Kutoya Kusse | Agricultural Economics | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Kutoya  Kusse | Agricultural Economics | Young Scientist Award

South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute, Jinka Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia

Kutoya Kusse Gemede was born on September 15, 1994, and is a dedicated professional with a strong background in agricultural economics. He holds a B.Sc. in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension from Arba Minch University (2015) and an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from Hawassa University (2023).

Profile:

Education:

  • 2001-2008 G.C.: Arfayide Primary School, Certificate, Konso

  • 2009-2012 G.C.: Konsopr/Sec High School, Certificate, Konso

  • 2013-2015 G.C.: Arba Minch University, B.Sc. in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension

  • 2021-2023 G.C.: Hawassa University, M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics

Qualifications:

  • B.Sc. Degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension (2015)

  • M.Sc. Degree in Agricultural Economics (2023)

Computer Skills:

  • STATA (Certified), SPSS, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Languages:

  • Amharic: Excellent (Speaking, Listening, Writing, Reading)

  • English: Excellent (Speaking, Listening, Writing, Reading)

  • Affan Xonso: Excellent (Speaking, Listening, Writing, Reading)

Community Engagement:

Kutoya is committed to social equity, gender mainstreaming, and environmental protection. He advocates for the fight against HIV/AIDS, poverty, and discrimination, and promotes the wise use of resources.

Volunteer Experience:

Kutoya has been serving as an Agricultural Economics and Gender Researcher at the South Ethiopia Agricultural Research Institute (SEARI), Jinka Agricultural Research Center (JARC), since May 2016. His work has focused on agricultural and rural development and creating self-confident, knowledgeable generations.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Kusse, K., Alemayehu, Y., Ermias, G., & Darcho, D. (2022). The market chain analysis of live cattle in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT), 12(1), 56-66.

  • Kusse, K., Araro, K., & Dagne, M. (2022). Climate Change Adaptation Strategies And Their Determinants In Agro-Pastoral Areas Of Southern Ethiopia. Journal on Environmental Sciences, ISSN 2836, 4899.

  • Adicha, A., Darcho, D., Ermias, G., & Kusse, K. (2022). Assessment of possibilities to establish model agricultural technology village in Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Innovative Agriculture, 9(1), 49-61.

  • Kusse, K., Ermias, G., & Darcho, D. (2022). A Value chain analysis of Sesame (Sesame Indicum L.) in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Applied Studies in Agribusiness and Commerce, 16(1).

  • Kusse, K., Ermias, G., & Darcho, D. (2021). Enset Production, Its challenges and controlling methods in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Current Agriculture Research Journal, 9(3).

  • Kusse, K. (2021). Major Root and Tuber Crops Production in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Current Agriculture Research Journal, 9(2).

  • Kusse, K., Alemayehu, Y., & Kassu, K. (2018). Valuation of range land resource in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Debub Omo Zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia. International Journal of Environmental Sciences & Natural Resources, 15(1), 01-08.

  • Kusse, K., & Alemayehu, K. K. Y. (2019). Market Chain Analysis of Maize (Zea Mays) in South Omo Zone in South Nation Nationalities Peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia. Int. J. Res. Agric. For, 6(8), 34-48.

  • Kusse, K. (2021). Major Pulse and Oil Crops Production in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Economics & Management Research, SRC/JESMR/143. DOI: doi.org/10.47363/JESMR/2021 (2), 138, 10-13.

  • Darcho, D., Adicha, A., Ermias, G., & Kusse, K. (2022). Assessment of rural and peri-urban youths’ participation in micro and small agricultural enterprises in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Agricultural Research, Innovation and Technology (IJARIT), 12(1), 84-93.

  • Kassu, K., Kusse, K., & Tadesse, A. (2020). Demonstration and popularization of processing, post-harvest handling, and utilization of cassava food products in Semen Ari Woreda of South Omo Zone, SNNPR. International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 7(3), 215-222.

  • Kusse, K., Ermias, G., & Darcho, D. (2021). Major Cereal Crops Production in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Geography & Natural Disasters, 11, 493.

  • Kusse, K., & Kebede, K. (2019). Access, supply system, and utilization of improved seed varieties in Debub Omo Zone, SNNPR. Ethiop. J. Agri. Sci. Food Res, 10, 258.

