A greenhouse research study was conducted at Eastern New Mexico University, Portales, NM, USA, in 2019 to examine the effects of different nutrient solutions on the growth and weight of two lettuce cultivars grown in a floating hydroponic system. Two lettuce cultivars, Buttercrunch and Black Seeded Simpson, were subjected to one of four different nutrient concentrations of N, K and Ca at 150, 100, and 150 ppm (N1), 210, 235, and 200 ppm (N2), 250, 300 and 250 ppm (N3), and 300, 350, and 350 ppm (N4), respectively. The Buttercrunch cultivar and N3 treatment proved significantly more productive than the other cultivar/treatment combinations. The greatest fresh weights were recorded in the N3 nutrient solution, 115.33 and 93.17 g/plant for Buttercrunch and Black Seeded Simpson, respectively. Buttercrunch had the greatest fresh weight, leaf number, and leaf and root length in all nutrient solutions. The nitrogen content of the solutions showed a significant positive relationship with chlorophyll content for both cultivars. It is expected that the development of a cheap and easy-to-use hydroponic system will help growers produce high-quality organic vegetables including lettuce.

Potato is staple crop of high hills in Nepal. It is one of the important crops to address food insecurity in the country. A study on economics of potato production was conducted in Fungling, Dokhu, Nangkholang and Hangdewa VDCs of Taplejung district in September 2010. Altogether 180 potato producers from 13 farmers' group, which received the membership of Commercial Agriculture Alliance (CAA), were taken as sample of the study by using purposive sampling technique. The regression analysis showed that income from potato has significant contribution (P<0.01) to total income from High Value crops (HVCs). Around 90 percent farmers in the study area were using improved varieties of potato seed such as Desiree, Kufrijoti and Cardinal. The correlation between lowland and upland growers was weakly related (r= 0.18). Average area per household for potato production and its productivity was found 0.75 Ropani and 844 Kg/Ropani, respectively. The cost of production per Kg potato was NRs. 7.3. Means of transportation to district headquarter was by human labor and its cost ranged from NRs. 2-5 per Kg. The transportation cost from Taplejung to Birtamod market was found in between NRs 4-6 depending upon season. Gross margin of potato per Ropani was NRs.15504 and the benefit cost ratio was 2.9.The highest average price of potato (NRs. 32.5 per Kg) at Birtamod wholesale market at nearby terai was found in September to October, whereas the highest average price of potato (NRs. 38.7 per Kg) at Taplejung market was found in May to June. Findings revealed that access to collection centre, credit facilities, storage facilities and weak backward and forward linkage were the major problems in the study area, whereas suitability of climate, availability of improved technology, improving access to road, and communication were the major strengths for potato production in the district. Findings indicated that there was a high potentiality of commercial potato production and ensuring food security in Taplejung district, however, it will be necessary to suitably adjust by creating time and place utility in future.

The rate of pesticide application in the agricultural field is surging. Farmers are getting exposed to pesticide hazards from the misuse and unsafe handling of pesticides. The study was conducted among 101 potato growers in Kaverpalanchok district of Nepal in 2018. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, status, and pesticide handling practices among potato growers. Around 94% farmers applied pesticides against early and late blight. Only 5% growers treated seed before potato sowing. About 93 and 73% farmers sprayed pesticides 2-10 times/season into the field and spent 2-6 hours/pesticide spray respectively. More than 2/3rd growers did not read the pesticide labels, and nearly 95% growers received information on pesticide applications from agrovet rather than authorized government bodies. Only 13% farmers had received Integrated Pest Management (IPM) training. However, 1/4th of them had practiced IPM techniques. The majority of the growers used masks, rubber boots, and long-sleeved clothes during pesticide handling. Nearly 2/3rd growers threw pesticide containers anywhere in the environment. Concerned authorities should provide IPM training, skill-building programs on pesticide handling and awareness on waiting period and environmental hazards to avoid pesticide risk.

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