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Poverty in India has been declining consistently over the years, yet it is home to 172 million poor people. Most of India's poor are concentrated in rural areas and are dependent on agriculture. This poses a serious challenge to the exploration of potential pathways that could effectively eradicate poverty and accomplish the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We estimate the effects of various types of investment in rural areas in accelerating agricultural productivity and reducing rural poverty, and find differential impacts of investments and subsidies across low-, middle-, and high-income states. Private investment in minor irrigation, public investments in agricultural research and development, and subsidies on irrigation and electricity have the highest marginal returns in low-income states. Further, the payoffs from additional spending in promoting agricultural income are also higher in low-income states, suggesting targeting these locations with strategic investments and subsidies to improve agricultural productivity and reduce poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labor‐saving and income‐increasing technologies may affect women farmers differently from men. However, very few studies explicitly account for women's preferences for new technologies. We carried out a discrete choice experiment with 337 female and 329 male farmers in Maharashtra, India, to measure their willingness to pay (WTP) for direct‐seeded rice (DSR) with drum seeder and to understand the gender differences in marginal valuations of key attributes. We used the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) to collect self‐reported data on the role and say of women in different domains of decision making. The respective gender roles of women and men in the family and on the farm are aligned with their preferences. Men have a greater say over how the family spends the cash. Accordingly, men tend to have a higher WTP for attributes that increase income (increase in yield) or reduce cash costs (reduction in seed rate). Women contribute a large share of the labor for transplanting rice, much of which is unpaid work on family farms. Women, therefore, seem to value labor saving more. Women in our sample were more interested in the new technology and had a higher WTP for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We evaluate a large-scale model of agricultural advisory services, known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Farm Science Centers, introduced by the Government of India. • The study evaluates the direct and spillover effects of frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs conducted by KVKs, and then, examines gains in the speed of diffusion at the aggregate. • The study shows that the impact is larger for KVK beneficiaries, substantial gains also arise for network beneficiaries. • The study underscores the importance of conducting interventions at frequent intervals to influence adoption on aggregate. We evaluate a large-scale model of agricultural advisory services, known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Farm Science Centers, introduced by the Government of India to facilitate smallholder adoption of new agricultural technologies. The study first evaluates the impact of frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs conducted by KVKs and aimed at promoting a new wheat variety (HD-2967); it then examines gains in the speed of diffusion at the district level. The study's second objective is to estimate the spillover effects of KVKs through social networks. The study identifies network beneficiaries based on a "networks within sample" approach. The study uses a matched difference-in-differences approach and sample of 1496 wheat farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The finding shows that frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs positively impact the adoption of HD-2967. The magnitude of the impacts is larger for KVK beneficiaries, but substantial gains also arise for network beneficiaries. The study underscores the importance of frequently conducting interventions to influence adoption on aggregate at the district level. From a policy perspective, the study offers new insights for strengthening outreach and extension services designed to facilitate the transfer of agricultural knowledge and information, emphasizing frontline demonstrations, capacity-building programs, and spillovers in extending the scope of KVKs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier studies have empirically illustrated the significant role that investment in agricultural research and extension (R&E) plays in enhancing productivity, accelerating agricultural growth and reducing poverty in India. This article adds to the existing literature on the spatial and temporal dimensions of agricultural R&E investments with special emphasis on returns to investment in major states of India. The study reveals that significant structural changes have occurred in the pattern of agricultural R&E investments across sectors and states over the past five decades. R&E investments on the crop and fishery sectors improved over time at the expense of the livestock sector. Similarly, the states' share in aggregate R&E investments declined over the years, while the centre's improved proportionately. Returns