Soil organic carbon and its influencing factors in Nepalese forest ecosystems

The importance of soil organic carbon (SOC) in climate regulation and sustainable ecosystem management is increasingly recognized, prompting a comprehensive review of SOC research in Nepal. The objective of this study was to consolidate findings from various empirical studies to provide a holistic understanding of SOC dynamics across Nepalese forests. By integrating data from multiple studies derived from online search and desk reviews, this study seeks to identify patterns and factors influencing SOC stocks, thereby informing more effective land management and conservation strategies. The analysis was prepared based on the articles published in the last 100 years (1925-2024). The collected data were synthesized to identify patterns and key factors influencing SOC stocks in Nepalese forests. A narrative synthesis approach was used to integrate findings across studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of SOC dynamics and sequestration potential in the region. This study highlights the critical role of forest ecosystems in carbon sequestration and the influence of factors such as altitude, slope, canopy cover, and forest type on SOC stocks. The findings indicate that altitude, forest type, and management practices are key factors influencing SOC stocks, with greater carbon accumulation noted in pristine and well-maintained forests. This study highlights the significant role of SOC in climate regulation and sustainable ecosystem management. Advanced techniques like remote sensing and machine learning enhance SOC assessment accuracy, yet challenges such as deforestation and soil erosion persist. Sustainable practices, including conservation agriculture and agroforestry, are essential for SOC sequestration. Interdisciplinary collaboration, policy engagement, and community involvement are crucial for promoting these practices and addressing the challenges of SOC management, contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts

Response of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on tomato production in Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal

An experiment was conducted to study the response of nitrogen (N) on tomato production using randomized completely block design (RCBD) design with two factorial arrangements of treatments in three replications at the research field of  Directorate of Agricultural Research (DoAR), Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal in the winter seasons of 2020/21 and 2021/22. Factor A consisted of three genotypes (AVTO 1409, and AVTO 1306 and check Pusa Ruby). Factor B was comprised with five combinations of N application (i.e. 4 applications of N 100 and 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through farm yard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) with one control only RDF (200:150:120 kg N:P2O5:K2O + 10 t ha-1 FYM). RDF of P2O5 and K2O were applied equally in all treatment combinations. The plot was maintained at 9 m2 (3 m x 3 m) and 28-day-old seedlings were transplanted at a 75 cm x 60 cm distance between rows and plants. The analysis of results observed highly significant variation for yield. However, their interaction effect was found non-significant. Whereas, Genotypes AVTO 1409 produced the highest plant height (71.20 cm,) and the earliest flowering (52 days). The earliest harvest (86 days) was found in AVTO 1306 along with the highest fruit weight. (47.9 g); fruit length (5.84 cm), fruit diameter (6.41 cm.), and the higher marketable yield (40.21 t/ha) followed by genotype AVTO 1409 (38.77 t/ha). The lowest yield (25.63 t ha-1) was found in Pusa Ruby over the years. Likewise, the combined application of 50 % N from PM and 50% from inorganic fertilizer produced the highest plant height (74.20 cm) which was statistically at par with the control, the earliest harvest (89 days), diameter (5.92 cm) and length (5.98 cm) and average weight (41.6 g) of fruits and marketable yield (39.36 t/ha) while the supply of 100 % N only from FYM produced the lowest yield (31.21 t/ha) in the mean over the combined years. Based on the results, genotype AVTO 1306 and the application of 50% N from PM and 50% from inorganic sources were found promising in the sustainable production of tomato

