International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Management and Informatics (12 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Very high resolution Satellite-based monitoring of crop (olive trees) evapotranspiration in precision agriculture  
  by Nikolaos Spyropoulos, Nicolas Dalezios, Yiannis Kaltsis, Ioannis Faraslis 
  Abstract: Precision agriculture or operational agriculture is a dynamically developing field of agricultural practices, which is based on geoinformatics. Remote Sensing contributes through the processing and analysis of very high spatial and spectral resolution satellite images to a decision support at field level. In this paper, in the integrated management of the olive tree farms of the Agricultural Association of Messolonghi-Nafpaktia in west Greece, the extraction of crop coefficient Kc and various vegetation indices, such as chlorophyll and red-edge, are presented aiming at the assessment of crop evapotranspiration and irrigation/fertilizer inflows in specific farms during a period of 24 months. Ten pan-sharpened satellite images WorldView-2 (0.5 m resolution) over the area of interest are used from 2013 to 2015. The methodological processing approach includes image filtering and pre-processing, as well as processing, which involves the generation of various vegetation indices, mainly Red-Edge, Chlorophyll and Fraction of Photosynthetic Active Radiation (FPAR), based on the second NIR band of WV-2 and clustering leading to the production of thematic maps. The so-called ETc (satellite) produced by using the reference ETo from FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation, meteorological data set and Kc (satellite) extracted by NDVI utilizing the Red-Edge and second NIR bands of WV-2, respectively. The dynamic ETd compared with ETc. The applied methodology proved to be very useful for the implementation and verification of any Integrated Management Programme System compliant with AGRO 2.1 and 2.2 standards for agricultural production
  Keywords: Precision farming; Remote sensing; WV-2; red-edge; chlorophyll index; NDVI; Penman-Monteith; Etc; Kc; AGRO.
  
  
• Investigation and Comparative Analysis of Data Mining Techniques for the Prediction of Crop Yield  
  by Kanwal Preet Singh Attwal, Amardeep Singh 
  Abstract: Data Mining techniques can be used to analyse the effect of different factors on crop yield and to predict crop yield based on these factors. The current paper focusses on the sequence of steps to be followed in Data Mining process for prediction of crop yield starting from the determination of research goals to the application of the Data Mining Techniques to build a model. The study applies the defined Data Mining process to build a model for the prediction of paddy yield based on different climatic factors. The current research also provides an insight to the different metrics that can be used to evaluate various supervised Data Mining techniques. The metrics have been divided into three categories Threshold Evaluation Metrics, Numerical Evaluation Metric, and Built Time and Size Metrics. Comparative Analysis of five Supervised Data Mining Techniques has been carried out on the basis of their performance in these three categories of metrics.
  Keywords: Agricultural Data Mining; Yield Prediction; Data Mining Process; Data Mining Tasks; Data Mining Techniques; Classification Techniques; Classification Evaluation Metrics.
  
  
• A new algorithm for synthesizing locally most consistent priorities in analytic hierarchy process for group decision making  
  by Bojan Srdjevic, Zorica Srdjevic, Bosko Blagojevic 
  Abstract: The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is an efficient tool in supporting group decision making processes because it is offering various possibilities to aggregate individual opinions, judgments and/or priorities into group equivalents, allowing control over the consistency of participating individuals. This paper proposes a straightforward procedure to locally identify (1) the most consistent decision maker, (2) an associated prioritization method and (3) the corresponding best local priority vector (set of weights in given node of hierarchy), to be used for the final AHP synthesis. Minimum total Euclidean distance as a universal consistency measure for the hierarchy is guaranteed on the group of decision makers and on a set of most used matrix and optimization prioritization methods. The algorithm named AHP-DPE is applicable to the complete hierarchy (which is a philosophical pillar of AHP), for any size of a group and for any number of prioritization methods. Selected example from agriculture illustrates the concept.
  Keywords: Group decision making; new algorithm for AHP synthesis; complete hierarchy.
  
