10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.1

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.2

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This study examines the impact of regulatory quality, government effectiveness, and the rule of law on stock market performance in selected African countries over the period 1991-2024. The analysis employs a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to capture both short-run dynamics and long-run equilibrium relationships, integrating governance indicators with key macroeconomic variables such as gross fixed capital formation, inflation, exchange rate, and market liquidity. The long-run results reveal that stock market development exhibits strong persistence, while weak regulatory frameworks and institutional inefficiencies significantly constrain market growth and investor confidence. In contrast, gross fixed capital formation and exchange rate stability positively influence market performance, highlighting the importance of investment and macroeconomic stability. Inflation exerts a mild negative effect, whereas liquidity contributes marginally over time. The short-run findings indicate a significant and rapid adjustment toward long-run equilibrium, although governance indicators show limited immediate effects, suggesting that institutional reforms yield results primarily in the long term. Country-specific estimates further reveal substantial heterogeneity in governance effectiveness and market responses across African economies. Overall, the findings underscore that strengthening regulatory quality, improving institutional effectiveness, and maintaining macroeconomic stability are critical for fostering resilient and sustainable stock market development in Africa. The study contributes to the literature by providing a dynamic, multi-country analysis that integrates governance dimensions into stock market modelling and offers policy-relevant insights for financial sector development.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.3

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This study investigates the socio-economic impact of SHGs on rural women based on primary data collected from 180 respondents. The demographic profile indicates that 51.11% of participants belong to the 30-40 years age group and 40% to the 40-50 years category, reflecting high participation among economically productive women. Educational attainment remains low, with 92.22% having only primary education and 7.22% being illiterate, highlighting the inclusive nature of SHGs in reaching marginalized sections. The findings reveal a significant transformation in occupational patterns. Prior to SHG participation, 35.55% of respondents were housewives and 43.34% engaged in low-income miscellaneous activities. Post-SHG, 100% of respondents became economically active, with 43.33% involved in vending and 37.22% in daily wage labour, alongside universal participation in agriculture. A substantial improvement in income levels is observed, with mean annual income increasing from ` 62,966.67 to ` 1,28,300. Income distribution shifted entirely from below ` 1,00,000 to higher brackets, with 83.89% earning above ` 1,20,000 post-SHG. The paired sample t-test confirms this increase as statistically significant (t = -95.625, p < 0.05). Expenditure patterns reflect enhanced living standards, with food expenditure rising from ` 1,847.22 to ` 2,841.67 and education spending increasing from ` 1,168.87 to ` 1,832.31. Healthcare and housing expenditures also show notable growth. Additionally, 63.33% of respondents invested in livestock, indicating asset creation. Savings behaviour improved markedly, with all respondents reporting average annual savings of ` 19,000, compared to no savings prior to SHG participation. The study also highlights improvements in socio-economic empowerment, with 93.89% of respondents participating in household decision-making and 100% reporting enhanced entrepreneurial skills, mental well-being and social awareness.
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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.4

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The rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) in the Indo-Gangetic plains faces sustainability challenges due to the biased application of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers and the neglect of potassium (K), leading to soil K mining and long-term productivity risks. To address these concerns, a split-plot experiment was initiated in 2012 with four crop establishment techniques and three nutrient management practices under conservation agriculture. Results demonstrated that plots receiving crop residue in both seasons (CE4) significantly outperformed other treatments, achieving higher grain yield (9.1 Mg ha⁻¹), improved apparent K balance (+30 kg ha⁻¹), and superior sustainability index values. CE4 also recorded the lowest cost of cultivation (` 63,467 ha⁻¹), while delivering higher gross returns (` 189,513 ha⁻¹), net returns (` 126,046 ha⁻¹), and a better benefit: cost ratio (2.0). Sustainability index values improved progressively from CE1 (0.15–0.36) to CE4 (0.62–0.84), with residue incorporation (RWCM) and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) consistently outperforming farmers’ fertilizer practice (FFP) by balancing yield, K management, and economic returns. Across treatments, rice exhibited lower cultivation costs, whereas wheat contributed greater economic returns. These findings highlight the critical role of balanced nutrient management and residue recycling in enhancing yield, profitability, and potassium sustainability of the rice–wheat system, offering a pathway to mitigate soil K depletion and secure long-term agricultural sustainability in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.5

