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Introduction: Global climate change (CC) significantly impacts sustainable food systems and the agricultural sector, primarily through increasing adverse weather events. This study aims to explore the adaptation strategies farmers use to address these challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices on food performance. Methods: We collected data from 720 crop farmers located in three provinces of Pakistan using a random sampling method. To address potential biases, this study employed the endogenous switching regression (ESR) model. This model effectively addresses endogeneity and selection bias by considering both observable and unobservable characteristics. Results: Study findings indicate that CSA practices substantially enhance net farm returns, reduce volatility, and mitigate downside risks. The analysis also highlights key features affecting the acceptance of CSA practices, including higher education, age, climate information, and availability of agricultural extension services. Discussion: These insights are essential for policymakers, offering a framework for informed decision-making to tackle CC's effects on food production, improve living standards, and enhance global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent electricity shortages in Pakistan, causing prolonged grid power load shedding, have adversely impacted various sectors, notably agriculture and the livelihoods of rural farmers. Literature suggests that adopting photovoltaic solar energy can mitigate these issues. This research aims to measure the impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the technical efficiency of food productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, applying data from 580 respondents. Addressing self-selective bias through ESR and stochastic frontier production function model is utilized to assess technical efficiency. The findings of this study reveal that farmers using solar energy experience a significant improvement in technical efficiency, with 15.8 percent of them achieving a 7.643 percent increase, after accounting for self-selection bias. Furthermore, the positive effects are more pronounced among larger farms and those with greater farming experience. This study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in implementing solar energy solutions, highlighting their potential to foster sustainability and equitable development at the grassroots level. The research culminates with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of promoting the photovoltaic solar energy use among farmers to improve food security and increase agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technology plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable farming and ensuring food security, especially in developing countries. This study evaluates the impact of Internet technology usage on technical efficiency in crop productivity, using data from 600 wheat farmers in rural Pakistan. It addresses the imperative need to enhance agricultural practices within the context of sustainable food production. To achieve this, a matched sample of Internet users and non-users was formed through propensity score matching. The study employs the stochastic frontier method with sample selection adjustment, ensuring a robust evaluation of technical efficiency between these groups. The findings reveal a positive influence of Internet usage on efficiency, persisting even after mitigating self-selection bias from observed and unobserved factors. Internet users exhibit a technical efficiency score of 0.62, surpassing the 0.55 score of non-users. Quantile regression analysis exposes varying impacts of Internet usage on technical efficiency, with less efficient farmers experiencing substantial improvements. Widespread Internet adoption holds the potential to significantly enhance agricultural production for growers. The research underscores the role of promoting Internet utilization to stimulate growth and improve farming efficiency within the evolving digital economy. Policymakers are advised to promote the adoption of modern technology to enhance crop production and support economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study delves into the intricate dynamics between fiscal policies supporting agriculture and the non-linear influence of agricultural science and technology innovation on enhancing agricultural resilience. We conducted research across 31 provinces (including autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2007 to 2021. Method: By constructing the evaluation index system of agricultural resilience, the entropy value method is used to measure the value of agricultural resilience, and then standard deviation ellipse and center of gravity migration analysis, benchmark regression model, heterogeneity analysis, threshold regression model are used to analyze the relationship between agricultural science and technology innovation, fiscal policies supporting agriculture and agricultural resilience. Result: (1) The analysis of the spatio-temporal evolution trend shows that the overall development of China's agricultural resilience is relatively stable, the resilience range is expanding, and the geographical area with the southeast as the center of gravity presents a stronger pulling effect; (2) The benchmark regression model shows that agricultural science and technology innovation has a significant positive effect on agricultural resilience; (3) Agricultural science and technology innovation plays a nonlinear role in increasing agricultural resilience when fiscal policies supporting agriculture are used as a threshold variable. (4) Heterogeneity analysis highlights stronger promotion of agricultural resilience through science and technology innovation in non-main producing areas and economically