eChapters

Research methodology is a systematic approach to solve any research problem and arrive at a conclusion that adds to the already existing fund of knowledge. The research methodology seeks to define the solution by adopting appropriate research techniques. They are generally applied during the initial stage of the study to delineate and outline the rationale for the chosen methods and their functionality and effectiveness towards achieving a decided objective. Research methodologies are an organized approach to accomplish the selected objectives. The research methodology comprises different techniques used during the experiment with surveys, tests, etc.

4.1 Introduction

With the birth of the new millennium and the advent of Information and Communication Technology, the outlook of academia towards research has completely metamorphosed into a more productive and vibrant activity. Digitalization of data, the convergence of new and challenging insights in one’s own research fields at the world-wide-web and technology generation are being made faster and more reliable. With the arrival of Laptops and Smartphones simultaneously with the facility Wi-Fi, the demand for information of any kind has become unquantifiable! The academic world is no exception, indeed! Such a pang of hunger for information led to considerable investments in infrastructure development. The virtual, electronic, automated world became inseparable from academic and research institutions. Small wonder that with these, the pressures on the institutional and specialized and dedicated libraries are on the increase.

5.1 Introduction

This chapter presents analysis of data collected through the questionnaire survey from agriculture libraries in Maharashtra (Constituent including University Libraries i.e. Government and Affiliated i.e. Private colleges). The purpose of the survey was to explore the status of CRS (Cyber Reference Service), various aspects pertaining to the CRS, and the ICT infrastructure used for the CRS in the agriculture universities and college libraries. It also aimed to obtain agriculture library heads’ perceptions about the CRS, and explore issues and problems affecting implementation and management of the CRS in the agriculture libraries in the Maharashtra state.

This chapter presents the conclusions of the research study. Based on these conclusions, recommendations relating to the effective implementation and management of Cyber Reference Service (CRS) in agricultural libraries in Maharashtra are made.

6.1 Introduction

The overall aim of this research was to investigate and analyze CRS in the Agricultural College and University libraries of Maharashtra. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach by combining quantitative and qualitative methods to achieve its aims and objectives. 

1.1 Introduction

The use of sampling in making decisions about an aggregate (or population) is possibly as old as civilization itself. Sampling is first broadly classified into two categories known as subjective and objective. Any type of sampling which depends upon the personal judgement or discretion of the sampler himself, is called subjective sampling. But the sampling method which is governed by a sampling rule or is independent of the sampler’s own judgement is known as objective sampling. The main difficulty with subjective sampling is that the sampler is ignorant of the degree of representativeness of his sample or the accuracy of the final estimates of the population values obtained.

2.1 Simple Random Sampling

The simplest and common most method of sampling is simple random sampling. In this procedure, the sample is drawn unit by unit with equal probability of selection for each unit at each draw. It is sometimes referred to as unrestricted random sampling.

2.1.1 Definition

“A sampling procedure which gives equal chance to all possible samples each of size n which can be drawn from a population of size N, is called simple random sampling.”

3.1 Introduction

Out of all methods of sampling, the most commonly used procedure in surveys is the stratified random sampling. When population units are of heterogeneous nature and if we select a sample using SRSWOR scheme then the sample selected may not be the representative sample and the estimate worked out from that sample will not be the reliable estimate of the population parameter. The estimate of sampling variance of the sample estimator obtained from that sampling scheme may happen to be very high leading to get a less precise estimate of the parameter. In such type of population, to overcome these draw backs, we use another sampling scheme known as stratified random sampling which is defined as follows.

4.1 Introduction

In many surveys, information on an auxiliary (supplementary, ancillary or apriori) variable x, which is highly (positively or negatively)correlated with the variable y under study, is readily available and can be used for improving the sampling design. Stratified sampling and probability proportional to size (p.p.s) schemes are two examples of improved sampling designs, in which the use of data on auxiliary variable has been made. However in both the schemes, it implies that the information on auxiliary variable on individual sampling units is available prior to presentation of sampling design. In case, data on auxiliary variable for individual sampling units are not available but only the aggregate value for all units of auxiliary variable is available, the two schemes can not be used. In such a situation, the aggregate data on auxiliary variable can still be used at the time of estimation of parameters under consideration, provided the data on auxiliary variable for the sampled units can be easily obtained at the time of recording the values of the study variable.