Socio-economic return analysis of apple farming in Mustang district of Nepal

Apple farming is commercially done in mountainous regions in Nepal. The aim of this study was to assess social and economic returns of apple farming in Mustang district. The study applied a quantitative approach using multi-site case study methodology. The primary data were collected from 156 respondents by using reliable (Cronbach\u27s alpha 0.70) self-administered questionnaires. The study revealed that the mean age, household size, and ethnicity were 49 years, 6 members, and 80% Janajati, respectively. The mean value of irrigated land, non-irrigated land, and leasehold land was found to be 0.59 ha, 0.11 ha, and 0.18 ha respectively. The majority of households (48.7%) have food sufficiency for 6-9 months. Apple farming has enhanced farmers\u27 living standards and quality of life, with improved access to nutritious food and perceived family well-being while creating 464 self-employment and 758 seasonal jobs. The economic analysis showed that the average initial investment in farm businesses as well as income from agriculture and agro-based entrepreneurship were found US$1,864, US$ 5,523 and US$6,720 respectively. Likewise, average annual expenses for new seeds, fertilizers/pesticides/vitamins, labor, irrigation, and technician visit fee found US$ 354; 1,089; 1,551; 59, and 64 respectively. The annual income from apple farming is 75% associated with annual expenses for technician\u27s fee, fertilizers/pesticide/vitamin, new seeds, irrigation, and labor. Besides, the variables of expense for fertilizer/pesticide/vitamin (t= 2.99, p<0.05), irrigation (t= 0.36, p<0.05), and labor (t= 5.32, p <0.05) are significantly associated with annual income. Respondents with irrigation facilities had higher annual incomes than those without. Apple farming in Mustang is a key income source, offering significant social and economic benefits. However, issues like inadequate cold storage, poor roads, and retailer monopolies persist. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and technicians advancing apple farming commercialization in Nepal

In vitro screening of rice landraces for increased drought tolerance at early growth stages using Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)

Drought stress at germination stage can negatively impact the emergence and uniformity of seedlings leading to poor seedling establishment. Screening for drought tolerance at germination stage helps to identify potential rice germplasm tolerant to water scarcity during early growth. An experiment was conducted at the laboratory of Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Lamjung Campus, Nepal from 18th to 27th July 2023 in order to assess the seed germination of 20 rice landraces under drought stress condition. The experiment was carried out in a two factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. The genotypes were evaluated against three levels of drought stress simulated at three concentrations of Polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) @ 0% (Control), 10% and 20%. 20% PEG condition significantly (p≤0.05) recorded the lowest values for Germination Percentage (82%), Vigor Index (443.65), Coefficient of Velocity of Germination (9.91), Germination Index (160.78), Root Length (3.63 cm), Shoot Length (1.67 cm) and the highest values for Mean Germination Time (3.22 days) and Root-Shoot ratio (2.67 cm). Conversely, Control exhibited the fastest Mean Germination Time (1.75 days) and highest Germination Index (219.7). Highest Vigor Index (1329.35) and Shoot Length (7.83 cm) along with lowest Root-Shoot ratio (0.80 cm) was noted in 10% PEG. The Control and 10% PEG were statistically at par for parameters Germination Percentage and Root Length. Genotype Manamure significantly exhibited the highest Germination Index (224.33) and the fastest Mean Germination Time (1.67 days) whereas genotype Rato Anadi Lamcho showed an inferior performance with the lowest Vigor Index (786.37), Germination Index (146.78) and the slowest Mean Germination Time (3 days). Genotype Pahele was observed with maximum values of Germination Percentage (94.67%), Vigor Index (726.8), Germination Index (198.33), Shoot Length (2.713) and fastest Mean Germination Time (2.38 days) under 20% PEG condition. Using PEG 6000 to assess early growth traits is a cost-effective approach in achieving rapid screening for tolerant rice germplasm

Factors affecting the adoption of livestock insurance among dairy farmers in Dang district, Nepal

The dairy sector plays an important role in food and nutrition security of rural households. Dairy business is exposed to high risks.  The insurance scheme provides to avert the unanticipated economic loss of dairy farms. This study was conducted to analyze the various factors affecting livestock insurance adoption among dairy farmers in Dang district, Nepal. Required information was obtained through farm household surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). The effect of twelve predictor variables on the adoption of livestock insurance was assessed using logit regression model. This study was conducted in three local levels of Dang district in September 2020. Ninety dairy animal insurers were surveyed as a household through a stratified random sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed for the household interview, six key informant surveys, and three focus group discussions. The collected data were analyzed through logit regression model using Stata software. The regression results revealed that the probability of insurance adoption significantly increases with technical support (p=0.001), loan taken (p=0.049), breed type (p=0.0001), experience in livestock (p=0.001) and membership in the organization (p=0.011). The education status of farmers, own grazing land, access to media were found influencing factor for adoption of the livestock insurance