underdeveloped regions. Discussion: To address this, policymakers should leverage the resilience of the Southeast, boost innovation capacity, tailor innovation to local needs, and reinforce fiscal policies supporting agriculture. These insights provide valuable direction for policymakers in crafting effective measures to enhance agricultural resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of farmers' professional cooperatives (FPCs) on agricultural technical efficiency (TE), using panel data from 30 provinces of China from 2015 to 2020 and the stochastic frontier function (SFF) method. The number of members of each cooperative, the proportion of demonstration cooperatives, and the proportion of standard cooperatives are introduced as proxy variables for the development level of FPCs. The results show that although the development of FPCs is imperfect, its development has a significant positive impact on improving China's agricultural TE. Through the continuous increase in the number of cooperative members and the vigorous promotion of standardized production, agricultural TE has been significantly improved. However, the construction of model cooperatives has not played a positive role but inhibited the growth of agricultural TE. It is suggested to expand the cooperative membership and promote standardized production. The government and policymakers should focus on improving the standardization level of cooperatives and the development quality of FPCs from the aspects of innovating cooperation models, standardizing internal governance, and giving full play to the synergistic effect of agricultural science and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, the continuous advancement of off-grid solar photovoltaic irrigation seeks to improve water access, increase food production, and reduce carbon emissions and energy costs associated with fuel usage. Consequently, this enhances human resilience to climate change and contributes to the improvement of farmers' income. This study investigates the influence of solar energy adoption on farmers' income, drawing insights from 1,080 growers in Pakistan. It uses the logit model and propensity score matching (PSM) to address bias. Factors influencing income, including gender, education, decision-making autonomy, farm size, extension services, cooperative associations, access to credit, risk perception, market distance, and tube well availability, are identified. Findings reveal a positive correlation between solar energy adoption and increased crop farmer income. PSM analysis validates this, emphasizing the need for government and agricultural extension interventions to enhance financial accessibility for farmers facing mobility challenges. This includes subsidies for technology adoption and knowledge dissemination about digital technology. The study advocates for an accelerated adoption of solar energy to foster agricultural development in Pakistan. In resource-poor nations like Pakistan, government subsidies are crucial to offset technology costs for citizens facing challenges in affording green energy. Addressing Pakistan's energy crisis through promoting solar energy for irrigation can amplify farmers' income. It is imperative to promote access to this technology, particularly for water pumping, through subsidies and readily available credit facilities, given the resource limitations and small landholdings of many farmers in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solution of nonlinear mathematical models has much importance and in soliton theory its worth has increased. In the present article, we have investigated the Caudrey-Dodd-Gibbon and Pochhammer-Chree equations, to discuss the physics of these equations and to attain soliton solutions. The exp(−ϕ(ζ ))-expansion technique is used to construct solitary wave solutions. A wave transformation is applied to convert the problem into the form of an ordinary differential equation. The drawn-out novel type outcomes play an essential role in the transportation of energy. It is noted that in the study, the approach is extremely reliable and it may be extended to further mathematical models signified mostly in nonlinear differential equations.

Intensive cultivation is a threat to soil health. Holistic management strategies are necessary to rejuvenate soil health. Farmyard manure (FYM) application is an alternative option to rejuvenate soil health and crop productivity. A short-term field study was conducted at UAF-Pakistan to evaluate the co-application of FYM and inorganic fertilizer (Di-ammonium Phosphate; DAP) for rejuvenation of soil health and maize productivity. Treatments included four levels of phosphorus (P) at a rate of 0, 90, 120, and 150 Kg ha−1 alone and in combination with two levels of FYM with the rate of 0 and 10 tons ha−1 in two-factor randomized complete block design with three replicates. Total eight treatments were maintained as T1 (control), T2 (90 Kg ha−1 P), T3 (120 Kg ha−1 P), T4 (150 Kg ha−1 P), T5 (10 tons ha−1 FYM), T6 (90 Kg ha−1 P and 10 tons ha−1 FYM), T7 (120 Kg ha−1 and 10 tons ha−1 FYM), and T8 (150 Kg ha−1 P and 10 tons ha−1 FYM). Data analysis showed that treatment T8 significantly (P ≤.005) improved the plant height (15.31%), cob length (21.33%), cob weight (36.92%), 1000 grains weight (4.89%), grain yield (31.21%), PUE (39%), and soil physical properties over control. Overall, we concluded integrated application of FYM and DAP increases nutrient use efficiency and maize productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid increase of the number of agricultural cooperatives in China, the problem of fake cooperatives has become more and more serious. The core problem is that some members do not use cooperative services, and elite capture phenomenon appears in the organization. Since services are one of the most important public