Suchergebnisse

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is the top destination for Russian food exports, grains in particular. Focusing on Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, this chapter shows that Russia's food trade with MENA countries is strongly affected by bilateral political relations. Russia banned most food imports from Turkey over a political conflict in 2016. In the same year, improved intergovernmental cooperation with Saudi Arabia resulted in a diversification of Russia's food exports to the Gulf country, and in 2019, Iran's accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) led to increasing food trade with Russia. Food imports in MENA countries are usually managed by powerful state trading enterprises (STEs), which recurrently disapprove food products originating from Russia based on non-adherence to food quality standards. Our analysis shows that Russia is successfully working to open additional destination markets, while simultaneously impeding imports of food products that it aims to produce domestically.

A insegurança alimentar e o desperdício de alimentos são abordados pelos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) da atual Agenda 2030, desenvolvidos pelos países membros das Nações Unidas (ONU). Cada um dos estados-membros da ONU promoveu planos, programas, estratégias e / ou legislações aprovadas, destinados a lidar com o desperdício e a perda de alimentos (DPA) ao mesmo tempo em que alcançam os objetivos de todos os ODS. Essas participações efetivas são descritas por cada país num Relatório Nacional voluntário divulgado pela ONU na sua Plataforma de Conhecimento de Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Para ajudar a União Europeia (UE) a alcançar os ODS, a UE desenvolveu uma estratégia para reduzir o desperdício e a perda de alimentos, uma vez que a redução de DPA pode também: 1) lutar contra as alterações climáticas, através da redução das emissões de gases com efeito de estufa (GEE); 2) ajudar na erradicação da fome e da desnutrição, por meio da redistribuição dos alimentos resgatados; 3) gerar poupança económica para produtores e distribuidores; 4) ter impactos sociais positivos na vida das populações empobrecidas; 5) fortalecer os sistemas alimentares. Esta estratégia, denominada Estratégia Farm to Fork, apresenta uma série de ações que visam uma transição mais rápida para um sistema alimentar sustentável a qual deve ter um impacto ambiental neutro ou positivo, reverter a perda de biodiversidade, ajudar a mitigar as mudanças climáticas, garantir a segurança alimentar, nutrição e saúde pública, e preservar a acessibilidade dos alimentos. As políticas da UE com relação ao DPA são postas em prática pelos membros da UE aprovando leis ou implementando outras iniciativas para prevenir, reciclar ou reutilizar o DPA. Em Portugal, para promover a redução do desperdício alimentar através de uma abordagem integrada e multidisciplinar, a Presidência do Conselho de Ministros instituiu a Comissão Nacional de Combate ao Desperdício Alimentar (CNCDA). Um dos objetivos da Comissão Nacional de Combate ao Desperdício Alimentar (CNCDA) é identificar, avaliar e monitorizar as necessidades de adaptação da Estratégia Nacional de Combate ao Desperdício Alimentar (ENCDA) e do Plano de Ação de Combate ao Desperdício Alimentar (PACDA), apresentando relatórios periódicos ao Ministro da Agricultura. Depois de promover um inquérito às partes interessadas ao longo da cadeia alimentar, durante o 3º trimestre de 2020, o CNCDA concluiu que, exceto no canal HORECA: 1) houve um aumento nas doações / excedentes de alimentos resgatados, embora o canal HORECA não tenha seguido esta tendência global; 2) em todos os setores de atividade, a perceção geral era de que a pandemia COVID-19 tinha contribuído para a redução do desperdício de alimentos. Em simultâneo com as políticas internacionais e nacionais, os movimentos civis surgiram com o foco no combate ao desperdício, em todas as suas dimensões, da produção ao consumo. Esses movimentos têm como objetivo unir várias partes interessadas em uma luta ativa contra o desperdício de alimentos usando abordagens e possibilidades inovadoras. Uma das abordagens para combater a insegurança alimentar das famílias de baixos rendimentos, consiste em organizações de ajuda alimentar que resgatem e redistribuem os excedentes alimentares, do canal HORECA e do setor de distribuição. Como resultado, a adequação dos alimentos ou refeições distribuídas por cantinas sociais, mercearias solidárias ou bancos de alimentos têm sido objeto de investigação científica em diversos países. No entanto, os alimentos fornecidos nas organizações estudadas são, principalmente, ou adquiridos pela organização ou adquiridos por doadores que posteriormente doam esses alimentos à organização, ou ainda, em quantidades menores, resultantes de sobras de alimentos. Nessas organizações, devido ao seu custo e às necessidades de logística de transporte e refrigeração, os alimentos frescos costumavam ser fornecidos em quantidades baixas ou muito baixas. Como resultado, o teor de nutrientes das refeições e cestas de alimentos geralmente carece de vitaminas e minerais. Além disso, os resíduos alimentares sendo um reservatório de hidratos de carbono, proteínas, lípidos e outros macro e micronutrientes orgânicos e inorgânicos, podem ser considerados como uma fonte material na indústria de alimentos, indústria de ração animal ou indústria farmacêutica como aromatizantes e fragrâncias, antioxidantes, aditivos e suplementos alimentares. No entanto, como os processos de extração industrial exigem know-how e consomem mais tempo, materiais, energia e recursos humanos, a maneira mais favorável do ponto de vista ambiental de aumentar o ciclo de alimentos é usá-los como estão, para alimentar a população em insegurança alimentar. Tanto quanto sabemos, nenhuma outra investigação mediu e avaliou a contribuição de alimentos frescos ou preparados na hora, para uma dieta equilibrada de famílias de baixos rendimentos. Assim, nesta tese de doutoramento, pretendeu-se explorar as formas como o desperdício de alimentos é reciclado, focando principalmente no processo que leva ao consumo humano, medindo seus resultados no que diz respeito à quantidade de micro e micronutrientes reaproveitados, para a contribuição para uma alimentação equilibrada, para o alívio da insegurança alimentar e, finalmente, para a contribuição para o alcance dos ODS. Com base na lacuna de investigação identificada acima, esta tese é regida por quatro questões investigativas principais: a) Com é que o desperdício de alimentar está a ser reutilizado? b) Como é que os alimentos reciclados podem contribuir para a dieta equilibrada de famílias de baixos rendimentos? c) Qual é o conteúdo nutricional dos alimentos resgatados e redistribuídos veiculados por uma organização de ajuda alimentar, em relação aos valores de doses diárias recomendadas? d) Como é que o processo de reciclagem e redistribuição de alimentos pode contribuir para o cumprimento dos ODS? Derivando destas questões, foram estabelecidos seis objetivos principais de pesquisa: i) Fornecer uma atualização sobre o que foi encontrado para aumentar a reutilização do desperdício alimentar como um material ou fonte de energia, mas também para encontrar soluções de uso de desperdícios alimentares para consumo humano. ii) Avaliar o contributo dos alimentos frescos ou acabados de confecionar, resgatados e redistribuídos como complemento da alimentação das famílias de baixos rendimentos, de acordo como guia alimentar português (Roda dos Alimentos), utilizando a organização Refood-Leiria como estudo de caso. Esta avaliação é feita, em primeiro lugar, apenas considerando os dados categorizados como alimentos redistribuídos pertencentes à Roda dos Alimentos Portuguesa. Em segundo lugar, são considerados os dados