Journal of Innovative Agriculture and Social Development

Comparing Costs and Profitability of Canola, Rapeseed-Mustard, and Wheat Production in Punjab: Lessons for Integrating Oilseeds in Cropping Pattern

Amna Hassan — 2025-12-04

The profitability analysis for rapeseed-mustard and canola revealed that land rent, fertilizer, harvesting, threshing, and ploughing were major cost items. The total per-acre cost of production, gross income, net profit, and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) for rapeseed-mustard were PKR 63413, PKR 105572, PKR 42159, and 1.66, respectively. For canola, the total cost of production per acre, gross income, net profit, and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were PKR 65765, PKR 134933, PKR 64225, and 2.05, respectively. The total cost of production per acre, gross income, net return, and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) for wheat were PKR 79073, PKR 105785, PKR 11479, and 1.33, respectively. This profitability analysis revealed that the total per-acre cost of production for rapeseed-mustard and canola is lower than that of wheat. On the other hand, net profit and BCR for rapeseed-mustard and canola are much higher than for wheat, indicating that these oilseed crops are more profitable. However, their cultivation is not gaining the desired momentum in Punjab. Wheat being the staple diet, with support prices and procurement policies, thus blocking the adoption of oilseed crops. Lack of consistency and flaws in government policies are clearly evident in the case of oilseed crops. Policy makers must exercise due care while devising policies for the competing crops.

Integrating Local Knowledge and Institutional Analysis to Address Soil Salinity in Agro-Based Rural Communities

Nasir Nadeem — 2025-12-04

Soil salinity poses a global threat to agricultural productivity, affecting over one billion hectares, including 2.5 million hectares in Pakistan. This study examines how farmers in Jalalpur Pirwala adapt to salinity through locally driven strategies. Using the Critical Institutional Analysis and Development (CIAD) framework and participatory methods based on the Stakeholder Engagement for Research and Learning (SERL) approach. Data was collected by focus group discussions (FGDs) with 33 farmers engaged in the project. The analysis revealed challenges such as inadequate education and health services, poor soil and water quality, and limited access to agricultural extension services. Despite these challenges, the community demonstrated resilience by adopting advanced farming practices and early sowing through co-inquiry, leading to improved crop yields and livelihoods. The study underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge and socio-ecological dynamics into sustainable salinity adaptation strategies. It contributes to broader discussions on climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture and offers key insights for stakeholders and policymakers.

Deciphering Value Chain Dynamics and Assessing Strategies to Reduce Pre- & Post-Harvest Losses for Mangoes in Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan

Sohail Ayyaz — 2025-12-04

Mango is the second largest fruit crop after citrus that makes a significant socio-economic contribution to the Pakistan’s economy. However, the performance of mango VC is regarded to be suboptimal and caused mango losses needs upgrading to achieve full potential. The starting point for any upgrading strategy should be deciphering the dynamics of the industry’s value chains (VCs). The present study aimed to qualitative examine the dynamics of mango value chains (VCs) in term of types, financial and information flows, and to assess pre- and post- harvest losses and its causes. Data collected through interviews and online surveys of industry actors from retailers including importers backwards to suppliers of inputs. The mango-growers targeted in Punjab and Sindh provinces, and importers from foreign markets. Thematic content analysis identified three types of VCs operating simultaneously in the industry that could be termed traditional, modern, and export mango VCs. These chains, however, differed in their dynamics, such as product, financial, and information flows and chain governance. Traditional chains carried the major mango flows of all quality grades to consumers belonging to all income classes. They were relatively long, unorganized, and governed by spot market transactions. Modern chains were found supplying better quality mangoes to middle and high-income consumers. Export chains mainly targeted foreign consumers. The findings indicate that pre-harvest losses (08%) are primarily caused by factors including climate change, numerous diseases, pests, and fruit fly infestations whereas, post-harvest losses (35-40%) are incurred due to traditional harvesting practices, packaging material, and logistics causing mechanical damages. Pre- and post-harvest losses can be reduced by adopting modern and best production, post-harvest practices and chain performance can be improved by better information flows and more effective chain governance through building collaborative relationships among actors doing business at various stages of mango VCs.