Research Article
Effect of Input Subsidy Reduction on Greenhouse Emission Reduction Potential in Paddy Production Systems in Karnataka State of India
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
18-27
Received:
28 April 2024
Accepted:
17 May 2024
Published:
30 May 2024
Abstract: Increasing concerns and call for reduction in Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission have necessitated the search for broader and all-inclusive policy initiatives, extending into agricultural production, where high carbon energy inputs are used. One classical policy strategy for GHG emission reduction, has been taxation. However, given the critical role of agriculture, especially in developing economies, policies that directly or indirectly increase agricultural inputs costs and reduce their demand require stronger theoretical, conceptual and empirical support to ensure that while agri-environmental quality is promoted, welfare of farming households, food security and overall economic growth are not compromised. Using paddy production in Karnataka state in India, the study assessed effects of agricultural input taxation (reduction in rice input subsidy) on future demand for such inputs and their effect on GHG emission reduction, vis-a-viz production and welfare losses. In microeconomic modelling framework, we applied quadratic almost ideal demand system and stochastic efficiency functions in the analysis of the data. Data for the study, a micro-level farm data, was obtained from Cost of Cultivation Scheme (CSS) for irrigated and non-irrigated production systems, covering the period 2009 -2018 production seasons. Specifically, the study used three future tax regime scenarios- 10%, 20% and 30% input subsidy reduction rates, to model an optimum greenhouse emission reduction potential. The results revealed that inputs evaluated were normal with inelastic demand functions; many input coefficients implied significant complementary relationships; irrigated paddy production system had higher estimates of GHG emissions. Input taxation (reduction in subsidy) under all the three scenarios effectively, resulted in declined inputs consumption patterns, and subsequently led to significant decrease in greenhouse emissions. The highest GHG emission reduction potential was observed in irrigated farming system. Greenhouse emission reduction potential was optimal at moderate subsidy reduction policy rate of 10%. It is recommended that, given the inelastic estimates derived, moderate tax (reduction in subsidy) policy option on inputs would yield effective greenhouse mitigation with appropriate compensation through effective integrative schemes.
Abstract: Increasing concerns and call for reduction in Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission have necessitated the search for broader and all-inclusive policy initiatives, extending into agricultural production, where high carbon energy inputs are used. One classical policy strategy for GHG emission reduction, has been taxation. However, given the critical role of ...
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Research Article
Optimization of Papain Enzyme Activity Using a Response Surface Methodology Approach
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
28-41
Received:
3 July 2024
Accepted:
23 July 2024
Published:
15 August 2024
Abstract: Enzyme-based leather dehairing has become widely recognized as a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical processes. In recent decades, the demand for plant-based enzymes has grown, leading to the need to improve catalytic efficiency and meet industrial requirements through advanced extraction and isolation techniques. Therefore, the objective of this study was to extract plant papain enzyme from Carica papaya and evaluate their potential as a dehairing agent in the leather industry. The experimental study was conducted in a laboratory setting from July to August 2023. Carica papaya samples were collected from various locations in Arba Minch town. Papain enzyme was extracted from Carica papaya by grinding it in a blender with extraction media such as distilled water and 50 mM phosphate buffers. The optimization of proteolytic activity was performed using the response surface method and Box-Behnken Design (BBD), considering parameters like pH, temperature, and reaction time. The optimized conditions for temperature, pH, and reaction time were found to be 55°C, 7.5, and 38.5 minutes, respectively, resulting in an optimum protease activity of 32 U/ml. The crude protease enzyme derived from papaya was successfully used to dehair goat hides at 25°C for 16 hours without the addition of Na2S. Microscopic analysis revealed hides that were free of epidermis and hair, with clean pores and no significant damage to the grain surface. In conclusion, the papain enzyme derived from Carica papaya can be a valuable tool for implementing cleaner technologies in tanneries, particularly for lime and sulphide-free dehairing processes.
Abstract: Enzyme-based leather dehairing has become widely recognized as a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical processes. In recent decades, the demand for plant-based enzymes has grown, leading to the need to improve catalytic efficiency and meet industrial requirements through advanced extraction and isolation techniques. The...
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,
Huchaiah Lokesha