totais, pertencentes ou não à Roda dos Alimentos Portuguesa, o que permite também a terceira avaliação, que consiste em comparar os alimentos reciclados, na organização do estudo de caso, com o padrão alimentar da população portuguesa em geral. iii) Quantificar os nutrientes dos alimentos resgatados e redistribuídos na organização do estudo de caso. iv) Avaliar como esses nutrientes contribuem para aliviar a insegurança alimentar das famílias beneficiárias. v) Avaliar as formas pelas quais o processo de reaproveitamento de alimentos frescos pode contribuir para o alcance dos ODS. vi) Propor uma estratégia para tornar o processo de resgate e redistribuição de alimentos uma atividade perene, naturalmente integrada na vida dos cidadãos. O projeto de investigação escolhido leva naturalmente a um desenvolvimento de pesquisa sequencial. A questão-chave inicial no início desta pesquisa foi "O que está a ser feito para melhorar a reutilização dos alimentos, principalmente para consumo humano?". Após pesquisa exploratória da literatura, realizou-se a reflexão crítica, identificou-se uma possível organização do estudo de caso, foram estabelecidas questões de pesquisa mais específicas e consequentes objetivos iniciais. Além disso, um projeto à escala de uma tese de doutoramento requer constante aperfeiçoamento e adaptação. Assim, num processo iterativo, os objetivos iniciais i), ii) e iii) foram expandidos para iv), v) e vi). Em termos de materiais, novamente num processo iterativo, paralelamente à constante pesquisa bibliográfica, foram solicitadas autorizações, na organização do estudo de caso, para recolha de dados relativos aos alimentos redistribuídos e dados sociodemográficos. Foram pesquisadas e selecionadas ferramentas adequadas para avaliar o conteúdo nutricional dos alimentos redistribuídos e sua adequação, bem como valores de referência nutricional e guias alimentares. Para medir a insegurança alimentar, foi selecionada a Escala de Experiência em Insegurança Alimentar (FIES). Os programas utilizados na análise e tratamento dos dados foram o Food Processor Plus® (ESHA Research, Salem, Oregon), Microsoft Excel Office® 365 e IBM® SPSS® Statistics versão 27 para Windows®. Esta tese tem um formato cumulativo e baseia-se em três publicações científicas com revisão por pares, resultantes das diferentes fases da investigação. As publicações foram organizadas em três partes principais. A Parte I é baseada no capítulo do livro "Rerouting Food Waste for Climate Change adaptation: the paths of research", apresentado no 4th World Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation WSCCA- 2021), que decorreu em paralelo com a COP26 em Glasgow, Scotland, a 3 de novembro de 2021, e aceite como capítulo do livro 4th World Symposium on Climate Change Adaptation Book - "Climate Change Strategies: handling the challenges of adapting to a changing climate", a publicar na editora Springer. Fornece uma compilação de como a investigação para a reutilização de DPA tem evoluído desde a crise económica de 2008, para encontrar soluções inovadoras de uso de DPA tanto como fonte de biomateriais e bioenergia, como para consumo humano para combater a insegurança alimentar. Os resultados são discutidos sob as seguintes perspetivas: distribuição geográfica da instituição do autor, categorias temáticas e palavras-chave dos autores. Foram identificadas as tendências atuais e previsíveis na gestão de resíduos alimentares como matéria-prima e para a segurança alimentar. Verifica-se que os campos de interesse da pesquisa de DPA têm sido, por um lado, o desperdício alimentar como fonte de matériaprima para a produção dos biocombustíveis e dos biomateriais e, por outro lado, a reciclagem dos resíduos alimentares para consumo humano, como solução para a insegurança alimentar. A Parte II é baseada no artigo "The Contribution of Up-Cycled Food Waste to a Balanced Diet of Low-Income Households" publicado na revista Sustainability (2021), 13 (9): 4779. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094779 e compreende a avaliação da contribuição de alimentos frescos ou recém confecionados, resgatados e redistribuídos para complementar a dieta familiar de baixo rendimento, de acordo com o guia alimentar português (Roda dos Alimentos), tendo como estudo de caso a organização Refood-Leiria. Em primeiro lugar, apenas são considerados os dados categorizados como alimentos redistribuídos pertencentes à Roda Alimentar Portuguesa. Em segundo lugar, são tidos em consideração os dados totais, pertencentes ou não à Roda dos Alimentos Portuguesa, o que permitirá também a terceira avaliação que consiste na comparação dos dados recolhidos, relativos a alimentos resgatados e redistribuídos, com o padrão alimentar da população portuguesa em geral. Os resultados sugerem que os alimentos reciclados podem contribuir para uma alimentação mais equilibrada em termos de "Batata, Cereais e Produtos de Cereais", "Legumes", "Carne, Peixe, Marisco e Ovos" e "Frutas", ambos de acordo com a Roda Alimentar Portuguesa e em comparação com a população portuguesa em geral. A Parte III é baseada no artigo "The Nutritional Content of Rescued Food Conveyed by a Food Aid Organization", publicado na revista International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2021), 18(22):12212. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212212. Concentra-se na determinação do conteúdo nutricional de cestas de alimentos fornecidos pela nossa organização de estudo de caso. Todos os itens de cestas de alimentos são pesados, em três rodadas de pesagem durante um período de quatro meses. A Escala de Experiência de Insegurança Alimentar (FIES) foi aplicada para medir a insegurança alimentar das famílias. Os resultados mostraram que, no nosso estudo de caso de organização de ajuda alimentar, as doações de alimentos contribuem substancialmente para a ingestão da Dose Diária Recomendada (DDR) de energia, macro e micronutrientes. Ao avaliar como esses nutrientes contribuem para aliviar a insegurança alimentar das famílias beneficiárias, concluímos que a perceção de insegurança alimentar é independente da quantidade de nutrientes servidos. Tanto quanto sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo que mede o conteúdo nutricional de alimentos resgatados frescos ou recém confecionados, redistribuídos por uma organização de ajuda alimentar. Essas três partes são acompanhadas de um capítulo anterior, uma introdução geral à tese, e um último capítulo sobre as reflexões e conclusões finais em que as questões de pesquisa são respondidas. Limitações do estudo, bem como uma perspetiva sobre futuras investigações estão incluídas no último capítulo desta tese, seguidas pela bibliografia compilando todas as fontes citadas de todos os capítulos. Ao final da tese, são fornecidos dois apêndices, nos quais estão organizados todos os materiais de pesquisa relevantes, como os diagramas metodológicos da Parte II e da Parte III, Escala de Insegurança Alimentar em Língua Inglesa e Língua Portuguesa. O Apêndice B contém o diagrama da metodologia usado na parte II, e o Apêndice C contém todos os materiais usados na parte III. ; There has been a growing concern in food waste and food loss reduction while the number of food insecure families in the European Union has increased resulting in an increasing number of households depending on food assistance programs. The practice of up-cycling food to improve the diet of low-income households not only tackles food wastage and food insecurity, but also has the potential to contribute to the fulfilment of other Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (SDG 2 and SDG 12, as well as the potential to contribute to the fulfilment of other SDG, such as SDG 1, SDG 3, SDG 10, and SDG 13). After having conducted a scientific literature compilation in the food waste reuse field adopting a methodology based on