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This study examines the bi-directional shift in the marketing channels for rice surplus in the Jammu region focusing on farmers’ transitions between government established procurement centres (PCs) and open markets (OM) between 2012 and 2023. Out of 100 farmers, 32 farmers who earlier sold their marketable surplus of rice at PC in 2012 shifted towards the OM and 28 farmers who sold their surplus rice at OM now adopted PC as their preferred marketing channel for selling rice surplus. The research identifies key factors driving these shifts were: transition from coarse to more profitable basmati rice cultivation and the convenience and flexibility of OM. Conversely, the demand of higher prices, assured payment systems and proximity to PCs encouraged farmers to switch from OM to government PC. The chi square test of association between farmers’ land holding and choice of marketing channel indicates that land holding size significantly influenced the choice of marketing channel. Small land holdings farmers preferring PCs and farmers with large land holdings opting for OM. The findings underscore the importance of policy adjustments to align with shifting agricultural practices, enhance the accessibility and efficiency of PCs, and account for the region’s diverse market dynamics.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.6

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This study examines the extent, structure, and determinants of indebtedness among rural labour households in Punjab using primary data collected from 530 households across 22 villages. The findings reveal a pervasive incidence of debt, with over 92 per cent of households being indebted, particularly among agricultural labourers. A substantial share of borrowing (over four-fifths) originates from non-institutional sources such as large farmers and moneylenders, often at exorbitant interest rates exceeding 15 per cent per annum. Borrowing is predominantly driven by consumption needs, especially socio-religious ceremonies and purchase of consumer goods, reflecting structural income inadequacies. Econometric analysis indicates that family size, number of dependents, reliance on non-institutional credit, and unproductive expenditure significantly influence the level of indebtedness. The study underscores the persistence of exploitative credit structures and highlights the urgent need for strengthening institutional credit access and reducing dependence on informal lending sources to mitigate rural indebtedness.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.7

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The study assesses the magnitude and determinants of post-harvest losses in chickpea production in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh using primary data collected from 80 farmers, 10 wholesalers, and 10 retailers through a multi-stage sampling framework. Both tabular and functional analyses were employed to estimate losses and examine their economic impact across the supply chain. The results indicate that the average post-harvest loss of chickpea is 6.4 kg per quintal, with the highest losses occurring during harvesting and drying stages. Regression results show that harvesting, threshing, and marketing losses significantly reduce farm income. At the farm level, weather conditions, availability of threshing machines, and timely labour significantly influence losses, while at the intermediary level, quantity handled, storage duration, and transportation constraints are key determinants. The study highlights the need for improved post-harvest management practices and infrastructure to minimize losses and enhance farmers’ income.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.8

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Goat rearing is one of the major and traditional rural employment sources for the downtrodden sector dwelling in small villages. The most crucial element in securing a big profit in a short amount of time is starting a goat farming farm, though. India features an abundance of livestock and poultry, which are essential for enhancing the socio-economic status of the rural people. The study was conducted in Jalaun and Hamirpur district of Bundelkhand region over the year 2023-24. Data was systematically collected from 120 farmers by personal interview through pre tested questionnaire and analyzed. The results of the study area revealed that the average flock size of small, medium and large category in Jalaun and Hamirpur district was found as 3.5, 9.5, 22.85 and 3.41, 10.65, 23.06 respectively. The results of this study brought out that in both districts, goat rearers of small category tend to had lower education levels, less experienced in goat rearing, had smaller family sizes, and a higher representation of OBCs. Larger category of goat rearers, on the other hand, were characterized by higher education levels, more experienced, larger flock sizes, and a greater likelihood of belonging to the General caste.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.9

