The rice crisis represents a significant threat to food security and economic stability in Southeast Asia, a region where rice serves as the primary staple for the majority of the population. This crisis is exacerbated by a confluence of factors, including climate change, crop failures, and restrictive export policies, as exemplified by the El Niño phenomenon and India’s 2023 rice export ban. Rising rice prices have been linked to increased social unrest, with the potential to trigger widespread demonstrations across affected nations. To proactively address this issue, the restlessness indicator was introduced as a predictive tool, integrating key variables such as rice prices, consumption patterns, and per capita income. This study employs a Spatio-Temporal Autoregressive (STAR) model to forecast restlessness values across six Southeast Asian countries—Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia—from 2024 to 2028. The STAR (5,1) model was identified as the optimal framework, achieving a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 15.1%. The forecasting results indicate that none of the analyzed countries are projected to enter a state of unprecedented restlessness during the specified period, suggesting that no severe rice crisis is anticipated within this timeframe. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and stakeholders, enabling the development of preemptive strategies to mitigate potential food security challenges. The study underscores the utility of the restlessness indicator as a robust tool for monitoring and forecasting rice-related crises, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable food systems in Southeast Asia.

The incorporation of Azolla into soil was investigated in this study for its potential to enhance soil fertility by influencing key parameters, including organic carbon (Organic-C) content, total nitrogen (Total-N), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). This study was conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments and three replications. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of Azolla on soil quality, particularly in improving organic matter content and nitrogen (N) retention, both of which are essential for sustainable agricultural management. The findings indicate that Azolla incorporation led to a 29% increase in soil Organic-C and a 21% increase in Total-N compared to control treatments (p < 0.05). Additionally, CEC was enhanced by 33.4%, demonstrating improved nutrient retention capacity. A strong positive correlation was observed between Organic-C content, soil pH, and CEC, suggesting that Azolla contributes to optimizing soil nutrient dynamics. These results highlight the capacity of Azolla to function as a biofertilizer, improving soil fertility and nitrogen cycling while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. The potential of Azolla to serve as an eco-friendly amendment aligns with sustainable agricultural practices aimed at enhancing soil health and long-term productivity. The findings contribute to the growing body of research on biofertilizers, offering valuable insights for soil management strategies that prioritize environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.

Organic rice farming in Kulonprogo Regency, recognized by the Indonesian government as a pioneering region for organic agriculture, has been increasingly adopted as a sustainable agricultural practice. However, the implementation of organic rice farming systems continues to face significant challenges that hinder their full potential. This study evaluates the sustainability of organic rice farming in Kulonprogo Regency using the Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) technique, facilitated by the Rapfish application, across three critical dimensions: ecological, economic, and social. Data were collected from 70 respondents across three farmer groups—Srijati, Tegal Mulyo, and Jatingarang Lor—selected through a census method, all of which have fully transitioned to organic rice farming practices. The sustainability indices derived from the analysis revealed that the ecological dimension scored 87.79%, indicating a "sustainable" status, while the economic and social dimensions scored 52.35% and 71.61%, respectively, both categorized as "quite sustainable." These findings underscore the ecological robustness of organic rice farming in the region while highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance economic viability and social acceptance. Overall, the sustainability level of organic rice farming in Kulonprogo Regency was classified as "moderately sustainable." The validity of the analysis was confirmed through a Standardized Residual Sum of Squares (STRESS) value of 0.25%, which is categorized as "excellent," ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the results. This study provides critical insights into the sustainability dynamics of organic rice farming, offering a foundation for policymakers and stakeholders to develop strategies that address existing challenges and promote long-term sustainability in the region. These findings indicate the urgency of implementing sustainable agricultural practices in organic rice cultivation, as well as the strategic role of government support in price stabilization policies, waste management, and equitable program distribution to strengthen the economic, ecological, and social aspects of the sustainable agricultural system.

The Khyndogny grape variety, indigenous to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, represents a vital component of the area’s viticultural heritage. Despite its historical and cultural significance, the cultivation and development of Khyndogny face numerous challenges. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the morphological, biological, and technological characteristics of Khyndogny, with a particular focus on its enocarpological and enochemical properties, population structure, biotypic diversity, and clonal variations. Field and laboratory analyses were conducted, integrating morphological assessments, physicochemical evaluations, and comparative studies with the locally cultivated Madrasa and the globally recognized Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Advanced analytical techniques were employed to quantify critical parameters such as sugar content, titratable acidity, and other factors influencing wine quality and yield potential. The findings reveal that Khyndogny outperforms both Madrasa and Cabernet Sauvignon across multiple quality metrics, achieving a superior overall evaluation score of 7.22, compared to 6.70 and 5.78, respectively. The variety’s high yield potential and suitability for premium winemaking were demonstrated, underscoring its value for sustainable viticulture and regional economic development. However, challenges related to genetic variability, environmental adaptation, and cultivation practices were identified, necessitating further research and innovation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of grape biodiversity in Karabakh and provides actionable insights for the promotion of Khyndogny in both local and global wine markets. Limitations related to sample size and environmental variability were acknowledged, and future research directions were proposed, including long-term adaptation strategies, genetic improvement programs, and market expansion initiatives. By addressing these challenges, Khyndogny has the potential to emerge as a cornerstone of high-quality viticulture and a driver of economic growth in the region.