the use selected key words, extracted results were divided in two categories: raw material and food security. Actual and predictable trends on food waste management were identified for both categories: food waste is regarded as a source of raw materials to produce biofuels and high value biomaterials, or as a solution to food insecurity through food aid organizations. However, there has been an increasing concern with the adequacy of food provided by these organizations, whether up cycled or not, due a lack a fresh food. Therefore, we endeavoured in a pilot study concerning the contribution of up-cycled fresh food to vulnerable households. This study analyses the contribution to a balanced diet of an upcycling food organization which rescues and redistributes fresh or freshly cooked food to low-income households, to determine the nutritional balance of food hampers provided by our case study organization, according to the Portuguese food guidelines. We also evaluate the ways in which the process of upcycling fresh food can contribute to achieve SDG. We determine the nutritional content of food hampers provided by our case study organization, weighing all items of food hampers in three weighing rounds over a period of four months. To evaluate how these nutrients contribute to alleviate food insecurity of the beneficiary households, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) was applied to measure households´ food insecurity. In the conclusion we propose a strategy to make the food rescue and redistribution process a perennial activity, naturally integrated into citizens´ lives.

Unidad de excelencia María de Maeztu CEX2019-000940-M ; Food self-sufficiency is a relevant political issue in many countries, developed and developing, particularly to satisfy the internal nutritional needs of the population and face situations in which the prices of basic products are unstable or when a country faces an external shock. Improving resilience involves strengthening local rural communities to meet demand with domestic production. The member countries of Latin America and the Caribbean (LCN) produce enough food to sustain their population and to be one of the world's largest food exporters. From the theoretical discussion and using data from FAO, the research shows that there is a potential to improve food sovereignty and to define food and agricultural policies through agricultural complementarity among the LCN countries. Diverting part of the current trade with third parties to intraregional trade, for products in which the region has a comparative advantage, would mean that LCN countries could save up to 2.7 billion dollars per year, that is, 6.8%of total imports of food in 2018, avoiding the outflow of foreign currency and promoting greater economic integration between countries.

The overall objectives of meat inspection are to contribute to food safety, animal welfare, and animal health. In the European Union (EU), there is a request for a modernised meat inspection system that addresses these objectives in a more valid, feasible and cost-effective way than does the traditional system. One part of the modernisation deals with the coding system to register meat inspection findings. Although unified standards are set at the EU level for judgement criteria regarding fitness of meat for consumption, different national systems are in force. The question is the extent of the differences and whether there is a basis for harmonisation. To investigate this, information was gathered about the code systems in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain. Moreover, meat inspection data covering pigs slaughtered in 2019 were collected. A comparison of the number of codes available, the terminology and the frequencies of the findings registered was undertaken. Codes with a similar meaning were grouped. Hereby, two lists were compiled showing the most common codes leading to total and to partial condemnation. Substantial variations in the percentage of condemned pigs and in the terms used were identified, and possible reasons behind this are discussed. Moreover, a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT)-like analysis was applied to the coding systems. Finally, the reasons for unfitness of meat given in the EU Food Inspection Regulation 2019/627 were compared to the national code lists. The results show the systems in force varied substantially, and each system had its advantages and disadvantages. The diverse terminology observed made it a challenge to compare data between countries. Development of harmonised terminology for meat inspection findings is suggested, enabling comparison of data between abattoirs, regions, and countries, while respecting the national epidemiological situation, the local food safety culture, and the trade agreements in force. ; Peer reviewed

Funding Information: This work was supported as part of the Strategic Research Programme of the Scottish Government Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) division, Theme 3: Food and Health (Work packages 3.2 and 3.3). ; Peer reviewed ; Publisher PDF

1 sheet ([1] p.) ; Attributed by STC to William Redman. ; Signed: Will: Norwicen:. ; Imprint from STC. ; A broadside. ; Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.

Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world. With a total population of around 165 million, the country has constantly been facing food security challenges and other problems. Therefore, increasing food production is one of the feasible solutions to this challenge, and proper agricultural land use for food production bears critical importance. Adopting sustainable irrigation systems and viable technologies would be vital for ensuring efficient use of agricultural land in Bangladesh to safeguard the country's food security. Solar irrigation pumps (SIPs) can be a reliable option in this regard. However, Bangladesh has experienced a prolonged growth rate of SIP installation in the last decade. The countryhas set a target to install 10000 SIPs by the year 2027, albeit it is a tiny share of the 1.57 million conventional irrigation pumps operating in the country. This study aims to investigate the economic feasibility of the SIPs operating in the northern region of Bangladesh in terms of estimating financial feasibility and environmental benefits. The study is mainly based on primary data collected from the users of SIPs from two Upazilas of Dinajpur and Rangpur districts. A total of 14 SIPs, categorized into large, medium, and small pumps, are selected randomly from the available SIPs in the study areas. The financial analysis reveals that small SIPs are the most profitable option (20% IRR) for investment. Large SIPs are moderately profitable (10% IRR), and their profitability can be improved (10.50% IRR) by introducing additional uses of solar energy. However, medium SIPs are the worst (5% IRR) option for investment. In the study areas, large and medium SIPs are designed for the 'fees for service model', and small SIPs are designed for the 'fees for ownership model'. It is found that the 'fees for ownership model' is more profitable than the 'fees for service model'. Moreover, the net environmental benefit for all SIPs is found almost equal to the given subsidy for installing them. Also, the net environmental benefit per kilowatt peak (kWp) is highest for the small SIPs. This paper recommends that additional use (e.g., husking, grinding, supply excess electricity to grid, and so on) of solar energy can improve the profitability of investmenton SIPs. Further, the government should continue giving grants for installing SIPs and promote 'fees for ownership model' (small SIPs) for personal use. It would speed up the dissemination rate of SIPs and help increase the country's agricultural production and improve the environmental conditions.

