Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development

Optimizing vermicompost rates to enhance soil fertility, nutrient uptake, yield, and fruit quality of organic blackberry under greenhouse conditions

Mohamed A Hussien — 2026-02-26

Organic agriculture plays a vital role in sustainable food production by improving soil health and enhancing the nutritional quality of horticultural crops. This study aimed to determine the optimal dose of vermicompost for the organic cultivation of blackberries in greenhouses. The experiment was conducted during the winters of 2024 and 2025 at the National Center for Organic Agriculture in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, using the blackberry cultivar Prime Ark 45. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used to evaluate five vermicompost doses, ranging from 0 to 2 kg per plant. Vermicompost application improved soil fertility by increasing organic matter and available N, P, and K, while reducing salinity and pH. The 1.5 kg/plant rate produced the highest soil and leaf nutrient levels (28–45% above the control), the greatest yield (4.54 kg/plant), and improved fruit physical and chemical qualities, including sugars, total soluble solids, anthocyanins, phenols, and vitamin C; acidity decreased. Increasing the rate from 1.5 to 2 kg/plant led to a decrease in yield and quality. In conclusion, the study suggests that 1.5 kg of vermicompost per plant is the optimal dose to maximize soil fertility, yield, and fruit quality in organic greenhouse blackberry production.

Thai consumers’ buying decisions for alternative plant-based foods: A means–end chain qualitative study

Sirinna Khamtanet — 2026-03-06

The alternative plant-based foods (APBFs), such as plant-based meats and milks, are increasingly popular among conscious consumers. APBFs are designed to mimic the flavor and texture of animal-based products. This study explores why consumers choose plant-based foods and examines consumer behavior within the context of agricultural economics. A semi-structured interview was conducted in Bangkok from July to December 2024 with 31 experienced consumers. Using Schwartz’s human value theory, the means-end chain framework guided the interviews. Content analysis and a hierarchical value map (HVM) were used to analyze the results. The HVM revealed associations among product attributes (A), consequences (C), and personal values (V). Key product attributes identified include ingredients, price, packaging, and taste. Prominent consequences were health, worthiness, and pleasant flavor. Four primary personal values emerged: security, hedonism, universalism, and benevolence. The findings highlight the importance of Thailand’s agricultural supply chains and rural economy. As demand for plant-based foods increases, the need for agricultural ingredients such as beans, soy, peas, and rice becomes critical. The agricultural sector and Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model are heavily dependent on consumer demand. This study provides insights from theoretical, practical, and societal perspectives, emphasizing the role of consumer preferences in shaping agricultural and economic policies.

Economic and social impacts of toll road development on farmers: A qualitative case study from Indonesia

Yogi Makbul — 2026-03-09

This study investigates the economic and social effects of toll-road development on rice-farming households in Terisi District, Indramayu Regency, Indonesia, using qualitative case research and thematic analysis. Data was gathered through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews with rice farmers from Indonesia’s largest rice-growing area. The findings indicate that economic difficulties were the primary concern, representing 39% of responses, and the negative impacts far overshadowed any positive effects, as shown by a 14.7:1 negative to positive ratio. Key challenges included a decline in income, with 12 farmers highlighting reduced earnings, loss of cultivated land (10 responses), and forced land sales (7 responses). Infrastructure and government support issues followed, making up 29.2% of concerns, especially regarding the need for improved irrigation, better drainage, and financial assistance. Despite adverse impacts, 19 farmers continued in agriculture, showing resilience, while 13 diversified into non-farm activities to adapt. Social networks within communities remained largely stable, with 15 farmers reporting no significant changes in relationships. The research suggests that effective mitigation should prioritize fair land-based settlements, targeted livelihood restoration projects, and locally tailored agricultural and social support to help rice-farming communities navigate economic and land-use transitions due to major infrastructure projects.

Case study evidence for the bio-circular-green economic model: The case of community-based superworm (Zophobas morio) farming

Weerasak Sawangloke — 2026-03-09

This study explores the potential of superworm (Zophobas morio) farming within a rural community in Thailand through the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) framework. Farm data were integrated with findings from in-depth interviews and production method evaluations. The results show that farmers lack knowledge of the BCG concept. The use of superworm frass as an organic fertilizer for tomatoes demonstrates reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers while enhancing soil conditions. The practice of using biological by-products multiple times shows the farm has developed production methods for achieving zero waste. The limited scientific understanding of superworm breeding methods hinders both production and business growth. The implementation remains limited due to insufficient institutional backing, technical assistance, and market distribution. To address this, farmers, researchers, and policymakers need to work effectively to deliver training programs, knowledge exchange, and supportive systems. Strengthening farmer capacity through technical guidance and training programs, alongside improved market structures and certification systems, is essential for advancing sustainable BCG-oriented superworm farming policies. The farming community demonstrates excellent potential to serve as a sustainable insect-based agricultural model following the BCG framework. Superworm farming will create rural employment through specific support programs and unified policy initiatives while also enhancing agricultural sustainability and helping Thailand achieve its BCG development objectives.