goods attributes of cooperatives, it is important to ensure that more members use them. What are the factors that affect members' utilization level of cooperative services? Existing research does not provide a comprehensive answer. Based on the micro-survey data of 74 citrus cooperatives and 524 citrus members in China, the article found out that 50.9% of the members did not use any services provided by cooperatives, and only 20.04% of the members used cooperatives' sales services. So, this study empirically analyzes the factors that influence the use of cooperatives' services by puns model. The results show that quality of service, service convenience and mountain terrain promote the use of cooperative sales services for members. In addition, cooperative knowledge, planting area, surplus distribution, quality of service, and service convenience significantly increased the utilization leve of cooperative sales services by members. Finally, the study puts forward some suggestions, such as propagating cooperative sales service, improving the quality of cooperative sales service, perfecting cooperative distribution system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leadership style (LS) is crucial for the success of an organisation and is positively correlated with organisational performance (OP). The objective of this study is to examine the current levels of LS and their influence on OP, while also considering the moderating effect of age on the relationship between LS and OP. A purposive random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 532 employees working in the Telecom sector. The study employed exploratory research methods, descriptive statistics, and statistical tools for data analysis. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were conducted using AMOS 22.0 and SPSS 23.0. The study found that the transformational leadership style is the most used in-service industries. Additionally, it was observed that this leadership style has a positive effect on organisational performance. The performance of an organisation is positively correlated with LS, particularly for transformational and transactional leaders. The results indicate that age does not moderate the relationship between LS and OP. The additional novel findings were also discussed in the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several countries are currently evaluating the potential health impacts of climate change (CC), particularly in relation to the complex connections between CC-induced weather fluctuations. China, heavily affected by CC, provides clear evidence of its effects. Previous research in animal sciences indicates that factors like temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed can affect animal epidemics. In China, a major global hub for animal husbandry, these factors pose significant challenges, warranting further investigation into their quantitative relationship with disease outbreaks. This study investigates the influence of these climatic conditions on epizootic diseases in China. In the current study, using data from 278 village-level surveys and daily meteorological data spanning 2012 to 2018, we used a fixed-effect model for analysis. The findings reveal that increasing temperatures and wind speeds exacerbate disease development, while the precipitation anomaly index negatively impacts animal epidemics, with humidity showing minimal influence. Addressing CC's potential impact on animal disease, governments, organizations, and farmers need to pay more attention to the impacts of climate change on animal diseases and work together to better cope with the impacts through policies, measures, and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuel and electricity-powered irrigation techniques boost the water availability expense and increase greenhouse gas emissions. Especially in developing countries, solar-powered irrigation is becoming more popular as a response to the growing energy and environmental issues associated with agriculture systems. The existing study used data from 1080 wheat farmers in Balochistan, Pakistan, to investigate the impact of solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) usage on the technical efficiency (TE) of wheat production. The TE of wheat production is estimated using a stochastic frontier production function, and the potential self-selectivity bias is addressed using an endogenous switching regression model. The findings indicated that 13.7% of the wheat cultivators assessed used SPISs to produce their crops. Using an endogenous switching regression model shows that SPIS usage increases the TE of wheat growers by 6.657%, after controlling for self-selection bias. While using SPISs, wheat farmers with large farms and farming familiarity had stronger positive effects on TE. The results highlight the need for more investigation and research into evidence-based good practice for SPIS solutions at the site level to ensure that the rollout of modern equipment not only drives the energy sector forward but also contributes significantly to our level playing field and sustainable environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change (CC) is a worldwide environmental issue affecting all economic sectors, especially agriculture. Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by CC due to the country's vulnerability to catastrophic events and limited ability to adapt. Assessing existing activities for adaptation to CC at the farm level is critical to understanding their success and recommending additional government measures. This study analyzes possible farming practice modifications that Pakistani farmers may adopt to reduce the loss of agricultural output due to the rising prevalence of dangerous weather events by CC. Data for the current research were gathered from 432 wheat farmers in rural Pakistan. This article investigates many factors that impact farmers' decisions to CC adaptation in crop production utilizing binary logit (BL) and multivariate probit (MVP) models. Gender, education level, farming experience, farm size, level of damage, access to finance, and training participation are characteristics that substantially affect farmers' likelihood of adapting to CC. Farm size and participation in CC training were the most critical factors influencing farmers' CC adaptation decisions. Policy recommendations were presented to increase the farmers' resilience in the study areas to CC. These comprise expanding CC training courses, developing regulations to encourage agricultural integration, and integrating CC and adaptation to CC principles into the operations of regional organizations. Finally, based on the findings, policymakers will be better equipped to address the challenges posed by CC and create a more resilient agricultural sector. This, in turn, will contribute to improving food security, ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural production and advancement is significantly affected by climate change (CC), especially in drought-prone regions where farmers depend primarily on rainfall for their livelihoods. One of the main threats to the agricultural sector for decades has been global warming, and the sector is particularly susceptible to climatic circumstances. CC has become a crucial concern impeding sustainable development due to rapid changes in urbanization, industry, and agricultural systems. Food security, which is a worldwide concern, is another essential component connected to a country's economy and people's livelihoods. In view of these adverse consequences, the main objective of this study was to examine the impact of CC and food security on sustainable agricultural development in Pakistan. The study area was selected from twenty-four districts in two provinces of Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan). Collectively, the current research offers possible solutions to the dilemmas described above, which could have a significant impact on improving efficiency and technological progress. To address these issues, we introduced a slack-based approach to quantify inefficiencies in overall agricultural production. In addition, this study further scrutinized the decomposition of specific variables. The results show that Pakistan has an agricultural inefficiency of 0.62 under CC and food security constraints, of which 0.29 is primarily attributable to food security limitations. In the end, this study will help policymakers to make appropriate decisions to minimize the impact of CC on sustainable agriculture growth and improve human living standards and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technically competent public agricultural extension field staff plays a vital role in increasing productivity by dissemination of modern agricultural production technology to the farmers. Main objective of the existing study was to understand the technical competencies possessed by public agricultural extension field workers (EFS) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. Data were collected through a validated and pre-tested structured questionnaire from 300 randomly selected farmers of five districts of KP (namely Karak, Swabi, Mardan, Upper Dir and Charsadda), and all public extension field Staff (field assistants (FAs) and Agriculture Officers (AOs) working in the above areas constituted the sample respondents. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS). The results showed that the technical competency of FAs remained in between low and high categories with mean values ranging from 2.45 to 3.80. Similarly, the technical competency of AOs was in between low and very high categories with mean values ranging from 2.88 to 4.07. The FAs were comparatively more competent in fertilizer application (mean 3.80), sowing (mean 3.76) and irrigation (mean 3.74). At other hand, the AOs were found more competent in sowing and fertilizer application (mean 4.07). Both FAs and AOs were observed technically least competent in weeds control, insects/pests identification and their control. Findings of this study recommend that the EFS should be enabled technically more competent in all spheres by arranging proper trainings for technical efficiency in order to increase agricultural productivity and subsequently the socio-economic status of the rural community of the KP province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between government intervention and cooperative development has always been a source of controversy in the developing world. This paper aims to examine the rationale and successful conditions of government intervention to promote cooperative development in poor areas of rural China. In the context of the "targeted poverty alleviation" program (2015–2020), a government-led campaign covering all poverty-stricken villages in west China, cooperative development was listed by the central government as a criterion for evaluating successful intervention at the county government level. Accordingly, the central questions of this paper are: why is government intervention necessary to initiate a process of cooperative development in poor areas of China; and under what conditions can government intervention be successful, leading to sustainable cooperative development? Bearing in mind the complexity of government intervention with mixed results, both successful and failed, the above questions are addressed through a case study of XM Beekeeping Cooperative, representing one type of successful government intervention in poverty-stricken and ethnic-minority-dominated regions of China. Overall, government intervention is crucial in building cooperative ecosystems in poor regions of China. However, government intervention is not invariable