eChapters

The 1980s and 1990s saw a few shifts in how we view development. There has been a significant ideological change in favour of privatisation. Since the 1990s, there has been an increase in the participation of the private sector (which deals with agro-inputs, agribusiness, and financial services), non governmental organisations (both local and international), producer groups, cooperatives, and associations, as well as independent and connected to or employed by agri-business/producer associations consultants and ICT (Information and Communication technologies) based services.

Introduction

In the animal kingdom, there are many animals with a concrete social system in their ranks. Animals like lions, wolves, and apes have complex social systems in their lives. And what is the most important thing in a functional social system? It’s communication! Communication is the most important function in any social system, which binds that system.

And what organism has the most complex social system? It’s humans. Thus, the human social system requires a very complex communication system.

Introduction

Agriculture plays important role in boosting economic activity of farmers. Since it transfers new technologies within the knowledge and information system, it has special features related to knowledge, innovation, and those three. Agribusiness farming needs the diffusion of innovation. Many farmers were unable to boost their earnings. The development of the agribusiness and the welfare of the farmer were both significantly influenced by innovation. Diffusion includes three fairly distinct processes i.e. presentation of the new culture element or elements to the society, acceptance by the society, and the integration of the accepted element or elements into the pre-existing culture (Linton, 1936).

Introduction

Diffusion is the process by which an innovation is transmitted to the members of a social system over some time and through channels in a specified manner. According to Rogers (1962), this is a unique form of communication in which the messages are focused on innovative concepts. The concepts can include (i) A new idea, (ii) An idea that is communicated via certain channels (iii) Among the members of a social system (iv) Overtime. On the other hand, the adoption process is the mental process through which an individual passes from first hearing about an innovation to final adoption, as defined by Rogers (1962).

Meaning and Definitions

Agricultural journalism refers to the specialized field of journalism focused on reporting, analyzing, and disseminating information related to agriculture, farming, rural development, and related topics. It plays a crucial role in educating and informing the public, policymakers, and stakeholders about the agricultural sector, its challenges, innovations, and contributions to society.

Here are a few definitions of agricultural journalism.

Introduction

The emergence of the green revolution highlighted the significance of agricultural communication. Its strategy and attitude were modified to reflect the priorities of contemporary agriculture. Earlier attempts at agricultural journalism drew their power mostly from agricultural extension rather than journalism or mass communication. The primary objective was to provide farmers with a collection of techniques authored by scientists or subject matter experts about a variety of crops. Due to the lack of synergy between journalism and extension, agricultural journalism stalled for many years..

1.1 Introduction

The greenhouse industry is rapidly growing, particularly in mild climates, and is crucial for providing access to fresh and clean food. Greenhouses provide an optimal climate for crops to grow and protect them from outside pests. Furthermore, greenhouse production has the potential to reduce water waste and implement integrated protection and production (IPP). It is essential to consider the environmental impact of protected cultivation, and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool for evaluating these impacts.

2.1 Introduction

Greenhouses are used mainly for cultivating vegetables and fruits during the off-season to provide favorable growing conditions. Proper management of the greenhouse structure is necessary to create these off-seasonal favorable conditions for plants. Factors like site selection, location, atmospheric conditions, cropping pattern, and structure of the greenhouse are considered during the development of a greenhouse. The National Committee on the use of Plastics in Agriculture (NCPA-1982) suggests conducting site-specific greenhouse technology trials before implementation across the nation.

3.1 Introduction

Greenhouses are buildings with a controlled environment that facilitate plant culture and development. They offer protection from adverse external weather conditions, high temperatures, strong winds, and pests, while providing an ideal environment for plant growth. The construction of a greenhouse involves the use of various materials to ensure its structural stability, longevity, light transmission, and insulation. The different components of the greenhouse, such as the frame, flooring, and covering, are constructed using different materials such as wood, aluminum, steel, concrete, soil, gravel, and more.