to investments differed significantly according to geography, with the states that had a higher share of total factor productivity growth in their output growth faring better than the rest in relative terms. The R&E investment in the crop sub-sector in India has been especially rewarding, generating returns that are close to 50 per cent. In general, the findings of the study suggest the engineering of a deliberate shift in focus from alternative types of investment to agricultural R&E to meet the future growth challenges in India's agriculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been implicated in acute migraine pathogenesis. In an effort to identify novel CGRP receptor antagonists for the treatment of migraine, we have discovered thiazolidinone 49, a potent (K i =30pM, IC50 =1nM), orally bioavailable, CNS-penetrant CGRP antagonist with good pharmacokinetic properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diversification by small farmers toward high-value crops (fruits and vegetables [F & V]) that can raise farm incomes significantly has always been in question because of several reasons such as diseconomies of scale and lack of access to inputs such as capital and information. We present evidence that in India diversification toward high-value crops exhibits a pro-smallholder (rather than anti-smallholder) bias. The smallholders however play a proportionally larger role in vegetables than in fruits cultivation. These patterns are consistent with simple comparative advantage-based production choices. Even with small landholdings if labor endowments are high, such farmers diversify toward F & V. Though fruits cultivation is also labor intensive relative to cereals, it is less so relative to vegetables. Greater capital intensity implies a comparatively important role of credit in fruits. The results are robust to several tests on specification including those related to self-selection. Chez les petits exploitants agricoles, la diversification en faveur de cultures à valeur élevée (fruits et légumes) permettant d'accroître considérablement le revenu agricole a toujours été remise en question pour diverses raisons, notamment les déséconomies d'échelle et le manque d'accès aux intrants comme le capital et l'information. Dans le présent article, nous montrons qu'en Inde, la diversification en faveur de cultures à valeur élevée semble plutôt favorable que défavorable aux petits exploitants agricoles. Toutefois, les petits exploitants sont proportionnellement plus présents dans la culture maraîchère que dans la culture fruitière. Ces observations concordent avec les choix d'une production fondée sur les avantages comparatifs. Même dans le cas des petites exploitations, lorsque les besoins de main-d'œuvre sont élevés, elles se tournent vers les cultures fruitière et maraîchère. Bien que la culture fruitière soit une activitéà forte intensité de main-d'œuvre comparativement à la culture céréalière, elle l'est moins que la culture maraîchère. L'intensité de capital élevée de la culture fruitière signifie que le crédit joue aussi un rôle important. Les résultats de plusieurs tests de spécification sont robustes, y compris ceux liés à l'auto-sélection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of alkenyl cyclopropanes 1 with a variety of common organic functionalities is reported. These substrates were subjected to the Fe(CO)5-mediated carbonylation process under a CO atmosphere, leading to the formation of 2,5-disubstituted cyclohexenones 2, important intermediates for target-directed synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation and Rh-mediated cyclization of the α-diazoester 1 are outlined, and its utility in determining the elements that contribute to the reactivity of the intermediate Rh-carbenoid is presented. The rate of disappearance of diazo ester 1 catalyzed by several representative Rh(II) complexes was determined. The observed relative rate constants for the reaction of the Rh(II) complexes with 1 varied over a range of >107. The reactivity of the Rh-carbenoid intermediate was explored using the ratio of the sum of (3 + 4 + 5) to 2 (cyclization vs elimination), the ratio of 3 to the sum of (4 + 5) (chemoselectivity), and the ratio of 4 to 5 (diastereoselectivity). It is striking that these four measures of reactivity were found to be independent of each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demand for organic basmati rice (OBR), both at home and abroad, coupled with policy reforms have given rise to contract farming (CF) production in India. OBR production, however, is highly susceptible to weather and pest risks. This study investigates the impact of smallholders’ perceived production risks on their adoption of CF in OBR farming. We also assess the impact of CF in OBR production on yields, prices received, and the livelihood of OBR producers. We use farm-level data from smallholder organic basmati rice farms in India and the endogenous switching regression method to account for heterogeneity. Although CF in OBR led to lower yields, it increased the prices producers received and improved the livelihood of OBR producers. The impact of CF varied with farmers’ revealed risk attitudes. Risk-loving OBR growers with CF experienced the highest loss in yields, and risk-averse OBR growers with CF received the highest prices. We find that the OBR growers who did not adopt CF would benefit