Financial Evaluation of Short Rotation Tree Crop under Agroforestry System in Tamil Nadu | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

The financial analysis of short rotation tree crops in an agroforestry system is presented in this study. Agroforestry is the practise of growing two or more perennial woody plant species on a same plot of ground. Based on the amount of forest cover, the district, blocks, and villages were chosen using a multi-stage purposive sampling approach. For this study, the Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu was chosen. Farmers choose Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) because of its various applications despite the fact that there are several short rotation tree species cultivated in the research region. Agri-Silviculture and Silviculture, two significant agroforestry systems in the research area, were chosen. 80 sample farmers who were polled in January and February of 2020 provided the primary data for the agricultural year 2018–19. Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Net Present Worth (NPW), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) financial analyses were carried out to determine if an investment in an agri-silviculture and sylviculture system would be feasible. According to the findings, fulfilling urgent financial needs and earning more money were the main drivers for the adoption of short rotation tree crops (68 percent each). In the agri-silviculture and sylviculture systems, the net present value per hectare was respectively Rs. 3,43,823 and Rs. 1,97,909. It has been determined that the Agri-Silviculture system’s BCR is greater (2.01) than the Silviculture system (1.66). When compared to growing Malabar Neem trees alone, growing it alongside agricultural products is more advantageous since it may provide money all year round in a short amount of time. The farmer is able to cover unanticipated costs by using tree crops as a reserve.

Please click here: https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30925

Developing Sets of Labour and Wage Rates for Appropriate Remuneration Review toward Improving Delivery of Electricity Power Project in the South Eastern Nigeria | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Studies on the implications of socio-economic characteristics of the construction skilled labour on effective delivery of electricity in the power sector have reported that remuneration factor, among others, is very critical for improved electricity power project (EPP) delivery. This is especially true for the south eastern part of Nigeria. This study explores the pay and wage rates for skilled labour and construction professionals in government institutions and private businesses in order to corroborate the conclusion. The masonry (block laying) and carpentry trades in the south-eastern power sector were looked at using the activity sampling approach. According to research, the typical non-productive and active periods of the trades are between 25 and 37.20 percent and 62.5 and 75 percent for the masonry trade, respectively, and between 18.80 and 31.20 percent and 68.80 and 81.20 percent for the carpentry trade, respectively. The research also demonstrates that the standard timings and outputs for the trades are 1.37 hr/m2 and 0.75 m2/hr for masonry, and 0.85 hr/m2 and 1.19 m2/hr for carpentry. As a result, the labour rates for the crafts of carpentry and masonry are calculated to be 6 m2 and 9.52 m2, respectively. Comparing the employment rates of skilled employees in the EPP with those in some of the largest private construction enterprises and the federal service, It was found that the labour rates and wage rates of the employees in the EPP are lower than those of the others. Although the wage rates for skilled labour in EPP are lower than those in other places of employment, the wage rates for work trades in EPP are significantly lower than those in other employment sectors, particularly the construction firms in the study area. As a result, the wage rate to labour rate ratio in EPP is significantly lower than that in other employment sectors. Therefore, this study suggests that a data base framework be established in the power industry for enhanced skilled labour compensation that includes need-based and accredited training programmes. toward successful EPP delivery in the south-east and throughout Nigeria.

Please click here: https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30270

Response of Heat Tolerant Variety (Kufri Surya) of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) under Different Levels of Nitrogen | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

The field experiment was carried out at the Instructional farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal during the rabi season of 2016 to study the effect on heat tolerant variety (Kufri Surya) with different nitrogen levels. This was done due to the lack of detailed information on the adoption of heat tolerant potato (Solanum tuberosum) variety ‘Kufri Surya’ in Terai Agro The experiment was set out using a split-plot design with six different nitrogen levels—0 kg N ha-1, 50 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1, 150 kg N ha-1, 200 kg N ha-1, and 250 kg N ha-1—as the subplots for the two cultivars, “Kufri Jyoti” and “Kufri Surya.” The experiment’s findings demonstrated that 100 kg N ha-1 was used to record greater values of growth parameters including dry matter accumulation and leaf area index for all sampling dates. The treatment with 100 kg N ha-1 had the greatest reported tuber yield due to the treatment’s greater leaf area index and accumulation of dry matter in the shoot (28.46 t ha-1).