4.1 Introduction

Experts predict that the global population will exceed 9.6 billion by 2050. This, coupled with the rise of urbanization, the scarcity of arable land, and the destructive effects of climate change, poses significant challenges for agriculture and food production worldwide. To combat these challenges, new horticultural research techniques must be implemented to enhance productivity and efficiency, improve nutrition, and ensure food security, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Greenhouse technology has made remarkable strides in recent years, allowing for the manipulation of internal growth elements like temperature, light intensity, and CO2 concentration to create optimal growing conditions

Solar heat plays a pivotal role in the functioning of greenhouses, serving as a primary energy source that influences the internal climate crucial for plant growth. The absorption of solar radiation by the greenhouse covering material initiates a complex process of heat transfer, involving conduction, convection, and radiation. This solar energy, once absorbed, contributes to elevating the temperature within the greenhouse, creating a favorable environment for plants. A fundamental understanding of solar heat dynamics is essential for optimizing greenhouse design and operational efficiency.

6.1 Introduction

Greenhouses play an essential role in modern agriculture and horticulture by providing a regulated environment for plant development. To ensure optimal growing conditions and maximum yields, it’s crucial to maintain the temperature inside these structures effectively. This leads us to the fascinating subject of “Heating and Cooling of Greenhouses,” where we investigate the delicate balance between temperature, humidity, and ventilation to promote plant health and production. With greenhouses, growing seasons can be extended, a broader range of crops can be grown, and even plants that would not do well in the local environment can thrive.

7.1 Introduction

The practice of greenhouse management has become a crucial method for extending growing seasons, improving crop quality, and maximizing yield potential in modern agriculture. Shedding and ventilation are critical elements that determine the effectiveness of greenhouse operations. They are pivotal in creating a delicate ecology where plants can find shelter in a controlled environment that protects them from the elements while enabling exact changes to temperature, humidity, and light.

8.1 Introduction

The management of greenhouse environments has become crucial in modern agriculture due to increasing concerns about climate change and the urgent need for sustainable farming practices. Greenhouses, also known as “controlled environment agriculture” facilities, have revolutionized the way we grow food by extending the growing season and allowing us to cultivate a wide range of plants in various climates. They achieve this by precisely regulating environmental elements such as temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide concentration, which are all crucial for optimizing plant growth and yield.

9.1 Introduction

The world is facing various challenges, including climate change, population growth, and decreasing fertile land. It is necessary for the agricultural sector to shift towards sustainability and innovation. To revolutionize traditional farming practices, alternative cropping systems and advanced technologies like plant tissue culture in greenhouses are being explored. The goal is to optimize resource utilization, enhance crop resilience, and reduce the environmental impact. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as plant tissue culture, crops can be propagated and cultivated within controlled environments like greenhouses, ensuring global food security and meeting the growing population’s demands.

In the world of greenhouse cultivation, achieving optimal plant growth, maintaining robust health, and effectively managing pests is crucial for successful crop production. It requires a comprehensive approach to balance various factors, including chemical growth regulation, disease control, and pest management. Greenhouse technology plays a vital role in providing a controlled environment to fine-tune these variables. As we dive into the details of this delicate balance, it becomes clear how important it is to combine science and technology to find innovative solutions to ensure thriving crops while minimizing environmental impact.

11.1 Introduction

Horticultural crops are grown by farmers with the aim of generating profit. For a business to prosper, it is crucial that its products are delivered to customers who are satisfied with their quality and value, and who will continue to purchase them. Therefore, growers must continually meet consumers’ demand for fresh greenhouse-grown items by utilizing all available technology and expertise in producing, harvesting, packaging, storing, transporting, and marketing their goods. The needs of the consumer should drive production.

12.1 Introduction

It is important to note that growing crops in a greenhouse requires a significant f inancial and administrative commitment. In order to ensure profitability, firms need to consider both cash flow and profitability. An enterprise budget can help address profitability potential by itemizing costs incurred across a typical production cycle. On the other hand, a cash flow budget is used to analyze the cash inflows and outflows of the enterprise over a fixed period of time.

Greenhouses have become an essential part of modern agriculture as they offer controlled environments for plant growth, research, and horticultural practices. This chapter discusses the various applications of greenhouses, which include extending growing seasons, improving crop yields, supporting botanical research, and producing ornamental plants. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of repair and maintenance in greenhouse operations. Understanding the repair and maintenance protocols is crucial to ensure the sustained functionality of heating systems, water management, and structural components.

Concept of Evaluation

Evaluation is the structured interpretation and giving of meaning to predict or actual impacts of proposals or results. It looks at original objectives, and at what are either predicted or what was accomplished and how it was accomplished.