Background Humans are regularly exposed to metals and metalloids present in air, water, food, soil and domestic materials. Most of them can cross the placental barrier and cause adverse impacts on the developing foetus. Objectives To describe the prenatal concentrations of metals and metalloids and to study the associated sociodemographic, environmental and dietary factors in pregnant Spanish women. Methods Subjects were 1346 pregnant women of the INMA Project, for whom the following metals arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), thallium (Tl) and zinc (Zn) were determined in urine, at both the first and the third trimesters of gestation. Sociodemographic, dietary and environmental information was collected through questionnaires during pregnancy. Multiple linear mixed models were built in order to study the association between each metal and metalloid concentrations and the sociodemographic, environmental and dietary factors. Results The most detected compounds were As, Co, Mo, Sb, Se and Zn at both trimesters. Zn was the element found in the highest concentrations at both trimesters and Tl was detected in the lowest concentrations. We observed significant associations between As, Cd, Cu, Sb, Tl and Zn concentrations and working situation, social class and age. Seafood, meat, fruits, nuts, vegetables and alcohol intake affected the levels of all the metals but Cd and Cu. Proximity to industrial areas, fields and air pollution were related to all metals except Cd, Sb and Se. Conclusions This is the first large prospective longitudinal study on the exposure to metals and metalloids during pregnancy and associated factors to include several cohorts in Spain. The present study shows that some modifiable lifestyles, food intakes and environmental factors could be associated with prenatal exposure to metal(loid)s, which may be considered in further studies to assess their relationship with neonatal health outcomes. ; This study was funded by Grants from EU (FP7-ENV-2011 cod 282957 and HEALTH.2010.2.4.5–1); Spain: ISCIII (Red INMA G03/176, CB06/02/0041; FIS-FEDER: PI03/1615, PI04/1509, PI04/1112, PI04/1931, PI05/1079, PI05/1052, PI06/0867, PI06/1213, PI07/0314, PI09/00090, PI09/02647, PI11/01007, PI11/02591, PI11/02038, PI13/1944, PI13/2032, PI13/02187, PI14/00891, PI14/01687, PI16/1288, PI17/00663, PI18/01142 and PI19/1338; Miguel Servet FEDER MS15/00025, MS20/0006, CPII16/00051, and FIS-FSE: 17/ 00260); CIBERESP; Generalitat Valenciana: FISABIO (UGP 15–230, UGP-15-244, and UGP-15-249), AICO/2020/285, and Alicia Koplowitz Foundation 2017; Generalitat de Catalunya-CIRIT 1999SGR 00241; Department of Health of the Basque Government (2005111093, 2009111069, 2013111089 and 2015111065); Provincial Government of Gipuzkoa (DFG06/002, DFG08/001 and DFG15/221). We acknowledge support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the "Centro de Excelencia Severo Ochoa 2019–2023" Programme (CEX2018000806-S), and from the Generalitat de Catalunya through the CERCA Programme, as well as the municipalities in the study area. ; Peer reviewed

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Karanji Khurd microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behaviour and use potentials of the soils in the microwartershed. The present study covers an area of 446 ha in Karanji Khurd microwatershed in Humnabad taluk of Bidar district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought prone with an average annual rainfall of 811 mm of which about 609 mm is received during south–west monsoon, 109 mm during north-east and the remaining 93 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 96 per cent is covered by soils, one per cent covered by rock lands and 3 per cent by others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 5 soil series and 17 soil phases (management units) and 3 land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is about 150 days starting from the 1st week of June to 2nd week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 250 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  About 85 per cent area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture and 15 per cent is not suitable for agriculture but well suited for forestry, pasture.  About 85 per cent of the soils are deep to very deep (100- >150 cm) and 11 per cent are very shallow (25-50 cm) soils.  Entire area has clayey soils at the surface.  Entire area is covered by non-gravelly soils.  About 44 per cent of the area has soils that are very high (>200mm/m) in available water capacity, 18 per cent medium (100-150 mm/m) and about 33 per cent low (50-100 mm/m) and very low (0.75%), 4 per cent is low (57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus.  About 21 per cent area is low (337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (4.5 ppm) and 8 per cent deficient (0.6 ppm).  The land suitability for 19 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, farm price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 197 (44) 82 (19) Sapota - 146 (33) Maize - 82 (19) Jackfruit 66 (15) 79 (18) Red gram - 279 (63) Jamun 66 (15) 276 (62) Sunflower 197 (44) 82 (18) Musambi - 343 (77) Cotton 197 (44) 82 (18) Lime - 343 (77) Sugarcane - 82 (18) Cashew 3 (<1) 165 (37) Soybean 241 (54) 39(9) Custard apple 69 (16) 294 (66) Bengalgram 241 (54) 39(9) Amla 66(15) 297 (67) Guava - 146 (33) Tamarind 66(15) 276 (52) Mango - 78 (18) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 3 identified LCUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fibre and horticulture crops that helps in maintaining the ecological balance in the microwatershed   Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested for these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges that would help in supplementing the farm income, provide fodder and fuel and generate lot of biomass. This would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also help in mitigating the climate change. Baseline socioeconomic characterisation is prerequisite to prepare action plan for program implementation and to assess the project performance before making any changes in the watershed development program. The baseline provides appropriate policy direction for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture. Methodology: Karanji Khurd micro-watershed (Raipalli sub-watershed, Humnabad taluk, Bidar district) is located in between 17039' – 17041' North latitudes and 77012' – 77015' East longitudes, covering an area of about 446 ha, bounded by Mustari, Chitgoppa, Bannahalli and Bilkhera villages with length of growing period (LGP) 120- 150 days. We used soil resource map as basis for sampling farm households to test the hypothesis that soil quality influence crop selection, and conservation investment of farm households. The level of technology adoption and productivity gaps and livelihood patterns were analyses. The cost of soil degradation and ecosystem services were quantified. Results: Results: The socio-economic outputs for the Karanji Khurd micro-watershed in Raipalli sub-watershed, Humnabad taluk and Bidar district are presented here. Social Indicators;  Male and female ratio is 71.1 to 28.9 per cent to the total sample population.  Younger age group of 18 to 30 populations is around 60.0 per cent to the total population.  Literacy population is around 82.2 per cent.  Social groups belong to scheduled caste is around 30.0 per cent.  Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the source of energy for a cooking among 60.0 per cent.  About 75.0 per cent of households have a yashaswini health card.  Dependence on ration cards for food grains through public distribution system is around 70.0 per cent.  