University of Agribusiness and Rural Development

Horticultural agribusiness plays a strategic role in supplying nutritious food commodities, particularly fruits and vegetables, yet faces persistent challenges related to perishability, postharvest handling, and market coordination. This study profiles horticultural agribusiness firms operating in two main commodity groups, namely fruits and vegetables, across four provinces in Java, Indonesia (DKI Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and Central Java). A cross-sectional survey of 109 firms was analyzed using (1) descriptive statistics via frequency distribution tables and (2) cross-tabulations with Pearson’s Chi-square tests to examine associations between main commodity group and province with other firm profile variables. The results indicate that most firms are small–medium scale and rely primarily on traditional market channels, while participation in supermarkets, industry, inter-island distribution, and export remains limited. Inferential findings show that the main commodity group (fruit vs. vegetable) is not significantly associated with most firm profile variables, whereas province is significantly associated with several indicators of firm scale (labor, net assets, and turnover) and market orientation (traditional market, supermarket, industry, and inter-island distribution). These findings suggest that regional context is a stronger differentiator of firm profiles than commodity specialization, implying that strengthening strategies should be tailored to provincial roles within the value chain (production–aggregation–distribution–market). This study contributes enterprise-level, multi-province evidence combining descriptive profiling and association testing to inform more targeted horticultural agribusiness development interventions.

The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing the likelihood of target groups participating in agricultural tourism activities. The study collected data from 1,246 participants living in New York, Delaware, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia through online surveys. The resulting dataset was analyzed using logistic regression. According to the analysis results, social classes with a higher probability of participating in agricultural tourism activities have been identified. It was found that middle-aged and younger people, those unfamiliar with agricultural activities, individuals involved in agriculture, those generally residing in cities, and those with higher income levels are more likely to participate in agricultural tourism. The study reveals that agricultural tourism participants are mostly high-income urban dwellers seeking experiential activities, demonstrating that agricultural tourism plays a significant role not only in fresh produce marketing but also as a vital social and economic diversification strategy for small farms.

The importance of agricultural commercialization cannot be overemphasized, particularly with the need to achieve zero hunger and improve the provision of nutritious food for the gradually increasing population. Agricultural commercialization is essential for economic development, improved food security, and enhanced livelihoods for societies dependent on agriculture. The current study investigated agricultural market seasonality dynamics influencing farmers’ transition from emerging to commercial farming at Thulamela municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 207 vegetable farmers. Data was collected through in-person interviews and analyzed using descriptive analysis and a multinomial regression model. The study revealed that the vegetables most produced within the study sample were spinach, tomatoes, and cabbage, primarily due to their low production costs, affordability, and cultural preference. Furthermore, the study findings indicated that market dynamics such as commodity seasonality, product variation, perishability rate, commodity supplied volumes, and market selling price enhanced farmers’ commercialization intensity. Meanwhile, market dynamics such as commodity shelf lifespan, market competition, and selling season had a regressive influence in intensifying commercialization at various levels. The study recommends integrating short-shelf lifespan commodities with more durable ones to improve sales volumes, intensifying commercialization efforts. Moreover, the study also recommends acclimatizing farmers to the market dynamics in which they intend to supply their produce

Aims: As a global leader in soybean production, Brazil faces intensifying environmental challenges driven by conventional agricultural practices. This underscores the need for sustainable intensification strategies. Study Design: This study employed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental performance of soybean cultivation under precision agriculture (PA)-based fertility management with conventional systems. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul over a five-year period (2019–2023). Methodology: The analysis used a cradle-to-farm gate approach, with 1 kg of soybean grain as the functional unit. Primary data were collected from a commercial farm utilizing PA, while benchmark data from Embrapa represented the conventional system. Environmental impacts were assessed in four categories: global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), and human toxicity potential (HTP). Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses ensured result robustness. Results: PA significantly reduced environmental impacts: −60.84% (EP), −31.79% (AP), −28.65% (GWP), and −19.54% (HTP). The planting and fertilization stages were the primary contributors to overall impacts. Conclusion: The findings highlight PA as a promising strategy for sustainable intensification, improving environmental outcomes and resource efficiency. However, adoption remains limited due to high upfront costs and technical knowledge requirements. These insights reinforce the policy relevance of promoting PA through incentives, training, and infrastructure, and demonstrate its potential scalability across similar production systems.

