ESRJ

A Narrative Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges in the Grape Value Chain in Afghanistan: From Production to Export

Mirwais Lodin — 2025-07-01

The grape value chain in Afghanistan plays a significant role in the country’s agricultural economy and has the potential to serve as a sustainable source for increasing farmers’ income and enhancing exports. This study employs a narrative review approach aimed at identifying the opportunities and challenges within the grape value chain in Afghanistan, based on findings from both national and international studies. Scientific studies searched through databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Categorized into four main components: production, marketing, processing, and export. Findings indicate that despite Afghanistan’s high potential for grape production, challenges such as the lack of standard infrastructure, weak marketing systems, dependency on intermediaries, and insufficient processing facilities have reduced the product’s added value. Meanwhile, experiences from successful countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Lebanon demonstrate that targeted policy interventions, investment in the supply chain, and farmer empowerment can mitigate these challenges. The study concludes that comprehensive development of the grape value chain requires strengthening infrastructure, improving market institutions, and formulating supportive policies to enable Afghanistan to capitalize on its comparative advantage in this sector.

Renewable Energy Resources of Afghanistan and their Role in Natural Resource Conservation: A Narrative Review

Ghulam Hazrat Ghulami — 2025-07-01

Afghanistan, despite its abundant renewable energy resources, remains among the countries with the lowest rates of electricity access and utilization globally. Renewable energy sources hold significant potential to contribute to the country's sustainable economic, social, and environmental development, particularly in the effective management of natural resources. The primary renewable energy sources in Afghanistan include hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy. Rural communities' heavy dependence on firewood, the rising cost of fossil fuels, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and the growing impacts of climate change underscore the urgent need to diversify energy sources and adopt renewable energy technologies. To ensure the effective implementation and expansion of these technologies, and to improve access to sustainable energy, the establishment of clear policies, defined objectives, and specialized institutions is essential. Sustainable development frameworks encourage nations to evaluate their available and renewable energy resources to guarantee access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy. This study examines Afghanistan’s renewable energy potential based on surveys conducted by national and international organizations. It offers researchers, policymakers, experts, and investors a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of the country’s renewable energy sector at both national and international levels.

Identification of Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae) and their Ecofriendly Management

Hekmatullah Nimgarri — 2025-07-01

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a significant pest affecting numerous economically important legumes, field, ornamental crops, and fruit trees. Recognized by two distinct lateral spots on its adult body, this microscopic mite feeds on plant cells using a stylet, resulting in white or pale spots on foliage. Native to temperate zones, it has adapted to diverse environmental conditions. Under favorable conditions, its life cycle completes in 10–15 days, producing multiple generations per season. Damage severity varies with host susceptibility, environmental conditions, plant type and density, and crop rotation practices. Effective management is essential for quality crop production. Although numerous chemical controls exist, many pose environmental risks. The most sustainable approach is the development and application of an Integrated Mite Management (IMM) program. Key biological agents in IMM include fungal and bacterial species, predatory mites from the Phytoseiidae family, and botanical acaricides.

Planning of Agricultural Extension Programs at District Level

Miraqa Hussain Khail — 2025-07-05

Agricultural extension plays a vital role in improving the lives of farmers and rural communities, disseminating information and skills, and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in rural areas. The planning of extension programs involves organizing extension activities, required budget, various projects, technical personnel, relevant skills, and others within a specific timeframe, usually conducted annually by the district-level extension unit. In many districts of Afghanistan, extension units have been established to provide extension services to farmers. The purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms, challenges, and solutions of planning extension programs at the district level. The agricultural extension unit of Surobi district in Kabul province is considered as a case study. Data was collected through focused group discussions and interviews with local extension workers, lead farmers, and village elders. Additionally, library methods were also used. A main reason for farmers' limited access to extension services in the country is the poor planning of extension programs at the district level.

