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Jan 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-20-3165
Narain PremCorresponding author
Professor and Independent Researcher, 29278 Glen Oaks Blvd. W. Farmington Hills, MI 48334-2932, USA
This commentary questions the presumption of ever‑increasing crop productivity as the singular goal. It weighs diminishing returns and ecological costs against diversification, efficiency, and demand‑side measures. The authors argue for context‑specific targets that prioritize nutrition, resilience, and sustainability over yield expansion alone.
Aug 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6367
Akullo VivienCorresponding author
Background Smallholder farmers in Uganda's Teso Sub-Region are increasingly adopting fertilizers and improved crop varieties in response to declining soil fertility, climate variability, and the need to improve agricultural productivity. However, limited evidence exists on how farmers perceive and integrate these technologies into their farming systems. This study explored smallholder farmers' perspectives on fertilizer adoption and improved crop varieties within the context of resource constraints and changing agricultural conditions. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was conducted among 32 smallholder farmers in Katete, Nyero, Oriyo, and Apeduru sub-counties in the Teso Sub-Region of Uganda. Data were collected through focus group discussions using a semi-structured guide. Discussions explored experiences with fertilizer use, improved crop varieties, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with adoption. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and themes. Results Five key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) continued reliance on organic fertilizers as the foundation of soil fertility management; (2) strategic integration of inorganic fertilizers to enhance crop productivity; (3) increasing use of commercial productivity enhancers to improve crop growth and manage pests; (4) adoption of improved crop varieties through public and private extension networks; and (5) persistent barriers to agricultural innovation, including limited technical knowledge, high input costs, climate variability, pest infestations, and post-harvest losses. Participants reported that combining traditional farming practices with modern agricultural inputs contributed to improved crop performance and increased yields. However, the benefits of these technologies were frequently constrained by affordability challenges, inadequate training on input application, environmental risks, and market-related limitations. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable agricultural transformation requires integrated support systems that combine access to inputs with farmer training, climate-smart extension services, post-harvest infrastructure, and stronger market linkages.
Aug 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-1506.jpa-26-6394
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Background Enhancing crop productivity while minimizing chemical inputs remains a core objective of sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the efficacy of spiritual blessing energy treatments as a non-invasive biostimulant to optimize the growth dynamics and crop yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Methods Seeds and land were exposed to Spiritual Blessing Energy Treatment (SBET) in her physical presence for about 4 minutes once, alongside untreated controls under identical environmental conditions. Morphological parameters and final biomass production were systematically evaluated. Results Photosynthesis traits such as number of leaves per plant, leaf width, and fresh weight of leaves per plant were significantly increased by 28.41% (p = 0.003), 45.81% (p ≤ 0.001), and 28.86% (p ≤ 0.001), respectively, in the blessing/biofield energy-treated radish group (BTRSG) compared to the control radish group (CONRSG). Moreover, root length, root width/girth, and root weight per plant were significantly increased by 39.68% (p ≤ 0.001), 32.13% (p ≤ 0.001), and 30.73% (p ≤ 0.001), respectively, in the BTRSG compared to the CONRSG. Besides, root yield (tons per hectare) was increased by 46.29% in BTRSG compared to the CONRSG. Conclusion These findings suggest that the spiritual blessing energy treatments (Trivedi Effect®) act as a powerful biostimulatory agent capable of optimizing plant ontogeny and radish yield and offering a sustainable paradigm for precision agronomy.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2232.jf-23-4696
Baron ByronCorresponding author
Small island states, such as Malta face numerous, unique challenges in relation to agricultural sustainability, with solutions amenable to larger states being unfit given the particular characteristics of the island. These include the poor soil conditions, the limited water resources, the aging farmer population, farming being mainly part-time, and most farmers having no formal training. Currently farmers practice intensive agriculture to achieve higher crop productivity at lower production costs by relying heavily on agri-chemicals and over-extracting groundwater. This destroys the Maltese natural environment and urges for the development and implementation of sustainable agriculture practices, whereby traditional farming is supplemented with sustainable alternatives such that local agriculture remains productive in the long-term while safeguarding the local environment. Here we outline some of the critical issues that urgently need to be addressed and potential ways forward in relation to soil, water and biodiversity, implementing permaculture principles in small-scale, practical actions in order to improve the sustainability of local agricultural through a combination of scientific evidence, agricultural technology and traditional practices.