5.1 Introduction

In random sampling it is assumed in prior that the population is divisible into a finite number of distinct and identifiable units and these units are known as sampling units. The smallest unit into which the population can be divide, is called an elementary unit (element) of the population. A group of such units is known as cluster. When such cluster is treated as sampling unit, then the sampling procedure adopted is known as cluster sampling. If the entire area containing the population under study is divided into smaller area segments and each element in the population belongs to one and only one such area segment, the sampling is sometimes known as area sampling.

Generally, identification and location of an element requires considerable time. H

6.1 Introduction

So far we have considered the methods of sampling in which the successive units (elements or clusters) were selected with the help of random numbers. Now, we shall consider a new method of sample selection in which only the first unit of the sample is selected with the help of random number, the rest being selected automatically according to a predetermined pattern. The method is known as systematic sampling. It is operationally more convenient than simple random sampling and which at the same time ensures for each unit, equal probability ofinclusion in the sample. The systematic sampling can also be termed as systematic random sampling because of the first unit of the sample being chosen randomly. The pattern usually followed in selecting a systematic sample is a simple pattern involving regular spacing of units.

7.1 Introduction

In chapter 5, the cluster sampling has been discussed in which clusters were considered as sampling units and all the elements in the selected clusters were enumerated completely. It has been stated there that the cluster sampling is economical under certain circumstance but the method restricts the spread of sample over the population which results generally in increased sampling variance of the estimator under consideration. It is, therefore, logical to expect that the efficiency of the estimator will be increased by distributing the elements over a large numbers of clusters. Hence instead of observing all the units in the selected clusters, one may like to observe only few elements of the selected clusters. This will involve the sampling work to be done also within the selected clusters. If we do so, the process of selection will involve sampling work to be done at two stage, one for selecting the clusters where sampling units are the clusters and the second for selecting the units (elements) within the selected clusters where sampling units are the elements.

8.1 Introduction

We have already discussed in details how different sampling schemes can be employed to draw the representative samples suitable to many kinds of population whose sampling units differ in nature. From practical view points, however, it is often more important to be able to make decision about certain unknown characteristics of the population on the basis of informations available in the representative samples which are drawn from the parent populations. Such decisions taken, are known as the “Statistical decisions”. For example, we may wish to decide on the basis of sample data whether (i) One educational system is better than the other or not, (ii) A given six faced die is unbiased (balanced) or not, (iii) A new insecticide is really effective to control the attack of insects or not? etc. Such problems are dealt with in the theory of statistical decisions which uses the principles of sampling theory.

9.1 Introduction

In the preceeding chapter, we have studied the estimation part of statistical decision (inference) infered about the parameters of the population on the basis of information available in the sample observations drawn from the parent population under study. In the present chapter we discuss the problems related with the tests of statistical hypothesis and its significance about the population parameters under study. For understanding of the subject matter considered in this chapter, very clearly and easily, one must be familier with the statistical terminologies used in the subject matter. Hence we discuss the various notable terminologies with some suitable examples in a simple way for better understanding.

10.1 Normal Distribution

The normal distribution is the most widely used distribution in statistics. Almost all biological data including the agricultural data eg. crop yield, plant height, seed weight, seed size, protein percent in pulse, oil content in an oil seed etc are assumed to be normally distributed. In practice their distribution is rarely verified. In distribution theory, for large values of n, the number of trial (or sample size), almost all the distributions e.g. Binomial, poission, Negative binomial, chi square, student’s t, and Snedenor’s F distributions etc. are very closely approximated by normal distribution. It is a continuous distribution with mean and variance as its two parameters.

11.1 Introduction

In the preceding chapter 10, we have discussed in detail, the test procedures for which it has been assumed that the sample size n is large, (i.e n >,30). Those tests are also known as approximate tests or z tests. But in case when sample size n is small i.e. n<30, the approximate test fails to deal with such problem and we apply the theory of exact sample, for small sample tests. The exact sample tests however can be applied to large samples also though the converse is not plausible. In all the exact sample tests, the basic assumption is that the parent population is normally distributed.

In this part we will discusse in details the exact sample tests (based on exact sampling distributions namely snedekor’s F, student’s t and chi square (c²) distributions. These distributions will be simply introduced in short because main emphasis has to be given only on the test procedures based on them.

12.1 Chi-Square Variate

The square of a standard normal variate is known as a chi - square variate or chi square statistic with one degree of freedom. Thus if , then the variate Z defined as 

Z is a standard normal variate with mean zero and variance unity (one) and  = Z² is a chi - square variate (statistic) with one degree of freedom.

In general if xi, (i=1,2,.......n) are n independent normal variates with means μ_i and variance , then  is a chi - square variate (statistic) with n degree of freedom. It is denoted by the notation  and follows chi-square distribution. Symbolically, it is expressed as .