Swach bharath program providing closed toilet facilities around 60.0 per cent of sample households.  Rural migration to urban centre for employment is preventing among 10.0 per cent of farm households.  Women participation in decisions making are around 50.0 per cent of households were found. Economic Indicators;  The average land holding is 1.3 ha indicates that majority of farm households are belong to small and medium farmers. Total cultivated area by dry land condition of among sample households. 2  Agriculture is the main occupation among 38.2 per cent and agriculture is the main agriculture labour is subsidiary occupation for 29.4 per cent of sample households.  The average value of domestic assets is around Rs. 112687 per household. Mobile and television are popular communication mass media.  The average value of farm assets is around Rs. 250 per household, around 10 per cent of sample farmers having weeder.  The average value of livestock is around Rs. 19500 per household; about 20.0 per cent of household are having livestock.  The average per capita food consumption is around 835.1 grams (1698.4 kilo calories) against national institute of nutrition recommendation at 827 gram. Around 40.0 per cent of sample households are consuming less than the NIN recommendation.  The annual average income is around Rs.42793 per household. About 90.0 per cent of farm households are below poverty line.  The per capita monthly average expenditure is around Rs.1765. Environmental Indicators-Ecosystem Services;  The value of ecosystem service helps to support investment to decision on soil and water conservation and in promoting sustainable land use.  The onsite cost of different soil nutrients lost due to soil erosion is around Rs. 982 per ha/year. The total cost of annual soil nutrients is around Rs. 417469 per year for the total area of 445.9 ha.  The average value of ecosystem service for food grain production is around Rs. 6636/ ha/year. Per hectare food grain production services is maximum in red gram (Rs. 9600) followed by soybean (Rs. 3671).  The data on water requirement for producing one quintal of grain is considered for estimating the total value of water required for crop production. The per hectare value of water used and value of water was maximum in redgram (Rs. 48024) followed by soybeans (Rs. 20594). Economic Land Evaluation;  The major cropping pattern is redgram (90.6 %) and soybean (9.4 %).  In Karanji Khurd micro watershed, major soils are Devgiri (DGR) series is having deep soil depth covers around 1.5 % of area. On this soil farmers are presently growing red gram. BNG soil series are having very deep soil depth covers around 44.2 % of area; the crops are redgram (88.3 %) and soybean (11.7 %).  The total cost of cultivation and benefit cost ratio (BCR) in study area for red gram ranges between Rs. 36603/ha in BGN soil (with BCR of 1.32) and Rs. 30426/ha in DGR soil (with BCR of 1.19). 3  In soybean the cost of cultivation in BGN soil is Rs 28478/ha (with BCR of 1.13).  The land management practices reported by the farmers are crop rotation, tillage practices, fertilizer application and use of farm yard manure (FYM). Due to higher wages farmer are following labour saving strategies is not prating soil and water conservation measures. Less ownership of livestock limiting application of FYM.  It was observed soil quality influences on the type and intensity of land use. More fertilizer applications in deeper soil to maximize returns. Suggestions;  Involving farmers is watershed planning helps in strengthing institutional participation.  The per capita food consumption and monthly income is very low. Diversifying income generation activities from crop and livestock production in order to reduce risk related to drought and market prices.  Majority of farmers reported that they are not getting timely support/extension services from the concerned development departments.  By strengthing agricultural extension for providing timely advice improved technology there is scope to increase in net income of farm households.  By adopting recommended package of practices by following the soil test fertiliser recommendation, there is scope to increase yield in redgram (39.4 to 50.8 %) and soybean (23.8 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project

The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a vertebrate pest of agricultural lands and forest. The study was aimed to report the damage to local crops by the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) in the Muzaffarabad District. A survey was conducted to identify the porcupine-affected areas and assess the crop damage to the local farmers in district Muzaffarabad Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from May 2017 to October 2017. Around 19 villages were surveyed, and a sum of 191 semi-structured questionnaires was distributed among farmers. Crop damage was found highest in village Dhanni where a porcupine destroyed 175 Kg/Kanal of the crops. Regarding the total magnitude of crop loss, village Danna and Koomi kot were the most affected areas. More than half (51.8%) of the respondents in the study area suffered the economic loss within the range of 101-200$, and (29.8%) of the people suffered losses in the range of 201-300$ annually. Among all crops, maize (Zea mays) was found to be the most damaged crop ranging between 1-300 Kg annually. In the study area, porcupine also inflicted a lot of damages to some important vegetables, including spinach (Spinacia oleracea), potato (Solanum tuberosum) and onion (Allium cepa). It was estimated that, on average, 511Kg of vegetables are destroyed by porcupine every year in the agricultural land of Muzaffarabad. It was concluded that the Indian crested porcupine has a devastating effect on agriculture which is an important source of income and food for the local community. Developing an effective pest control strategy with the help of the local government and the Wildlife department could help the farmers to overcome this problem.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the major staple food in the Nepalese context. Chitwan district of Nepal was purposively selected to analyze the rice production from the socio-economic and environmental perspective. A total of 100 rice growing farmers, 50 organic and 50 inorganic were selected as the sample for the purpose of the study using the simple random method of sampling. Primary data were collected through a pre-tested semi-structure interview schedule and key informant interviews; secondary data were collected reviewing related publications. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression and chi-square test were used for data analysis. The multiple regression revealed that the four explanatory variables included in the model: age of the household head, primary occupation of the household head, number of family members involved in agriculture and subsidy in inputs for rice farming were found to have positive and statistically significant effect on rice yield (P<0.01). Moreover, chi-square test revealed that the farming practices that contributes to climate change mitigation such as: minimum tillage practice (P<0.05), crop diversification (P<0.01), green manuring (P<0.01), agro forestry practice (P<0.05), incorporating crop residues (P<0.1), weed management practice (P<0.01) and pest management practice (P<0.01)were found to be well adopted by the organic rice farmers, in contrast, the farming practices of inorganic rice farmers were statistically and significantly different in this respect. Government should make such policy that could grave the attention of the Nepalese people towards organic agriculture; moreover, encouraging them to make it their primary occupation.