Assessment of end products of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and their marketing channel in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal

This study was conducted for six month from February-July in 2019 to evaluate the end products, end uses, ingredients and marketing channel associated with Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal. A 100% sampling intensity was employed encompassing all medicinal/herbal retailer shops and processing industries/companies identified within the study area. Data were collected through complete surveys of herbal/medicinal shops and industries located at Bharatpur city by using structured questionnaire which offered 41 end products containing W. somnifera as an ingredient. Additionally, two herbal industries were found, producing six types of Ayurvedic medicines using W. somnifera as a key ingredient. The major uses of these Ayurvedic medicines were found to treat illness of physical weakness (n=20), nervous system (n=18) and reproductive system (17). Of total end products 31.7% were solely made only from Ashwagandha and remaining were prepared by using other 187 medicinal plants/minerals or its extract as ingredient out of which Kurilo (Asparagus racemosus) was the most used medicinal plant as ingredient with it. Most of products were Classical Ayurvedic Medicine (51.22%) and sold without prescription (65.85%) also. Most of them were manufactured within Nepal (75.61%) but depends on Indian market for raw material of Ashwagandha. These products from manufacturing industries reached to medicinal/herbal retailer shops through stockiest and super stockiest and sometimes directly from Nepalese company via courier and marketing agents. Major challenges of W. somnifera processing industries is lack of cultivation of this species in Nepal leading their dependency on India for raw material, lack of incentives, difficult bureaucracy and political instability

Economics of fish production demand and trade in terai region of Nepal

Aquaculture is gradually establishing itself as a significant agricultural activity in Nepal, a country endowed with abundant water resources and diverse topography. Despite its potential, aquaculture in Nepal, faces significant challenges that hinders optimal fish production and economic returns. This study was conducted in 2022 to 2023 and aims to analyze the current status of fish farming, examining production trends, socio-economic profiles of fish farming households, cost structures, and profitability. The research highlights the achievements of the Game Changer program, which has significantly boosted fish yield through fry production. It also examines the growth and economic feasibility of fish farming in Siraha, Nepal. Over the past decade, fish production has grown significantly, driven by enhanced aquaculture practices and supportive policies, the sector\u27s profitability is reflected by a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.28, despite challenges such as high feed costs and reliance on imported seeds. Fingerling production in Siraha experienced remarkable growth, rising from 5.5 million in 2019/2020 to 13.65 million in, 2021/2022 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 57.54%. Based on this growth trajectory, fingerling production is expected to reach 37.11 billion by 2034, showcasing the sector’s significant potential for expansion. Despite notable progress, several constraints such as limited technical knowledge, inadequate access and knowledge to quality inputs, and insufficient market infrastructure persist. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address these challenges. Recommendations include enhancing technical training, improving low-cost high-quality inputs, strengthening market facilities, promoting gender balance, and advocating for supportive policies. By leveraging these strategies, Nepal can significantly increase its aquaculture production, contributing to national food security, economic growth, and employment generation

Mitigating heat stress in tomato by synergetic effect of trichoderma and organic manures