12.2 Chi-Square Distribution

Let  be a chi - square variate with n degree of freedom. Then its probability density function is written as

13.1 Introduction

In the previous chapters, we have considered different tests of significance based on normal distribution, F distribution, student’s t distribution and Chi-square (x²) distribution which are frequently applied by the users of different disciplines of applied sciences and social sciences. In this chapter some more tests of significance are considered which have not been covered in those chapters. These tests are also based on t, F, Fisher’s z transformation,  and some other test statistics are also discussed one by one in the following sections.

13.2 t Test for Testing the Significance of an Observed Sample Correlation Coefficient r ^xy

Let r be the observed sample correlation coefficient based on a small sample of size n drawn from a bi-variate normal population with population correlation coefficient r. The standard error of r is given as

14.1 Introduction

The theory of simple correlation (r_xy), regression coefficients (b_yx & b_xy) and their test of significance have been discucsed in chapter 13. The test of significance of observed partial correlation coefficient p₁₂₃(k+2) and multiple correlation coefficient R₁₂₃, have also been discussed in sections 13.4 and 13.5 respectively. Now in this chapter mainly the process of how to calculate spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, partial correlation and regression coefficients and multiple correlation coefficient using their fundamental definitions as well as appropriate statistical formule in terms of pairwise simple correlation coefficient r_ij (i = j = 1, 2, 3) in trivariate populations have been provided to make the students and its users to be familiar with basic and crystal clear concepts of the subject matter with the help of an empirical studies based on some original data on (X₁, X₂, X₃). Here X₁ has been considered as study variate and (X₂, X₃) as covariates.

15. 1 Introduction

Data collected in social sciences and economic study, are usually based on answers provided by the respondents. These answers are aften based on re-collection of past memories and often suffer from memory lapses, intentional erros etc. As such they provide only a crude informations which are never exact. The analysis of such data on the pattern of other biological data will not yield much information because many times they will not fulfil the underlying assumptions. For such data, the non-parametric (N.P.) methods are most appropriate.

15.2 Parametric Tests

The tests which deal with the parameters of the populations, are known as parametric test e.g. Z, t & F tests are the parametric tests.

Uncertainty is an inevitable character of any system where most of the contradictory factors are either unpredictable or unfathomable. The higher is the complexity, the lesser would be the resilience. Agricultural production system, as it is managed in Indian condition, is the most vulnerable one to a plethora of uncertainties. Mostly managed in an open air rained conditions, it has been exposed to weather and resource uncertainties comprising of market volatility, poor access to technology and a fragile input delivery mechanism. The present study examines and depicts the possible issues and reasons for uncertainty.

Review of literature helps a scholar describing and citing related works to justify the topic and objectives set in the thesis work. This is a splendid scholastic exercise to vindicate and validate the reasons and output of the research work undertaken.

Following is the classified review of literature for a systematic illustration and interpretation of the problem and axioms:

Source of risk

Boris and Radivoj (2017) reveal that agricultural risk and uncertainty come from many different places, but they can be categorized into five management-related categories: production and technology, prices and the market, finance, legislation, and employees.

Concept of uncertainty

Uncertainty refers to a scenario in which a person is unsure of what will happen, i.e. when all possible outcomes of events are unknown, and neither the likelihood nor the outcomes are known. Uncertainty cannot be quantified; however, risk may be quantified using probability principles.

Farming is a financially hazardous profession. Farmers face an ever-changing panorama of possible pricing, yield, and other outcomes that affect their financial returns and overall well-being on a daily basis. Because the effects of decisions or events are frequently unknown until long after they occur, the outcomes may be better or worse than planned. When aggregate crop output or export demand fluctuates dramatically, for example, farm prices can swing dramatically, and farmers may see returns that are significantly below their expectations (Bairwa et al., 2013).

Research setting refers to the detail information of an area where the study has been conducted. The study area, generally comprises of a particular geographical area viz. a state, district, block, or gram panchayat area selected according to the convenience of the investigator who possesses adequate knowledge regarding the location, communication facility etc. of the locality so that he/she can easily approach each and every corner of the area for data collection. Here. in this study the data collection was done mostly over telephone based on the interview schedule due to Covid-19 pandemic situation. Besides the investigators must also have the basic knowledge about the socio demographic background of the people so as to have an easy understanding of their knowledge, attitude and behavior. 