Gresik regency has 27 tourist destinations supported by small and medium industries both in the sector of food and beverage, handicraft, Muslim fashion and its equipment, which has been established since several years ago. It seems that the development of this industry is stagnant although it is actually potential to be developed and can be a trigger for the welfare of the small industrial community of Gresik regency in East Java. The problems that occur in small and medium industry community of Giri regency of Gresik regency based on the survey result is that business actors still do not have financial literacy, marked by not understanding about financial planning, not yet separating recording and financial storage in their family or business. Besides, there is still limited socialization of financial inclusion so that in general they are still unbanked. Based on factor analysis on financial literacy and financial inclusion, there are some attributes that significantly affect financial literacy of small and medium industries, namely financial planning, experience in finance, socialization of financial literacy from related parties, socio-economic status, economic attitude, financial behavior, financial attitude, financial crisis, government policy, financial education, demography, investment, saving, consumption, financial wellbeing, financial concerns, self control, old age, and gender. While the attributes of financial inclusion include credit management, knowledge of credit guidelines, consumer over in-debtedness, saving and deposit functions. The strategies that should be done in the short term based on the attributes found in this study are: 1) to conduct financial literacy and financial inclusion education with attention to the significant attributes, 2) perform mentoring from financial planning to the preparation of financial statements, 3) giving motivation to separate between family finance and business finance 4) the government is expected to grow ...

Not Available ; NoMarine fisheries production in India has increased from 0.5 million t in 1950 to 2.47 million t in 1997. The gross value of fisheries landings in India was US$2.37 billion in 1997. The contribution of fisheries to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen from 0.7% in 1980 - 81 to 1.2% in 1994 - 95. The contribution to agricultural GDP has risen from 1.9% to 4%. Fisheries production also plays a critical role in food security and livelihood in rural areas. The southwest (SW) coast, while only 16% of the Indian coastline, is an important area for marine fisheries production, contributing 31.7% (0.74 million t) in 1993 - 98. This production is dominated by pelagic (59% of landings) and demersal species (23%). However, the open access system has resulted in rapid increases in fishing effort, particularly in the coastal areas. The density of fishers inshore has increased from 3.6 to 8.5 fishers per km2 in the past four decades. This excess effort has resulted in overfishing of the stocks and lower economic rent from the fishery. The overall objective of coastal fisheries management along the southwest coast of India is sustainable coastal fisheries development. This requires key ecological, social, economic and administrative issues to be addressed. Ecological sustainability requires the reduction of the excess effort through limited entry and effort reduction schemes, appropriate exploitation patterns through improved gear selectivity and restoration of the degraded coastal environment through integrated coastal zone management initiatives. Key social interventions include: creation of alternative employment to reduce fisher numbers, prevention/management of increasing intra- and inter-sectoral conflicts and empowerment of artisanal fishers through co-management schemes, social legislation and improved support/welfare schemes. The key economic issues include declining earnings, particularly of artisanal fishers, which requires; optimizing fleet composition for economic returns, improvement of the marketing system and cold storage chains, improvement of post-harvest processes to increase product value. The key administrative needs are a strong fisheries policy that balances welfare concerns with sustainability, effective implementation of regulations, and increased government resources for fisheries management. Project briefs covering the key interventions are provided, however these require further review and improvement in collaboration with concerned stakeholders. ; Not Available

Previous studies have shown that the use of zinc (Zn) chelate fertilizers combined with a nitrogen (N) fertilizer (urea) can lead to both agronomic (i.e., yields and Zn and N biofortification due to the synergies between both nutrients) and environmental (i.e., by reducing the emissions of nitrous oxide, NO, derived from N fertilization) benefits under rainfed semi-arid conditions. However, little is known about the effect of Zn-N co-fertilization on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or soil microbial processes involved in NO fluxes under non-flooded irrigated conditions (during the dry season). Under these conditions, water-filled pore space continuously fluctuates following a periodic pattern and soil temperatures are in the optimum range for soil microorganisms. In this context, a field experiment was conducted using a maize (Zea mays L.) crop treated with two N levels (no N application and 120 kg N ha as urea), and three Zn sources (no Zn application, Zn sulphate, and Zn applied with a mixture of chelating compounds, DTPA-HEDTA-EDTA). Nitrous oxide, methane (CH) and carbon dioxide (CO) fluxes were measured using opaque chambers, as well as the total abundances of soil bacteria, archaea and nitrifier and denitrifier communities. Zn-N co-fertilization increased cumulative NO emissions from 0.36 kg N-NO ha (for urea combined with Zn chelates) to 0.76 kg N-NO ha (for urea combined with Zn sulphate), with respect to urea without Zn application. The NO emission factors were lower (0.34%–0.72%) than the IPCC default value of 1%. Total abundances of the nosZ denitrification gene, which is involved in the reduction in NO to dinitrogen (N), were reduced by 75% on average in the plots that received Zn fertilizers. This reduction may explain the higher NO emissions in these treatments. In contrast with the case with non-irrigated crops, Zn-N co-fertilization cannot be recommended as a strategy to mitigate NO emissions in irrigated maize under semi-arid conditions, despite of the enhancement of Zn availability in soil. ; Financial support was provided by an ERDF-cofinanced grant AGL2015-64582-C3-3-R (MINECO-FEDER) from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spanish Government). We are grateful to the Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) and Structural Funds 2014-2020 (ERDF and ESF) for the financial support (project AGRISOST-CM S2013/ABI-2717). The authors are also grateful to the SIRENA network (Ref. AGL2015-68881-REDT), funded by MINECO, for supporting the stay at the Department of Microbiology and Symbiotic System, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, CSIC. M. Montoya and A. Castellano-Hinojosa are the recipients of the FPI grant BES-2016-076712 and a grant of MECD (FPU 2014/01633), respectively. Special thanks are given to the field assistants working with us at Centro Nacional de Tecnología de Regadíos (CENTER), particularly to Alejandro Sánchez de Ribera. We also thank the technicians of the Department of Chemistry and Food Technology of the ETSIAAB. This work was done within the framework of the Moncloa Campus of International Excellence (UCM-UPM).