Context Based Meaning and Concept

The meaning of evaluation is the way of judging or calculating the quality, importance, amount, or value of something: Evaluation of this new treatment cannot take place until all the data has been collected.

In its earliest uses (documented in the 15th century), context meant “the weaving together of words in language.” This sense, now obsolete, developed logically from the word’s source in Latin, contexere “to weave or join together.

Evaluation Theory vs Practice

Theory based evaluation is an approach to evaluation (i.e., a conceptual analytical model) and not a specific method or technique. It is a way of structuring and undertaking analysis in an evaluation. A theory of change explains how an intervention is expected to produce its results

What are Evaluation Theories?

Identify and Describe Program You Want to Evaluate

The first step in conducting a program evaluation is to clarify why we are doing it, what we want to achieve, and what we will focus on. This will help us to define the evaluation questions, criteria, indicators and methods that will guide our data collection and analysis.

What is Program Evaluation?

Evaluating the Evaluation

To present clarity, representation of components of program, stake holders, senility, needs of target group, sample, data, technical adequacy, data collection methods cost, recommendation the steps have been described below as per syllabus contents prescribed by ICAR.

Evaluating the Evaluation

Network in Project Management

A project network is a graph that shows the activities, duration, and inter dependencies of tasks within our project.

Networking is a crucial aspect of project management that can provide various benefits, including access to new job opportunities, industry insights, and professional development opportunities.

What is network with diagram?

A Brief History of Project Management.

Bennett’s Hierarchy

To set the scene for this we head back to the 1970s when Claude Bennett worked as a specialist in evaluation with the extension service. He wanted to make sure that extension was collecting information that was able to illustrate the effectiveness of extension, and help extension improve its services to clients. So, he developed seven categories of criteria for evaluating extension programmes based on what he called a ‘seven link chain of events. He put these into a hierarchy literally in his article describing this-as a diagram of seven steps.

Logical Framework Approach (LFA) Background and Description, Variation of LFA

Definition The Logical Framework Approach or LFA is a systematic and analytical process for objectives-oriented project planning and management

Background: The Logical Framework Approach (LFA) was developed for USAID in the 1960s. Since then, it has been adopted and adapted by many other international development organisations. Among them was the German agency GTZ, which derived its Goal-Oriented Project Planning (ZOPP) from it.

Introduction

Impact studies isolate the effect of an intervention by assuring that there is clean comparison between a treatment group that received the intervention and a comparison group that is just the same except that it did not get the intervention.

Impact studies test whether one thing causes another. Just knowing scores have gone up following an intervention doesn’t mean improvement is attributable to that intervention.

The data are generated from an impact study used to identify best practices, to replicate successful programs or policies, and to avoid mistakes that might have negative implications for future projects.

Indicators for Impact Assessment-meaning and Concept

Indicators for impact assessment: Indicators are common tools to determine the performance and then the result of the technology/extension/communication interventions. They measure the accomplishment of the project’s goals and targets. Criteria of indicators should be defined during the formulation stage, but they often need to be specified in greater detail during implementation. The indicators should measure intangible and non-tangible changes, particularly in projects that value factors such as personal and social development.

Impact Assessment Approach-Quantitative, Qualitative Participatory and Mixed Methods with Their Advantages and Disadvantages

Quantitative research approach

 Qualitative research approach

 Participatory research approach

Mixed method research approach

Advantages of Quantitative Research

Concept of Environmental Impact Assessment Introduction, what it is, who does it, how it is done?

Environmental Impact assessment (EIA) is the estimation of the environmental consequences of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action.

Introduction to EIA

An EIA may be defined as: a formal process to predict the environmental consequences of human development activities and to plan appropriate techniques to eliminate or reduce adverse effects and to augment positive effects. to enhance positive effects.

SWOT Analysis-Concept

Concept of SWOT

The concept of SWOT surfaced in 1960 as, management tool indicating four dimensions of strength, weakness, opportunity and threat and is widely used in business organizations. It’s use is very common in judging the prospectus of any organization particularly rural projects. It’s four attributes have wider applicability to decide whether to move ahead or not.