The deliberation on the methodology has been made to understand the concept, methods and techniques which have been executed for delineating the study, collection of information, analysis of data, and interpretation of the findings for the revelation of hard evidences and formulation of theories. This chapter deals with the method and procedure used in the study consisting of eight main parts

A. Locale of research

B. Pilot study

C. Sampling Design

D. Item analysis and experts rating for devising scoring technique on dependent variables

E. Empirical measurement of the variables.

The chapter deals with the empirical findings and analyses in order to offer ample interpretation for a reliable conclusion to be drawn. In order to enhance and supplement the textual materials in this chapter, tables and models are frequently employed. Discussion is helpful in putting the study’s findings into proper perspective and connecting them to related research.

Table 6.1: Descriptive Statistics of Variable with respect to Minimum, Maximum, Mean, Standard Deviation of Values, Variance, and Coefficient of Variance

Uncertainty is an inevitable character of any system where most of the contradictory factors are either unpredictable or unfathomable. The higher is the complexity, the lesser would be the resilience. Agricultural production system, as it is managed in Indian condition, is the most vulnerable one to a plethora of uncertainties. Mostly managed in an open air rainfed conditions, it has been exposed to weather and resource uncertainties, market volatility, poor access to technology and a fragile input delivery mechanism.

Objectives

1. To estimate and assess the general status of perceived uncertainty of farmers by scale and dimension

8.1. Limitations

The most important limitations which have been observed in this research are as follows:

1. Bench marking on the status of reigning uncertainty and chaos on farming’has really been a difficult task.
2. There are problems of overlapping of some variables that could have been avoided.
3. Some new scales could have been better if created.
4. Since the concept is complex, it was very difficult to get qualitative response.
5. Farmers nowadays are reluctant to engage in conversation and produce data.
6. Due to non-random sampling , there is possibility of error or biases.

Growth of urban population has become a challenge throughout the world. Presently, many of the cities are featured with high rising buildings, rush of vehicular traffic and networking of industrial establishments. The urban ecological footprints are increasing day-by-day resulting in unfavourable living conditions. The cities require vast area of land to sustain the population for requirement of food, clothing and other requirements. All these items are brought from areas outside the city, may be from far or near. Creating avenue for production of food and other materials in and around the cities will certainly minimize the pressure on land available outside the city areas. The urban sustainability is at threat due to environmental pollution, rising population and intensification of non-green activities. Many cities have natural resources such as water bodies, inherent vegetation, open space, etc.; which can be appropriately utilized for productive purpose. Promotion of urban agriculture in the form of growing crops, planting trees rearing animals and encouraging landscape garden will have long term impact on urban ecosystem. This can prevent environmental degradation, ensure supply of fresh food and improvement in urban life.

Urban agriculture involves various aspects of growing plants and taking up other activities. Those include terrace gardening, vertical gardening, green walls, hydroponics, etc. Although several other types of garden present in urban areas, the gardens suitable for residental premises are discussed in chapter.

Terrace Garden

Terrace garden is generally established on a terrace or rooftop of a house having limited land space for gardening. This type of gardening is gaining momentum in the cities. These gardens can be created on different buildings like residential flats, individual houses, public buildings, commercial establishments and factories. The growth and development of the plants give immense pleasure to the garden owner. Plucking a fresh cucumber on the terrace provides a different pleasure, which is beyond the physical value of the fruit. The experience of consuming a fresh watermelon from own garden has unique satisfaction. As there is minimum or no space for growing plants in urban areas, the terrace can be transformed to an attractive garden. Irrespective of size of the terrace, it can be converted to a beautiful garden with proper planning. There are multiple ways for revamping the terrace depending on available time and resources.

Floriculture is the most important aspect of urban agriculture, which fulfils the need for beautification, recreation, entertainment and income earning. In broader sense, it includes growing flowering and ornamental plants in gardens, rooftops and terraces. Floriculture comprises of house plants, flowering plants, pot plants, cut flowers and decorative foliage. It also deals with cultivation of cacti, orchids, succulents, bonsai, ferns and plants grown in landscape gardening.

Role of flowers in our life

• It is a unique gift of nature to relax human mind
• The fragrance and beauty of flowers bring joy and happiness
• Flowers are used as a symbol of grace and sophistication
• Flowers are used in religious rituals for offering during worship

Foliage plants are grown for attractive branches and leaves. These plants have several benefits such as improving air quality, promoting better mental & physical health and enhancing the aesthetic value of the immediate vicinity. Some of the foliage plants grown in indoor or in the garden are described in this chapter.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is a foliage plant with large and showy leaves. This is native to the West Indies. It is a very popular plant grown in the home gardens due to easy maintenance. The beauty of the plant lies in the unique pattern of colour combination of the leaves. The leaves are yellow near the vein, which turns dark green towards the edge. This combination is random and even within the same leaf, different patterns of ribbons and spots of yellow & green are formed. It can be taken up under various light intensity and growing conditions. Dieffenbachia plants grow up to 2.4 meter height with wide leaves of around 50 cm long and 25 cm wide. 

