eChapters

Since the Green Revolution of 1960s, Indian agriculture have been highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, exploitation of ground water for irrigation, intensive tillage etc. to raise the food grain production of the country towards ensuring food security for all. The consequences of these practices resulted in declined and degraded soil health, soil erosion and dried up water capillaries - ultimately posing threat to the sustainability of the future production. This invites the need of affordable changes in the agricultural practices without hampering the production. Conservation Agriculture, as put forward by FAO, is a set of sustainable agricultural practices, aims to conserve, improve and make efficient use of natural resources through management of soil, water and biological resources in aid with external inputs. The three basic principles of Conservation Agriculture include - minimum soil disturbances, permanent soil cover and crop rotation or crop diversification.

8.1 Recommendations

The specific recommendation for NAZ in promoting CA are

• Since fragmentation has come out as a barrier to CA, the community based CA entrepreneurship will be more successful to make CA ecologically resilient, economically viable and socially adoptable.
• Crop residues are viable source for soil nutrients including organic carbon replenishment, but unfortunately left over crop residues are either burnt out or wrongly used. So, a community bank on crop residues in the form of bio-parks on a commercial basis can be a dependable source of organic manure for being blended into the farm soil. Auditing on volume of disposable CR and its proper application can help in making operating farm more resilient and productive.
• Since CA farmers have to go through a minimum gestation period and they are expected to contribute to the ecological resilience and carbon sequestration, economic incentives must be extended for their productive as well as stewardship function. A policy promulgation is the need of the hour to support their contribution
• Since fragmentation of holding poses a potential threat to resource energy biodiversity and economic conservation, so a strong land and farm policy needs to be there to abate disintegration and fragmentation of holding

Democracy is a system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. It is a form of government that allows for the free and fair participation of citizens in the decision-making process of the country. In a democratic system, all citizens have the right to vote and participate in the political process, and the government is accountable to the people. Key features of democracy include a free press, an independent judiciary, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms. While there are many variations of democracy, the basic principles include equality, freedom, and the rule of law.

The Principles of Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power either directly or through representatives. The principles of democracy are a set of fundamental values and beliefs that are essential to the functioning of a democratic society. These principles are intended to ensure that the government is answerable to the people, that individual rights and liberties are protected, and that all citizens have an equal say in decision-making.

The principles of democracy include popular sovereignty, the rule of law, separation of powers, protection of individual rights and liberties, accountability and transparency, pluralism, civil society, and political tolerance. These principles form the foundation of democratic governance and are essential to ensuring that government is responsive to the needs and desires of the people. While the specific implementation of democratic principles can vary from country to country, they are generally seen as essential to a healthy democracy. By upholding these principles, democratic societies are able to promote freedom, equality, and justice, and to provide opportunities for all citizens to participate in the decision-making process.

Features of Democracy

Democracy is a form of government in which the people have the power to participate in the decision-making process. There are several features of democracy which can helps in the determination of working of Government. The features of democracy ensure that the government is accountable to the people, and that individual rights are protected. These are explained below:

• Free and fair elections: Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, and free and fair elections are crucial to ensuring that the people have a say in the government.
• Rule of law: The rule of law means that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law. This principle ensures that no one is above the law, and that everyone is held accountable for their actions.
• Protection of individual rights: Democracies protect the individual rights of their citizens, including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press.
• Separation of powers: Democracies typically have a system of checks and balances that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. This separation of powers ensures that no one person or group has too much control.

The fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India are a cornerstone of the country's democratic framework, guaranteeing essential protections and liberties to its citizens. These rights, often referred to as the "heart and soul" of the Constitution, reflect the deep commitment of the framers to create a just and inclusive society. The Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, sets forth a comprehensive set of fundamental rights that safeguard individual autonomy, promote equality, and protect against discrimination and abuse of power.

