<div>The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on agricultural production and productivity in Tamil Nadu. A total of 147 farmers was surveyed in Banavaram village of Vellore district (93% male; 28% 30-39 years old; 38% literates). About one in ten farmers (10%) did not harvest in the past month with primary reasons cited being unfavorable weather (36%) and lockdown-related reasons (26%). A total of 65% of farmers harvested in the past month (primarily paddy and vegetables), but only 45% had sold their crop; 13% were still trying to sell their crop and 38% had stored their crop, with more than half (55%) reporting lockdown-related issues as the reason for storing. Seventy-nine per cent of households with wage-workers witnessed a decline in wages in the past month and 49% of households with incomes from livestock witnessed a decline. Nearly all farmers reported less productivity (97%). These values are much lower than reported previously for farmers in Banavaram village around this time of year before COVID-19. In conclusion, we found that the COVID-19 lockdown in India has primarily impacted farmers&rsquo; ability to produce their crops and livestock products which directly affect their day-to-day activity and standard of living.</div>


<p>Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agricultural Production and Productivity in Banavaram Village of Vellore District of Tamil Nadu</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> This study evaluates the potential of local agricultural residues namely longkong peel, cajeput bark and oil palm bunches-as sustainable alternatives for fertilizer production in Narathiwat Province, Thailand. The use of compost made from these residues can offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to improve soil fertility and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> The raw residues and their corresponding composts were chemically analyzed for their nutrient content. Fertilizer equivalence was calculated to estimate their potential contribution to soil nutrient supply. A plant growth experiment was conducted involving treatments comprising of longkong peel, cajeput bark and oil palm bunch composts, as well as a control group and standard fertilization to assess the influence of these composts on plant height and fresh weight.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The chemical analysis showed that longkong peel compost had the highest nutrient content, with (2.59% N; 1.41% P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>&nbsp; and 2.96% K<sub>2</sub>O). Cajeput bark compost having a higher carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, resulted in slower decomposition and nutrient release. Oil palm bunch compost displayed moderate nutrient levels. Fertilizer equivalence analysis indicated that longkong peel compost provided the highest nutrient equivalence, with an estimated annual contribution of 610 tons of nitrogen, 332 tons of phosphorus and 698 tons of potassium. Plant growth experiments with maize showed that longkong peel and oil palm bunch composts (145.75 cm in height and 80.75 g in fresh weight) being highest with oil palm bunch. significantly improved plant height and fresh weight. Cajeput bark compost also enhanced plant growth, but to a lesser degree.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


<p>Evaluating the Potential of Local Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Fertilizer Production: Enhancing Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Narathiwat, Thailand, Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">An attempt has been made to analyze the literature on Total Factor Productivity analysis in the context of Indian agriculture without going much deeper into its empirical analysis and estimation. Among the vast analytical themes possible on Indian agriculture, this study has focused upon the literature pertaining to the contribution of the non-conventional factors such as skills and technical know-how, fertilizers, High Yielding Varieties, etc. in explaining the shifts in agricultural production which are condensed to compose the concept of total factor productivity. The studies on total factor productivity in the Indian context are neither exhaustive nor limited but there is considerable scope for more detailed investigations into the various dimensions of productivity measurement and policy analysis. It can be noticed throughout the present discussion that there are a good number of thought-provoking issues associated with Total Factor Productivity but evidences are conflicting, sometimes controversial and subjected to further detailed investigation.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Total factor productivity in Indian agriculture: An exploratory analysis based on literature review&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">In the present scenario of food production system, one of the most important challenges the Indian agriculture facing today is how to sustain farm profitability and food security. In order to feed an increasing the population 2% per year and meet the food demand (341 million tonnes by 2025), the agricultural productivity and growth need to be sustained and further improved. Food security is multidimensional crisis, which directly hits the poorest and neediest and in turn decreases their already low quality of life. The agriculture sector is the starting point for finding sustainable solution to overcome the food crisis. This situation is nodding towards rethinking about the profitable agriculture. For this concern holistic approaches have to be continued with certain aspects so that the 60&ndash;70% population associated with agriculture remains in the profession. Else wise, everyone wants to have alternate entrepreneur rather than agriculture since it is less profit oriented with high risk and needs more hard work as compared to other entrepreneurs. Diversified agriculture is an integration of several crops and livestock&rsquo;s, in production system for a higher food production and farm profitability.&nbsp;</div>

Diversified agriculture for higher productivity and profitability&ndash;A review&nbsp;