Fruit trees can be planted in the backyard or any open space near the house. In absence of backyard area, fruit trees can also be grown on the rooftop by planting in polythene bag, plastic container, cemented pot, etc. Growing fruits like papaya, banana, lemon, mango, pineapple, coconut, pomegranate, etc. in the premises of house can fulfil the family requirement of fruits. It will help to get fresh fruits from own garden, which are free from any chemical or pesticide. There is a different satisfaction in plucking of fruits grown by own effect.

Mango

Mango (Mangifera indica) is one of the prominent fruit crops of India. It has delicious taste and excellent flavour. Mango fruit is utilized at all the stages of its development. Raw fruits are used for preparation of pickle, chutney and juice. The ripe fruits are consumed directly and are used for preparation of several products like squash, syrup, jam and jelly. Ripe mango contains about 0.6 per cent protein, 0.1 per cent fat, 11.8 per cent carbohydrate, 0.3 per cent minerals and 1.1 per cent fibre. 

Vegetable refers to the edible parts of plant such as leaf, root, stem, fruit, rhizome, corm or seeds consumed directly or after cooking. Vegetables are an important constituent of balanced diet taken for good health. Vegetables are good source of dietary fibre, protein, essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Hence, vegetables play a vital role for human health. In urban areas, vegetables can be grown in the backyard, rooftop and terrace. Harvesting vegetables from own garden has a separate satisfaction. The vegetables produced in home gardens are of superior quality as those do not contain any harmful toxic substance. Growing vegetables in the home premises will reduce the daily expenditure of a family. In urban areas, vegetable can be taken in small patches in the backyard to fulfil the family requirement. In absence of surplus land area, it can be grown in pots, containers or polythene bags placed on the rooftop or terrace. Some vegetables can also be grown on the rooftop in a specially prepared bed with shallow depth of soil. In this chapter, discussion is made for cultivation of vegetables in small patches.

India is known to be rich source of medicinal plants since ancient time. Medicinal plants like Aloe vera, Aswagandha, basil, mint, cinnamon, etc. are widely used to cure various ailments and for several health benefits. Some of the common diseases like common cold, headache, stomach problem, skin disease, etc. are treated in home by use of various herbs. Medicinal plants can be grown in the backyard or on the rooftop to meet the household demand. Cultivation practices of some of the medicinal plants are described in this chapter.

Tulsi

Tulsi or basil is considered to be a sacred plant with religious importance. It is grown in homes as an aromatic perennial shrub and used for medicinal purpose. Tulsi possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties with capacity to purify the air. It can be grown up to an altitude of 2000 m above mean sea level. This plant can be grown in pots and in home gardens. The leaves and twigs of the plant are used for medicinal purpose. The fragrant leaves and flowers are used in the form of tincture, tea or decoction for curing cold & cough, stomach disorders, skin diseases, etc. The plant is also rich in antioxidant, vitamin and calcium. There are two types of tulsi viz. green type and purple. It can be planted in the pots or in the beds.

Plant propagation refers to the process of increasing number of plants of a cultivar. Plant propagation is of two types viz. sexual and asexual. Sexual propagation is done by seeds, whereas asexual plant propagation is done by vegetative means such as stem/root cuttings, slips, corm, bulbs, rhizomes, grafting, budding, layering, etc. Good quality seed or planting material of established crop varieties should be procured from authentic source to get desired result. The seed should be uniform in size, free from disease infestation, possess good vigour and having good viability. The quality of the seed is decided based on germination percentage. Seeds can be directly sown to raise a crop or seedlings are raised in nursery beds, which are transplanted later to main plot.

Seedlings can be raised in nursery beds, poly bags or pro-trays. The nursery beds are usually kept one meter wide, convenient length and of 15 cm height. The soil of the bed is prepared by addition of well decomposed bulky organic manure, sand and garden soil in equal proportion. The beds have to be disinfected by exposing the soil to sun (solarisation) and addition of neem or karanj oil cake. After sowing the seeds in the bed, those are covered with straw, leaves or compost to protect the seeds from birds and to conserve moisture in the soil. It also helps to maintain the temperature for quick germination. The seeds are sown in lines on the bed.

