Monthly climatic water balance at selected locations in India

Meteorological data (1971-2000) for twenty seven (27) well distributed locations in India, have been utilized to compute average monthly rainfall (RF) and potential evapotranspiration (PET). In the present study, potential evapotranspiration (PET) has been calculated by using FAO recommended Penman-Monteith equation. An attempt has been made to identify the months of water deficit / surplus and these have been discussed in relation to crop planning for both seasons Monsoon or Kharif (June to September) and Rabi (October to February).In northwest, west and central zone, water deficit is observed at several stations in Kharif and all stations in Rabi. The average RF/PET ratio in this zone is 0.53 indicating that except in Pantnagar and Adhartal (0.94), crop selection and planning do not favour crops requiring more water. During Kharif season RF/PET ratio of several stations, except Hissar and Jodhpur, is more than 1, suggesting successful cropping with rainfall. In east and northeast zone, water surplus is observed at all the stations in Kharif. Water deficit in Rabi occurred at most of the places during December, January and February. RF/PET ratio during Kharif season ranges between 1.44 and 5.93 suggesting none of the stations undergo water deficit during the crop growing period. For the stations selected in south zone, water deficit in Kharif occurred at many places in the months of June, July and August. Water deficit in Rabi occurred at many places during January and February. During Kharif RF/PET ratio is less than 1 except for Rajamundry and Pattambi. This emphasizes the need for proper crop selection for successful cropping with limited moisture.

Optimal selection of agricultural crops for sustainable farming in nutrient-rich Wadi areas of Saudi Arabia using MCDM

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Wheat, Barley, fruits, vegetables, and fodders are the most common agricultural products. Agricultural sustainability depends on socioeconomic and climatic conditions. Proper crop selection is vital to maximize productivity, yielding more revenue to the farmer at a lower cost. To rank the crop alternatives based on the available natural resources and cost, a multicriterion based decision-making model (MCDM) may be applied to identify the best suitable crop, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. To make the agricultural activities sustainable, most of the critical criteria are taken into account. Four criteria linked to sustainability are included in this study. The research focuses on developing a model for sustainable agricultural practices in KSA employing MCDM. Three MCDM techniques were employed to evaluate the most suitable crop,and the results are compared and validated. The results from all three methods gave consistent results. Fruits emerged as the most productive crop, followed by Wheat, vegetables, fodders, and Barley. Such methodology shall be further extended across the other regions and over various crops for sustainable agricultural practices. The study is expected to help the Ministry of Water, Environment, and Agriculture, KSA, draft a suitable agricultural policy.

Crop selection in dryland of North Lombok Regency: farmers search for more money and less risk

Dryland areas of North Lombok can be grown with a variety of crops and provide alternatives for farmers. This paper aims to: (1) identify farmer selection of crops in dryland areas of North Lombok Regency, Indonesia; (2) analyze farmer decisions in selecting the crops in the area. Results of this study can become the basis for developing agriculture in the area or other areas of similar conditions. Data were collected through surveys to sampled farmers in the dryland areas of North Lombok, with the focus of questions on farmer reasoning following their crop selection. Such an approach is guided by qualitative research principles, highlighting the importance of understanding and meaning of topics investigated. The surveys revealed that in dryland areas of North Lombok grew corn, rice (of dryland type), peanuts, long beans, chili, tomatoes, and cassava. Corn is a dominant crop among farmer choices. In their farming activities, farmers did not select soybean, one of the targeted crops. Farmer reasons behind crop selection directed to the conclusion that farmers in dryland areas of North Lombok are rational, in which they aim to generate high income from their activities and at the same time attempt to reduce risks associated with the chosen crops. This study results imply the importance of understanding the motivations of growers as the primary stakeholder in implementing farming.

Modes and Forms of Knowledge of Farming Entrepreneurship: An Ethnographic Analysis among Small Farmers in NW Italy

This article investigates the modes and forms of knowledge underpinning farming entrepreneurship through an ethnographic case study of Alessandria province in NW Italy. It shows that farming entrepreneurs base their decisions on explicit and implicit knowledge encompassing forms of knowledge linked to the environment where they live, their trade, the characteristics of their firms, issues concerning their family and private life, and even the emotions linked with their surroundings. All these forms of knowledge inform their vision of their future and guide them in their choices in terms of investments and crop selection. Accordingly, the article argues that farming entrepreneurship is embedded in the locale.