because the approaches can be modified to accommodate the effect of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overseeded perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf on dormant bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers. L) in transitional climatic zones (TCZ) experience a severe reduction in its growth due to cold stress. Primary plant nutrients play an important role in the cold stress tolerance of plants. To better understand the cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass under TCZ, a three-factor and five-level central composite rotatable design (CCRD) with a regression model was used to study the interactive effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilization on lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and their detoxification by the photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The study demonstrated substantial effects of N, P, and K fertilization on ROS production and their detoxification through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress. Our results demonstrated that the cold stress significantly enhanced malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide contents, while simultaneously decreasing ROS-scavenging enzymes, antioxidants, and photosynthetic pigments in overseeded perennial ryegrass. However, N, P, and K application mitigated cold stress-provoked adversities by enhancing soluble protein, superoxide dismutase, peroxide dismutase, catalase, and proline contents as compared to the control conditions. Moreover, N, P, and, K application enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids in overseeded perennial ryegrass under cold stress as compared to the control treatments. Collectively, this 2−years study indicated that N, P, and K fertilization mitigated cold stress by activating enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants defense systems, thereby concluding that efficient nutrient management is the key to enhanced cold stress tolerance of overseeded perennial ryegrass in a transitional climate. These findings revealed that turfgrass management will not only rely on breeding new varieties but also on the development of nutrient management strategies for coping cold stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field experiment “Maize yield of maize as affected by nitrogen and phosphorus” was conducted during summer 2017, at Agronomy Research Farms, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangements having four replications. The experiment consists of nitrogen levels as main plot factor i.e., (0, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha-1) and phosphorus levels as sub plot factor (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg P ha-1. The nitrogen level (200 kg ha-1) has significantly increased number of weeds (50), weeds dry weight (76 gm-2) and plant height (196cm). The application of nitrogen (200 kg ha-1) has delayed days to tasseling (60) and days to silking (65) days. Maximum ear weight (151 g), hundred grain weight (30 g) and grain yield (4236 kg ha-1) were recorded from treatment of 160 kg N ha-1. The gradual increased in phosphorus levels enhanced days to tasseling and silking. Early tasseling (53) days and silking (60) days were observed with application of 120 kg P ha-1 which was statistically similar to (55) days to tasseling and (60) days to silking with application of 90 kg P ha-1. Highest number of weeds (43), weeds dry weight (75 g m-2) and plant height (187cm) were recorded from treatments of 120 kg P ha-1. Maximum ear weight (143 g) and hundred grain weight (23 g) were produced by 120 kg P ha-1, which was statistically similar to (136 g) ear weight and hundred grains weight (23 g) with the application of 90 kg P ha-1. It is concluded that application of nitrogen (160 kg ha-1) and phosphorus (120 kg ha-1) has improved yield and yield components of maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important soil parameter of agricultural soils, ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability. It plays a critical role in the global carbon budget and carbon sequestration. Spatial mapping of SOC can help develop sustainable management approaches to enhance soil carbon sequestration and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adverse environmental effects. However, quantifying Spatio-temporal distributions of SOC at the global level is complex because of high land heterogeneity and several climatic and hydrologic influential parameters. The main goal of this study was to quantify the annual global SOC change focusing on cropland using daily soil moisture active passive (SMAP) satellite SOC data. The specific objectives of this study were to assess annual SOC change globally, quantify the annual SOC distribution before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluate change in SOC on cropland during the study period. Results showed an increase of annual SOC on cropland in several countries in 2020 compared to 2019, which can be attributed to the direct and indirect impact of partial and complete lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The change in SOC between 2015 and 2019 was considerably different from the SOC change between 2019 and 2020. For example, between 2019 and 2015, 45.6% of the global area showed a decrease in SOC 0 to 25 g C mm−2and 30.4% area showed an increase in SOC 0 to 25 g C m−2. However, between 2020 and 2019, 11.4% of the global area showed a decrease in SOC 0 to 25 g C m−2, and 55.4% area showed an increase in SOC 0 to 25 g C m−2. There is a good relationship between lockdown measures and improvement in SOC, as 48 out of 50 highly infected countries showed increased SOC in 2020 than in 2019. This study suggests better land use management practices can help enhance carbon sequestration and improve soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable green development, cost saving, and efficiency improvement have become the main theme of the high-quality development of China's animal husbandry and the problem of overuse of feed should be paid more attention. Based on the 3-year input–output data of 169 beef cattle farmers, a trans-logarithmic stochastic frontier function was used to study the relationship between feed utilization efficiency and beef cattle breeding scale. The results showed that the average technical efficiency of feed utilization was 0.56, and the technical efficiency of feed utilization increased year by year. Simultaneously, it showed that Chinese beef cattle farmers pay more attention to feed utilization efficiency at this stage; the feed utilization efficiency of retail and medium-sized beef cattle farmers was in the best state in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, the feed utilization efficiency of small-scale beef cattle farmers was the best; the technical efficiency of beef cattle breeding will increase with the expansion of scale. The technical efficiency of beef cattle breeding will increase with the expansion of the scale, and the feed utilization efficiency of large-scale farmers is also better than that of retail farmers, and the scale of beef cattle breeding can bring better benefits. However, from the perspective of feed utilization efficiency, it is not the largest scale that represents the best efficiency, and from the perspective of breeding technology efficiency, the gap between various scales is gradually narrowing. This should also prove that under the condition of hard resource constraints, the large-scale development of beef cattle breeding is in line with the basic national conditions of China at this stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural technological change plays a crucial role in food security and agricultural development. In the case of considering economic risks and technical risk tolerance, farmers will use different technologies to match production factors to achieve the optimal production state. Therefore, under different farmland management modes, farms show different characteristics of technological progress. This paper attempts to compare and analyze agricultural technology development under different farmland management modes: the unified management mode of collective organizations (UMCO) and the decentralized management mode of contracted families (DMCF). The Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) of the translog average production function was applied to the 24 farms of the Hulunbuir Agricultural Reclamation Group, of which 11 farms in the western part of the Greater Khingan Mountains (Western Farms) were managed by the DMCF, and the other 13 farms in the eastern part of the Greater Khingan Mountains (Eastern Farms) were managed by the UMCO. The results are as follows: (1) without considering the resource allocation efficiency, from 2000 to 2019, the generalized technological progress rate (TFPG) of the 13 Eastern Farms (7.65%) was higher than that of the Western Farms (2.25%). (2) The returns to scale (SRC) of the Western Farms was higher than that of the Eastern Farms. (3) The technological efficiency change rate (TEC) and the technical progress (TP) of the Eastern Farms is higher than that of the Western Farms. It is recommended that farms strengthen the construction of their infrastructure and service systems, resist natural disasters, reduce the disaster's impact on technological progress, give full play to the overall planning advantages of the collective organizations, improve the product allocation efficiency factors, and create connotative profit points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modeling of nonlinear dynamical models and their solutions have imperative values, whereas the soliton mathematical methods are favorable tools for analyzing such highly nonlinear practical problems. Herein, time-fractional coupled Burger's model is analyzed. Some solitary wave solutions, containing one-soliton, two-soliton, three-soliton and N -soliton, have been fetched using a modified sort of the well-known exp-function approach. Dominant effects of the fractional parameters have been illustrated and it is noted that the higher values of the fractional number cause a significant impact on the wave propagation. The one wave pattern for the u -component is quite identical, while an increase in the fractional parameter is producing an increment in the wave structure while a similar but opposite pattern is noted for the v -component. An increment in the wave structure is noted for higher values of the time-fractional parameter for both u - and v -components in the case of a two-wave solution. The benefits of the proposed computational code of the exp-function scheme are consistent, a general form of exact solutions, reduced computational complexity and stable and efficiently useful. The obtained solitary waves solutions will be a useful extension to the preceding results and greatly assist in clarifying the features of nonlinear waves in viscous flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in crop breeding techniques and economic evaluation are critical to ensuring and improving crop yields and sustainable development. Based on the provincial data on food legumes breeding (FLB) in China from 2001 to 2020, the research and development (R&D) expenditure distribution, FLB contribution rate, and R&D expenditure on FLB were estimated. The economic benefits of output per unit area and R&D expenses were evaluated, and relevant policy suggestions were put forward. The study found that: (i) the R&D expenditure on FLB's showed a significant upward trend, and the development can be divided into a starting, stable, and rapid growth period. There were significant differences in