Fruits and vegetables grown in kitchen garden or in the field can be preserved in various forms like juice, squash, puree, pickle, jam, jelly, murabba, paste, ketchup, sauce, etc. for year round consumption. Seasonal produce of vegetables and fruits can be preserved through various methods for consumption at a later time.

Juice

Fruits like pineapple, mango, orange, lemon, etc. can be used to prepare juice, squash and other ready to serve beverages. Beverages can be prepared by following various steps. The fruits are washed thoroughly and pat dried with clean cloths. Then the peels are removed wherever necessary. Peeling can be done by hand or by knife. The juice is extracted by using juice extractor or by netting. The extracted juice is then strained using a muslin cloth or mosquito net. To enhance the taste and shelflife, the juice is mixed with sugar syrup. The sugar syrup is prepared by dissolving sugar in water and boiling it. After the syrup is ready, it is allowed to cool and strained through muslin cloth. Then the extracted juice is added with the syrup and citric acid. Preservatives like potassium meta-bisulphite or sodium benzoate is added for storage of the juice. If necessary, essence can be added @ 2 ml/litre of juice. The juice is to be stored in a narrow mouth bottle by leaving a head space of one to two centimetres. The cap of the bottle is to be sealed with wax.

Potted Plants

In urban areas, scarcity of space compels the dwellers to take up gardening on rooftop, terrace, balcony or small space adjacent to the house. Usually, plants are grown in pots or containers for rooftop gardening. Big size pots with diameter of 30 cm or more are required for growing rose plant. It is necessary to prefer tall pots to obtain appropriate growth of the plant having deeper root system. Now-a-days, pots of different materials such as clay, cement and plastic are used for growing potted plants. Usually, clay pots are better than plastic pots as clay is slow in transfer of heat thereby maintaining the root zone cooler. Of course, plastic pots are lighter and suitable for use on the rooftop as those put less load on the building structure. Light coloured plastic is preferred to dark colour as those generate less heat. Although heavier, cemented pots are more durable than earthen or plastic pots. The pots should have adequate drainage facility with holes in the bottom. Besides, a layer of gravel or medium-size stone of one-inch thickness are to be placed at the bottom of the container to facilitate drainage.

Vegetables are defined as edible herbaceous plants or parts of plants consumed as raw or after cooking and are rich in vitamins and minerals, low in calorific value and neutralize the acid substances produced during digestion of high energy foods. Olericulture is a branch of horticulture that deals with production, storage, processing and marketing of vegetables and has its origin when man started growing vegetables for human consumption. The term Olericulture comes from Latin words holus-holeris = any kind of culinary vegetable, pot herb, and cultura = to cultivate.

Vegetable crops include a large number of plants, mostly annuals and a few perennials, grown for their edible leaves, stem, flower buds, flowers, fruits and roots. Vegetables are integral part of a balanced diet and are considered as “Protective foods” as their consumption prevent several diseases. They have a prominent role in combating malnutrition of animals and human beings.

Quite a large number of vegetable crops are grown in the country either on a commercial scale or limited to backyards of homesteads. A few crops have similarity while others have dissimilarity in their climatic and soil requirements, parts used, method of cultivation etc. While describing individual vegetables, there is possibility of repetition in many aspects. In order to avoid repetition, it is essential to classify or group them into different classes/groups. Different methods of classification followed in vegetables are described below:

I. Botanical classification

Botanical classification is based on taxonomical relationship among different vegetables. Plant kingdom is divided into four viz. Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta and Spermatophyta. All vegetables belong to Division Angiospermae of Spermatophyta. It is further divided and two classes viz., Monocotylydoneae and Dicotylydoneae.

Diverse soil and climatic conditions prevailing in different parts of the country offer scope for cultivation of a variety of crops in India. Around 250 crops either cultivated or grown under natural habitat are used for vegetable purpose. The crops and varieties vary in their soil and climatic requirements, cultivation practices, resistance to pests and diseases, quality etc.

Considering the climatic conditions for growing vegetable crops and for evolving zone wise technologies and recommendations, the entire country is divided into eight agro- climatic zones under the All India Co-ordinated Research Project (Vegetable Crops) as given below:

Table: Agro-climatic zones and states under each zone

Vegetables are grown on a limited scale in homesteads for family use and cultivated in an extensive scale for marketing. Depending on the purpose for which they are developed, vegetables gardens are classified into different types, viz., kitchen garden or nutrition garden, market garden, truck garden, garden for processing, garden for seed production and vegetable forcing or protected cultivation.