Origin of SWOT

Introduction 

It is estimated that over 795 million people, which is equivalent to one out of every nine individuals, are suffering from undernutrition. These people are mostly found in rural areas and in countries that are still in the process of developing. Technologies that are either brand new, already in use, or in the process of being developed have the potential to address all four aspects of food security. Increasing the availability of food, for instance, may be accomplished via the use of genetic modification, methods for boosting the fertility of soil, and contemporary irrigation innovation (Tripathi et al?, 2019).

Introduction

According to FAO (1994), pulses, a subgroup of legumes, are crop plant members of the Leguminosae family that produce edible seeds used for human and animal consumption. Legumes, which are harvested for dry grain, are classified as pulses. Grain legumes are used mainly for oil production, and vegetables are not considered pulses. Pulses are considered the heroes of nutrition as they are an excellent source of key nutrients, including carbohydrates, dietary fibers, protein, vitamins, and minerals, with health-promoting benefits. Pulses are a rich source of essential micronutrients, such as iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins, including folate, thiamin, and niacin.

Introduction

In recent years, agriculture has undergone a transformative evolution driven by technological advancements. Precision Agriculture (PA) has emerged as a revolutionary approach to farming, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to optimize resource utilization, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable practices. The integration of technology into crop management processes has played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of precision and efficiency. This essay explores the significance of technology integration for sustainable crop management in precision agriculture, emphasizing its potential to address global challenges such as food security, resource depletion, and environmental sustainability.

Introduction

It is impossible to overestimate the crucial impact that plant breeding, a fundamental branch of agricultural science, has played in determining the course of societies throughout history. The foundation of agricultural advancement throughout history has been the creation and spread of improved crop varieties, which have a profound effect on farmers’ socioeconomic conditions everywhere. This effort involves strategically enhancing crop types to meet the evolving demands of communities and farmers.

Introduction

In the contemporary landscape of economic development, the fusion of sustainable technology practices with growth strategies has emerged as a compelling imperative. This chapter embarks on an exploration of the intricate interplay between sustainable technology practices and economic development. As societies grapple with the escalating challenges of environmental degradation and resource depletion, the integration of innovative technologies becomes pivotal for forging a path towards sustainable and resilient economies.

Introduction

Globally, the tech revolution in agriculture is a game-changer. Yields per hectare surged 21% from 2000 to 2018, a trend powered by precision agriculture utilizing drones, sensors and AI. This data-driven approach slashes fertilizer and water use by 15% and 30% respectively, saving billions globally (Kumar and Aithal, 2023). Automation through driverless tractors and robotic milking machines boosts farm efficiency by 20%, while e-commerce platforms connect farmers directly to markets, inflating their profit margins by 10%.

Introduction

The Greek terms hydro, which means water and ponos, which means labor are the roots of the word hydroponics, which literally means water work. Maharana and Koul (2011) defined hydroponics as a technique of growing plants in soil less conditions with their roots immersed in a nutrient solution. According to Savaas (2017), hydroponics can be briefly defined as the cultivation of plants without soil. So, it is clear that in hydroponics, plants are grown without soil, and they get nutrients from nutrient solutions added to water.

Introduction

Soil erosion is becoming a global challenge, causing various effects such as reducing crop yields, degradation of water quality, leading to inundation, degrading land by making it unsuitable for agriculture and others. Moreover, it is a significant problem that poses a devastating impact on food security, livelihoods, and the environment. It not only depletes the fertile soil needed for agriculture but also leads to reduced agricultural productivity, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate change.

Introduction

Food habit of Indian people is mostly cereal based and depends on Rice, Wheat and Maize for their staple food. Although, there are thousands of indigenous plant species which are rich in nutrition and locally or regionally adapted and accepted but not included in the modern food systems. Presently, food security is largely dependent on a handful number of crops. Modern agricultural systems promote the cultivation of high-yielding crop species, with the intensification of a limited number of species.

Introduction

Bihar lies in the river plains of the basin of the river Ganga. It is endowed with fertile alluvial soil ground water resources. This makes the agriculture of Bihar rich and diverse. Bihar is one of the major producers of fruits in India with 6.7 percent of national production respectively. It ranks sixth among other States in the production of fruits respectively. Considering versatile climatic feature of Bihar, there is huge potential to grow almost all the fruits. The major fruit crops grown in Bihar are Litchi, Mango, Guava, Banana, etc. Minor crops like Makhana, Pineapple, strawberry are also grown.