Democracy has been one of the most generally adopted forms of government around the world. Democracy, founded on the values of popular sovereignty, equality, and civic involvement, seeks to give the people political authority. Democracy has had a variety of consequences and impacts on the society and governments that have accepted it throughout history. These outcomes have shaped people's lives, influenced political landscapes, and had far-reaching consequences in the social, economic, and cultural arenas. Ofcourse, democracy may face challenges, its ability to adapt, evolve, and engage citizens in the decision-making process makes it a crucial system for fostering inclusive and prosperous societies. Below, we will explore some of the positive outcomes and challenges before democracy.

The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body that has the responsibility of managing elections in India. It oversees the electoral processes for various positions such as the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, as well as the offices ofthe President and Vice President. The Election Commission operates under the authority of the Constitution, specifically Article 324, and the Representation of the People Act. In situations where existing laws are inadequate to handle specific election-related issues, the Commission has the power to take appropriate action in accordance with the Constitution.

Local government is essential for responsive governance, citizen participation, effective service delivery, and sustainable development at the grassroots level. It ensures that decisions are made with the best interests of the community in mind, leading to improved quality of life and overall well-being for its residents. Local government ensures that decision-making is participatory, responsive, and tailored to the needs of the community, promoting effective governance and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Urban local bodies refer to the local government institutions that are responsible for the administration and governance of urban areas. These bodies are established to address the specific needs and challenges of urban areas, including cities, towns, and other urban settlements. Urban local bodies play a crucial role in managing urban infrastructure, providing essential services, and promoting urban development. They are responsible for areas such as urban planning, public health, sanitation, solid waste management, transportation, water supply, and housing. The composition and structure of urban local bodies vary across different countries and regions, but they typically consist of elected representatives who work towards the overall development and well-being of urban communities.

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, in its 1957 report, proposed the establishment of a Panchayati Raj System consisting of three tiers: Gram Panchayats at the village level, Panchayat Samitis at the block or intermediate level, and Zila Parishad at the district level. The National Development Council also supported a similar structure in 1958, with villages at the bottom and districts at the top. However, it was the 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992 that gave the Panchayati Raj System its current form. Most states now have Panchayati Raj Institutions operating at three levels: village, intermediate, and district. However, smaller states with populations under 20 lakh have only two tiers: the village level and the district level.

Village Panchayats existed in India long back, but the system has inherent weaknesses like the inability to be a people's government responsiveness to their needs. This was due to a variety of factors like a lack of financial resources, no regular elections and inadequate representation of the weaker sections (scheduled castes/ tribes and women) of the society. The Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution of India lays down in Article 40 that the government should facilitate the establishment and smooth functioning of the gram panchayats.

The 73rd and the 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, 1992 enjoin upon the states to establish a three-tier system of Panchayats at the village, intermediate and district levels and Municipalities in the urban areas respectively. States are expected to devolve adequate powers, responsibilities and finances upon these bodies so as to enable them to prepare plans and implement schemes for economic development and social justice.

These Acts provide a basic framework of decentralisation of powers and authorities to the Panchayati Raj/Municipal bodies at different levels.

The 73^rd and the 74^th Amendments to the Constitution of India are the new chapters in the democratic decentralization process in India.

In recent years the terms "governance" and "good governance" are being used frequently in development literature. The concept of good governance is related to all branches of social sciences, especially, to political science, public administration, and economics. The term governance has become synonymous to sound development management. The concept of "governance" not new, it is as old as government itself. The term governance has become synonymous to sound development management. In recent times the concept of Good Governance first emerged in the mid-1980s as governability with the emphasis on adherence to the rule of law.

Government

Government is a territorial based body that makes authoritative decisions (for which it has constitutional or legislative authority) that are binding on residents and businesses within its boundaries. It is the executive arm of the state. Government refers to actions carried out within a formal legal setting; governance involves all activities of government along with formal activities even outside a formal governmental setting, which are meant to achieve common goals.

Governance is the process of governing through which decisions are made that are intended to affect societal outcomes, including economic, social, environmental and other important outcomes. It encompasses the direct and indirect roles of formal institutions of local government and government hierarchies, as well as the roles of informal norms, networks, community organizations, and neighborhood associations in pursuing collective actions.