This research was conducted to evaluate the water quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) hatchery ponds at the Fish Seed Center (Balai Benih Ikan, BBI) located in Tepas Sepakat Village, West Sumbawa Regency. Water quality is a critical factor that directly influences the success of aquaculture, particularly in hatchery operations where the survival and growth rates of fish fry are highly dependent on optimal environmental conditions. The study assessed key water quality parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, ammonia concentration, and water transparency. Measurements were carried out quantitatively through direct sampling from three hatchery ponds containing fry of different ages and sizes, with data collected over three consecutive days during morning and afternoon sessions. The results indicated that all measured parameters remained within the acceptable ranges established by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 7550:2009) for freshwater aquaculture. Water temperature ranged between 25.9°C and 27.9°C, DO levels varied from 3.9 to 5.2 mg/L, pH values ranged from 7.5 to 8.2, ammonia concentration was consistently below 0.1 mg/L, and water clarity ranged from 40 to 46 cm. Although water clarity slightly exceeded the standard threshold, it was still within a tolerable range that could support sufficient light penetration for photosynthesis without posing risks to the aquatic ecosystem. These findings suggest that the water quality at the BBI Tepas Sepakat hatchery ponds is generally suitable for supporting healthy and productive tilapia breeding. However, continuous monitoring and adaptive water quality management, particularly concerning dissolved oxygen and light penetration, are recommended to maintain optimal rearing conditions and ensure long-term sustainability of the hatchery operations. These findings can serve as a useful reference in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and can be used in aquaculture training programs to improve water quality management.

It contributed to the interest in the environment and the gradual change of the climate issue, considering the small and increasing challenges facing the world today, so the concept of the green economy has become urgently necessary because of the innovative solutions it provides that contribute to protecting the environment due to the necessity of economic development. The green economy focuses on the efficient use of resources and reducing pollution, which contributes to improving the quality of life for current and future generations. In this regard, the green economy is consistent with the sustainable development goals as it seeks to achieve a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, thus ensuring the sustainability of natural resources by investing in renewable energy, clean technology, and promoting sustainable agriculture, thus tangible progress can be achieved towards a better and more sustainable life.The research paper aimed to identify trends and determinants of the transition to a green economy on economic growth and sustainable development in Egypt during the period 2010-2022. To achieve the research objectives, reliance was placed on the use of descriptive statistical methods, which were the arithmetic mean, percentage (%), and graphical analysis. Analysis was also used. Hierarchical multiple regression, using the ordinary least squares method and the bootstrap method.The results of statistical analysis using the hierarchical multiple regression method showed the formation of regression models or combinations to identify the impact of the determinants of the transition to the green economy on economic growth in Egypt during the period 2010-2022, where the gross domestic product was used as the dependent variable expressing the economic dimension. The results of the first model showed a positive impact of the cultivated area and green trade by about 14.15% and 22.53%, respectively. The results of the second model also showed the positive impact of the area of ​​organic agriculture, the area benefiting from groundwater irrigation, and the effective and sustainable use of resources by about 3.12%. 0.48% and 4.57%, respectively.The results obtained from estimating hierarchical multiple regression using the bootstrap method also showed a small Bias value, which gives an indication of the accuracy of the results obtained from the OLS Model.According to the results obtained to analyze the impact of the transition to a green economy on economic growth in Egypt, the research recommends conducting more scientific research and reducing the gap between theory and practice in the field of agriculture and the environment because of its strategic importance and sustainable added value.

This study investigated the effects of Kaempferia galanga L. supplementation on blood profiles and the relative weight of visceral organs in Indonesian native chickens. A total of 100 day-old chicks were assigned to a Completely Randomized Design with five dietary treatments: 0% (P0), 0.5% (P1), 1% (P2), 1.5% (P3), and 2% (P4), each with four replications of five birds. The extract was administered through feed from day 22 to 55. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple range test (p < 0.05). The results showed that K. galanga L. significantly decreased blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. Cholesterol levels declined from 191.22 mg/dL (P0) to 125.34 mg/dL (P3) and 128.38 mg/dL (P4), while triglycerides decreased from 97.13 mg/dL (P0) to 79.51 mg/dL (P3). LDL concentrations were also markedly reduced in treated groups (84.95-116.08 mg/dL) compared with the control (149.06 mg/dL). Although hemoglobin slightly decreased at the highest dose, plasma total protein increased at P4 (4.82 g/dL), suggesting enhanced protein metabolism. Relative organ weights indicated significant increases in pancreas and duodenum mass at P3, implying improved digestive capacity. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of K. galanga L. extract enhances lipid metabolism, lowers LDL and cholesterol, and supports digestive organ development, with the optimal effect observed at a 1.5% supplementation level.

The agro logistics system is a multifunctional logistics framework that encompasses all processes related to the collection, storage, processing, packaging, transportation, and distribution of agricultural products. Therefore, the efficiency of the logistics system is determined by improvements in each of these stages, as well as by a range of external factors. The Republic of Armenia, classified as a developing country from a logistics perspective, currently faces a range of challenges. Overcoming these challenges would contribute to setting higher benchmarks in foreign trade and ensuring the operation of a more stable and sustainable logistics system. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to assess the current state of the agro logistics system in the Republic of Armenia, to identify the key challenges hindering its sustainable development, and ultimately to reveal and substantiate the opportunities for improving its efficiency. The overall efficiency of the logistics system will be evaluated not only through value-based indicators, but also by means of qualitative and technical metrics. These will be compared with those of countries that have advanced logistics systems․ As a result, a plan for the development of new infrastructure will be proposed, which will include the establishment of alternative domestic road routes, their appropriate reinforcement with tunnels and bridges, the improvement of the quality of paved roads, the expansion of the railway network across the country, and the construction of new specialized warehouses.