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Small-scale marine fishers in the Alappuzha district of Kerala are increasingly affected by the consistent decline in fish landings, climate change impacts, sea erosion, and rising fishing costs, all of which pose serious threats to their livelihoods. The traditional fishers in the district primarily operate motorised fishing units, and the landings of these fishing units showed a drastic decline from 50,254 t to 13,789 t during 2015 to 2024. In this backdrop, the livelihood capital assets and occupational strategies of small-scale fishing households in the motorised fishing sector in Alappuzha district of Kerala were examined. A multinomial logistic regression was used to analyse how the livelihood capitals impact the fisher household’s ability to choose diversified livelihood strategies. The respondent households included both craft owners and fishing crew in the motorised fishing sector. The annual fishery income varied from ` 79,942/- for the households of fishing crew to ` 3,38,560/- for the craft owners. The analysis indicated that human, financial and physical capitals play a vital role in shaping the occupational diversification among small-scale fisher households. Family size and education index showed a significant influence on households to engage in salaried jobs. Ownership of crafts and higher dependency reduced the chances of fishing households to engage in diversified occupations in the informal sector, as well as salaried jobs. The findings of the study suggest targeted policy interventions to enhance the institutional credit access, strengthening the skill base through appropriate education and specialised training to enhance the well-being of marine fisher households.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.10

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The present study was conducted to analyze the pulse area, production and output in India and Madhya Pradesh from 1950 to 2022, employing descriptive statistics, trends and Sustainability index. The result revealed that the area under pulses in India and Madhya Pradesh has expanded by 67.01% and 146.05% respectively, with output growth of 215.00% and 826.16% during the study period. Pulses yields in India and Madhya Pradesh have shown a slight improvement, with yields increasing by two and ten times from 1950 to 2020. In the case of trend analysis quadratic trends are found in the area, yield, and production of pulses in India, while in Madhya Pradesh, trends are quadratic in area and production, and exponential in yield. The Box-Jenkins methodology was used for forecasting up to 2030. The best-fitted ARIMA models were selected based on ACF and PACF at various lags. Forecasting performances of this model were selected based on their minimum AIC, RMSE,MAE, MAPE, and maximum R2 values. Model parameters were estimated by using the Gretl software. Empirical results showed that ARIMA (1,1,5) and (1,1,4) are found to be the best for area under pulses in India and Madhya Pradesh, respectively. The ARIMA (0,1,1) and ARIMA (1,1,5) models are the best for yield under pulses in India and Madhya Pradesh, respectively. Furthermore, according to the sustainability index of pulses production in India and Madhya Pradesh indicating that both regions are highly sustainable in pulses production during period III (2001-2022). Moreover, this study provided valuable insights into the trends and sustainability of pulses production in India and Madhya Pradesh, which can inform policy decisions and future planning for the agricultural sector.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.11

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This study analyzes the growth performance, instability, and sources of production change in rapeseed and mustard across Rajasthan and its key districts, Alwar and Bharatpur, during 2003-04 to 2022-23. Using compound annual growth rate (CAGR), Cuddy Della Valle Index (CDVI) and decomposition analysis, the research provides insights into temporal shifts in area, production, productivity, and farm harvest prices. The findings indicate that Rajasthan achieved modest but positive growth in production (2.12%) and productivity (2.13%), with farm harvest prices rising significantly (6-7% annually). Alwar outperformed state averages, recording consistent expansion in area and higher productivity growth, reflecting successful adoption of improved technologies. In contrast, Bharatpur exhibited mixed trends, with strong initial growth but declining productivity in later years, likely due to climatic and resource constraints. Instability analysis revealed declining acreage variability at the state level, while production fluctuations persisted. Decomposition results highlighted yield as the dominant contributor to production growth in Rajasthan, while area expansion played a stronger role in Bharatpur. Overall, the study underscores the critical role of technological improvements and resource management in enhancing rapeseed and mustard output, while also pointing to regional disparities that require targeted policy interventions.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.12

