Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology

Profitability Assessment of Shilbilati Potato Farmers and Intermediaries Using Traditional Storage Systems in Rangpur, Bangladesh

Tamanna Yesmine — 2025-10-03

Shilbilati potato, a traditionally significant variety of potato, is grown in norther Rangpur district of Bangladesh, despite its lower yield compared to the high yield varieties of potatoes. This study evaluates the profitability of Shilbilati potato farmers and intermediaries using traditional storage as this varieties of potatoes are stored for a shorter period of time and traditional storage system is also cost effective for the users. Data of 100 Shilbilati potato farmers and 30 intermediaries were collected using simple random sampling technique from Mithapukur and Badarganj upazilas of Rangpur district in Bangladesh. Tabular analysis and statistical method were used to measure the profitability. However, the results revealed that small farmers earned higher net benefit (Tk. 176.39/quintal) compared to the large farmers as small farmers have to handle lower storage and handling costs. Moreover, retailers earned more profit (Tk. 140.48/quintal) followed by the beparies (Tk. 117.94/quintal). The study also find that although storage is advantageous for all the market players of Shilbilati potato but retailers are the most benefitted group as their marketing margin (106.90 Tk./quintal) is higher than others. The findings provide valuable insights to the policymakers to improve the potato value chain in Bangladesh.

Evaluating the Poverty-Reducing Impact of Index-Based Livestock Insurance in Kenya’s Arid Regions: Evidence from Hadado Sub-County

Tore Kipngetich Nelson — 2025-10-03

Repeated droughts in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions erode livestock assets and perpetuate poverty among pastoralist households. Index-Based Livestock Insurance (IBLI) offers potential for mitigating such risks, yet empirical evidence of poverty reduction remains limited. This study analyzed primary data from 286 households in Wajir County using a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) regression framework to estimate the effect of IBLI on household poverty. The results demonstrate that IBLI participation significantly reduces poverty, with insured households experiencing a 1.35-point decline in the poverty index relative to non-participants (B = −1.350, p = .001). Moreover, the interaction between IBLI and the midline phase indicates an additional reduction (B = −1.253, p = .014), suggesting that program benefits strengthened as coverage expanded and implementation improved. These findings reveal a cumulative impact, where early gains deepen over time with sustained exposure to insurance. The results align with theoretical and empirical literature showing that index insurance protects assets, smooth consumption, and prevents poverty traps. Policy recommendations emphasize awareness creation, affordability, and timely claim settlement to enhance uptake and strengthen IBLI’s role as a social protection mechanism in drought-prone regions.

Assessment of Water Use Efficiency in Vegetable Cultivation under Groundwater Conditions in Karnataka, India

Arpitha P — 2025-10-07

Water is a vital input for agriculture and essential for economic and social development, particularly in Karnataka, one of India’s most drought-prone states, where only 34 per cent of gross cropped area is irrigated and agriculture is heavily dependent on groundwater. The study examined the profitability and water use efficiency of major crops under groundwater irrigation in Bengaluru Rural district. A multistage random sampling method was employed, selecting 120 farmers from 10 villages across Hoskote and Nelamangala taluks known for cole crop cultivation. Primary data on input use, costs, yields and irrigation were collected using pre-tested schedules and analysed through cost and returns analysis, irrigation intensity and water use efficiency measures. Results indicated that vegetable crops, particularly cabbage and cauliflower, incurred higher cultivation costs but yielded substantially greater net returns compared to cereals such as ragi and maize, with per acre net returns and returns per rupee spent higher for vegetables. Water use efficiency analysis showed economic efficiency (₹ per acre-inch) was highest in cauliflower (₹ 18,420) and cabbage (₹ 15,034) followed by maize (₹ 9,257) and ragi (₹ 7,781) while technical efficiency (quintals per acre-inch) similarly favoured vegetables. The findings demonstrate that groundwater irrigation significantly enhances productivity, profitability and cropping intensity with vegetables providing superior returns and efficient water utilization compared to cereals. The study highlighted the strategic importance of using groundwater judiciously for high-value horticultural crops, suggesting that optimized irrigation and nutrient management practices can improve farm incomes and sustainable water use in water-scarce regions of Karnataka.

Perceived Constraints in the Adoption of Green Products: Evidence from Fast Food Packaging in Assam, India

Prajwalita Neog — 2025-10-07

The growing dependence on non-biodegradable packaging, fuelled by the fast-food industry, is becoming an urgent environmental challenge. Although green marketing has been promoted for decades, the actual use of eco-friendly products remains disappointingly low. This study set out to explore the key obstacles that prevent wider adoption of green packaging in fast food outlets. The research was carried out in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam between August and October 2024, covering 16 outlets and engaging 115 consumers as well as 30 managers and staff. Using Garrett Ranking analysis, the results show that consumers are most concerned about the lack of trust in green claims, limited availability, and the high cost of eco-friendly options, while they worry least about understanding eco-labels. On the other hand, managers and staff point to high costs, supply shortages, and resistance to change as their main challenges, with regulatory issues having the least impact. These findings underline the need for practical strategies that can build trust, strengthen supply chains, and make green products more affordable, paving the way for greater acceptance and sustainable practices in the food service sector.