 

Shefali Boonerjee | Agriculture Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Shefali Boonerjee | Agriculture Economics | Best Researcher Award

Principal Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Tea Research Institute,  Bangladesh

Dr. Shefali Boonerjee is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI), specializing in plant tissue culture, molecular biology, and statistical interpretation of laboratory results. With over 20 years of research experience, she has made significant contributions to tea plant genetics, micropropagation, and clonal development. Dr. Boonerjee earned her Ph.D. in Plant Tissue Culture and Molecular Biology from the University of Dhaka, focusing on genetic diversity analysis and in vitro regeneration of tea clones. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in scientific training and collaborations. Her expertise includes Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation, RAPD analysis, and hybridization techniques. In addition to her research, she has received international training in tea quality assurance and genetic resource conservation.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Tissue Culture & Molecular Biology (2019) – University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
    Research: Genetic diversity & in vitro regeneration of tea (Camellia sinensis L.)
  • M.Sc. in Botany (1997) – University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh
    Focus: Micropropagation & somatic embryogenesis in onion (Allium cepa L.)
  • B.Sc. in Botany (1996) – University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

🔬 Research & Expertise:

  • 20+ years of experience in plant tissue culture, molecular biology & statistical analysis
  • Specialized in tea plant micropropagation, genetic diversity analysis, and breeding
  • Skilled in in vitro culture, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and RAPD analysis

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience:

  • Senior Scientific Officer (2015–Present), BTRI – Statistics & Economics Division
  • Scientific Officer (2005–2015), BTRI – Botany Division
  • Research Fellow (2004–2005), Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

📚 Notable Publications:

  • Co-authored several research papers on tea cultivation, micropropagation, and genetic diversity in reputed journals like Journal of Agriculture and Food Research and Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology.

🌍 International Training & Visits:

  • Tea Tasting & Quality Assurance – India 🇮🇳 (2015)
  • Tea Culture & Industry Development – China 🇨🇳 (2021)
  • Scientific Writing Training – Thailand 🇹🇭 (2014)

🛠️ Technical & Computer Skills:

  • Plant Tissue Culture: Media prep, micropropagation (tea, onion, orchid, potato)
  • Molecular Techniques: PCR, RAPD, DNA isolation
  • Software: MS Office, R Programming, BLAST

Publication Top Notes:

  • Analysis of Growth Trends in Area, Production, and Yield of Tea in Bangladesh
    JK Saha, KMM Adnan, SA Sarker, S Boonerjee
    Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Vol. 4, 100136 (2021) – 32 citations
  • Genetic Diversity Analysis of Eighteen Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Clones of Bangladesh Through RAPD
    S Boonerjee, MN Islam, MI Hoque, RH Sarker
    Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, Vol. 23(2), pp. 189-199 (2013) – 14 citations
  • Endogenous Bacterial Contamination of Plant Tissue Culture Materials: Identification and Control Strategy
    M Ali, S Boonerjee, MN Islam, ML Saha, MI Hoque, RH Sarker
    Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology, Vol. 28(1), pp. 99-108 (2018) – 11 citations
  • Development of In Vitro Micropropagation System in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis L.) Using Shoot Tip and Nodal Segment Explants
    S Boonerjee, MI Hoque, RH Sarker
    Tea Journal of Bangladesh, Vol. 42, pp. 21-30 (2013) – 5 citations
  • Genetic Diversity Analysis and Development of In Vitro Regeneration System in Selected Clones of Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Plant
    S Boonerjee
    Ph.D. Thesis, University of Dhaka (2019) – 1 citation
  • In Vitro Clonal Propagation of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Through Shoot Tip Culture
    S Boonerjee, PK Sen, MF Alam, SMM Rahman
    Khulna University Studies, pp. 49-53 (2006) – 1 citation
  • Micropropagation of Onion (Allium cepa L.) Through Bulblet Formation
    S Boonerjee, PK Sen, MF Alam, SMM Rahman
    Khulna University Studies, pp. 55-58 (2006) – 1 citation
  • Consumption and Export Potential of Tea in Bangladesh: A Field Study
    S Boonerjee, MA Islam, SM Islam, SK Paul, MT Uddin, MS Alamgir
    Shah, Consumption and Export Potential of Tea in Bangladesh: A Field Study

 

Guoqun Ma | Agricultural Policy | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr Guoqun Ma |  Agricultural Policy |  Best Researcher Award

Teacher at  Guangxi Normal University, China

Dr. Guoqun Ma (born July 1992), is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the School of Economics and Management, Guangxi Normal University. He specializes in Agricultural Economics and Development Economics, with a Ph.D. in Management. Dr. Ma has an extensive research background, focusing on agricultural policies, total factor productivity, regional differences, and spatial effects. His work has significantly contributed to the academic understanding of China’s agricultural environmental policies, food security, and agricultural economic theories.