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Organic farming is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture; however, its adoption remains constrained by multiple challenges, particularly in hilly regions. This study examined the major constraints faced by farmers practicing organic farming in the low hill districts of Kangra and Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 120 farmers, comprising 70 marginal and 50 small farmers, were selected through proportionate random sampling. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using pre-tested schedules, while percentage analysis and Chi-square tests were employed for interpretation. The findings revealed that production-related constraints were dominated by difficulties in managing weeds, pests, and diseases organically (75%), non-availability of quality seeds (66.67%), and low productivity (66.67%). High labour wages (70%) and labour shortages (63.33%) further intensified production challenges. Institutional constraints included high certification costs, longer conversion periods, and difficulty in fulfilling certification norms (88.33%). Marketing issues such as lack of market information (91.67%), low marketable surplus (85%), and high transportation costs (83.33%) were also significant. Additionally, monkey menace (83.33%) and stray animals (81.67%) emerged as major miscellaneous constraints. The Chi-square results indicated no significant differences in constraints faced by marginal and small farmers. The study highlights the need for policy support, simplified certification procedures, improved extension services, and better market infrastructure to promote sustainable organic farming in Himachal Pradesh.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.13

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Cotton cultivation plays a vital role in India’s agricultural economy, yet significant productivity disparities persist across farmer categories. This study examines yield gaps, resource-use efficiency, and economic viability of cotton farming in Telangana using primary data collected during 2022-23 from 105 farmers, including 90 non-progressive and 15 progressive farmers, along with data from research stations. The study employs descriptive statistics, cost-return analysis, Cobb–Douglas production function, yield gap estimation, and MVP-MFC efficiency analysis. The results reveal a substantial yield gap of 2.28 quintals per acre between progressive (9.52 q/acre) and non-progressive farmers (7.24 q/acre). Progressive farmers incurred higher cultivation costs (` 62,606.53/acre) but achieved significantly higher net returns (` 15,142.17/acre) and benefit-cost ratio (1.24) compared to non-progressive farmers (` 3,784.60/acre; B:C ratio 1.06). Regression results indicate that fertilizers and irrigation are the most critical determinants of yield, while efficiency analysis suggests underutilization of key inputs, particularly irrigation. The study highlights that bridging yield gaps through improved input use, irrigation expansion, and extension services can significantly enhance productivity and farm profitability. The findings provide important policy insights for promoting sustainable cotton cultivation in Telangana.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.14

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Sustaining agricultural extension services through complete public funding has become increasingly difficult due to financial and manpower constraints. In this context, the present study examined farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for agricultural extension services (AES) under a cost-sharing approach in Meghalaya and identified the factors influencing their payment decisions. The study was conducted in East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi districts using a multistage purposive-cum-random sampling technique, and data were collected from 60 farmers through structured interview schedules. A modified Ingram’s marketing approach, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), and Binary Probit Regression were employed for analysis. The findings revealed that farmers showed higher willingness to pay for tangible services such as quality planting materials, piglets, chicks, and fertilizers. About 63.33 percent of respondents were willing to pay for AES, while 80 percent preferred receiving services with up to 80 percent subsidy. Most farmers preferred direct cash payment immediately after availing services. Probit results indicated that education, farm size, and satisfaction with existing extension services significantly influenced farmers’ willingness to pay. The study suggests that a cost-sharing model can enhance sustainability and pluralism in agricultural extension services while ensuring timely and accessible support to farmers.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.15