1. Kitchen garden or nutrition garden

Kitchen garden or home garden or nutrition garden is primarily intended for continuous supply of fresh vegetables for family use. A number of vegetables are grown in available land for getting a variety of vegetables. Most of works are done by family members. Area of garden, lay out, crops selected etc. depend on availability and nature of land. In rural area, land will not be a limiting factor and scientifically laid out garden can be established. In urban areas, land is a limiting factor and very often crops are raised in limited available area or in terraces of buildings. Cultivation of crops in pots or in cement bags is also feasible in cities.

The unique advantages of a kitchen garden or home garden are:

(i) Supply fresh fruits and vegetables high in nutritive value

The family Solanaceae consists of 85 genera, which include both tuberiferous and non-tuberiferous ones. Brinjal (Solanum sp.), chilli (Capsicum sp.) and tomato (Lycopersicon sp.) are the major fruit vegetables under the family. In all genera, fruit is an indehiscent berry.

A key for the identification of the above three genera are furnished below:

A. Anthers connivant in a cone, longer than filaments

B. Anthers dehisce by apical pores or short slits, leaves entire, lobed or pinnatifid - Solanum

BB. Anthers dehisce introsely by longitudinal slits, the tips empty, leaves pinnatiset - Lycopersicon

AA. Anthers not connivant in a cone, not larger than the filaments, dehisce by lateral slits - Capsicum

Crops belonging to family Cucurbitaceae are generally known as ‘Cucurbits’. It consists of a wide range of vegetables either used for salad purpose (cucumber) or for cooking (all gourds), pickling (West Indian gherkin) or as dessert fruit (muskmelon, water melon) or candied or preserved (ash gourd). As a group, cucurbits occupy the largest area in India and in other tropical countries. Its use is not primarily because of calories, minerals or vitamins since they are generally low to moderate in nutrients with a few exceptions like bitter gourd (rich in vitamin C- 96mg/100g), pumpkin (vitamin A 1600 IU/100g), Kakrol (high protein 3.1g/100g,), parwal and chow chow (calcium- 531 mg and 140 mg / 100 g respectively). From the nutritional point of view, cucurbit seeds are valued for their high oil and protein contents. Seed proteins of cucurbits are comparable to that of legumes and are richer in methionine.

The family Cucurbitaceae comprises about 117 genera and 825 species in warmer parts. Chakravarthy (1982) estimated 36 genera and 100 species in India.

Okra is predominantly a crop of tropics and subtropics. It occupies fifth position, next to tomato, in area under vegetables in the country with a production of 33.24 lakh metric tonnes from an area of 3.47 lakh hectares (2001-02). The crop is cultivated for its young tender fruits, used in curry and soups after cooking. It is a good source of vitamins A and B, proteins and minerals. It is also an excellent source of iodine and is useful for the treatment of goitre. Fruit is useful against genito-urinary disorders, spermetorrhoea and chronic dysentery. Fruits are also dried or frozen for use during off-season. Dried fruit contain 13-22% edible oil and 20-24% protein and is used as refined edible oil. Dry fruit skin and fibres are used in manufacture of paper, card board and fibres. Root and stem are used for clearing cane juice for preparation of jaggary.

Peas and beans belonging to the family Fabaceae (Syn. Leguminosae) are delicious and preferred vegetables grown throughout the world. These include cool season vegetables like pea, French bean, lima bean, broad bean and tropical vegetables like cowpea, hyacinth bean, winged bean, jack bean, sword bean etc. These are integral components of sustainable agriculture due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and to improve soil properties. Legume vegetables are rich in protein and essential amino acids and have significant role in combating malnutrition among poor people and vegetarians.

Common features of legume vegetables are summarized below:

1. All legume vegetables are self-pollinated due to cleistogamous nature. Flowers are zygomorphic with papilionaceous corolla, mono-adelphous or di-adelphous stamens.
2. All are direct sown crops and do not respond to transplanting. Since seed size is comparatively bigger and they are closely planted, a high seed rate is required for most of crops.

Vegetables belonging to the family Brassicaceae (Syn: Cruciferae) are known as Cole crops. These are the most widely grown vegetables in temperate and sub-tropical zones. The word ‘Cole’ comes from abbreviation of word ‘caulis’ meaning stem. Cole crops are a group of highly differentiated plants originated from a wild plant Brassica oleracea var. oleracea (=B. sylvestris L.) commonly known as “Wild cliff cabbage” or “colewort”, through mutation, human selection or adaptation. Cole crops include cabbage, cauliflower, knol khol, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, sprouting broccoli, kale etc. of which cabbage and cauliflower are the most popular and widely grown.