Poor Governance

Bad governance refers to how decisions are made in government and business. It is opposite of good leadership. Poor governance entails systemic corruption and a lack of openness and accountability, arbitrary policymaking, and the deception of those who are ruled.

Good governance is crucial for the effective functioning and development of any country, including India. To ensure good governance, several steps have been undertaken in India. Here is an introduction to some of these steps;

1. Strengthening the Democratic Decentralization

The 73^rd and 74^th Amendments to the Constitution of India are pivotal in strengthening democratic decentralization in the country. These amendments, passed in 1992, provide constitutional recognition and support for local self-governance in rural and urban areas, respectively. The 73^rd and 74^th Amendments establish Panchayats (rural local bodies) and Municipalities (urban local bodies) as institutions of self-government. They empower these local bodies with the authority to plan and implement economic development programs, social justice initiatives, and the provision of essential services within their jurisdictions.

Albeit a mammoth volume of food grain production in India, 320 million tons and close to 350 million tons of vegetables production in 2023 evinces the emergence of mighty Indian agriculture over the geo-political expanse at global level, yet the income from agriculture to her 140 millions of farmers is not secured, persistent and satisfying. This is due to a mal orchestration of weather-market-job-technolgy uncertainties. The farmers producer organization offers them a new hope and aspiration for small-marginal tiny agricultural producers of India.

To tackle modern-day challenges and attain a sustainable growth while managing farm enterprises, the farmers have to undergo rigorous behavioral change to transform themselves as entrepreneur. Thus, the present chapter deals with incorporating an understanding about the idea of an entrepreneur and entrepreneurship and the organization level, present status and promotional opportunities of FPOs.

2.1 Who is an Entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is someone or a group of individuals who conceptualize, start, and sustain for a long enough period of time a social organization that provides financial rewards, or, to put it another way, who see a business opportunity and create a firm to pursue it. (Cole,1968)

In any scientific investigation and research, a comprehensive review of literature is very essential. Its main function, apart from determining the work done before concerning the problem area i.e., area of investigation, to provide an insight into the methods and procedures and create a basis for interpretation of findings. As direct references of all the items are not in abundance, certain specific references along with some indirect references have been incorporated in this chapter for the purpose of meaningful use. In the present study, reviews of literature have been summarized in the following table

4.1 Research Setting

In any social science research, it is hardly possible to conceptualize and perceive the data and interpret the data more accurately until and unless a clear understanding of the characteristics in the area and attitude or the behavior of people is at commend of the interpreter who intends to unveil an understanding of the implication and behavioral complexes of the individual who live in the area under reference and form a representative part of the larger community. The socio-demographic background of the local people in a rural setting has been critically administered in this section. A research setting is a surrounding in which input and elements of research are contextually imbibed, interactive and mutually contributive to the system performance. Research setting is immensely important in the sense because it is characterizing and influencing the interplays of different factors and components.

Research methodology is a detailed plan of investigation and the blue print of procedure for carrying out the research. In this chapter, discussion on the methodology has been made to understand the concepts, methods and techniques, which are utilized to design the study, collect information, analyzing data and interpreting the findings for revelation of truth and formulation of theories. The entire chapter has been broken up under following sub-heads for easy understanding:

1. Locale of research
2. Sampling design
3. Pilot study
4. Variables and their measurements
5. Methods of data collection
6. Statistical tools used for analysis of data

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

Result: Table 6.1 presents the distribution of 24 independent variables (x₁-x₂₄) and 8 independent variables (y₁-y₈) in terms of their range, mean, standard deviation and co-efficient of variance.

Revelation: The distribution pattern of variable, age, depicts that the minimum age of the respondents is 25 and maximum is 80. The mean age is 49.830 with S.D 13.954. The Coefficient of variance (CV) is 28.003 per cent which indicates that the distribution pattern of the variable is highly consistent.

