolah menjadi obat herbal dan kosmetik. Permintaan manggis mengalami peningkatan baik untuk pasar dalam negeri maupun pasar ekspor. Kecamatan Tembilahan Hulu memiliki varietas manggis yang unggul bernama manggis Ratu Tembilahan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah (1) untuk mengetahui potensi pengembangan manggis Ratu Tembilahan; (2) menentukan strategi pengembangan manggis Ratu Tembilahan. Metode analisis data menggunakan analisis LQ dan analisis SWOT. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) Manggis merupakan komoditas basis di Kecamatan Tembilahan Hulu dengan nilai LQ= 1,76, (2) alternatif strategi pengembangan manggis Tembilahan Hulu adalah (a) Peremajaan tanaman manggis tua, (b) Sertifikasi pohon induk sebagai sumber bibit para penangkar bibit lokal, (c) Peningkatan pengelolaan usaha tani manggis, (d) Pelatihan pembuatan produk olahan manggis.

Unlocking the potential of value chains as climate change resilience strategies: can macadamia nuts (macadamia integrifolia) offer the gateway?

The consequences of climate change threaten existing agriculture systems across Zimbabwe. The researchers examined the possibility and potential for developing a smallholder farmer driven macadamia nuts value chain. Using the case of Chipinge district, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe, the study evaluated the potential of macadamia nut value chain functions as a climate change resilience strategy in Zimbabwe. Challenges faced by actors and positive developments made in incorporating smallholders into the macadamia nuts production sector were explored. The role of local markets and producers in the international trade in macadamia nuts were also examined, using a modified stakeholder analysis framework. Triangulation, a mixed methodology, was used to adequately capture the various quantitative and qualitative dimensions along the macadamia nuts value chain pillars. A sample of 220 farming units including Estates, A1 and A2 farmers was proportionately selected for the study. Primary data were collected from Key Informants through interviews and personal communications. Secondary data were collected from Agritex officers, buyers, and the Macadamia Association of Zimbabwe farmers’ records. The production-marketing interface for macadamia nuts is weakly coordinated in the study area as shown by the rudimentary production systems especially for the A1 and A2 farmers. Results show that the major missing links are the limited application of extension driven production enhancers and the limited visibility of farmers in more rewarding export markets. Production scales have, however, been increasing with more farmers allocating land towards the macadamia nuts trees. Decentralization of macadamia nuts markets and localized value addition needs to be done to realign domestic and export market prices.