R&D expenditures across eight provinces of China with relatively high R&D expenditures for FLB; (ii) the R&D expenditure on FLB had a significant lag in the improvement of per mu yield (1 mu = 0.067 hectares). For every 10,000 yuan increase in R&D funding for FLB, the yield per mu will increase by 0.145 kg/mu in the next five years, and the regional spillover effect of breeding costs is significant; and (iii) the marginal revenue of R&D expenditures FLB from 2008 to 2020 is 34.91 yuan, that is, every 1 yuan invested in breeding R&D can bring a short-term marginal revenue of 34.91 yuan and a long-term marginal revenue of 337.23 yuan. Based on the above analysis, some recommendations were proposed and discussed, including further increasing the R&D investment of FLB, strengthening industry–university–research cooperation in breeding, improving the breeding research system, and promoting the multi-dimensional development of FLB industry–university–research services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minor beans other than soybeans or peanuts are edible beans (EBs) that significantly contribute to the Chinese agricultural sector and play a vital role in the sustainability of agricultural production, diversification of food consumption, and income generation for producers. These beans are an important source of protein in a healthy diet, helping to improve national food security. In addition, adjusting and optimizing the industrial structure promotes the sustainable development of agriculture and diversifies staple food crops and introduction of new revenue streams for EB products. The current study examines the responses of mung bean and broad bean producers to environmental and internal input constraints. This study uses the production function with a multilevel mixed-effects method and is based on 848 households from two major EB-producing provinces of China in 2018 and 2019. The results show that local climatic conditions influence planting behavior. These types of beans are considered as a supplement and backup crop to the staple crop. Commercialization encourages cultivation. Producers show variable price responses to output prices, but very strong responses to product costs. Minor bean production is favored by small households because of its low labor intensity. For households growing these beans for consumption, soil fertility and environmental outcomes are improved. Findings from research on planting behavior have strong policy implications for guiding research and development for drought and pest resistance, market monitoring for price stabilization, promoting EB production through low-cost technologies, and encouraging sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shading is one of the most chronic restrains which can lead to the lodging of intercropped plants. In order to increase the soybean stem lodging resistance, a 2-year field trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of different ratios and concentrations of NH4 +/NO3 - on the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of soybean stem under shade conditions. The total 5 ratios of NH4 +/NO3 - were applied as follows: T0 = 0/0 (control), T1 = 0/100 (higher ratio), T2 = 25/75 (optimum), T3 = 50/50 (optimum), and T4 = 75/25 (higher ratio) as a nitrogen source. Our findings displayed that the T2 (25/75) and T3 (50/50) treatments alleviated the shading stress by improving the photosynthetic activity, biomass accumulation, carbohydrates contents, and lignin related enzymes (POD, CAD, and 4Cl) which led to improvement in stem lodging resistance. The correlation analysis (p = 0.05, p = 0.01) revealed the strong relationship between lodging resistance index and stem diameter, stem strength, lignin content, photosynthesis, and lignin related enzymes (POD, CAD, and 4CL) evidencing the strong contribution of lignin and its related enzymes in the improvement of lodging resistance of soybean stem under shade conditions. Collectively, we concluded that optimum NH4 +/NO3 - ratios (T2 and T3) can boost up the lodging resistance of soybean stem under shade stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of introduced pulse varieties has made valuable contributions to the development of the global agricultural industry, and China is one of the largest pulse producers in the international market. A special type of pulse, the red kidney bean, has made a major contribution to improving the rural economy. Taking Kelan County, Shanxi Province, as an example, this paper expounds on the formation of the kidney bean industry and its impact on local development. The existing research used a qualitative case study (QCS) method to examine the driver and impact of kidney beans in the agricultural industry. This study found that (1) the development of the kidney bean industry has benefited from its adherence to a market demand-oriented strategy, focusing on breeding and retaining excellent varieties, and vigorously supporting the construction of technical systems and the cultivation of the main body of the industrial chain. Developing new varieties, creating brands, and industrial integration are the key driving forces for development. (2) The kidney bean industry promotes local development by increasing farmers' income, forming a more complete kidney bean supply chain, highlighting the brand effect, and promoting sustainable rural development. This study suggests that disease-resistant and mechanized-adapted varieties need to be developed in the future. Market and demand trends should be constantly monitored when determining reproductive paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of mobile Internet technology (MIT) in organizational systems is rapidly increasing. MIT has developed agricultural structures and dramatically altered farming activities to improve agricultural systems. MIT is considered