from adopting it, regardless of their risk attitudes, especially when it comes to prices received and livelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepal’s population continues to grow, but the agricultural sector’s performance remains almost stagnant. This has led to a decline in the per capita availability of food. Increasing agricultural productivity is the key to agricultural growth, and one strategy for increasing agricultural productivity is to use improved seeds. This study investigates the impact of contract farming (CF) in high yielding varieties (HYV) of paddy seed production on costs, yield, and profits of smallholder farms in Nepal. Using farm-level data and a non-parametric propensity score matching estimator, the study finds a significant positive impact of contract HYV seed farming on revenues, profits, and yield, and a significant negative impact on total costs of production. Additionally, very small farms (⩽0.43 ha) with CF in HYV paddy seeds tend to gain the most when it comes to yield per hectare. Our estimates reveal that the average smallholder household in Nepal engaged in CF with input conditions receives higher profits. However, farmers engaged in CF with output conditions tend to have higher yields but smaller profits. Finally, farmers engaged in CF in HYV paddy seeds with both input and output conditions have the highest yield gains and significantly higher profits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We examine caste-based social network interactions for technology adoption. • Use farm survey data from mustard farmers in Rajasthan, India. • We test if social network effects vary by interactions intra-caste and inter-caste. • Findings reveal that social network effects are significant in intra-caste. • Technology adoption is higher when SC/ST farmers interact with non-SC/ST network members. This study examines the role of caste-based affiliations in the smallholders' social network interactions for adoption choices. In particular, whether lower-caste, namely Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, farmers rely more on social networks for information than their counterparts. We further explore whether social network effects are more pronounced when farmers interact within their caste than otherwise. Finally, the study tests whether the effects (intra-caste and inter-caste) vary by caste—SC/ST versus non-SC/ST farmers. The study uses a survey of 478 mustard farmers in Rajasthan, India. Econometric concerns related to unobserved heterogeneity are addressed by employing specifications with village fixed effects and a series of robustness tests. Simultaneity concerns are addressed by analyzing the social network effects in a dynamic adoption framework. Results show that the adoption choices regarding hybrid mustard seeds are more pronounced for the lower-caste farmers than for their counterparts. Findings reveal that social network effects are significant in intra-caste but not in the case of inter-caste. Finally, the result shows that the likelihood of accepting advice in technology adoption is higher when SC/ST farmers interact with non-SC/ST network members than when non-SC/ST farmers interact with SC/ST network members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TiCl4-mediated reaction of an ester with benzoyl chloride results in high yields of the α-benzoylated ester. Diazo transfer of the benzoylated ester utilizing p-acetoamidoben- zenesulfonyl azide affords the α-diazo ester in good yield. Using this simplified procedure, it is easy to prepare gram quantities of α-diazo esters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains are considered as the early indicators of climate change. The study aims to understand how the Himalayan communities perceive climate change, and how this change has impacted the livelihood and sustenance of local people particularly in the remote and rural areas of the region. In view of this, 994 households of 25 villages were interviewed from five basins five villages per basin) of the Indian Himalayan Region. Their perceptions mainly of climate change were validated/compared with the available climatic indices. People perceived rainfall pattern to be less predictable, greater change in land-use pattern, adverse impacts on forests and human health and overall reduction in their harvests. Seasonal increase in temperature was also reported. Capacity-building programmes for the inhabitants, including the most vulnerable communities in the wake of climate change would be significantly fruitful by way of mitigation and adaptation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past studies have reported serious levels of food insecurity and under-nutrition existing in the eastern belt of India. This study specifically examined the food consumption pattern, levels of nutrition intake and nutrient intake gap of sample households in 12 villages of Eastern India based on data collected during the agricultural year 2011-12. The results point to serious levels of nutrient intake deficit in the sample villages, though with notable disparities in its level of incidence. Major socio-economic and demographic variables that determine the calorie deficit status of the households were identified, the knowledge of which is important while planning interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CVOID-19 induced significant economic