  
• A streamflow hydrograph analysis and simulation for a study case watershed  
  by Nikolaos Theofanous, Dimitrios Myronidis 
  Abstract: The purpose of this study is to illustrate an integrated methodology which could be followed so as to generate the streamflow hydrograph for a storm event. The streamflow hydrograph analysis and simulation for a study case watershed was carried out using the Hydrologic Engineering Center Geospatial Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-GeoHMS) and the Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS) software coupling. HEC-GeoHMS is integrated in a Geographic Information System (GIS) so as to develop a terrains pre-processing tool and to generate output files which are inputted to the hydrologic model. Soil map data, land use map and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) were used in order to delineate the physical watersheds characteristics. The runoff estimation was based on the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) approach while the watersheds outflow estimation was carried out by employing SCS Unit Hydrograph method. The rainfall runoff modelling is applied on a storm event which occurred on 01/10/2005 at Kastaneri watershed. The coupled hydrological models simulated runoff hydrograph for the latter storm event whilst the CN and the peak discharge values were computed equal to 69.5 and 72.8 m3/s respectively.
  Keywords: Unit hydrograph generation; HEC-HMS; GIS; Coupling software tools.
  
  
• Assessment of Agricultural Sustainability - A study of farmers growing Basmati Rice under Conventional and Fair-Trade Systems in India  
  by Rajni Kant Sharma, Naseem Abidi, Rajnish Kumar Misra 
  Abstract: The agricultural sustainability at grass root level in India is under increasing debates, discussions and demonstrations with reasonable evidence towards economic vulnerability, environmental degradation as well as social disharmony. Initiatives like Fair Trade are bringing agri-produce of organized farmer groups on premise and proclamation of making greater contributions towards sustainability. This research paper endeavors to identify most relevant factors and indicators for assessing the sustainability and compare for farmers growing basmati rice under Fair-Trade as well as conventional system. Primary data was collected on a self-administered questionnaire based on identified four factors of sustainability i.e. economic, environment, social and governance, from farmers growing basmati rice under both, conventional and fair-trade systems. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, Structured Equation Modeling and discriminant analysis. Findings suggest that performance of fair-trade system on factors of sustainability is significantly better than conventional system and governance is most discriminating factor.
  Keywords: Sustainability; Agriculture; Farmers; Fair-Trade System; Conventional System; Basmati Rice.
  
  
• Information needs and information seeking behavior of dairy farm managers  
  by Afsaneh Jalali, Asghar Bagheri, Mohammad Sadegh Allahyari, Farzad Mirzaei Aghjehgheshlagh, Jhalukpreya Surjulal, Anastasios Michailidis 
  Abstract: Similar to global trends, the livestock sector in Iran is one of the fastest growing sectors. Congruent to its growth is the need for timely and up-to- date information. This study investigated dairy farm managers' attitudes and perceptions towards information sources. A quantitative research approach was used to collect data from 300 dairy farms in the Khorasan-Razavi Province in the North-Eastern part of Iran, using stratified random sampling. Frequencies, inferential statistics, exploratory factor analysis and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The results of the study indicated that agricultural conferences and seminars, universities, and technical-vocational training centers were perceived as the most useful information sources. In contrast, television farming programs, visits to progressive dairy farms, and the Internet were characterized as never used/low usefulness information sources. Given that there is a move away from traditional-based training approaches this may have serious implications. Furthermore, farmers should be provided information and training regarding the different websites and their trustworthiness.
  Keywords: attitudes; perceptions; information sources; livestock sector; Iran.
  
  
• Impact of climatic variability on Aman rice production using Fuzzy Logic  
  by Himadri Shekhar Mondal, Mustafa Kamal Shahadat, Zubaida Azad Shikha, Md. Mahbub Hossain 
  Abstract: Modern world is blessed by technical development. The revolution of scientific research keep its foot print in almost all the sectors related to human and other species. Developing agricultural sector has become a great demand now a days, because people are increasing and the land is decreasing. So huge production is needed for the growing number of people. In this research Fuzzy logic is used to analyze the Aman rice production. We considered the main factors related to Aman rice productions are temperature, rainfall and AREA. We analyzed the production estimation using collected data and an estimation is presented by using the Fuzzy based simulated result.
  Keywords: Fuzzy logic; Aman rice; production.
  
  
• Making food supply chain sustainable: participating smallholder farmers in modern retail channels  
  by Alim Setiawan Slamet, Rika Ampuh Hadiguna, Heti Mulyati 
  Abstract: Modern retail channels of food products require continuity of supply of food products such as fruits and vegetables from farmers. The relationship between farmers and retailers in modern retail channels can be created with sustainable food supply chain management (SFSCM). SFSCM is needed in response to increasing consumer concerns about health, food security, and social and environmental issues. The research objective is to determine the enabler to implement SFSCM based on the participation of small-scale farmers in modern retail channels, focused on fruit and vegetable products. The method applied is interpretive structural management (ISM) that has the ability to combine and clarify the possibilities and interactions. This helps to discuss direct and indirect relations between farmers and modern retailers. Some enablers, such as physical infrastructure and collaboration and work among supply chain members and stakeholders, are found to have strong and fundamental driving forces in SFSCM.
  Keywords: ?nabler; modern retail; smallholder farmer; ISM; sustainable food supply chain.
  