The distribution pattern of variable, education, depicts that the minimum education of the respondents is 0(illiterate) and maximum is 12 (12th standard). The mean education is 7.650 with S.D 3.043. The Coefficient of variance (CV) is 39.778 per cent which indicates that the distribution pattern of the variable is fairly consistent.

The distribution pattern of variable, no. of enterprise, depicts that the minimum number of respondents is 2 and maximum is 9. The mean no. of enterprise is 3.820 with S.D 1.388. The Coefficient of variance (CV) is 36.338 per cent which indicates that the distribution pattern of the variable is fairly consistent.

The present research had been conducted to study the Entrepreneurial behaviour of farmers in farmer producer organisations(FPO) in selected block of Odisha and in the end the comparison is made. The study had been conducted on 2 Farmer producer organisations (FPO) of Ranpur block from Nayagarh district of Odisha. A pilot study was conducted to understand the area,its people, institution ,communication and extension system of these states.

An exhaustive list of respondents was prepared critically with the help of FPO members. From the list, 100 respondents were selected for the study through Snowball sampling method. The primary data were collected with the help of structured interviewschedule by following the personal interview method. The secondary data werecollected from our departmental library, internet, Department of Agriculture, Odisha, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya ,etc.for establishing the conceptual framework of the study.

Introduction

Sustainable farming, rooted in the harmonious interaction between nature and agriculture, stands as a beacon of hope for India's agricultural landscape, paving the way for a resilient and ecologically balanced future. In a world increasingly confronted by environmental challenges, the urgency to adopt sustainable farming practices has become paramount, and India, with its rich agricultural heritage, exemplifies a tapestry of wisdom and innovation in this regard.For millennia, India's agrarian communities have cultivated a deep relationship with the land, inheriting traditional farming practices that fostered harmony with nature. From the ancient techniques of the Indus Valley Civilization to the holistic principles of Ayurveda influencing farming methods, the country's agricultural history is a repository of sustainable wisdom. These practices, ingrained in the cultural fabric, not only sustained livelihoods but also preserved the ecological equilibrium.

Introduction

Agriculture came into existence around 12,000 years ago laying foundations for human civilization, helping people to live in a permanent settlement instead of a continuous nomadic lifestyle. The primitive form of farming was subsistence farming, where all the crops and livestock raised by the farmers was solely for the consumption of their family or community. People exchanged what they produced. The activity of marketing was just an activity of distribution. With development of civilization with social stratification, developed transportation and communication, the process of marketing became necessary and complex at the same time.

Introduction

The agricultural sector stands at a crossroads, facing the dual challenge of meeting the escalating global demand for food while grappling with the impact of climate change and an aging farming population. In this context, the empowerment of youth emerges as a beacon of hope, holding the key to transforming agriculture into a dynamic, sustainable, and innovative sector. This chapter embarks on a journey to explore the pivotal role of empowering youth in agriculture, underscoring its significance not only on a global scale but also within the vibrant context of India, notably in the state of Odisha.

Introduction

In the verdant landscapes and bustling fields of India, the heartbeat of a nation pulses through its agriculture. For millennia, farming has been not just a livelihood but an intrinsic part of the cultural fabric, shaping traditions, festivals, and the very essence of community life. Yet, the modern agricultural practices, driven by the pursuit of higher yields, have strained the very soil that nurtured this civilization for centuries. In this crucible of tradition and progress, a beacon of hope emerges - regenerative agriculture - offering a path to restore, revitalize, and safeguard India's precious ecosystems.

Introduction

In an era defined by unprecedented connectivity and shared global challenges, the assurance of food security emerges as a cornerstone of human welfare and societal stability. At its core, the concept of global food security embodies a delicate equilibrium—wherein the abundant availability, accessibility, utilization, and consistency of nutritious sustenance are assured for all. Yet, this equilibrium remains precariously fragile amidst a confluence of modern predicaments. The imperatives of nourishment transcend mere sustenance; they intertwine with the fabric of public health, economic fortitude, and societal harmony. The imperious need to address food security issues stems from the stark realities it imposes: a profound impact on individual health, the stifling of economic prosperity, and the potential for social unrest. 