one of the most essential technologies because of its huge impact on agriculture, economy, and our daily lives. In this study, we utilized sample data from 460 wheat growers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan to analyze the adoption of MIT and its impact on the promotion of wheat productivity. This study used the propensity score matching (PSM) technique to address probable self-selection bias. Existing research outcomes show that decision making, education, farm size, cooperative membership, gender, extension services, access to credit, weather forecast information, risk perception, market distance, and other factors significantly affect productivity and subsidy awareness agendas. However, outcomes signify that MIT adoption will have a significant positive impact on wheat productivity. This research concludes with a policy impact, emphasizing that it is essential to accelerate MIT adoption by wheat growers as a policy to enhance Pakistan's agriculture or wheat productivity and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile internet technology (MIT) is considered a significant advancement in information and communication technology (ICT), due to its crucial impact on the financial system and social life. In addition, it is an essential technology to overcome the digital divide between urban and rural areas. In terms of agricultural advancement, MIT can play a key role in data collection and the implementation of smart agricultural technologies. The main objectives of this study were to (i) investigate MIT adoption and use in sustainable agriculture development among selected wheat farmers of Pakistan and (ii) examine the crucial factors influencing MIT adoption. This study selected 628 wheat farmers from four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), Pakistan, for sampling. This study used a bivariate probit method for sampling wheat farmers. The analysis of wheat farmer's data showed farmer's age, farm size, farm location, and knowledge about Internet technology (IT) are strongly correlated with MIT adoption in sustainable agriculture development. Results showed on average, 65% of wheat farmers have mobile devices supporting these Internet technologies, and 55% use MIT in agricultural environments. Since the extant research on MIT adoption for agriculture production in Pakistan is sparse, this study helps advance MIT adoption-based studies. These outcomes may draw the attention of decision-makers dealing with IT infrastructure and agricultural equipment who can support farmers adopting MIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare workers in Pakistan are still fighting at the frontline to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and have been identified as the earliest beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccination by the health authorities of the country. Besides, the high vaccination rates of frontline healthcare workers (FHWs) are essential to overcome the ongoing pandemic and reduce the vaccines hesitancy among the general population. The current research employed the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to investigate the COVID-19 vaccination behavior among FHWs in Pakistan as well as the predictors of such behavior. Following the epidemic control and prevention policies, a sample of 680 FHWs were accessed to fill in the questionnaire evaluating the components of the TPB. Moreover, the potential role of anticipated regret (AR) and perceived susceptibility (PS) on COVID-19 vaccination behavior was also assessed. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) results revealed that the TPB components, as well as the AR, have positive associations with the COVID-19 vaccination behavior. The results further confirmed that PS positively affects the anticipated regret, attitude (ATT), and subjective norm (SN) to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2. The perceived susceptibility also has a positive association with COVID-19 vaccination behavior through the mediation of anticipated regret, ATT, and SN. Our findings highlighted the importance of COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare workers, which can be applied to reduce vaccine hesitancy among the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the Ziarat district of Balochistan to determine the socioeconomic determinants of the awareness and adoption of apple production practices in 2019. This study selected Ziarat district to investigate socioeconomic determinants of the awareness and adoption of apple production because it is located in the center of the high apple-growing districts in northern Balochistan. A sample of 120 respondents was selected through multi-stage-random sampling from two tehsils (Sinjawi and Ziarat) of district Ziarat. Data were collected with the help of a pre-tested interview schedule. The association of some chosen socioeconomic characteristics like age, education, and size of landholding of the farmers with their awareness and adoption level was measured through the chi-squire (χ2) test. The research outcomes showed that 49.2% of the respondents were middle-aged (35-50 years), the majority (72.5%) were illiterate, and 45% of respondents had medium-sized landholding, and they had excellent farming knowledge and apple growing experience. Furthermore, a non-significant association exists between age and adoption, and a significant association between landholding and awareness about recommendations has been found. A non-significant association existed between apple-growing experience and awareness/ adoption of recommendations. It is recommended that apple growers need direct or indirect training about the latest technologies and innovations, which helps enhance the adoption rate, apple yield and production, andgrower’s income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]