Two Essays on International Beef and Poultry Consumer Demand

This study examines meat preferences in China and Rwanda. In China, we analyzed the factors associated with frequent beef purchasing decisions. Using a survey of 560 consumers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, we found that nearly 50% of respondents purchased beef at least 2-3 times a week. Those who purchased specific cuts of beef from wet markets and supermarkets and considered the country of origin and growth hormone-free products important were likely to buy beef more often. The frequency of consumption was also higher for younger respondents with higher wages and those who prioritized price and premium quality. Our findings provide insights for domestic and foreign beef producers on the characteristics of Chinese beef consumers. In Rwanda, we examined the willingness of restaurants to purchase Rwandan broiler chicken compared to local bird chicken, with the aim of increasing the consumption of meat-based protein in the country and to provide revenue to farmers. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 100 restaurants in Kigali and found that female respondents were more likely to purchase Rwandan broilers. Those who considered the availability and reliability of the supplier important were more likely to purchase broiler chickens, while those who were willing to take risks and considered the healthiness and consistency of the product important were less likely to purchase Rwandan broilers. The relative price of the broiler chicken compared to the local bird was not a significant determinant of whether the restaurant would purchase the broiler. Our study provides insights into the factors influencing restaurant preferences for broiler chickens

Life cycle and eco-friendly management of Chinese fruit fly (Bactrocera minax) in sweet orange (Citrus sinesis Osbeck) in Nepal

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) is a highly profitable fruit crop of Nepal. However, for the past five years, farmers experienced poor productivity partly attributed to the severe infestation of exotic Chinese fruit fly (Bactorcera minax), particularly in Sindhuli and Ramechhap district of Nepal. In this context, we attempted to review on identification, life cycle, and eco-friendly management of Chinese fruit fly. The review is documented based on a field visit and relevant works of literature from Journal articles, books, pamphlets, etc. The Chinese fruit fly has tremendous ability to take a long-range flight, thus,  migrated from China to Bhutan and crossing the Indo-Nepal eastern border, finally reached to eastern mid-hills of Nepal.  Moderate temperature and low humidity of mid-hills of Nepal are favorable for the exponential growth of the pest. Being sweet orange most preferable commodity, the host range of the fly includes almost all the citrus fruits. The fly has damaged 20-50% of the fruit every year and resulted in a loss of millions of rupees.  Therefore various pest management practices can be deployed for sustainable eco-friendly management of the pest. The Chinese fruit fly can be successfully managed by hydrolase protein baits, regular pruning, augmentation of bio-control agents, and using soft systemic insecticides. Various other options for the management of Chinese fruit fly are also discussed with their biological efficacy for the sustainable and eco-friendly management of pests

Allocative efficiency and adoption of improved maize variety: A case of eastern hills of Nepal

Production and  profit from maize farming can be substantially increased by allocating resources efficiently and adopting improved maize variety. In this context, a study was undertaken to determine the allocative efficiency and factors affecting adoption of improved maize variety in Eastern hills of Nepal. Random sampling was conducted in eastern part of Khotang district namely, Halesi municipality and Diktel Rupakot Majuwagadi municipality during month of March 2019. Pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered among 80 randomly selected farmers cultivating maize since last two years. Face to face interview was scheduled to obtain data. Cobb Douglas production function was used to determine allocative efficiency; probit regression model was launched to determine factors affecting adoption of improved maize variety.  Significant positive relation of cost of seed, planting, and weeding with income has suggested to increase expenditure on certified maize seed over own farm seed, line sowing over broadcasting, and weeding. The model revealed that increasing all the factors of production by 100% would result in increase in income by 71.83%. Furthermore, cultivating improved maize variety is more profitable than own farm seed. Probit regression model showed that, farmers who have received training, who were member of cooperatives and who have received high schooling were more likely to adopt open-pollinated improved maize variety. Unavailability of inputs (seed, fertilizer, and labor), insect pest attack and adverse climatic conditions were major constraint of maize farming. Therefore, it would be better to suggest maize producers to increase expenditure on seed; make maize field weed free and adopt line sowing method. In addition, providing training, increasing access over inputs and encouraging farmers towards cooperatives could be virtuous for sustainable maize production

Price behavior, marketing and consumption pattern of tomato in selected region of western Nepal

Tomato is an important marketable vegetable commodity of Nepal; but, due to involvement of middlemen farmers are receiving low price margin, meanwhile, consumer are compelled to pay higher. Keeping these points in view, an attempt has been made to study price behavior, marketing and consumption pattern of tomato in Western Nepal. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered among randomly selected 90 tomato producers and 10 retailers during march-April 2018. Reports from ministry of agricultural development and journal articles were sources of secondary data. The empirical evidences revealed that, farm gate price, retailers’ price, and price spread was higher for off-seasonal tomato production while producers share was higher for seasonal production; in addition, price of tomato, for both seasons, was increasing. Market analysis depicted, producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer was the major market channel involved. Low market price, dominancy of wholesaler in price determination, storage problems (mainly in off-season), and malpractices during post-harvest handling were the major problems of marketing. Overall, our study point out that, addressing the mentioned problems, accessing new markets, checking unscrupulous middlemen, and value addition are crucial for sustainable market development

Effect of different spacing and mulching on growth and yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Chitwan, Nepal

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is one of the most important vegetable crop of Nepal. Its yield and growth parameters are affected by different cultural practices. This study was conducted at Olericulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during April 29 to July 9 of 2018. The field experiment was carried out in split plot design using three replications. The treatments consisted of three intra row spacing (30, 45 and 60 cm) and four different mulching materials (Silver plastic, Panicum repens, Lantana camara and bare soil). The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of various intra-row spacings and mulching materials on growth and yield of okra. The effect of mulching materials on okra yield was found significant. The okra yield was highest (8104 kg/ha) under silver plastic mulch followed by control (5161kg/ha), Panicum repens (3901kg/ha) and Lantana camera (3701kg/ha), respectively. Silver plastic mulch enhanced the growth parameters like canopy length, plant height, leaf number, leaf length, girth and yield of okra. The spacings provided non significant effect on okra yield, however the yield of okra was highest (7295 kg/ha) under 30×30 cm spacing followed by 45×30 cm (4660 kg/ha) and 60 cm × 30 cm spacing (3703 kg/ha), respectively. Combination of silver plastic mulch along with 30 cm × 30 cm spacing provided the highest okra yield. This study suggests that farmers of the Chitwan should grow okra at spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and under silver plastic mulch to produce higher yield