1. Introduction

A key element in the world of agriculture, agricultural extension has long been seen as the link between scientific knowledge and the practical needs of farmers. This chapter examines how technological advancements, particularly those related to artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT), are fundamentally altering agricultural extension services and the agricultural industry as a whole.

1.1 Definition of Agricultural Extension

The process of sharing knowledge, information, and innovations with farmers and rural communities in order to enhance their agricultural practices and, in turn, their livelihoods, is known as agricultural extension.

Introduction

The agricultural landscape is not just about cultivating fields; it's a narrative woven with resilience, dedication, and untold stories of women who have been the backbone of this fundamental sector for centuries. Their contributions, often overlooked or undervalued, are the bedrock of agricultural sustenance worldwide. Throughout history, women have played multifaceted roles in agriculture, nurturing crops, tending to livestock, and managing households while being instrumental in the evolution of farming practices. Despite their pivotal roles, societal norms and systemic biases have marginalized their contributions, limiting access to resources, land ownership, education, and decision-making power.

Introduction

The foundation of human civilization has traditionally been agriculture, which offers sustenance, economic security, and a strong bond with the land. Nevertheless, although playing a crucial role, the global agricultural sector faces many difficulties, including resource shortages and climate change as well as a fast-expanding population. The empowerment of women and young people in agriculture stands out as a critical answer in this situation, driving not only agricultural sustainability but also promoting social and economic advancement. In agriculture, empowerment refers to the fair inclusion and active involvement of women and young people in all facets of the industry, including leadership and decision-making as well as production and distribution. It admits that despite these groups' enormous latent potential, they have been ignored and underutilized for far too long.

Introduction

The dawn of the 21st century brings with it unprecedented challenges for agriculture - challenges that demand a departure from conventional practices and a harmonious integration of spirituality and sustainable methodologies. In this pursuit, Bio Dynamic Farming emerges as a beacon, guiding farmers to cultivate not only crops but also a deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions intertwined with the earth's rhythms. Rooted in the visionary teachings of Rudolf Steiner and his anthroposophical principles, Bio Dynamic Farming transcends the mechanistic view of agriculture, offering a holistic paradigm where spirituality and sustainable agriculture dance in unison.

Introduction

As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the agricultural sector faces escalating challenges. The need for climate-resilient agriculture has never been more urgent. This chapter embarks on a journey to unravel the intricacies of adapting farming practices to changing weather patterns. It explores the multifaceted nature of climate change impacts on agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and resilient solutions.

Understanding Climate Change And Agriculture

The chapter begins by elucidating the current state of climate change and its specific implications for agriculture. It highlights shifts in temperature, altered precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, underscoring the urgency for proactive adaptation measures.

Frequently referred to as "vegetable confetti," microgreens are produced from a variety of commercially grown food crops, including cereals, vegetables and herbs. They contain completely formed cotyledons that may or may not have partially extended genuine leaves (Treadwell et al., 2020). Seven to twenty-one days after germination, the exact piece of the delicate plant's growing stem is removed, along with the cotyledon leaves and maybe the real leaves (Galieni et al., 2020). Despite their small size, these useful micro veggies offer exceptional sensory qualities, including flavour, texture, scent, look and unusual colours. They normally have a height of 2-8 centimetres.

The main micro and macro nutrients associated with microgreens are Fe, Zn, K, Ca, N, P, S, Mn, Se and others. Microgreens are a fantastic source of biological phytochemicals, which can significantly improve both human health and disease. In addition to these mineral components, the key bioactive compounds including ascorbic acid, phylloquinone, tocopherol, beta-carotene, phenolic antioxidants, carotenoids, anthocyanins, glucosinolates and sugar content are said to be present in higher concentrations in microgreens. The numerous bioactive phytochemicals (Table 2) that are present in the various types of microgreens are covered in more detail in the ensuing subsections:

Even while the world is ageing, it is not prepared for it. There are 962 million people over 60 in the world as of 2017 with 310.0 million of them living in wealthy countries and 652.2 million in developing ones, according to data from the UN's Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA-UN 2017). According to projections, there would be 2.1 billion seniors worldwide by the year 2050 (rich countries: 421.4 million, developing countries: 1670.5 million). By 2030, 80% of the old people in the globe will live in developing countries (DESA-UN, 2015). Elderly individuals in rural developing countries confront challenges such as the lack of pension coverage, work difficulty and high medical costs. Their poor diets and deteriorating poverty raise their risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer (Marshall et al., 2001). 