Please click here:https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30269

Marketing Efficiency of Milk and Milk Products in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

In the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, a research was done to determine the marketing effectiveness of milk and milk products in cooperative and non-cooperative sectors. From the four marketing channels, both primary and secondary data were gathered (cooperative society i.e. Ongole dairy, non-cooperative dairies – traditional, private and milk collection centers). It was discovered that channel 3 had the biggest milk price spread, and channel 4 had the lowest price spread. Channel 4 had the highest milk marketing effectiveness, and channel 6 had the best curd marketing effectiveness. In the instance of buttermilk, non-cooperative channel 4 had the best marketing effectiveness and the narrowest price spread. Channel 1 had the highest marketing effectiveness for ghee, followed by channels 3 and 2. The study’s results indicated that while private channels were found to be more efficient than cooperative channels in terms of marketing, private channels were still less effective than conventional channels in terms of marketing than cooperative dairy plants. The following conclusions were taken from the study’s findings. The cooperative organisation should improve the price paid to dairy farmers and make regular monthly payments in order to expand the number of dairy farmers who prefer this route. To cut the cost of distribution, dairy companies could minimise the sales commission paid to commission agents, distributors, retailers, and other selling agents.

Please click here:https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30268

Thermophysical Characterization of Granite, Basalt and Marble Ornamental Stones in Benin | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

In order to make it easier for people to choose local attractive stones as effective flooring materials, this study evaluates their thermophysical properties.
Asymmetric hot plane technique was used to measure the thermal effusivity, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity of three types of the most popular and sought-after decorative stones on the market, including granite, marble, and basalt. For measurements, parallelepiped-shaped samples measuring 10 cm by 10 cm by 3 cm were used.
The outcomes of the various rocks examined are as follows: Three common building materials are granite (3.220.01 W.m.1.K1, 2470.510.006 J.m.1.K1.s1/2, 1.700.01 m2.s1, and 1892.886.86 KJ.K1.m3), marble (4.940.02 W.m.1.K1, 3416.340.009 J.m.1.K.1.s1/2, 2.090.01 m2.s1, and 2362.737.90 KJ.K1.m3).
As a result, marble is better at storing heat than granite at insulating it.

Please click here:https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30267

Knowledge and Attitudes on Practices of Occupational Safety and Health in the Informal Non-food Manufacturing Sector in Kampala City, Uganda | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Both rich and developing nations use the informal non-food manufacturing sector as a growth and development catalyst. The industry is unregistered in official government statistics and is not regulated. However, this specific industry faces occupational safety and health risks in the absence of preventative measures. In Kampala City, Uganda’s informal non-food manufacturing sector, the research evaluated knowledge and attitudes towards practises of occupational safety and health. It used a cross-sectional survey design with methods for gathering both qualitative and quantitative data. The 6 clusters of the informal sector were sampled, totaling 424 businesses. 39.7% of respondents indicated having some understanding of dangers, compared to 25.5 percent who claimed having high levels of exposure. Overall, there was a lack of understanding of the risks to occupational safety and health, as well as a bad attitude, particularly regarding the usage of PPE. Although there was no discernible difference in their adherence to control measures, there was a high degree of awareness of hazard control measures among those who followed the safety precautions (PPE 52.6 percent and excellent housekeeping 54.4 percent). PPE (62.9%) and good housekeeping (61.1%) were found to have a moderately favourable attitude about the deployment of control measures. It is advised that proactive multi-media tactics be used together with proactive inspection and enforcement by the appropriate regulatory body, as well as the creation of awareness, training, and implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.

Please click here: https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30266

Optimum Process Parameters for Activated Carbon Production from Rice Husk for Phenol Adsorption | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

The goal of this study was to determine the best process parameters for producing activated carbon from rice husk for the absorption of phenol from aqueous solution.
Study Design: Response surface approach was used to design the optimization.
Methodology: To build the design matrix and examine the results, the central composite design (CCD) was employed. The temperature of carbonization, the % acid content, and the carbonization duration were all taken into account. In the activation step, tetraoxophosphoric acid (H3PO4) was used. The nitrogen adsorption method of Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) was used to calculate the surface area.
The best process parameters were determined to be a carbonization temperature of 575oC, a period of 240 minutes, and a 45 percent acid concentration. This resulted in a 96.5 percent phenol adsorption effectiveness from aqueous solution. Between the experimental and projected values, there was a significant deal of agreement. The activated carbon has a BET surface area of 471.1 m2/s.
Conclusion: The process parameters for producing activated carbon from rice husk were improved for efficient phenol adsorption from wastewater in this study.

