International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology

Development of banana chips: Analysis of nutritional and sensory characteristics of banana chips as influenced by frying conditions

Mesfin Wolde Deboch, Abadi Gebre Mezgebe — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Banana (Musa sapientum L) is a widely grown and consumed fruit due to its distinct aroma and taste. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of knowledge and trends on the processing and consumption of processed and shelf-stable banana products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of frying time and layering of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder on the proximate composition, oxidative stability and sensory properties of green banana chips. In this study, prepared chips from green bananas using two levels of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder layers (3% & 6%) and three levels of frying time (1.5, 2.0, & 2.5 minutes) following standard methods. Proximate Composition, Oxidative Stability and Sensory Properties of the chips were analyzed. The results showed that the banana chips had moisture (3.35–7.34%), total ash (5.67–13.65%), crude ﬁber (4.43–12.43%), crude fat (3.34–11.70%), crude protein (3.56-13.80%), carbohydrate (57.78–67.29%). Descriptive sensory analysis (DSA) showed that banana chips prepared with layering of M. stenopetala leaf powder was bitter, darker, rougher, and more astringent than chips fried from only banana. Banana chips fried without Moringa leaf powder for 2.5 minutes were crispier. M. stenopetala leaf powder layered banana chips were lower in quality and had weak acceptability compared with banana chips fried without M. stenopetala leaf powder. This study suggested that layering M. stenopetala leaf powder during prolonged frying to banana chips improves nutritional value and oxidative stabilities without compromising the sensory properties of banana chips.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 1-5, Dec 2023

Gum and resin bearing dryland forests of Somali region, Southeastern Ethiopia: Diversity, structure and spatial distribution

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite its ecological and socio-economic contributions, the lowland dry forests of Ethiopia have been experiencing severe deforestation and degradation challenges. It is, therefore, crucial to assess the status of the dry forest resources to formulate an appropriate management strategy and its sustainable utilization. This study was formulated to determine spatial distribution, species composition, structure, and regeneration of the gum and resin species bearing dry forests in the Somali regional state of Ethiopia. The recent Sentinel-2A image was procured and used to classify the area, using a supervised Random Forest Algorithm, into different land covers and vegetation types. Inside the two key vegetation types (Acacia dominated woodland and Mixed woodland), forest inventory was conducted by establishing 30 m x 30 m size quadratic sample plots. The results revealed that the study area was divided into settlement (0.2%), bare land (6.0%), undifferentiated forest (0.5%), acacia woodland (36.3%), mixed woodland (54.1%) and scrubland (2.9%). Thirty-four woody species were identified and recorded with a Shannon diversity of 3.03. The population structure showed a lack of sufficient natural regeneration. It is, therefore, imperative to say that the forest containing the gum and resin-bearing species is not replacing itself. On the other hand, the forest has the potential to produce Oleo-gum resin in various kinds and amounts. Thus, implementing appropriate restoration measures is urgent to enhance natural regeneration. Moreover, formulating sustainable utilization while creating product market of gum and resins are important considerations for the future development of the sector.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 6-13, Dec 2023

Impact of Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) on rural households’ livelihood: The case of Sodo FLR, South Central Ethiopia

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ethiopia has pledged to restore 22 million ha of degraded and deforested lands by 2030. With the massive Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) efforts underway, however, there are no sufficient empirical studies that signify the effectiveness of FLR in the country. Therefore, the study evaluated the impact of the FLR program on rural households’ livelihoods in Sodo, Southern Central Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was followed to draw the sample households, and 260 sample households (120 households from FLR participating and 140 households from non-FLR participating) were chosen randomly. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, head of household assets, access to credit, land size, household income and related expenditures were considered. In addition, data was gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observations, and reviewing project documents and activity reports. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique. The results showed that FLR participants are likely to gain higher total and crop income than non-FLR participants. The average off-farm income of FLR participants also increased by 10252.4 ETB (200 USD). The number of beehives and the amount of honey produced was higher with FLR participants. FLR participants received more training and had better access to credit. Moreover, several households benefited from the FLR initiative's program offer to sustain their livelihoods by producing sheep and poultry. In conclusion, FLR initiatives should be combined with agricultural intensification and diversification as well as business-oriented forest development for better impact.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 14-21, Dec 2023