and social disruptions in India. Rural households, including smallholders, were affected by loss in migrant income, livelihood and farm and non-farm incomes. During this lockdown, the Indian government enacted several emergency legislations to provide direct and indirect relief to workers and households. India's COVID-19 social assistance package, namely, PM-GKY, announced in March 2020, was designed to provide immediate relief to the vulnerable population. The PM-GKY provided cash direct benefit transfers (DBT) and in-kind supports (IKS) through existing schemes. This study examines the impact of India's government assistance package (known as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana or PM-GKY), announced immediately after the COVID-19 lockdown, on the procurement of agricultural inputs for the upcoming farming season. The study uses a quasi-experimental method and survey data from 1,789 smallholder households in three northern Indian states (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh). The result suggests that the fungibility of funds received under the government transfer package was significant in alleviating credit constraints and increasing agricultural investments in agricultural inputs. The farmers who received benefits from the PM-GKY scheme spent significantly more on the procurement of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The disbursement of cash transfers in the three states showed that emergency relief packages had reached the vulnerable sections of Indian society. Overall, 89-94% of households benefited from direct cash transfers. Perhaps lower transaction costs, minimal leakages, and immediate delivery make a strong case for direct cash transfers. The above advantages facilitate the provision of relief to a large proportion of vulnerable sections of Indian society in a short period. • Impact of India's government assistance on the farming inputs. • Use a quasi-experimental method and rural survey data. • We find fungibility of funds received under the government transfer package. • Cash transfers helped farmers buy more seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ICT-enabled ecosystems improve fruit and vegetable consumption for farmers in Odisha. • Farm-level homegrown consumption mediates overall fruit and vegetable consumption. • Retail interventions must go beyond improving access and focus on demand generation. • Intersectoral policy-making approaches are needed to bridge value chain efforts. This paper reports results of a quasi-experimental study designed to assess the impact of an information and communication technology (ICT) –enabled ecosystem, led by the social enterprise eKutir, on household fruit and vegetable consumption in Odisha, India. eKutir aims at providing self-sustaining solutions to poverty and undernutrition in developing countries by leveraging ICTs through ecosystem development anchored into a distributed micro-entrepreneurial strategy. eKutir's farming micro-entrepreneurs (FME) provide agricultural knowledge, inputs, and market linkages at household and community level, followed by progressive integration of other micro-entrepreneurs at different points along the value chain on both supply and demand sides. The present case examined core FMEs along with retail micro-entrepreneurs (RMEs) deployed in low-resource rural and urban communities. Structural equation modeling was used to compare rural outcomes and the role of homegrown consumption as a mediator. Multivariable linear regression and ANOVA were used to test group differences in the urban sample. Positive β coefficients represent an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption in communities exposed to the eKutir ecosystem in contrast to the comparison group. Farmers in rural communities exposed to the eKutir ecosystem consumed more overall fruit and vegetables (β = 0.30, p < 0.001) and fruits alone (β = 0.53, p < 0.05) than those farmers in comparison villages unexposed to the eKutir ecosystem. This effect was concentrated in households exposed to both FMEs + RMEs (β = 0.60, p < 0.0001) and was mediated by homegrown consumption. A non-significant directional effect was observed in comparing fruit and vegetable consumption in rural households exposed to RMEs only over comparison communities. Urban consumers, exposed to the eKutir ecosystem through access to RMEs operating in their neighborhood community, did not increase their fruit or vegetable consumption compared to non-intervention communities. The results reveal the potential of reaching nutritional impacts through homegrown consumption and with farm-level support outside of governmental/philanthropic interventions through an ICT-enabled social enterprise. They also underscore, however, the challenges of both changing eating behaviour and intervening along the agri-food value chain. Implication for more effective digital ecosystem design and intersectoral policies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which investigated predictors of mortality in dengue patients with multiorgan dysfunction. Topics explored include the intensive care unit (ICU) admission and clinical characteristics of patients with severe dengue involved in the study, ICU mortality risk factors measured such as mechanical ventilation and serum albumin rate, and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores of these patients.