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 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.

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 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.

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