Spice production and marketing in Kaffa Biosphere Reserve, Ethiopia

Amanuel Afeto, Kefyalew Kassa, Tesfaye Belay, Abiy Gebremchael — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ethiopia has favorable climate conditions for the production of spices, herbs, aromatic and medicinal plants useful for flavoring food, aroma, therapeutic and marketing for cash income. Ethiopian is the largest consumer of spices in Africa, but the contribution of spice to the national economy is meager. The study area is endowed with diversified spice types with different purposes. However, it is not well announced, attention is not given and still many spices are growing in the wild. However, it is not well announced, attention is not given, and many spices are still collected from the wild. This study aimed to assess spice production and marketing in Kaffa biosphere reserve. This study was undertaken in four districts of Kaffa zone including Tello, Gimbo, Shishoende and Decha districts by selecting one representative kebele from each district. The data collection method used for this study is a household survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussion. Out of the total sampled 89% of sampled households participate and produce diversified types of spice. Korarima, red pepper, rue, ginger, turmeric, bush tea, holey basil, machewolago, aemacho nechamacho, coriander, rosemary, onion, long pepper and lemon grass were identified at the household survey. About 60.9% of the sample households provide spice products to market and the sample households generate a mean income of 1,611.14 ETB from spice product marketing. Most sampled households ranked themselves at low and very low knowledge levels on spice production and marketing. Spices are mainly produced in the home garden area for consumption. The main challenges for spice production in the study area are the unavailability of improved variety, low attention given by government and stakeholders, unavailability of the market, lack of knowledge and skill on production and post-harvest handling, low-value addition practice and unavailability of recommended practice. Creating a market for spice products and promotion is needed its importance and give attention to spice production. Training is needed for the farming community on spice cultivation, management, post-harvest handling and processing.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 22-30, Dec 2023

Prospects and problems of YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content dissemination

Tasnim Farabi, Md Matiul Islam, Mohammad Bashir Ahmed — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Farmers need new technologies and information to cope with the challenges and difficulties of agricultural extension. YouTube, a low-cost tool, offers opportunities for farmers' feedback, interaction, and networking. In order to utilize this tool for the benefit of farmers, it is necessary to learn the prospects and problems of YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content preparation and dissemination. Data were collected from 105 respondents under the Khulna Metropolitan Agriculture Office (both Metro 1 and 2) and from the 3 content creators from February to May 2023. However, the majority of respondents (94.30%) perceive YouTube as a promising tool for agricultural content dissemination. Besides, the majority of the respondents (64.80%) perceive problems with YouTube and virtual video channels in agricultural content dissemination. Age, farm size, experience, extension media contact, and training received positively impact respondents' perceptions of YouTube. The findings suggest that the public extension system and policymakers may consider reducing internet costs and providing low-cost devices for both respondents and content creators. Additionally, other virtual video platforms like YouTube can be made more accessible, allowing audiences to access information from diversified virtual video channels.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 31-40, Dec 2023

Profitability analysis of cut flower cultivation in Bangladesh: Constraints and opportunities

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bangladesh has immense potential for cut flower production and export to the world market. Although the export earnings from cut flower cultivation are gradually increasing in our country, production and profitability are hindered by some constraints. The present study was undertaken in Jashore (Jhikargachha) and Dhaka (Savar) districts to examine the financial profitability, constraints, and opportunities of cut-flower cultivation in Bangladesh. A total of 120 cut flower cultivating farmers were selected for interview in 2019, taking 60 sample farmers from each location. Multi-stage random sampling method was followed to collect primary data. For profitability analysis, two cut flowers, namely gladiolus and rose, were selected for the study. The result indicates that per hectare total cost, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) were Tk. 687439, Tk. 261509 and 1.38, respectively, for gladiolus cultivation. On the other hand, net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and BCR of rose cultivation were Tk. 2325762, 146%, and 1.46, respectively, indicating that rose production is highly profitable to the farmers of the study areas. Despite such potentialities, cut flower cultivation was constrained by the requirement of high initial investment, lack of modern varieties, lack of credit facility, lack of storage facility, attack by pests & diseases, and uncertain market price. However, there is a huge scope to increase cut flower production by removing constraints in Bangladesh that can boost up livelihoods, incomes, and living conditions of rural people.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 41-48, Dec 2023

Evaluation of the efficacy of hydro-alcoholic products for hand skin disinfection: Case study Bactigel® used in the Livulu district of Lemba, Kinshasa City (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Preventing, reducing, and improving infection control have been struggles that have preoccupied the World Health Organization for many years. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Bactigel hydro-alcoholic gel on the cutaneous flora of hands. The study was conducted by interviewing people on their knowledge and use of hydro-alcoholic products and culture of palm flora samples before and after hand disinfection. Results showed that 90% of respondents knew about hydro-alcoholic products, 96.3% of whom had already used them, and 92.3% were still used. In addition, 90% do not have alcohol-sensitive skin, and 80% use soap and water with soap for hygiene in their homes. Bactigel significantly reduced the microbial load on palms by 90.04%. Based on these results, Bactigel hydro-alcoholic gel is effective against skin germs. It is concluded that Bactigel can only be effective in the community when compliance is good hand hygiene.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 49-54, Dec 2023