<div><strong>Background: </strong>Conservation agriculture (CA), an agricultural production system with optimum inputs, high returns and sustainability while conserving environment is primarily required for command areas and rainfed uplands. CA helps to improve and conserve soil health through crop rotation, mulching, minimum field traffic and mechanical soil disturbance etc and conserve water to achieve economically and ecologically sustainable crop production.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The field experiment was conducted for two years during 2019-21 to evaluate the influence of conservation agricultural practices on the system productivity, production efficiency and energy use under legume based cropping system in a command area. Treatments comprised of four cropping systems as Groundnut - foxtail millet (C<sub>1</sub>), Groundnut - barnyard millet (C<sub>2</sub>), Daincha - foxtail millet (C<sub>3</sub>) and Daincha - barn yard millet (C<sub>4</sub>) in main plots and foliar application of organics, 3% panchagavya, 1% PPFM and 0.1% humic acid formed subplots.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>System productivity in terms of Groundnut equivalent yield (GEY) was significantly higher (8395 kg/ha) in the Groundnut - Barnyard millet cropping system with foliar application of PPFM 1% in CA system than that of conventional method. The production efficiency was maximum in Groundnut - barnyard millet system (34.41 kg/ha/day) and Groundnut - foxtail millet recorded the highest energy use efficiency (6.8%) which shows that maximum energy was effectively utilized under the system. Daincha - foxtail millet system had highest energy productivity of 0.91 kg M/J. Thus, the conservation tillage based Groundnut - barnyard millet system recorded more system productivity, highest resource use efficiency (both production and land use efficiency) and the highest energy use efficiency.</div>


<p>​Conservation Agriculture Practices: Impact on Productivity, Energy Utilisation and Profitability of Legume-based Cropping System</p>


<p style="text-align: justify;">India is a country with an agrarian economy in which majority of its population rely on agriculture directly as their source of livelihoof. Climate has a very significant role in agricultural production. It predominantly influences growth of the crop, development of the crop and eventually crop yield. Climate also significantly influences the outbreak of disease and pest; it affects the requirement of water by the crop. Possible changes in weather factors, like precipitation, temperature and CO<sub>2</sub> concentration are expected to have a significant impact on crop growth. If farmers are able to predict the weather activities and are aware of the effect of these activities on crop production, then it will be beneficial to them as a feasible plan can be devised synchronizing the crop production activities as per changes in the climatic conditions. In view of tackling the aforementioned problem, this article describes various statistical techniques that can play a crucial role in forecasting production of agricultural commodities changing climatic conditions.</p>


<p class="ql-align-justify">Modeling and Forecasting of Agricultural Commodity Production under Changing Climatic Condition: A Review</p>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Crop residue management (CRM) through conservation agriculture can improve soil productivity and crop production by preserving soil organic matter (SOM) levels. Two major benefits of surface-residue management are improved organic matter (OM) near the soil surface and boosted nutrient cycling and preservation. Larger microbial biomass and activity near the soil surface act as a pool for nutrients desirable in crop production and enhance structural stability for increased infiltration. In addition to the altered nutrient distribution within the soil profile, changes also occur in the chemical and physical properties of the soil. Improved soil C sequestration through enhanced CRM is a cost-effective option for reducing agriculture&#39;s impact on the environment. Ideally, CRM practices should be selected to optimize crop yields with negligible adverse effects on the environment. Crop residues of common agricultural crops are chief resources, not only as sources of nutrients for subsequent crops but also for amended soil, water and air quality. Maintaining and managing crop residues in agriculture can be economically beneficial to many producers and more importantly to society. Improved residue management and reduced tillage practices should be encouraged because of their beneficial role in reducing soil degradation and increasing soil productivity. Thus, farmers have a responsibility in making management decisions that will enable them to optimize crop yields and minimize environmental impacts. Multi-disciplinary and integrated efforts by a wide variety of scientists are required to design the best site-specific systems for CRM practices to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability while minimizing environmental impacts.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Crop Residue Management for Sustenance of Natural Resources and Agriculture Productivity</div>