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are one of the world\u27s most extensively farmed and economically important crops. Its high nutritional value and flexibility make it a household staple and an important crop for farmers. However, heat stress is a major hazard to tomato output. Temperatures above 30°C have a negative impact on tomato plants\u27 physiological processes, such as germination, flowering, and fruit set, resulting in lower production and quality. With the growing frequency of heat stress caused by global warming, solving this issue is crucial to preserving tomato output. Heat stress has an impact on tomato development and yield by interrupting photosynthesis, reducing pollen viability, and increasing oxidative damage to plant cells. This stress causes decreased fruit set, reduced fruit size, and worse fruit quality. Organic agriculture provides a sustainable solution for mitigating the negative impacts of heat stress. The use of bio-fungicides such as Trichoderma and organic manures has been shown to effectively reduce the effects of heat stress on tomato plants. Trichoderma improves plant resilience by creating systemic resistance, releasing growth hormones, and increasing nutrient intake. Organic manures such as goat manure, poultry dung, and vermicompost improve soil structure, boost water retention, and supply important nutrients that help plants cope with stress. Reduced heat stress is critical for preserving tomato crop output and quality, particularly in the face of global climate change. Promoting the use of Trichoderma and organic manures in tomato growing not only decreases the impacts of heat stress, but also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, enhancing soil health and protecting the environment. Adopting such sustainable approaches will assure food security and the long-term viability of tomato production

Supply chain analysis of silage in Chitwan district of Nepal

Silage, anaerobically fermented green fodder, is valued worldwide as a source of animal feed during lean months. No studies have yet been documented exploring the supply chain map of silage and production economics of fodder used. Also, identification and prioritization of the major problems associated with fodder maize production, silage production and marketing is necessary. Chitwan district was purposively selected for this study as there are a greater number of commercial dairy cattle farms and silage-making agro-industries. A field survey and FGD was conducted among the fodder maize gowing farmers, Key Informant Interview was taken with the owner of six different silage producing farms during the time period between September, 2023 to February, 2024. A total of 90 sample farmers were selected for the study by applying the simple random sampling technique. The average productivity of the fodder maize was 539 qt/ha. The average land holding of the farmers growing fodder maize was found to be 0.38 ha. Moreover, the average price of the fodder maize was estimated NRs.345/qt. The positive gross margin and benefit cost ratio (BCR) greater than one showed both fooder maize production and silage production profitable and financially viable enterprises. Indexing identified the inadequate availability of fertilizers in time and the low price of fodder maize in the market as the first major problems associated with fodder maize production and marketing respectively. The role of cooperatives seemed to be important in the backward and forward linkages of silage as cooperatives were found to be closely associated with the marketing of fodder maize and silage as well. Assuring the timely availability of fertilizers, quality seed of suitable varieties and irrigation facilities must be the priority areras of government intervention to enahcne the production of fodder maize and silage.  Moreover, price favour for the farmers, prioritizing the development of marketing channels, assuring the availability of market information, developing the transportation and storage facilities seemed to be primary areas of intervention to promote and strengthen the supply chain of silage.  Assessing the demand for silage and exploring the more sustainable value chain could be an important area for further research

Recent insights on epidemiology, diagnosis and control of Classical and African Swine Fever in pig industry

Classical swine fever is caused by an enveloped RNA virus in the genus Pestivirus of the family Flaviviridae, whereas African swine fever (ASF) is caused by a double-stranded DNA virus in the genus Asfivirus of the family Asfarviridae. Both diseases are devastating and cause great loss in the pig industry through mortality, growth retardation, and poor reproductive performance. The clinical symptoms of African swine fever and classical swine fever in pigs can be extremely similar; hence laboratory testing is necessary to distinguish between both diseases. Virus isolation, fluorescent antibody test (FAT), antigen capture antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), virus neutralization test (VNT), and antibody ELISA have been developed for diagnosis of CSF. For detection of ASF, ELISA, chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), PCR, luciferase immunoprecipitation assay (MB-LIPS), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) have been developed. For the piggery business to grow, quick diagnosis and effective preventative measures are needed to aid in the management and elimination of both diseases. Pigs have been protected against these diseases through vaccination. Preventing entry of the CSF and ASF viruses through strict quarantine measures is necessary. Early detection and knowledge of the disease\u27s epidemiology are crucial for both preventing the disease\u27s spread and developing an effective management strategy. This review provides insights on the etiological agent, epidemiology, transmission mode, clinical symptoms, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control strategies of both diseases