Green Marketing

Agriculture is one of the foremost vital divisions of India’s economy given its tremendous land resources and conducive climate the share of agriculture within the Indian economy was as high as 35 within the 1960s which has reduced over time with the advancement in manufacturing and services segment within the nation within the late 1950s and early 1960s the nation had been ridden with different issues counting serious nourishment insufficiency different endeavors have been made since independence to implement successful rural arrangements to move forward the generation level in agriculture and hence supporting both producers and consumers post-independence the center of agrarian arrangement was on guaranteeing nourishment security to fight with emergency like shortage of nourishment and low yield rates between 1960 and 1970 the far reaching selection of rice and wheat was advanced together with a cluster of steady activities around production subsidies minimum support prices public procurement storage and distribution of nourishment grains and trade protection.

Introduction

There is a large market for organic products, growers worldwide are faced with a potentially dangerous situation. While the majority of organic farmers prioritize soil quality, encompassing the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soils, they often employ several inversion tillage techniques (Ploughing, disking and cultivating) to prepare seedbeds, integrate cover crops, and control weeds. These actions may worsen the condition of the soil. (Bruulsema et al?, 2003).

Introduction

Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the global economy and provides food, fibre, and other crucial commodities to the world’s population. With the increasing global population, there is a need to improve agricultural efficiency and productivity to fulfil the growing demand for food. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has been recognized as a critical factor in the development of agriculture and rural areas. In recent years, e-extension has emerged as a promising ICT tool for agriculture development, enabling farmers to access information and services remotely.

Introduction

The seventh-largest country in the world, India has a total size of 328 million hectares (mha). As of 2015–16, only 42.6% of the overall geographical area, or around 140 mha, is under cultivation, with nearly half of this land (156.4 mha) being arable. Despite accounting for only 16.5% of India’s GDP, the agricultural industry employs the greatest percentage of people (about 42.3% in 2019), including 71% of women working in rural regions.  

Introduction

Both the technology generation system and the technology transfer system play crucial roles in agriculture. For a very long time, research through the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), such as the Department of Agriculture Services (DARS), and other research institutions, such as Universities, has produced a vast body of innovations and technological information (Drechsel et al?, 2004). Despite the many promising improvements that researchers have produced, there is still very little application for them (Doss, 2005). A greater knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the distribution and acceptance of agricultural research output is necessary to know the cause of the low levels of technology uptake (Garforth, 1998).

Introduction

The total geographical area for farming is 328.7 million hectares whereas, only 139.4 million hectares are a net sown area in India (NHB). India is known as an agricultural powerhouse where small and marginal farmers are at the centre of the Indian rural economy. States like Punjab and Haryana have 80% of the net sown area whereas, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur have only 10% of the net sown area. With the population increasing every year, innovative farming method should be used to feed the large population, utilising vertical space to make the most limited space and time.

Introduction

We live in India, a country which is in its developing phase and would be developed soon and also where most of the population is concentrated in the rural areas. So, eventually, rural development emerges to be of much importance for the overall economic development of the nation. But it’s a big disgrace for us that the population in the majority lies below the line of poverty. The development of households in rural areas is of much significantly related to entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship can be regarded as a tool to fasten up the process of rural development.

Introduction

The ongoing need to create effective agricultural systems that can meet a farmer’s needs is driven by the demand for food, feed, fodder, and natural resources. More than 86 percent of Indian farm families, compromising marginal and small farmers, live in risky, diversified production conditions. There is limited room for horizontal growth of land for agriculture due to the increasing population and declining land per capita. Small and marginal farmers, who make up 84.97 percent of all operational holdings and operating 44.31 percent of the area, need a powerful tool to ensure income, livelihood security, nutritional security and employment in a sustainable manner.

Introduction

Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most significant variables influencing the economic development of society and the growth of every country. In addition to human resources, effective resource management is also essential for a nation’s success. Entrepreneurship involves the act of creating something as an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs are thought to play a key function in initiating and maintaining socioeconomic development. As women cover up approximately half of the population their societal status significantly significantly impact the country’s development.