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Agricultural trend prediction serves as a cornerstone for strategic policy formulation, market equilibrium maintenance, and sustainable national development. This investigation examined annual datasets encompassing onion cultivation area and production spanning 1978-2023, alongside export statistics from 1987-2023, employing comprehensive time series modeling and predictive analytics. The research methodology incorporated Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) frameworks combined with advanced machine learning methodologies, including Time Delay Neural Networks (TDNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) architectures, and Random Forest regression algorithms. Additionally, innovative hybrid frameworks were constructed to harness the complementary strengths of these approaches in capturing temporal dependencies and nonlinear data characteristics. Predictive performance evaluation utilized Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) metrics to identify optimal forecasting methodologies. Results demonstrate that hybrid modeling approaches consistently deliver enhanced accuracy relative to individual techniques, establishing their efficacy in predicting onion area, production, and export dynamics. This investigation underscores the substantial benefits of integrating traditional statistical frameworks with state-of-the-art machine learning methodologies to address agricultural forecasting complexities.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.16

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The study an economic analysis of production, disposal pattern and major constraints in pigeon pea cultivation of Chhattisgarh is an attempt to analyze the on ground condition of cultivation and disposal pattern of the pigeon pea cultivation. A multistage sampling technique was applied for the collection of primary data for the year 2016-17. The data was collected from 240 respondents by the help of well structured pre-tested interview scheduled. The study explained that the overall farm size was 2.13 hact. The overall cost of cultivation of pigeon pea was found ` 16712.70 from which variable cost contributed 58.32 percent and fixed cost contributed 41.68 percent to the total Pigeon pea cultivation in Chhattisgarh faces several challenges that hinder its profitability and adoption in the state. The most critical constraints was inadequate access to credit facilities ranked first (96.67 %) among all the constraints included here followed by lack of awareness about government Schemes (95.42 %). Other constraints are high cost of inputs (94.58 %). The study reveals an overall net return of ` 6074.90 per hact underscoring the need of subsidizing inputs and targeted extension services. The marketable surplus in pigeon pea at overall was 2.23 qt/farm. It was also found that the pigeon pea growers were left with relatively small marketable surplus to dispose-off the produce from which 0.99 q/farm (41.14%) is disposed off to the whole seller. Suggestions were establishment of cooperative and regulated societies dedicated to the marketing and trade of pigeon pea can empower farmers and ensure fair pricing. Moreover, setting up local processing mills in the study area can help stabilize market prices, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate additional income opportunities for the farming community.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.17

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The study examines the demand structure and future prospects of functional dairy foods (FDF) in Tamil Nadu using primary data collected from 220 respondents (160 consumers and 60 sales points). A double-log demand model was employed to estimate income and price elasticities, while a growth rate approach was used to project demand up to 2036. The results indicate that functional dairy foods currently account for a small but emerging segment of the dairy sector, constituting about 1.26 per cent of total milk production and 3.78 per cent of processed milk in milk-equivalent terms. The demand analysis reveals heterogeneous consumption behaviour across products, with significant expenditure elasticities observed for fortified milk, probiotic drinks, and malted milk foods. Own-price elasticities were significant and inelastic for most products, indicating relatively stable demand in response to price changes. Cross-price relationships suggest limited and product-specific substitution and complementarity effects among functional dairy foods. Demand projections under pessimistic (2.12%), business-as-usual (5.44%), and optimistic (8.18%) growth scenarios indicate steady expansion, with total demand reaching 157.44, 181.29, and 203.40 ML/year by 2036, respectively, corresponding to compound annual growth rates of 1.51, 2.61, and 3.53 per cent. The findings suggest that while the functional dairy segment is still in a nascent stage, it holds potential for gradual expansion driven by income growth and changing dietary preferences. From a policy perspective, strengthening supply chains, improving product accessibility, and enhancing consumer awareness will be important to support sustained growth in the functional dairy food sector.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.18