New infestation records of two-spotted spider mites on potato tubers under storage conditions and response of genotypes at Kulumsa, Ethiopia

Gizaw Wegayehu Tilahun, Tamirat Negash Gure — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study sought to ascertain spider mite prevalence, infestation, and identification and to assess the response of potato genotypes. In 2022, this pest was only observed on some genotypes in December. In late January, an infestation, incidence, and severity increased from 10 to 13 genotypes on potato tuber stocks stored for irrigation experiments. Those genotypes were planted in irrigated fields, and the sprouted tuber losses ranged from 12.5% to 100% and up to 15.38% in the 2022 and 2023 records, respectively. Following this, spider mites, often known as two-spotted spider mites (TSSM) or Tetranychus urticae, were identified. This is the first time a potato sprout infestation has been recorded in Ethiopia. The two-spotted spider mites damaged the tubers quantitatively by sucking the moisture of sprouts up to the 5^th grade, with 97 and >75% infestation levels, incidence, and severity, respectively. The pest grows very rapidly and hastens the drying of sprouted tuber leaves. Some genotypes were resistant to TSSM and recovered after the sprouts were infected and dried, which were treated with pesticides in 2023. The typical agricultural insecticides were ineffective in controlling the pest in the first year, and a Profenofos was applied in the second year. Thus, seed tubers are the main production limit unless appropriate research efforts are undertaken and management techniques are created.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 55-63, Dec 2023

Phytochemical and mineral profiling of anti-fertilizer plants used by pygmy women in the town of Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Case of Ipomoea involucrata P.Beauv. and Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was carried out to determine the phytochemical and mineral composition of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv., two plants presumed anti-fertilizers, were cited during an ethnobotanical survey carried out in 2018 among indigenous women in Mbandaka and the surrounding area. Micrography was carried out, followed by determination of mineral composition by ICP-AES and SAA, and the TLC for a highlight of the various phytochemical compounds making up these two plants. The study determined the relative structure of the multiple cells and tissues making up these plant drugs, including numerous raphids characteristic of Ipomoea involucrata and calcium oxalate crystals characteristic of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Among the chemical compounds, those directly linked to female anti-fertility have been highlighted. These include flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Elemental analysis revealed mineral salts and trace elements directly influencing reproduction, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, and arsenic. Even if these data make it possible to justify the activity of these two plants in reproductive health, it is, however, necessary for an in-depth study on the in vitro evaluation to determine the clear anti-fertilizing activity of these plants used, raw, by indigenous women.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 64-69, Dec 2023

Economics of maize cultivation at selected intensive areas of Bangladesh

Pradip Hajong, Shimul Mondal, Md Ariful Islam, Anup Ghosh — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study was undertaken to assess the input used pattern and profitability of maize in selected intensive maize-growing areas of Bangladesh from February to July 2019. The present study was conducted in four districts viz. Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Meherpur and Kushtia were located at AEZ-11, an intensive maize-growing area. In this study, 160 farmers were selected, of which 40 from each district were randomly selected for data collection. The average farm size was 0.64 ha, whereas the maize cultivated area was 0.34 ha. It was observed that maize was cultivated from November to December in the study area. The average per hectare seed required was 20 kg ha^-1 and the fertilizer requirement was 1532 kg ha^-1. The average labor required was 275 man-days in a season due to less use of technology. Total production cost was Tk. 162047 ha^-1, in which variable cost was Tk. 101066 ha^-1(62%) and the fixed cost was Tk. 60980 ha^-1(38%). The price of the main maize grain at Farmgate was Tk. 18 kg^-1. The gross margin was Tk.1 91962 ha^-1and the net margin was Tk. 40515 ha^-1average. The benefit-cost ratio on a cash-cost basis was 1.90 and on a total-cost basis was 1.18, meaning maize cultivation was profitable. Land preparation, seed, organic manure, TSP, Urea, MoP, DAP, Gypsum, Zinc and Boron had a positive influence on maize production. The high price of fertilizer and seed was the main problem farmers faced and due to high demand, there were no marketing problems. Though it had some problems, maize cultivation overall was a profitable crop.

Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 13(2): 70-78, Dec 2023