  
• Developing a typology for residents and local development: A case study in Northern Greece  
  by Eleftheria Fytopoulou, Spyridon Galatsidas, Stilianos Tampakis, Evangelia Karasmanaki, Georgios Tsantopoulos 
  Abstract: ?he understanding of residents profile and attitude toward local development is critically important since it can guide the efforts to promote local development especially in rural areas which suffer economic disadvantage. Using Categorical Principal Components Analysis and Categorical regression, this paper identifies resident types in the Regional Unit of Drama in Greece based on the variables constituting local development and the factors contributing to local development. According to our analysis, the desire for development and development potential were the most important dimensions in local development and these dimensions were affected by participants demographic characteristics. Moreover, there were three types of residents with the majority belonging to the first type which expressed a positive desire for development and perceived that the region involves a moderate development potential. Moreover, the results can be used to highlight implications for policymakers and local authorities as well as to point to opportunities for future research.
  Keywords: local development; regional development; development potential; residents’ attitudes; typology; tourism development; sustainable development; Categorical Principal Component Analysis; Categorical regression; Prefecture of Drama.
  
  

Special Issue on: SUSCOM-2019 Data Intelligence Techniques for Sustainable Agriculture

• Various Configuration and Control Techniques for Photovoltaic fed motor driven water pumping system  
  by Anuj Rawat, Shyama Kant Jha, Bhavnesh Kumar 
  Abstract: In view of diminishing conventional energy sources, global warming and ecological issues, worldwide researchers are engaged tirelessly to explore the renewable energy sources. In developing countries like India, most of the population depends upon the agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural production is greatly dependent on the effectiveness of the irrigation methods. Irrigation of the fields is required to be carried out at multiple times on regular basis. Traditionally, farmers either use, gasoline pump sets or electric motor pump set for the irrigation. To reduce the expenditure on the irrigation along with the carbon footprints, solar based water pumping is nowadays getting popular. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of configurations and controls applied to develop efficient solar based water pumping systems for irrigation in India. In addition, scope and constraints of photovoltaic based solar water pumping system are also presented.
  Keywords: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)rnIncremental Conductance (IC) rnSolar Water Pumping Systems (SWPS).
  
  

Special Issue on: ETAGRO 2018 Formulating a New Framework for Rural Development under the Impact of the Digital Revolution

• Students training needs towards Precision Agriculture  
  by Aikaterini Paltaki, Anastasios Michailidis 
  Abstract: SPARKLE is a European Union project, where one of the main objectives is to help narrow the innovation divide on entrepreneurship and the effective application of sustainable precision agriculture. Precision agriculture (PA) is an innovative production method but the lack of training does not allow farmers to properly assess the negative and positive aspects of PA. Data were collected through questionnaires from 100 students of northern Greek Agricultural Science Universities. The aim of this paper was to provide input for the identification of students training needs and lack of knowledge in skills and their willingness or interest in PA. Our results indicate that most respondents have a low level of knowledge about precision farming and its practices. Significantly, the findings reveal the students attitude that this production system requires constant and relevant training. A more detailed discussion can be found in the SPARKLE project report, available through the website (http://sparkle-project.eu/).
  Keywords: Training; Technology; Sustainable agriculture; Precision farming; Categorical Regression.
  
  
• Assessment of the Impact of Pillar I and II Policy Measures on the Local Economy: The Case of the Central Macedonia Region  
  by Christos Karelakis, Georgios Lampiris, Efstratios Loizou 
  Abstract: The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has gone through numerous reforms since it was launched in the early 60s. The most important reform corresponds to the period of 20142020, which was particularly significant for the Greek economy due to the ongoing economic vulnerability. The present paper endeavours to assess the possible impacts that the reformed CAP may have on a Greek regional economy, employing an Input-Output model. Particularly, the paper evaluates the impact of the Pillar I and II measures on the output, income and employment of the region using an Input-Output (I/O) model with the GRIT method. Utilising the FLQ quotient as a regionalisation method, the results designate that the implementation of the Pillar I and Pillar II policy measures have a positive effect on the regional economy in terms of both the output and the income.
  Keywords: Policy Measures; Pillar I; Pillar II; policy impacts; Input-Output; regional economy.