Farmer regeneration has been recognized as a critical factor in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and preserving ecological and cultural heritage. This study aims to: (i) examine the socio-demographic characteristics of rice farmers, (ii) assess the state of farmer regeneration, and (iii) analyze the labor requirements within the rice farming sector in West Denpasar District, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining structured and in-depth interviews with 187 farmers, selected using the Slovin formula with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level from a population of 352 farmers. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interviews and surveys to evaluate the agricultural system and workforce dynamics. The findings indicated that 59.36% of respondents identified farming as their primary occupation. However, a significant majority of their children pursued non-agricultural professions, citing the preference for stable income and professional careers. While most farmers endeavored to instill ecological values and emphasized the cultural significance of rice farming, 74.86% reported that their children had no engagement in agricultural activities. The labor force in rice farming primarily comprised family members supplemented by hired workers, particularly during labor-intensive periods. The employment of external workers was necessitated by extensive landholdings and the operational demands of mechanized and manual farming practices. These findings underscore the importance of addressing generational shifts in farming participation to ensure the sustainability of agricultural productivity and cultural heritage. Farmer regeneration was identified as pivotal to enhancing agricultural output, fostering ecological conservation, and improving community food security, while simultaneously addressing broader socio-economic challenges.

The migratory locust has become a principal threat to agricultural production in Kazakhstan, exacerbating risks posed by drought, fires, and other natural disasters. The widespread and persistent use of chemical pesticides, often referred to as "chemical press" tactics, has been the conventional approach to locust control. However, such methods are associated with escalating costs, environmental contamination, and the development of pesticide resistance. In response, alternative strategies that focus on preventive control and localized treatment have been explored. This approach aims to mitigate the negative ecological impacts of indiscriminate pesticide application by targeting locust populations with biological control agents and low-toxicity plant protection products in identified foci. This study evaluates the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the precision application of biopesticides in Kazakhstan's locust-affected regions. Orthophotographic maps generated from UAV imagery were employed to detect locust presence based on indirect diagnostic indicators. These maps facilitated the identification of locust aggregations, which were subsequently treated with biologically based pest management solutions. The effectiveness of UAV-based localized treatments was assessed, demonstrating significant control over locust populations in focal areas, with minimal environmental impact. The results suggest that UAV technology, combined with targeted biological treatments, offers a promising alternative to traditional chemical methods, potentially reducing pesticide resistance and ecological harm while maintaining effective pest control. This approach aligns with sustainable agricultural practices and enhances the efficiency of pest management strategies in locust-prone regions.

Soil salinization is a critical global issue that undermines agricultural productivity, threatens food security, and compromises the sustainability of farming systems. In the coastal region of Navotas, Balayan, Batangas, Philippines, the increasing salinization of irrigated rice farmlands due to saline-sodic soils has become a pressing concern. The understanding of farmers' perceptions regarding the risks associated with soil salinity, as well as their insights into the causes, consequences, and coping mechanisms, remains inadequately explored. This gap in knowledge may hinder the development of effective countermeasures and appropriate policy interventions. In this study, farmers' perceptions of saline-sodic soils were assessed through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), which were analysed using thematic analysis and Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs). Saltwater intrusion was consistently identified as the primary cause of soil salinization, with subsequent reductions in rice yields ranging from 60% to 100%, depending on the growth stage of the crop. The most vulnerable periods were identified as June to August, particularly during the vegetative and flowering stages of rice. Farmers reported coping strategies such as irrigation with freshwater and the cultivation of salt-tolerant rice varieties; however, challenges related to delayed access to freshwater and seeds were frequently mentioned. The expansion of saline-sodic areas was identified as the most significant threat to rice production, with the condition of saline-sodic soils in lowland rice paddies increasingly viewed as a worsening problem. These findings underscore the severe impact of saline-sodic soils on both agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods, providing valuable insights that can inform the development of tailored management strategies and mitigation measures.