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Value addition serves as an effective strategy to reduce post-harvest losses, extend shelf life, and improve the marketability of agricultural produce. The present study was conducted in North Karnataka to examine the production economics and marketing structure of value-added acid lime products. A total of 45 respondents were selected using the snowball sampling technique, comprising 15 value creators and 30 market intermediaries. Three major value-added products were identified: lime squash, lime powder, and lime pickle. Cost and return analysis revealed that lime powder processing generated the highest net returns (` 74,988), yielding ` 2.67 per rupee invested, followed by lime squash (` 2.30) and lime pickle (` 2.26). Two major marketing channels were observed; among them, Channel-II (Processor → Local retailer → Consumer) exhibited higher marketing efficiency and a greater processor share in the consumer rupee compared to Channel-I. The findings indicate that value addition substantially enhances profitability and improves marketing efficiency, highlighting strong potential for promoting small-scale processing enterprises to strengthen farmer incomes and rural livelihoods.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.19

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The primary objective of this study to examine the growth rate, variability and contributing factors of output growth in acreage, production and yield of isabgol in leading districts Rajasthan as well as the state as a whole. This study was purely based on secondary time series data. The study period was considered from 2010-11 to 2023-24. The data was analysed using the exponential growth model, Cuddy-Della Valle instability index and decomposition analysis to fulfil the objectives of the study. The findings of study indicated that highest growth rates were found in the production (31.90%)and area (29.65%) of Bikaner district. The lowest growth rate was seen in production (12.98%) and area (11.21%) of Chittorgarh district. The upmost instability in production (73.22%) and area (64.93%) was found in Bikaner and Chittorgarh districts respectively. The major contributor to expand the output of isabgol in all selected districts was expanded in area under the crop. Varietal development could be major contributor to enhance the output and increase international demand.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.20

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The study examined the perceptions of cattle farmers regarding feed accessibility and feeding-related adaptation strategies across four districts of Eastern Bihar—Bhagalpur, Banka, Khagaria, and Katihar. The results revealed significant variation in farmers’ perceived accessibility of feed resources. Dry fodder, primarily in the form of crop residues, was considered readily available and widely used. However, green fodder, concentrate feeds, and access to communal grazing lands were perceived to be limited due to seasonal variability, land scarcity, and declining common property resources. Traditional adaptation strategies—such as feeding crop residues, reducing feed to non-productive animals, and peer-to-peer sharing—were common, whereas scientifically recommended practices, including mineral supplementation and fodder crop cultivation, showed low adoption. These findings indicate a critical knowledge and resource gap between awareness and adoption of improved feeding practices. The study emphasized the need for targeted interventions such as decentralized fodder banks, strengthened extension delivery systems, and sustainable feeding strategies to enhance livestock productivity and resilience in flood- and drought-prone regions of Bihar.

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10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.21

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Household food expenditure remains a critical indicator of welfare, nutritional security, and living standards in developing economies. This study examines long-term changes in household food consumption behaviour and welfare dynamics in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir over the period 1999-2000 to 2023-24. The analysis utilizes four rounds of household-level data comprising NSSO 55th Round (1999–2000), NSSO 61st Round (2004-05), NSSO 68th Round (2011-12), and a primary household survey conducted during 2023-24. Nominal household expenditure was converted into real expenditure using harmonized Consumer Price Index (CPI) series. Food demand behaviour was estimated through the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS), while welfare gains were measured using Equivalent Variation (EV) under conditions of limited household-level price data. The findings reveal a consistent decline in food Engel elasticity from 0.527 in 1999-2000 to 0.387 in 2023-24, indicating a structural shift from subsistence-oriented food expenditure toward diversified consumption patterns. Real monthly household consumption expenditure increased from ` 9,413.1 to ` 17,528.2, reflecting substantial improvement in purchasing capacity. Equivalent Variation estimates indicate welfare gains of ` 469.3, ` 1,311.2, and ` 1,838.0 per household per month across successive survey periods, resulting in a cumulative welfare gain of ` 4,276.7 over the study period. The results suggest that rising incomes, changing consumption preferences, and improved market access have significantly enhanced household welfare. The study contributes to the literature by integrating QUAIDS-based Engel elasticity estimation with money-metric welfare measurement in a conflict-sensitive and geographically constrained region. The findings offer important policy implications for food subsidy reforms, nutritional diversification, and region-specific welfare monitoring frameworks.

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