Please click here:https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30264

A Critical Review on Use of Edible Coating to Enhance Shelf Life of Mango | Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Mango is a valuable crop because of its great export potential and wide range of uses in both fresh and processed products. However, as mango is a climacteric crop that cannot be stored for more than 5-7 days after ripening in ambient conditions, increasing its shelf life while maintaining postharvest quality and acceptability for a long duration is a primary challenge. To keep fruits fresh, low-temperature storage and regulated air conditions are used. Controlled atmospheric storage slows ripening and lowers physiological processes, but it can also result in bad flavours, interior tissue deterioration, poor coloration, and other physiological issues. The increased awareness of the negative effects of different chemical treatments and environmental dangers highlights the need to create consumer-friendly and environmentally friendly technologies to extend the shelf life of mango fruits while retaining their quality and general appeal. Edible coating is gaining popularity since it is a risk-free and environmentally friendly method. It has a huge potential for extending the shelf life of mango as a whole fruit or as fresh cut pieces. Mango has been investigated using Aloe vera-based edible coverings with chitosan. The current review comprehensively organised several studies on various aspects of postharvest physiology of mango with edible covering, which can aid scholars in future research. Its economic importance due to its strong export potential and use as a variety of fresh and processed goods. However, as mango is a climacteric crop that cannot be stored for more than 5-7 days after ripening in ambient conditions, increasing its shelf life while maintaining postharvest quality and acceptability for a long duration is a primary challenge. To keep fruits fresh, low-temperature storage and regulated air conditions are used. Controlled atmospheric storage slows ripening and lowers physiological processes, but it can also result in bad flavours, interior tissue deterioration, poor coloration, and other physiological issues.

Please click here: https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/30926

Growth Performance of Organic Agriculture in India|Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Organic farming is gaining popularity as a viable alternative to conventional agricultural practises. Only around 1% of the world’s agricultural land is organic at the moment. However, it has had a tremendous surge over the last fourteen years (2005 to 2018), expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 7.05 percent, with worldwide organic land reaching 71.5 million hectares in 2018. However, over the same period, India saw a phenomenal growth of 10.62 percent, placing it tenth among other nations in terms of organic agricultural land (2018-19). The goal of this study is to look at the trend and variability in organic agricultural land expansion (both cultivated and wild) from 2005 to 2018 on a national and global scale.

Please click here: https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/31022

Studies on Physio-Chemical Properties of Value Added Herbal Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Candy|Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology

During the academic year 2019-2020, a field experiment was conducted at the Post Harvest Laboratory of the Horticulture Department, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, to investigate “Studies on physio-chemical properties of value added herbal papaya (Carica papaya L.) candy.” The study used a Randomized Block Design with ten treatments that were duplicated three times. There were 10 different therapies in all. (T0 (Control)- 70% sugar), (T1-Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 0.5 percent tulsi), (T2 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.0 percent tulsi), (T3 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar +1.5 percent tulsi), (T4 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 0.5 percent cardamom), (T5 -Raw papaya + 70%) (T5 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.0 percent cardamom), (T6 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.5 percent cardamom), (T7 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 0.5 percent lemon grass), (T8 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.0 percent lemon grass), and (T9 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.5 percent lemon grass) Total soluble solids (85.78 °Brix), titrable acidity (1.29), PH (5.05), flavour score (9.00), taste score (9.00), and overall acceptability score (9.00) were shown to be superior in the T6 (Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.5 percent cardamom) treatment (8.50). The treatments (T1 – Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 0.5 percent tulsi), (T2 – Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 1.0 percent tulsi), (T3 – Raw papaya + 70% sugar +1.5 percent tulsi), and (T7 -Raw papaya + 70% sugar + 0.5 percent lemon grass) had the greatest benefit-cost ratio (1.64).

Please click here : https://journalcjast.com/index.php/CJAST/article/view/31024