The sustainability of organic rice farming has become a significant focus in agricultural development, as it addresses the interconnected challenges of economic viability, environmental preservation, and social equity. This study evaluates the sustainability of organic rice farming across five districts in Central Java and Yogyakarta, Indonesia, through a comprehensive assessment of economic, ecological, and social dimensions. A proportional stratified random sampling approach was employed, involving 150 farmer respondents, with 30 farmers selected from each district. Descriptive analysis revealed an average sustainability score of 2.94, indicating a moderate level of sustainability. In addition, the Rapid Appraisal for Sustainability (RAPS) tool yielded an average index score of 68.56, categorising the farming systems as "fairly sustainable." The model was further validated through a normalization test, which demonstrated strong consistency across the three sustainability dimensions, with a Standardized Residual Sum of Square (STRESS) value of 0.14 and an R-Squared (RSQ) value of 0.95, suggesting that the data were robust and the model reliable. Sensitivity analysis identified seven critical factors influencing sustainability: agricultural product prices, financial management, poverty alleviation, crop rotation, the involvement of women and young farmers, and preservation of tradition. The results of validation and stability tests indicated that the sustainability model was both stable and reliable across all three dimensions, with an overall sustainability score of 1. These findings underscore the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices in organic rice farming and highlight the need for enhanced government involvement in raising awareness, providing training, and fostering educational initiatives to support the economic, ecological, and social dimensions of sustainability in the region.

This study examines the predatory efficiency and biological characteristics of Phytoseiulus persimilis in managing Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite) populations under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Laboratory assessments were conducted to evaluate feeding preferences and reproductive performance by providing Ph. persimilis with different prey types, including T. urticae eggs, Sitotroga cerealella eggs, and decapsulated Artemia salina cysts. Findings indicated a marked preference for T. urticae eggs, with Ph. persimilis consuming an average of 23.5 eggs per day, significantly surpassing other prey types in consumption rate. Greenhouse trials in cucumber cultivation systems evaluated the predator's efficacy in reducing T. urticae populations at a predator-to-prey ratio of 1:10. Within 10 days, Ph. persimilis achieved a reduction of over 70% in T. urticae populations, underscoring its effectiveness as a biological control agent in greenhouse settings. Statistical analyses, conducted using dispersion analysis via Microsoft Excel and SigmaStat 3.1 software, validated these findings. Controls comprised untreated greenhouse sections and laboratory containers devoid of predators to ensure accurate comparative assessments. The results support Ph. persimilis as a highly effective biological control agent, demonstrating significant predation rates and reproductive success, which underscores its potential to reduce chemical pesticide reliance and promote sustainable, eco-friendly pest management in integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks.

This study investigates the sustainability practices employed by cattle farmers in Indonesia, applying the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems (SAFA) framework. As global concerns surrounding environmental degradation and resource depletion intensify, understanding sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in livestock farming, has become imperative. A qualitative approach was employed, gathering data through interviews and field observations with seven cattle farmers from Boyolali and Salatiga, two districts recognized for their significant cattle farming activities. The analysis focused on four key dimensions of sustainability: environmental integrity, social well-being, economic resilience, and good governance. It was found that while farmers implement various sustainable practices, such as crop rotation and the use of organic fertilizers, significant challenges remain. These include limited access to environmentally friendly technologies, inadequate financial resources, and insufficient government policy support. The selection of participants was based on their ability to provide in-depth insights into sustainability practices in cattle farming, complementing the qualitative data collected. The findings highlight the necessity of improving technological adoption and enhancing community engagement to drive more sustainable outcomes in the sector. Additionally, the study underscores the role of policymakers in fostering more supportive environments for sustainable agriculture. This research fills a critical gap in the literature on the sustainability of cattle farming in Indonesia, offering practical recommendations to stakeholders, including policymakers, to promote more resilient and environmentally sustainable farming practices. By detailing the current practices and challenges encountered by farmers, the study contributes to the development of informed agricultural policies aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability within the cattle farming sector in Indonesia.

The mismanagement of sewage sludge generated by wastewater treatment plants poses significant environmental and health risks, necessitating the exploration of sustainable alternatives for its reuse in forestry production. This study aims to assess the impact of sewage sludge stabilization and composting, utilizing effective microorganisms (EM), on the growth performance of Tecoma stans. A completely randomized experimental design was implemented in two phases. In the first phase, four treatments were tested with 12 kg of mixture in each: Treatment 1 (T1) (100% sludge with EM), Treatment 2 (T2) (75% sludge and 25% organic waste with EM), Treatment 3 (T3) (50% sludge and 50% organic waste with EM), and Treatment 4 (T4) (25% sludge and 75% organic waste with EM). The second phase involved testing five composite substrates, mixing agricultural soil with compost derived from each treatment and a control substrate, for the cultivation of Tecoma stans seedlings. Each substrate was tested with 20 experimental units, containing 15 seedlings per unit, totaling 300 seedlings. T3 demonstrated superior results in the first phase, containing 34.78% organic matter, 1.39% nitrogen, a carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio of 14.7, and a pH of 7.4, adhering to Chilean, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Mexican standards. In the second phase, T3 exhibited enhanced seedling growth, with an optimal nitrogen concentration and a Dickson quality index (DQI) of 0.768. The findings suggest that composting sewage sludge with organic residues in equal proportions and inoculating with EM produces mature, high-quality compost that meets international standards for forestry applications. This approach offers a sustainable solution for wastewater sludge management, promoting environmental restoration and supporting local forestry development.