Profile:

Education and Academic Achievements:

Guoqun Ma holds a Ph.D. in Management. As an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at Guangxi Normal University, he specializes in Agricultural Economics and Development Economics. He has led three significant national and provincial-level projects and participated in over ten projects, including those funded by the National Social Science Foundation and the National Natural Science Foundation. His research contributions are published in esteemed journals like CSSCI, SSCI, and SCI, including 《China Rural Economy》, 《Agricultural Economic Issues》, and 《International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health》. He also serves as an anonymous reviewer for various prestigious journals.

Research, Innovations, and Extension Activities:

Associate Professor Ma’s research focuses on agricultural policies, agricultural productivity, regional differences, and spatial effects. His work has significantly influenced the academic understanding of agricultural environmental policies, food security, and economic theories in agriculture. His research findings have provided valuable insights for government policy formulation, particularly in areas like agricultural green technology, modernization of agricultural production, and regional agricultural policies. These contributions help balance regional development and promote coordinated agricultural economic growth.

Agricultural Policy Research Focus:

  • Agricultural Environmental Policies: Dr. Ma investigates the effectiveness and impact of various environmental policies on agriculture. His research aims to balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability, ensuring that agricultural practices do not harm the ecosystem. He explores the implementation of green technologies and sustainable farming practices to promote environmentally friendly agriculture.
  • Food Security: Addressing food security is a critical aspect of Dr. Ma’s research. He examines policies that ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. His work includes analyzing the impact of agricultural policies on food production and distribution systems to enhance food security.
  • Agricultural Total Factor Productivity (TFP): Dr. Ma’s research delves into the factors influencing agricultural productivity. He studies the role of technology, labor, capital, and land in improving TFP. By identifying the determinants of productivity growth, his research supports the formulation of policies aimed at enhancing agricultural efficiency and output.
  • Regional Differences and Spatial Effects: Understanding regional disparities in agricultural development is another focus of Dr. Ma’s research. He analyzes how different regions are affected by agricultural policies and the spatial effects of these policies. His findings help in creating tailored policies that address specific regional needs and promote balanced agricultural development across different areas.
  • Agricultural Green Technology Progress: Dr. Ma explores the advancement and adoption of green technologies in agriculture. His research assesses the impact of these technologies on agricultural practices and productivity. He provides insights into the policies needed to encourage the adoption of green technologies, reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture.
  • Urban-Rural Income Gap: Dr. Ma studies the economic disparities between urban and rural areas, focusing on how agricultural policies can bridge this gap. His research highlights the importance of policies that promote rural development and improve the income levels of rural populations, contributing to overall economic equality.

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Do Factor Misallocations Affect Food Security? Evidence from China
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Publication Date: 2024-05-08
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14050729
    • Contributors: Tuanbiao Jiang, Min Zhong, Anrong Gao, Guoqun Ma
    • Summary: This study explores how misallocation of resources impacts food security in China. By examining inefficiencies in the allocation of labor, land, and capital, the research provides insights into how policy reforms can enhance food security. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing resource distribution to improve agricultural productivity and ensure stable food supplies.
  • Agri-Ecological Policy, Human Capital and Agricultural Green Technology Progress
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Publication Date: 2023-04-25
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13050941
    • Contributors: Guoqun Ma, Minjuan Li, Yuxi Luo, Tuanbiao Jiang
    • Summary: This research investigates the interplay between agri-ecological policies, human capital, and the advancement of green technologies in agriculture. The study emphasizes the role of educated and skilled human resources in adopting sustainable agricultural practices and technologies, which are crucial for environmental conservation and productivity enhancement.
  • The Effect of Farmland Transfer on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from Rural China
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    • Publication Date: 2023-01
    • DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032130
    • Contributors: Ma Guoqun, Xiaopeng Dai, Yuxi Luo
    • Summary: This article examines the impact of farmland transfer on the green total factor productivity (GTFP) of agriculture in rural China. The research highlights how the reallocation of farmland ownership and usage rights can lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly farming practices, ultimately enhancing GTFP and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
  • Environmental Regulation, Urban-Rural Income Gap and Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity
    • Journal: Sustainability
    • Publication Date: 2022-07-22
    • DOI: 10.3390/su14158995
    • Contributors: Guoqun Ma, Danyang Lv, Yuxi Luo, Tuanbiao Jiang
    • Summary: This study explores the relationship between environmental regulations, the urban-rural income gap, and agricultural GTFP. The findings suggest that stringent environmental policies, while beneficial for sustainability, can exacerbate income disparities between urban and rural areas. The research provides policy recommendations to balance environmental goals with socio-economic equity.