Editorial

Abstract

The Journal of Agricultural Research and Extension, Volume 43, Issue 1 (January–April 2026), is the first issue of the year 2026 and marks another important milestone for the journal. This issue continues to present rigorous and valuable research contributions, particularly in crop production, animal production, and environmental studies, all of which are fundamental to agricultural production and food processing.

Amid the continuing global challenges caused by the conflict in the Middle East since the beginning of the year, the resulting energy crisis has had severe consequences worldwide and has inevitably affected the agricultural sector. In addition, conflicts in neighboring countries have influenced the export and import of agricultural raw materials, directly increasing production costs in Thailand, especially for chemical fertilizers and animal feed ingredients, whose prices have risen due to energy-related pressures and supply chain disruptions. On this occasion, the journal would like to extend its encouragement to Thai farmers in overcoming these challenges, wishing them resilience, strong governmental support, and continued success in agricultural development.

This issue features a wide range of interesting research articles that address economic adaptation and self-reliance under crisis conditions. These include the development of an intensive native goat production model to improve productivity, feed cost reduction through the use of black soldier fly larvae from food waste management systems, evaluation of broodstock size and water quality changes affecting egg extrusion rates in ornate spiny lobster (Panulirus ornatus), and the influence of light and feeding periods on phyllosoma larvae.

Additional studies include the effects of hot-air drying on the quality of hed kradang chili paste, enhancement of cricket protein through hydrolysis to improve antioxidant properties and inhibit enzymes associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as other environmental and forestry research, which represent important upstream components of agricultural production.

We look forward to meeting our readers again in Issue 2 (May–August 2026).

Associate Professor Dr. Kriangsak Sri-Ngernyuang
Editor