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Gabbur-2microwatershedwas conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 550ha in Koppaltalukand district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought - prone with an average annual rainfall of 662 mm, of which about 424 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 161mm during north-east and the remaining 77 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 86per cent is covered by soils, 17 per cent byrock outcrops and 3 per cent by water bodies, settlements and others. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 11soil series and 21soil phases (management units) and 4land use classes.  The length of crop growing period is 200 mm/m)in available water capacity.  Entire area has very gently sloping (1-3%)lands.  An area of about 8 per cent has soils that are slightly eroded (e1) and71 per cent moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 30per cent has soils that are slightly to moderately acid (pH 5.5- 6.5), 25 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3),21 per cent are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3 to 8.4)and2 per cent are strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils is0.75%) in organic carbon.  Available phosphorus is low (57 kg/ha) in11 per cent area of the microwatershed.  About 1 per cent is low (337 kg/ha) in available potassium content.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm).  Available boron is low (0.5 ppm) in about 51 per cent area,26per cent area is medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) and high (>1.0 ppm) in about 2 per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm)in 57 per cent and deficient (0.6 ppm) in about 10 per cent area.  Available manganeseand copper are sufficient in all the soils.  The land suitability for 28major agricultural and horticultural crops grown in the microwatershedwere assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 24 (4) 21 (4) Pomegranate 18 (3) 167 (30) Maize 24 (4) 21 (4) Guava 18 (3) 167 (30) Bajra 43 (8) 172 (31) Jackfruit 18 (3) 167 (30) Red gram 18 (3) 26 (5) Jamun - 179 (33) Bengalgram - 75 (14) Musambi 18 (3) 167 (30) Groundnut 38 (7) 251 (46) Lime 18 (3) 167 (30) Sunflower 18 (3) 26 (5) Cashew 24 (4) 209 (38) Cotton - 45 (8) Custard apple 43 (8) 323 (59) Chilli 24 (4) 21 (4) Amla 43 (8) 323 (59) Tomato 24 (4) 21 (4) Tamarind - 23 (4) Drumstick 18 (3) 129 (23) Marigold 24 (4) 21 (4) Mulberry 18 (3) 318 (58) Chrysanthemum 24 (4) 21 (4) Mango - 18 (3) Jasmine 24 (4) 21 (4) Sapota 18 (3) 167 (30) Crossandra 24 (4) 21 (4) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop and drainage line treatment plans have been prepared for the4 identified LUCs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fodder,fibre and other horticulture crops that helps in maintaining productivity and ecological balance in the microwatershed.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested for these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. That would help in supplementing the farm income, provide fodder and fuel, and generate lot of biomass which inturn would help in maintaining the ecological balance and contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data indicated that there were 87 (55.77%) men and 69 (44.23%) women among the sampled households.  The average family size of landless farmers' was 3.8, marginal farmers' was 4.8, small farmers' was 4.3, semi medium farmers' was 3.8 and large farmers' was 5.  The data indicated that, 24 (15.38%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 70 (44.87%) were in 16-35 years of age, 51 (32.69%) were in 36-60 years of age and 11 (7.05 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Gabbur-2 had 30.77 per cent illiterates, 28.21 per cent of them had primary school education, 8.33 per cent of them had middle school education, 21.79 per cent of them had high school education, 7.69 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.64 per cent of them did ITI and 2.56 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicate that, 78.95 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 13.16 per cent of the households were agricultural laborers, 2.63 per cent were general labourers and 2.63 per cent were in private service.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 42.95 per cent of the household members, 23.72 per cent were agricultural laborers, 7.05 per cent were general labour, 1.28 per cent had household industry, 4.49 per cent were in private, 19.87 per cent were students and 0.64 per cent were housewives.  The results show that 98.72 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions and only 1.28 per cent of the households participated in self help group.  The results indicate that 2.63 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 92.11 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 5.26 per cent of them possess pucca house.  The results show that 86.84 per cent of the households possess TV, 68.42 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 68.42 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 28.95 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 100 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.2696, mixer grinder was Rs.1444, bicycle was Rs. 1038, motor cycle was Rs.31000 and mobile phone was Rs.1005.  About 10.53 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 23.68 per cent of them possess plough, 21.05 per cent of them posses sprayer, 97.37 per cent of them possess weeder and 23.68 per cent of them possess chaff cutter.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.15500, plough was Rs.1692, the average value of sprayer was Rs.3077, the average value of chaff cutter was Rs.2888, and the average value of weeder was Rs.33. 2  The results indicate that, 23.68 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 10.53 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.63 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow and 5.26 per cent of the households possess buffalo.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.57, average own labour (women) available was 1.31, average hired labour (men) available was 6.72 and average hired labour (women) available was 13.36.  The results indicate that, 44.74 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate and 39.47 per cent of the households opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, only 1.92 per cent of the population migrated from the micro watershed, which included 5.26 per cent of landless farmers and 4.44 per cent of semi medium farmers.  The results indicate that, the average distance of migration was 800 kms and average duration was 5 months.  The results indicate that, job/wage/work was the main purpose for migration.  The results indicate that, 66.67 per cent of the households opined that their quality of life improved as a result of migration.  The results indicate that, households of the Gabbur-2 micro watershed possess 91.77 ha (84.24%) of dry land and 17.18 ha (15.76%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 3.01 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 22.30 ha (96.50%) of dry land and 0.81 ha (3.50%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 2.12 ha (11.45%) of dry land and 16.37 ha (88.55%) of irrigated land. Large farmers possess 64.35 ha (100%) of dry land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 72,977.06 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 399,832.71. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 431,586.03 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 228,620.69 for dry land and Rs. 617,500 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 141,682.60 for dry land and Rs. 389,067.76 for irrigated land. In case of large famers, the average land value was Rs. 258,000 for dry land.  The results indicate that, there were 8 functioning and 7 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, there was 3 functioning and 3 defunctioning open well in the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 21.05 per cent of the farmers, open well was the source of irrigation for 7.89 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 17.57 meters and the depth of open well was found to be 0.43 meters. 3  The results indicate that, small and semi medium farmers had irrigated area of 0.81 ha and 20.43 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown maize (24.21 ha), paddy (7.77 ha), navane (4.66 ha), groundnut (2.43 ha), bajra (2.06 ha), mango (3.36 ha), sugarcane (1.36 ha), brinjal (0.81 ha), ladies finger (0.81 ha) and bengal gram (0.81 ha).  Marginal farmers have grown maize, navane and bajra. Small farmers have grown maize, navane, bajra and Bengal gram. Semi medium farmers have grown groundnut, maize, paddy, navane, groundnut, mango, sugarcane, brinjal and ladies finger. Large farmers have grown maize only.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Gabbur-2 micro watershed was found to be 99.75 per cent. In case of marginal and small farmers it was 100 per cent, in case of semi medium farmers it was 99.40 per cent, and large farmers had cropping intensity of 100 per cent.  The results indicate that, 97.37 per cent of the households have bank account and savings.  