Mediterranean region is the centre of origin of Cole crops. From there, it spread to Europe and other temperate and sub-tropical regions. Cabbage, knol khol and curly kale were the first known cultivated types. Cauliflower became widely known in the 18^th century and Brussels sprouts in 19^th century. In the thirties of 20^th century, sprouting broccoli started cultivation particularly in the USA.

Linnaeus in 1753 included all forms of Cole crops in one species, Brassica oleracea. Later the works of many, including Neuwhof (1969) resulted in putting them into different forms as given below:

B. oleracea var. capitata L. - Cabbage

Bulb crops include onion, garlic, leek, shallot, welsh onion and chive- all belonging to the genus Allium. This genus was earlier included in the family Liliaceae due to its superior ovary. It was later shifted to Amaryllidaceae as flowers are bom in a bracted umbel on top of a scape. Being the typical genus in the family Amaryllidaceae, a new separate family status was given to all the specious under Allium as Alliaceae.

The common features of bulb crops are:

1. The stem is under ground and rudimentary. The edible portion, bulb is formed by fleshy leaf bases in onion, fleshy axillary buds within thin foliage in garlic, blanched stem and leaves in leek etc.
2. All the bulb crops have a characteristic order due to presence of allyl - propyl - disulphide.
3. All are cool season vegetables and are grown during winter months in plains.

Radish, turnip, carrot and beet root are the major root crops grown in the country. In addition, root crops like rutabaga, parsnip, salsify, chervil and celeriac are grown in a limited scale in different areas. Though the crops belong to different families, their cultural requirements are uniform. The common features of root crops like radish, turnip, carrot and beet root are:

• In all root crops, the tap root and a portion of hypocotyl develop into fleshy root.
• All root crops are cool season crops and are the best grown during winter in plains and spring-summer in hills of North India
• All crops, except beet root, exhibit two distinct groups, viz., tropical or Asiatic or annual types and temperate or European or biennial types. In beet root, tropical annual types are not available.
• Seeds of annual types are produced in plains. Biennial types require a chilling temperature, after attaining or completion of vegetative phase, for transforming to reproductive phase. Since this chilling temperature is available during winter at high altitudes, seed production of biennial types are practiced only in hills of North India.
• All root crops require well drained loose and friable soil without any clods for raising a good crop. Seeds are sown on ridges or on raised beds for proper development of roots.

Potato is fourth major food crop after rice, wheat and maize in the world. It produces the highest dry matter, well balanced protein and more calories/ unit area and time. Unlike other food crops, potato tubers contain vitamin-C (17 mg/100 g). It provides carbohydrates, minerals, fibre and a number of vitamin-B groups. Potato protein is comparable to that of milk and egg. Unlike European countries, in tropics and sub-tropics, the crop is of short duration and fits well in intensive cropping system. It can be grown in a wide range of climatic and soil conditions and tubers are available throughout the year. Tubers can be left un-harvested in the soil for some time and are also suitable for long distance transport and storage. Several products like chips, flakes, French-fries, finger chips, granule, disc, cubes and flour are made out of potato tubers

Origin and distribution

Potato is a native of tropical South America. Traditionally, it was adapted as a commercial food crop in temperate climate under long day conditions, mainly in Europe. It was introduced to India in 16^th or 17^th Century by Portuguese or the British. 

Tropical tuber crops are an important group of subsistence crops in tropical and subtropical zones. Carbohydrates synthesised and stored in the form of starch in underground tubers are used as food by millions in under-developed countries. It is also used as raw material by many industries. Cassava, sweet potato, Chinese potato, edible aroids like elephant foot yam, taro, tannia and yams like greater yam, lesser yam and white yam are major tuber crops grown in India.

Tuber crops are mainly grown as rainfed with minimum cost of production. All are propagated through vegetative means and require fertile and well drained loose soil for proper root development. All roots crops require high dose of potassium for high productivity.Cassava is the most important starchy root crop grown in the tropics and is mainly cultivated in southern peninsular India. Introduced during seventeenth century by Portuguese, the crop played a significant role to overcome food shortage among the low income group of people in Kerala. Underground tuber is rich in starch and mainly consumed after cooking. Processed products like chips, sago and vermicelli made of tapioca are also popular in the country. Being easily digestible, it forms an important ingredient in poultry and cattle- feeds. It is also widely used for production of industrial alcohol, starch and glucose.