<div><strong>Background: </strong>This study assessed the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in the study area and constraints in the production of cassava by farmers in the study area.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Stage one was a purposive selection of municipalities in Southern Nigeria due to its endowment with cassava production. Stage two involved a random selection of five (5) municipalities in Southern Nigeria namely; Uyo, Calabar, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. Stage three equally involved a random selected of twenty (20) respondents from each of the municipals, giving a total of hundred (100) respondents used for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources using structured interview schedule. Objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics such as; percentage, frequency, mean, rank and standard deviation.<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The result on the house hold size showed that 39% had between 6-10 persons, while 27% had 11-15 persons, 21% had 1-5 persons. Also 13% had 16 and above number of persons. The result also revealed that the respondents observed help in reducing soil compartment, training of farmers on pest/disease control, production practices, processing and marketing with mean scores of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43, <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.27,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.92,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.86 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> =1.69 respectively; as perceived influence of extension on cassava production. This implied that extension workers had no significant influence on cassava production in the study area, this may be attributed to inadequate funding of extension services in Nigeria. Majority (60%) believed that language barrier and unfavourable attitude of farmers with mean of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.42 respectively were the constraints of agricultural extension workers in enhancing cassava production in the study area. This implied that influence of extension agents in the area may not be significant. This may be due to ineffectiveness of extension services in Nigeria. the study concluded that, rural farmers need to be involved in the mainstream of extension services in order to identify and prioritize their production activities. The study therefore, recommended that agricultural extension workers should be involved in all areas of agricultural production and not on cassava production alone, so as to improve on the gross domestic production of the nation.</div>


<p>Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria</p>


<p>Regenerative agriculture developed as a response to conventional farming&rsquo;s ecological degradation, emerging from organic farming, permaculture and holistic management principles. It reframes farms as integrated ecosystems rather than mere production units. Unlike conventional agriculture&rsquo;s yield-focused approach through external inputs, regenerative agriculture builds biological capital and ecosystem services to naturally support productivity, fundamentally shifting from extraction to regeneration. Key practices include minimal soil disturbance (no-till/reduced tillage), cover cropping, diverse crop rotations, managed livestock integration, compost application, reduced synthetic inputs and agroforestry systems. Implementation emphasizes context-specific design rather than prescriptive approaches. Monitoring focuses on soil health indicators (organic matter, biological activity, aggregate stability, water infiltration) and ecosystem metrics like biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Research shows promising outcomes: Soil organic carbon increases of 0.5-2% over 3-5 years, water infiltration rates 2-10 times higher than conventional systems, 30-50% increases in soil microbial diversity and 60-80% greater beneficial insect abundance. Carbon sequestration ranges from 0.5 to 3 tons per hectare annually. Economically, regenerative farms demonstrate 20-40% lower input costs with comparable or improved long-term profitability despite potential yield decreases during transition periods. Long-term studies confirm that regenerative systems become increasingly productive and stable over time.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


<p>Regenerative Agriculture: Restoring Ecosystems&#39; Resilience and Productivity: A Review</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> Intersectoral synergies between technology, environment and farming are vital for sustainable agricultural development. This requires innovative solutions to overcome low productivity and environmental stress; digital technologies offer potential to transform smallholder agricultural systems.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> This study evaluates the sustainability impacts of digital engagement (DE) in Sub-Saharan African agriculture through a systems-based assessment framework. Using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on World Bank datasets (2000-2023), this research quantifies DE&rsquo;s effects on agricultural productivity while accounting for critical moderators: environmental stress, feasibility assessment (FA), technical skills (TS) and livestock farming (LF).<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> Results reveal significant positive interactions, with coefficients of 1.690 for natural environment (NE), 2.387 for FA, 3.901 for TS and 77.202 for LF, demonstrating the moderating role of environmental performance between DE and agricultural productivity. The findings contribute to impact evaluation methodologies by demonstrating how PLS-SEM can assess complex technology-environment interactions, while providing actionable criteria for appraising digital agriculture projects in resource-constrained settings. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited farmer technical skills must be addressed. By bridging digital innovation with environmental stewardship, this research offers actionable insights for policymakers to advance sustainable agricultural practices in resource-constrained settings.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Agricultural Production and Productivity in Banavaram Village of Vellore District of Tamil Nadu

Evaluating the Potential of Local Agricultural Residues for Sustainable Fertilizer Production: Enhancing Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Narathiwat, Thailand, Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals

Total factor productivity in Indian agriculture: An exploratory analysis based on literature review

Diversified agriculture for higher productivity and profitability–A review

Conservation Agriculture Practices: Impact on Productivity, Energy Utilisation and Profitability of Legume-based Cropping System

Modeling and Forecasting of Agricultural Commodity Production under Changing Climatic Condition: A Review

Crop Residue Management for Sustenance of Natural Resources and Agriculture Productivity

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Regenerative Agriculture: Restoring Ecosystems' Resilience and Productivity: A Review

A Multisectoral Systems Analysis of Digital Engagement and Agricultural Productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa