eChapters

Electrocardiography-A noninvasive Technique

Electrocardiography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique routinely used to examine the electrical activity of the heart in health and diseases. It is an important tool for the clinical evaluation of the heart. The technique provides important information regarding heart rate, heart rhythm, impulse formation and its conduction. Heart size can also be assessed to some extent in humans and dogs. The process of electrocardiography leads to generation of an electrocardiogram as a consequence of depolarization and repolarization of heart muscle cells during each heartbeat.

It is an easy, non-invasive, bed side technique for continuous monitoring the saturation of oxygen bound to hemoglobin (SpO2). The technique was invented by Dr. Takuo Aoyagi in 1974 to measure oxygen saturation in the blood. During recent years it has shown great utility in patient care. The oxygen saturation of hemoglobin provides a measure of cardio-respiratory functioning. Pulse oximeters generally used in humans are not appropriate for the use in dogs and cats as these are designed to apply on fingers and programmed with the oxygen hemoglobin dissociation curve for humans.

Indications

Pulse oximetry is an important standard technique of patient care in cases of heart failure, respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, critical care, emergency, accident and during anesthesia.

Catheterization is done for both diagnostic as well as therapeutic purpose. As a diagnostic technique it is employed to collect urine samples, prostatic wash and suction biopsy. As a therapeutic technique it is used for the treatment of urine retention, obstruction and for monitoring urine output. Pneumocystography is a contrast radiography. It is being employed to distinguish the urinary bladder from other organs and to visualize the details of the bladder.

Catheterization

An appropriate catheter needs to be selected as per the requirement (purpose of catheterization and duration of catheterization). A soft, silicone flexible catheter is appropriate for indwelling purpose. Whereas a rigid catheter is more desirable to unblock a small calculi and collecting samples for diagnostic purpose. Small size catheters are best in order to minimize urethral trauma.

Centesis is a surgical puncture or perforation into body cavity or structure usually done to aspirate fluid, air or tissue. The medical purpose of puncturing body cavities is not only to obtain fluid sample for diagnostic purpose but also to remove excessive fluid for therapeutic purpose for alleviating the respiratory distress owing to excessive fluid accumulation in peritoneal cavity, pleural cavity or pericardial sac. This procedure is usually done to get fluid from abdominal cavity, thoracic cavity, pericardial sac or joint capsule and is aptly known as abdominocentesis, thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis or arthrocentesis respectively.

Veterinarian’s primary responsibility towards patients and their owners is to establish a correct diagnosis as it is a pre-requisite for rational, effective, eco-friendly and cheap treatment. Diagnosis of a disease is the crux of health problems. An accurate and prompt diagnosis helps in deciding effective treatment options, whereas incorrect and delayed diagnosis often leads to failure in disease outcome.

Diagnosis

The word “diagnosis” is derived from the Greek word “gnosis” that means knowledge. The diagnosis is not only the identification of the disease but also of disease process correlating with clinical manifestations with an understanding of disease etiology and its influence on the structure and function of the body. In fact making diagnosis is itself a process of ascertaining the nature of the disease or disorder from its signs and symptoms differentiating it from similar looking conditions.

Introduction

Data Analysis is an approach to analyse data sets to summarise their main characteristics and extract valid information. The importance of hypothesis is generally recognised more in the studies which aim to make predictions about some outcome. As it is not possible to work on the whole population, each group is represented only by a sample of observations and if another sample is drawn, the numerical values would change. This variation between different samples drawn from the same population cannot be eliminated or reduced fully. One is supposed to draw inferences in the presence of the sampling f luctuations. Statistical tools and techniques are applied to check whether the observed differences are real significant differences or non- significant ones.

Introduction

Soil has been advocated since the inception of nurseries as the storehouse of almost all the essential plant nutrients. Besides, it is treated as a living entity as it harbours diverse types of innumerable beneficial microorganisms, especially the beneficial genera of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae etc. In 1885, the German botanist, Albert Frank, introduced the Greek word ‘mycorrhiza’, which literally means ‘fungus root’. These fungi form a beneficial symbiotic association with the roots of higher plants and perform the functions of root hair. This symbiotic association has been reported to promote plant growth and health by playing the role of biofertiliser and bioprotectant, respectively.

The management of diseases and pests is a major challenge. Monoculture, excess use of fertilisers, high- yielding varieties, climate change etc have not only intensified plant diseases, but also given rise to new diseases or intensified those diseases which were earlier considered of minor importance. Although decades of research have given rise to certain promising organic and biological alternatives to chemical disease management, due to the lack of proper attention of researchers worldwide, the organic and biological disease management technologies are still not very popular.

Livelihood connotes the means, activities, entitlements and assets by which people make a living, attempt to meet their various consumption and economic necessities, cope with uncertainties and respond to new opportunities (De Haan and Zoomers, 2003).

Livelihood is a set of economic activities, involving self-employment and/ or wage- employment by using one’s endowments (human and material) to generate adequate resources (cash and non-cash) for meeting the requirements of self and the household.

Ideally, a livelihood should keep a person meaningfully and gainfully occupied in a sustainable manner with dignity

Livelihood, therefore, goes far beyond generating income. A livelihood is much more than employment.

Soil-borne plant pathogens cause significant losses in the nursery plantation of agricultural, horticultural and forestry plantation stands. These pathogens can survive in the soil for many years through their resistant structures. Besides, the diseases caused by them are difficult to predict. Soil factors like soil type, texture, pH, moisture, temperature, level of organic matter and nutrient content influence the activity of soil-borne pathogens and diseases. In order to survive successfully, these pathogens compete with others for nutrition, space and other requirements. Understanding the dynamics of these pathogens and other microbial populations in the soil in relation to environmental conditions is essential for the successful management of these diseases.

Introduction

A forest is a complex ecosystem, predominantly composed of trees and shrubs, which usually form a closed canopy. They form a storehouse of a large variety of life forms such as plants, mammals, birds, insects, reptiles etc., besides being the most important habitat of the microorganisms and fungi, which do the important work of decomposing dead organic matter, thereby enriching the soil. Nearly 4 billion hectares of forests cover the earth’s surface, roughly 30% of its total land area. The forest ecosystem has two components- abiotic and biotic. Climate and soil type form a part of the non-living component and the living component includes plants, animals and other life forms. Plants include the trees, shrubs, climbers, grasses and herbs in the forest.

Introduction

Forest trees constitute ~82% of the continental biomass and harbour >50% of the terrestrial biodiversity. They also help to mitigate climate change, and provide a wide range of products that meet human needs, including wood, biomass, paper, fuel and biomaterials. Field-grown trees are routinely exposed to environmental stress. Current and predicted climatic conditions, such as prolonged drought, increased salinisation of soil and water and low temperature episodes pose a serious threat to forest productivity worldwide, affecting tree growth and survival. According to the reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, these stresses will increase in the near future because of global climate change.

Introduction

Land is one of the most important resources on which human beings depend. The rate of soil degradation is continuously increasing with the advancement of science and technology, industrial expansion, urbanisation and population explosion. The most important cause of land degradation is the destruction of forests and other vegetation in sloping lands, riverbanks and other areas sensitive to damage (Pramod and Mohapatra, 2012). Anthropogenic activities like over grazing, wood cutting and burning have intensified land degradation, resulting in soil deterioration all over the world (Jin, 2002). Vegetation acts as a protective cover against the forces of wind and water, protecting the soil from being washed or blown away and preserving the physical and hydrographic balance of nature (Jain and Singh, 1998).

Introduction

Agroforestry denotes a sustainable land and crop management system that strives to increase yields on a continuing basis, by combining the production of woody forestry crops (including fruit and other tree crops) with arable or field crops and/or animals, simultaneously or sequentially, on the same unit of land and applying management practices that are compatible with the cultural practices of the local population. In Jammu and Kashmir, agroforestry systems have been practiced since centuries and passed from generation to generation. These systems were built on the foundation of protecting and planting trees. These systems in the past have made the hill people self- sufficient and well- nourished.

Apricot is an important fruit grown in the dry temperate and mild-hill regions of India. The fruit belongs to the family Rosaceae and genus Prunus. The original apricots are native to China, whereas wild apricot, which is known as ‘Zardalu’, is indigenous to India. Wild apricots are found at a low altitude of 1500 m and as high as 4000 m a s l. The cold hardy trees are hardier than peach and almond and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -30ºC. They are drought- tolerant and can be grown in a variety of soils, but deep, fertile and well- drained loamy soil with a pH value of 6.0 to 6.8 is suitable for their growth and development. Apricots are found the world over at low altitudes of 150 m and as high as 4000 m a s l.

Introduction

The term ‘multipurpose trees’ covers all woody perennials used in agroforestry. Many authors have given many definitions of MPTs and MPTS. Burley and von Carlowitz (1984) reviewed many definitions and gave a synthesised definition which states that “multipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) are those which are deliberately grown and kept and managed for preferably more than one intended use, usually economically and/or ecologically motivated major products and / or services in any multipurpose land use systems, especially agroforestry systems”. The Forestry /Fuelwood Research Development Project (1992) precisely defined ‘multipurpose trees’ (MPTs) to mean tree species that are grown to provide more than one significant crop or function on the farm.

Conifers are valuable natural resources of the country, which contribute substantially to its socio-economic development by providing goods and services to the people and industry. They generate considerable revenue and also play a major role in enhancing the quality of the environment by influencing the basic life support system. Unfortunately, however, they have been subjected to over- exploitation and biotic pressure in the last many years, thereby threatening the very existence of some species such as yew, chilgoza pine etc. The genus Pinus is, in fact, one of the largest and most divergent of the coniferous genera, comprising about 95 species and numerous other varieties and hybrids. They are distributed widely in the northern hemisphere, chiefly in the temperate and cold climates.

Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, microbiologically-active organic amendment that results from the interaction between earthworms and microorganisms during the breakdown of organic matter. It is a stabilised, finely divided peat-like material with a low C:N ratio, high porosity and high water-holding capacity, in which, most nutrients are present in forms that are readily taken up by plants. Earthworms act as mechanical blenders, and by fragmenting the organic matter, they modify its physical and chemical status by gradually reducing the ratio of C:N and increasing the surface area exposed to microorganisms, thus making it much more favourable for microbial activity and further decomposition.

Introduction

Biofertilisers are defined as preparations containing the living cells or latent cells of efficient strains of microorganisms that assist in the uptake of nutrients in crop plants by their interactions in the rhizosphere, when applied through seed or soil. They accelerate certain microbial processes in the soil, which augment the extent of the availability of nutrients in a form easily assimilated by plants. The increasing pressure of human and livestock population, indiscriminate extraction of forest produce, regular forest fires and mining activities have resulted in soil erosion, loss of fertility and moisture content and decreasing productivity of forests, which pose manifold problems for the restoration of the ecosystem.

Introduction

In India, about half of the geographical area is classified as degraded and as such, these areas are not able to produce services of any value (Khan, 1988). So, there is growing concern about the serious degradation in the quality of forests, besides the significant reduction in the tree cover in the country. To answer the prevailing conditions in the current era, one needs better nursery management to produce quality planting stock.

Forest nurseries are an essential part of forestry programmes, which cover traditional or intensively managed commercial forestry with introduced species. Field plantations should do with more productive species, but of improved quality and vigour. In order to encourage the forest tree culture, the use of quality planting stock and its subsequent management is very important.

Introduction

Forest restoration is a complex process that requires many steps to ensure successful forest establishment. These steps include choosing suitable tree species and provenances, applying nursery cultural practices to produce quality seedlings and making site modifications to improve the physical environment of the restoration site (Grassnickle, 2000). Conifers are the most important tree species of the western Himalayas and J&K. There are about 16 species spread over 9 genera in 3 families. Among these families, Pinaceae, with seven species in 4 genera, is the most dominant, while Taxodiaceae, with 2 species in 2 genera, is the least represented. Out of the total taxa, 7 species belonging to 5 genera are exotic and exist in cultivation only.

Introduction

Plant growth regulators are defined as small, simple chemicals produced naturally by plants to regulate their growth and development and are essential for regulating their own growth. They act by controlling or modifying plant growth processes, such as formation of leaves and flowers and elongation of stems.

In modern forest nursery raising, the benefits of extending the use of plant hormones to regulate the growth of economically important plants have been established. There are two possible goals in inducing trees to form floral buds, in particular, female buds. The first is to achieve precocity. Precocious flowering in normally immature trees can provide advantages in breeding and seed production because it overcomes a substantial seed production delay intrinsic to late-maturing conifers. The second reason is the phase change from juvenile growth to mature growth. The induction of either precocity or increased male flower and female cone formation are generally the result of applied treatments. A few studies have focused on the intrinsic physiological differences between high and low producing clones.

Part A

Counting of Seeds in a Seed Lot

Counting of seeds is essential in order to estimate the number of seeds required for planting in a nursery or direct sowing or where seeds are valuable and are sold or purchased on number basis. However, in practice, it is difficult to count the seeds in the entire lot. Alternately, the whole lot is weighed accurately. From the whole lot, 5-6 small seed samples of 100 g each are randomly selected. The number of seeds in these samples are counted. The average of these samples is then applied to the whole seed lot in order to calculate the number of seeds.

Introduction

The applied aspect of tree improvement consists of the development of improved trees followed by the mass production of the improved stock. No programme will be successful until both have been achieved. Too often, the improvement of forest trees is obtained without sufficient concern about how the improved material is to be reproduced and used on an operational scale. The better trees can be regenerated through seed or by vegetative propagation. All tree improvement programmes must have seed production at some stage of their development if continued gains are to be achieved. This is even true for the programmes using vegetative propagules for large-scale operations of planting; seed is needed for the development of outstanding trees, from which, vegetative propagation can be achieved.

Introduction

Germination is a critical stage for the establishment of plant species, especially those that grow naturally in arid and semi-arid environments (Alouani and Bani Aameur, 2004). Several factors may influence germination percentages in natural environments. Among these factors, seed dormancy contributes in part to germination failure of many species under adverse environmental conditions (Bewley, 1997). There are two categories of dormancy: coat- enhanced dormancy (seed coat dormancy), where the embryos isolated from these seeds are not dormant and embryo dormancy (internal dormancy), where the embryos themselves are dormant (Bewley, 1997;

Seed is defined as a ‘matured ovule’ or a reproductive unit formed from a fertilised ovule consisting of an embryo, food store and protective coat. These essential constituents are common to all seeds in different groups of seed bearing plants. The knowledge of seed morphology is essential for artificial regener ation as it can influence the collection, processing, storage and treatment of seeds. The external and internal morphologies of seeds are stable. Therefore, they provide reliable criteria for the positive identification of unknown seeds.

Importance of Tree Seed

India is primarily an agriculture based economy, which implies, agriculture dominates the nation’s economic landscape. In the course of socioeconomic growth, agriculture is crucial. Around 58 per cent of the population in India relies only on agriculture for their livelihood. India is enriched with various agricultural and horticultural crops with diversified agro-climatic conditions and different soil types. India is one of the leading producing countries of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables etc. India is also have a prominent scope in allied sectors of agriculture includes livestock, poultry, forestry, sericulture etc. Among such crops, Moringa is the selected crop for this research study. Moringa (Moringa oleifera), which is popularly known as ‘Drumstick’ belongs to the family Moringaceae. Moringa is basically a native crop of India. This crop has its own therapeutic properties with greater nutritional content. Especially in South Indian cuisine, moringa pod is a highly regarded vegetable because of its distinctive flavour and fragrance.

This chapter analytically represents the results of the empirical research study with the appropriate discussion on the basis of analysis.

6.1. Results of data collected from moringa growers of Tamil Nadu

6.1.1. Visualisation of descriptive statistics

This Table-6.1 presents 18 independent variables (x1-x18 ) and 5 dependent variables (y1-y5 ) in terms of their descriptive statistics viz. Minimum, Maximum, Range, Mean, Standard Deviation (S.D.), Variance and Co-efficient of Variation (C.V.).

of moringa growers, the maximum years of experience is 44 years and the minimum years of experience is 3 years. The Range of this variable x1 was found to be 41. The mean value of experience was found to be 16.033 years, with the Standard Deviation of 8.324 and Variance of 69.289 for the total distribution taken for the study.

5.1. Research methodology

Research methodology is a thorough investigation plan and the manual for conducting the research. This chapter’s examination of methodology aims to help readers comprehend the ideas, strategies, and tactics used to plan a study, gather data, analyse it, and interpret it in order to reveal reality and develop theories. This chapter has been classified under various sub headings for clear understanding:

(i) Locale of research.

 (ii) Pilot study.

 (iii) Methods of sampling.

 (iv) Variables and their empirical measurement.

 (v) Preparation of the interview schedule.

 (vi) Tools and techniques of data collection.

 (vii) Statistical analysis and interpretation of data.

Introduction

Research setting is basically a functional social ecology along with research objectives and condition wherein all possible socio-economic and communication processes are generated, and again gets regenerated. The researcher seeks to throw a spotlight on the implications and behavioral patterns of people who reside in the subject region and who are usual of the greater community. In this chapter, an in-depth review of the socio-demographic background of the local population in a rural setting has been provided.

4.1. Area of the study

The present research study was taken up in two states, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

3.1. Entrepreneurship and its allied concepts

3.1.1. Concept of entrepreneur

The word “entrepreneur” has its roots in the french verb “entreprendre,” which means “to undertake.” It means “to start a business” in a business environment. Entrepreneurs are self-employed individuals who not only create jobs for themselves but also generate jobs for many others. An entrepreneur is someone who can identify and seize opportunities to transform inventions or technologies into new products. They can also see an invention’s commercial potential and put together the funds, talent, and other resources needed to transform an idea into a product that can be distributed.

2.1. Concept of review of literature

Research is a continuous process. For any scientific investigation, previous f indings provide basis to the research. It also helps to know the previous research work done in that area and acts as a torch for the new researchers. The review of literature is one of the important aspects in the research process. It helps the researcher to keep his work going in right and appropriate direction. To point out prior research in the area of interest and how our findings connect to past studies, a review of the literature is conducted. The proposed study is new in its subject treatment. However, an attempt is made here to put together some of the closely related research findings in the area.

India is primarily an agriculture based economy, which implies, agriculture dominates the nation’s economic landscape. In the course of socioeconomic growth, agriculture is crucial. Around 58 per cent of the population in India rely only on agriculture for their livelihood. In India, agriculture acts as an important source of living for about 60 per cent of the population (India Brand Equity Foundation, 2021) and almost 70 per cent of rural households depend on farming. The farming sector in India contributes significantly to the economy, making up about 29 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Balkrishna et al. 2021).

About Northeast India

A serene land tucked up in the lap of mighty Himalayas, the North East regions in India is bestowed with picturesque locale and inexorable culture. The vast stretch of land located on the foothills of Himalayas, is a glorious heritage of art, culture and festivities. The tropical beauty of India, finds itself an all new meaning when we enter this paradise of tranquility. The serene ambience and salubrious climate of the region attracts people from all over the world. It almost feels like the valley casts a magical spell upon its visitors to replenish their soul making them feel rejuvenated. The widely scattered archeological specimens in the region speak aloud about the mythological significance of this part of the country, the North East region of our country bears testimony to our rich cultural heritage.

Introduction

Food fraud is not new it can be traced back to ancient Rome and Athens, where regulations prohibiting the adulteration of beverages with flavours and colours were in place. It exists since the food trade has been started. Food fraud affects all food supply chains, thus the entire food sector. Due to globalisation and the increasing complexity of supply lines, food supply chains are becoming more vulnerable to food fraud (Robson et al., 2021a). A fraud is “any act or omission relating to the use or presentation of false, incorrect, or incomplete statements or documents, or non disclosure of information in violation of a specific obligation, and any other illegal activity affecting the financial interests” (EU No. 2017/1371).

Introduction

It is an eminent actuality that the diets of end users are being advanced globally; however, the patterns of food procurement and food safety protocols diverge across countries. The fundamental rationale of the trend is that the consumer awareness with regard to food safety, quality and variety has been proliferated greatly. Looking back to the history of food industry, it is unquestionable that the past has a full frame of misfortune, indignity and many disastrous incidents. Moreover, the entire muddle was not always related with microorganisms; numerous of them were associated with environmental problems, technological advancements or certain alterations in production protocols and management.

In recent years dietary supplements have gained attractiveness within fitness and wellness circles. The other commonly used terms areNutraceuticals, dietary supplements or wellness-focussed foods. Being highly nutritious they are associated with a number of potential therapeutic effects. Nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains are often considered dietary supplements as well. Oats fibre called, beta glucan, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, enhance immune function, and perk up heart health.

1. Conventional and Non-conventional Dietary Supplements

Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes are often considered dietary supplements. Meanwhile, modified foods have been fortified with micro and macro nutrients to boost health benefits of foods.

1. Introduction

Livestock meat and fish are rich sources of high-quality protein and other valuable nutrients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals and are an essential part of our healthy diet (Vladau et al., 2008; Mahmud et al., 2018; Mohanti et al., 2019; Mei et al., 2019). Food fraud and adulteration is an age-old distortive practice. The rising incidence of food contaminants and adulterants-induced health issues has challenged consumers to identify and consume safe livestock meat and fish products. Its significance has increased in recent years due to global trade, awareness among consumers, and sociopolitical issues.

1. Introduction

Food is an essential requirement for survival. We work hard to earn money so that we can feed ourselves. However, at the end of the day, many of us are unsure about the quality of food we consume. The allure of money, along with a general disregard for humanity, has resulted in the addition of adulterants to food ranging from simple stones in rice to the more harmful chemicals in food of daily use. Surprisingly, food fraud is not a modern issue. There are several references to fraudulent food behaviour as early as the Romans, but it is usually considered to be the Victorian who places food fraud on the map.

Introduction

Milk is regarded as the “ideal food” as it contains nutrients necessary for both newborns and adults (Azad & Ahmed, 2016). It is high in protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Unfortunately, milk is easily adulterated all over the world for several reasons, including a gap between supply and demand, the inherent nature of milk which can imbibe many adulterants that are difficult to identify, the low purchasing power of consumers, an insufficient share of the organized sector in the dairy business, and, most importantly, a lack of efficient and rapid methods for detecting adulterants (Ellis et al., 2012; Moore et al., 2012).

Introduction

Spices are botanical products of tropical and subtropical plants, mainly fruits, seeds, f lowers, roots, stems, leaves, bark, or whole plant (Golob & Nations, 1999). The dominant spices of trade including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper (A. Osman et al., 2019)including aroma, flavor, and color, to foods and beverages in an effort to enhance their palatability. Herbs and spices exhibit a plethora of medicinal properties including antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Spices serve as natural preservatives to delay food spoilage and extend shelf life.

Introduction

Cocoa beans are extracted from the pod of a tree crop Theobroma cacao. It is mainly cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries. In terms of world production, Ivory Coast and Ghana contribute about 65 percent of world production. Cocoa beans are the main ingredient in chocolate. (Teye, E et al 2014). One of the earliest examples of chocolate consumption comes from the Mayans. The Maya drink was prepared with cocoa and water and often included cinnamon and black pepper. It was also known as the “Food of the Gods” and offered to Emperor Moctezuma II by the Aztecs, (Verna, R. 2013). Christopher Columbus was the first European to encounter cocoa in 1502.

Introduction

Coffee is a beverage made from the roasted and ground seeds of the African tropical evergreen coffee plant. Coffee is one of the world’s three most popular beverages (together with water and tea), as well as one of the most profitable international commodities, and it is the world’s second most marketed product after petroleum (Myhrvold, 2021).Coffee is a popular beverage that is enjoyed around the world for its taste, health benefits, and ability to enhance physical performance (Simkin, 2008).

Tea as a Beverage

Tea is the most popular beverage consumed in the world after water. All types of teas including black. green, oolong, white and pu-erh tea are mainly made from the buds and young leaves of tea plants, Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze belongs to the family Theaceae [1]. Depending on the different processing techniques of tea leaves, tea types are categorized as “Green Tea” (unfermented), “Black Tea” (fully fermented), “Oolong Tea” (partially fermented), “Pu-ErhTea” (post fermented) and white tea (unfermented) [2]. The manufacturing process for these different types of teas mainly differ in the degree of enzymatic oxidation (fermentation) process [1].

Introduction

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of healthy human diet. Consumption of vegetables is widely promoted by Governmental health agencies since it provide consumers essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and phytochemical compounds, at a relatively low calorie density. Furthermore, the consumption of vegetables has been strongly associated with reduced chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart related ailments. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables daily (Berger et al 2010). In recent years, fresh-cut produce has become more popular due to their convenience, freshness, taste and assumed “Healthiness”.

Introduction

All the worldwide cuisines generally rely on plant-based edible oils as the main cooking ingredient due to their unique chemical composition, further presence of unsaturated fatty acids in plant-based oils makes it a healthy complement in the diet. Lipids are known to provide almost double calories than carbohydrates. For ages, vegetable oils have contributed maximally to our nutrition and economics, but their authenticity is still a considerable issue (Firestone and Reina, 1996) as for more profitability fraudulent blends lower grade oils to high-grade expensive oils.

Introduction

About sixty percent of the world’s food intake comes from the three major crops, i.e., wheat, rice and maize (Thielecke and Nugent, 2018). Depending upon the country of utilization and consumption, the products made from cereals such as barley, wheat, maize, triticale, spelt, buckwheat, rice etc. can vary in the range of pasta, bread, pastries, soups, chapatti, cooked rice etc. World cereal utilization in 2021/22 is forecasted at 2,811 million tonnes and the worldwide production of cereals is expected to reach 2,818 million tonnes by 2025 (FAO, 2020).

Introduction

The act of substituting food or drink with low grade quality ingredients thereby the f inal product will fail to the meet the regulation or standards and in most cases even unfit for human consumption (Augustin et al., 2009). With demand for profit based manufacturing market, there will be increase in points of adulteration with cheaper alternatives or inferior grade ingredients in the production of food or drink (Banti, 2020)]. Adulteration is highly prevails in developing countries such as India, where about 70% of milk supply is adulterated on day to day basis (Bittar et al., 2017). It is every nation and each individual’s responsibility to provide safe and nutritious food to the consumers.

Introduction

Food adulteration compromises quality of foods and causes human health hazards is a menace mankind had been facing since ages. Spice adulteration scandals in the year 2004, Horse gate scandal in Europe during 2013 are famous examples of food fraud. Various forms of food adulteration and cheating such as substitution of cheaper food components in place of original product, addition of non-permitted substances, and false claims by misbranding or mislabeling are prevalent from time immemorial (Spink et al 2019).