The results indicate that, 97.37 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources.  The results indicate that, 5.41 per cent of the households availed loan from commercial bank, 13.51 per cent availed loan from friends/relatives, 35.41 per cent availed loan from money lender, 35.14 per cent have availed loan from grameena bank and 10.81 per cent of the households obtained loan from SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicate that, landless, marginal, small, semi medium and large farmers have availed Rs.81000, Rs.47500, Rs.46125, Rs.79636 and 135000 respectively.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  The results indicate that, the main purpose of borrowing credit from private sources was social functions which accounted for 50 per cent of those who borrowed credit. Another 15 per cent of the households borrowed for agricultural production, 25 per cent of the households borrowed for the purpose of construction of house or cattle shed, 5 per cent have borrowed for health care and another 5 per cent have borrowed for purchase of vehicle.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan borrowed from institutional sources.  Results indicated that 81.82 per cent of the households partially paid their loan and 18.18 per cent of the households did not repay their loan. 4  The results indicate that, around 93.33 per cent opined that the loan amount helped to perform timely agricultural operations and 6.67 per cent of the households said that the credit was easily accessible.  The results indicate that, around 18.18 per cent of the households opined that credit was easily accessible, 13.64 per cent of the households opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfill the requirements, 13.64 per cent of the households opined that the credit helped to perform timely agricultural operations and 4.55 per cent opined that the interest rate was higher in non-institutional sources.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 24971.42. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 28026.25. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 3054.83, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.12.  The total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 27364.07. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 7646.45. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. 594.59. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.39.  The total cost of cultivation for mango was Rs. 100090.86. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 310099.43. The net income from mango cultivation was Rs. 210008.57. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.1.  The total cost of cultivation for bengalgram was Rs. 29944.17. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 95589. The net income from bengalgram cultivation was Rs. 65644.83. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.19.  The total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 53586.21. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 80670.20. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 27083.99. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.51.  The total cost of cultivation for brinjal was Rs. 35169.92. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 103740. The net income from brinjal cultivation was Rs. 68570.08. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.95.  The total cost of cultivation for Ladies finger was Rs. 31310.76. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 113620. The net income from Ladies finger cultivation was Rs. 82309.24. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:3.63.  The total cost of cultivation for navane was Rs. 152187.38. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 102646.33. The net income from navane cultivation was Rs. -49541.05. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.67.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 152187.38. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 102646.33. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. -49541.05. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.67.  The total cost of cultivation for sugarcane was Rs. 110481.92. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 477827.40. The net income from sugarcane cultivation was Rs. 367345.48. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:4.32. 5  The results indicate that, 15.79 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 5.26 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate. Also around 23.68 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate and 2.63 per cent of the households opined that green fodder is inadequate.  The results indicate that the average annual gross income was Rs. 114,400 for landless farmers, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 82,850, for small farmers it was Rs. 112,442.19, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 271,250, and for large farmers it was Rs.148000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 6,585.06. For marginal farmers it was Rs. 5,937.50, for small farmers it was Rs. 4,343.39, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 11,624.01, and for medium farmers it was Rs. 17,500.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 14 coconut, and 830 mango trees in their fields.  42.11 per cent of the households showed interest towards cultivation of horticultural crops.  The results indicate that, households have planted 64 neem trees and 9 tamarind trees in their field.  The results indicate that, the average additional investment capacity with the households for land development was Rs. 6,237.99, for irrigation facility Rs. 2,132.65, for improved crop production Rs. 684.32 and for improved livestock management Rs. 2,894.74.  The results indicate that, government subsidy was the source of additional investment capacity for 55.26 per cent of the households for land development, 36.84 per cent for irrigation facility, 5.26 per cent for improved crop production and 5.26 per cent for improved livestock management. Own funds was the source of investment for 5.26 per cent for land development.  The results indicated that, all crops were marketed to the extent of 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 92.11 per cent of the famers have sold their produce in regulated markets and 2.63 per cent have sold their produce through contract marketing arrangement.  The results indicated that, 84.21 per cent of the households have used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce, 5.26 per cent have used truck and another 5.26 per cent have used cart as a mode of transportation.  The results indicated that, 31.58 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm i.e., 50 per cent of marginal farmers, 56.25 per cent of small farmers and 8.33 per cent of semi medium farmers have experienced soil and water erosion problems.  The results indicated that, 81.58 per cent have shown interest in soil test. 6  The results indicated that, 28.95 per cent of the households have adopted field bunding and 42.11 per cent of the households adopted summer ploughing.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the structures needed full replacement.  The results indicated that 31.58 per cent of soil conservation structure is constructed by the government and another 39.47 per cent is constructed by other agencies.  Piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 76.32 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 18.42 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 94.74 per cent used fire wood and 10.53 per cent of the households used LPG.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 81.58 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 20 per cent of the landless, 25 per cent of the marginal, 100 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 100 per cent of the large farmers.  97.37 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 2.63 per cent possessed APL card.  The results indicated that, 26.32 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 78.95 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 15.79 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 28.95 per cent, fruits were adequate for 21.05 per cent, milk was adequate for 73.68 per cent and eggs were adequate for 73.68 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 21.05 per cent, oilseeds were inadequate for 73.68 per cent, vegetables were inadequate for 63.16 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 65.79 per cent, milk was inadequate for 13.16 per cent, eggs were inadequate for 23.68 per cent and meat was inadequate for 63.16 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 76.32 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (73.68%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (68.42%), inadequacy of irrigation water (55.26%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (60.53%), high rate of interest on credit (44.74%), low price for the agricultural commodities (60.53%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (60.53%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (63.16%), less rainfall (73.68%) and inadequate extension services (57.89%). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project