There are several difficulties involved with consuming and storing microgreens. Addressing low shelf life and putting into practice efficient postharvest management for microgreens provide formidable challenges for researchers. It's critical to comprehend any relationships that might exist between spoiling and human pathogen contamination. Research has indicated that microgreens including basil, lettuce, parsley, melons, and spinach can have infections from pathogens during the seed-to-harvest stage (Alegbeleye et al., 2018). Growing environments that support the growth or transfer of microorganisms, processing techniques that expose the crop to contaminants from people or animals, and physiological traits of the plant that facilitate contact and binding with microorganisms are some of the factors that contribute to this risk (Maluin et al., 2021). Because external fertilizers and manures are applied sparingly, there is little contamination even though microgreens are protected from pests and insects by controlled surroundings.

There is a high demand for arable land to meet food demand and end malnutrition due to the growth of megacities and the global urban population. To enhance yield per unit area, conventional agricultural practises result in agricultural intensification and land clearing for crop cultivation. It has been established that these behaviours have a negative effect on the ecosystem, including soil and water contamination. It is crucial to take into account the application of vertical farming technology which makes use of both horizontal and vertical space and utilises nutrients, water and time (off-season production with artificial illumination) more efficiently to create a larger yield per unit volume of area than conventional outdoor farming. Since microgreens are rich in phytonutrients and are easily harvested, it is being thought of to grow them utilising cutting-edge vertical farming technology. Forest area being turned over to agriculture causes deforestation, the depletion of natural resources like groundwater, loss of biodiversity due to the destruction of habitats, increased soil erosion and greenhouse gas emissions.

The impact of biotic and abiotic constraints, the machinery revolution, faster access to information, city development, social and economic context, climate changes that affect agricultural products and people's movement from one region to another, population income, new cropping technologies adapted to people's demand for food diversification and supply, technical and genetic progress, the impact of biotic and abiotic constraints, the machinery revolution, faster access to information and city development have all had an impact on agricultural market trends over the last ten years. (Bonciu et al., 2020a, Bonciu et al., 2020b).

Introduction

Another limitation in a remote area such as the high-altitude region is the steady supply of wholesome and fresh food. Indian troops are stationed up to 2200 feet above sea level; generally speaking, high altitude is defined as elevations between 8000 and 15,000 feet above sea level. When someone who is not acclimated to high altitudes is exposed, they can experience a set of symptoms known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). One of the most severe symptoms of AMS is hypoxia. There may be neurological and cerebral symptoms, such as diminished ability to focus for extended periods, memory problems, problems with hearing and vision, vertigo and tinnitus, and irritability. The low appetite may persist; additional issues linked to high altitude include anorexia with weight loss, sleeplessness, and physical and emotional exhaustion.

Microgreens are tiny seedlings of some wild species as well as edible herbs, cereals, and vegetables. They are developed from the seeds of vegetables, legumes, herbs, and cereals and are regarded as immature greens (requiring light for photosynthesis and growing medium). They are picked shortly after the single set of true leaves has emerged from the cotyledon leaves. According to Xiao et al. (2012), microgreens have 4-6 times the nutritional density of their mature counterparts.

Importance of Light in Microgreens Growth

Microgreens depend heavily on light for their growth and development. Microgreens, being photosynthetic organisms, are very dependent on light for the process of photosynthesis, which produces energy. Sufficient exposure to light is necessary for the production of chlorophyll, for vigorous leaf growth, and for the accumulation of beneficial chemicals such carotenoids and phenolics (Mocanu et al., 2021). Research by Demotes-Mainard et al. (2016) and Kopsell et al. (2005) highlights the direct relationship between microgreens' phytochemical composition and light quality, showing how changes in light spectrum affect it.