Bee Pollen as an Alternative to Growth Promoters in Poultry Production in Developing Countries: A Narrative Review

Abdul Khaliq Sahes — 2025-07-01

Bee pollen, which is a rich food source with numerous health benefits, has become a desirable feed additive due to concerns about antibiotic resistance, drug residues, and environmental impacts, especially in developing countries that need animal protein. The aim of this study is to show the effects of bee pollen as an alternative to growth stimulants in poultry production. To achieve this objective, a narrative review method was employed, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing findings from previous research. The research findings indicate that adding bee pollen to poultry diets improves weight gain, feed conversion ratio, gut health, and boosts the immune system. It is prebiotic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties reduce pathogens and improve the quality of meat and eggs. However, the diversity of composition, excessive cost, and scalability limitations are challenges for its widespread use. Further research is essential for standardization and cost-effectiveness evaluation.

How Plants Survive the Cold: Physiological Mechanisms and the Role of ICE-CBF-COR Genes

Mohammad Modaser Tawfeeq — 2025-07-01

This article deals with the cold stress as one of the main limiting factors for the growth and geographical distribution of plants, focusing on the physiological and genetic mechanisms that plants have evolved to tolerate low temperatures. These mechanisms include changes in metabolic pathways, gene expression, and cellular structures. To achieve these objectives, a narrative review method was employed, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the topic by collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing findings from previous researches. The key findings of this study address the genetic and physiological adaptations related to cold tolerance and emphasize genes such as CBF and COR which play a significant role in activating cold response pathways and protecting cellular structures. The ICE-CBF-COR signaling pathway is identified as a crucial regulatory network in these adaptations, influenced by epigenetic changes, hormonal signaling, and factors like light and circadian rhythms. In addition, signaling mechanisms involving calcium (Ca²⁺), protein kinases, and transcription factors contribute to improving plant resistance to cold. These findings highlight the critical role of genetic and signaling networks in plant cold tolerance, offering valuable insights for crop improvement. Leveraging these mechanisms through breeding and biotechnology could enhance agricultural resilience to climate change.

Examining the Impact of Lighting Programs on Welfare and Productivity in Broiler Chickens

Abdul Jamil Ghanizada — 2025-07-01

Lighting programs play a crucial role in the growth, health, and well-being of broiler chickens and affect the secretion of hormones related to maturation and growth. This study scrutinizes the impact of optimal temperature and light management, particularly the use of LED lighting and the regulation of light intensity and duration, on the growth, health, economic productivity, and welfare of broiler chickens. It also focuses on optimizing energy consumption and standardizing poultry farming facilities for the sustainable development of the poultry industry. This study is a narrative review based on domestic and international research, utilizing relevant keywords searched in reputable scientific databases. The findings indicate that proper temperature and light management in broiler farming play a significant role in optimal growth, reducing the feed conversion ratio, and preventing diseases. The use of LED lighting, especially yellow light, leads to increased weight gain and reduced litter production, while green and blue lights contribute to better growth and immunity in poultry. Adjusting light intensity at different stages of rearing, along with intermittent lighting programs, enhances energy efficiency. Implementing an 8-hour dark and 16-hour light cycle (L8:D16), depending on housing conditions and seasonal factors, is the most recommended option. These measures improve economic efficiency and poultry welfare. In conclusion, proper management of temperature and lighting can enhance the health, growth, and economic efficiency of broiler chicken farming.

Synthetic Seed Technology

Gul Mohammad Ajir — 2025-07-01

Synthetic seed technology has been developed to allow the commercial cultivation of somatic embryos and other plant propagules as seeds. Synthetic seeds refer to somatic embryos, new shoot buds, cells, or tissues that can be encapsulated and used as seeds. Currently, synthetic seeds can be prepared not only from somatic embryos but also from a large number of somatic propagation materials. Synthetic seed technology can be adapted using test tube culture systems. Encapsulation is a popular and necessary method for preparing synthetic seeds. Encapsulation in hydrogels, especially sodium alginate, is the main method for producing synthetic seeds. Research on synthetic seed production is rapidly growing. Synthetic seed technology for plant propagation by micropropagation and in the maintenance of germplasm predicts enormous possibilities that require further research to achieve on a commercial scale. This article aims to introduce seed technology as a new field of scientific research. This article also attempts to encourage researchers to work further in this new field.