Purpose of Growing Microgreens in Space Farming

Microgreens are a perfect dietary ingredient in space because of their special benefits, which have been explained in earlier chapters. In an atmosphere of a spaceship with limited water and electrical power for artificial illumination, their comparatively low light and water consumption are advantageous. Furthermore, because spaceships and shelters have limited capacity, microgreens' tiny size might be advantageous. Given the right sanitization procedures, microgreens may be harvested fresh and consumed right away. Their striking colour and robust flavour may also improve meal presentation and pique astronauts' appetites. 

Information and communication technology (ICT) is the combination of hardware, software and the means of production that enables the collection, exchange, processing and management of information and knowledge. It includes social media, portals, websites, kisan call centers and expert systems etc.,

Need of ICT in agriculture and rural development

• For increasing the productivity and efficiency in agriculture
• Globalization, Modernization, Challenges and Opportunities across the world for Sharing of knowledge.
• Public Expenditure and gaps in extension could be reduced
• For effective utilization of available platforms
• Penetration of smartphones even in villages and the transfer of information

Cyber extension

Cyber extension means extension over cyberspace. In the applied context of agriculture cyber extension means using of power of online networks, communications channels and interactive multimedia to improve information access for farmers, extension workers, research scientists and extension managers.

Advantages of cyber extension

1. Cyber extension will save time, money, and effort
2. Cyber extension reduces the dependence of the farmers on extension functionaries
3. Easily accessible in remote areas
4. Can provide an early warning system before the natural disaster
5. Cyber extension will be available continuously.

Conference

A conference is a formal gathering where people come together to discuss, exchange ideas, present research and engage in discussions on specific topics or fields of interest. These gatherings can vary widely in scale, purpose and format, bringing together professionals, researchers, academics, industry experts, or enthusiasts.

Audio conferencing

Its also called Teleconference, which means meeting a group or party via a phone call instead of meeting them physically. In most cases, standard telephone lines and speakerphones are employed. The person who starts the audio conference called the calling party and the people who are attending the calls are known as participants. Technology requirement of the audio conference:

1. Phone/Computer with access to internet connection
2. Speakers
3. Microphone

Kisan Call Centre (1551)

The department of agriculture and cooperation (DAC) Ministry of agriculture, Government of India launched kisan call centres on January 21, 2004 across the country to deliver extension services to the farming community. It provides information in all major languages through toll-free telephone no 1551 and 1800180 1551 from 6 a.m. to 10.p.m. on all 7 days of a week. on BSNL routes. With a view to monitor the KCC activities a state level monitoring committee (SLMC) has been constituted in each KCC. Presently there are — kccs in the country.

The kisan call centers consists of three levels

The intersection of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with agriculture has sparked a transformative revolution in the farming landscape. ICT projects in agriculture represent a paradigm shift, leveraging technological advancements to optimize farming practices, enhance productivity and ensure sustainable food production. From precision farming and data-driven decision-making to innovative tools and connectivity solutions, these projects harness the power of digital innovation to address challenges and drive efficiency across the agricultural sector. In this era where technology has become a cornerstone of progress, ICT projects stand as beacons of hope, ushering in a new era of smarter, more resilient and eco-conscious agriculture. The initiatives of ICT projects in agriculture and allied sectors

M-Agriculture

Mobile phones have changed the scenario of telecommunication. It is a source of communication for fast dissemination of information. Today, mobile usage has enabled farming communities to access agricultural and other business information without travelling long distances or reducing costs, time and money. Keeping in view the lower ratio of the farmer to the extension worker (1000: 1) and the inability of the extension workers to guide the farmers as per their information needs, the new concept of m-Agriculture (m-Krishi) has emerged at the beginning of twenty-first century all over the world including India.