eChapters

Pankaj Kumar Singh and Chandramoni

Introduction

The term “probiotic” is derived from Greek and means pro: for and bios: life (for life) in contradiction to antibiotic which means: against life. The term probiotic was first introduced by Lilly and Stillwel (1965) to describe growth-promoting factors produced by microorganisms. Parker (1974) first specified designation “probiotic”. He defined probiotics as microorganisms or substances, which contribute to the balance of the intestinal micro flora. Crawford (1979) defined probiotics as a culture of specific living microorganisms, primarily Lactobacillus spp. that are implanted in the organism and ensure the rapid and effective establishment of a beneficial intestinal population. Fuller (1989) discussed the definition given by Parker (1974) and considered it too broad, as cultures, cells, and metabolites are also included in antibiotic preparations. He redefined “probiotic” as a live microbial feed additive, which beneficially affects the animal by improving its microbial balance. Havenaar et al. (1992) pointed out that the definition of “probiotic” made by Fuller (1989) was restricted to feed supplements, animals, and their intestinal tract. Therefore, they generalized Fuller’s definition of “probiotic” as a mono or mixed culture of living microorganisms, which beneficially affect the host by improving the properties of the indigenous micro-flora. Through 1989, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) advised manufactures to use the term: “direct-fed microbial” (DFM) instead of “probiotic” (Miles and Bootwalla, 1991). The USFDA defined DFM as a source of live naturally occurring microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast. Vanbelle et al. (1990) pointed out that most researchers considered “probiotic” for selected and concentrated viable counts of lactic acid bacteria. Koh et al. (1992) pointed out that as a biological product for newly hatched chicks a bacterial culture producing acetic acid could be used. Such a culture might be supplied to the chicks either through their drinking water or by the feed. For controlling the biological balance in the chicken’s intestinal tract different probiotics may be used. The US National Food Ingredient Association presented, probiotics (direct fed microbial) as a source of live naturally occurring microorganisms and this includes bacteria, fungi and yeast (Miles and Bootwalla, 1991). According to the currently adopted definition by FAO, probiotics are: “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” (FAO/WHO, 2001). More precisely, probiotics are live microorganisms of nonpathogenic and nontoxic in nature, which when administered through the digestive route, are favorable to the host’s health (Guillot, et al., 1998; Thomke and Elwinger, 1998,).

Abstract

Promalin treatments significantly influenced the fruit set. Maximum per cent fruit set was observed under the split application of promailn 7+7 ppm. Promalin at 10+10 and 15+15 ppm concentrations and single application of 60 ppm also increased the fruit set. Yield efficiency (g/cm²) also increased to the maximum extent by promalin 7+7 ppm treatment. The average fruit length  increased significantly in 30 and 60 ppm promalin treatments, whereas maximum fruit diameter was recorded under 15 ppm treatment. The most striking effect of promalin was in improving fruit shape measured in terms of length/ diameter ratio(L/D ratio) and calyx lobe length. The maximum increase was observed under 60 ppm treatment closely followed by 30 ppm and 15+15 ppm split application of promalin. No significant effects of promalin treatments were observed on the return bloom in the following year of application. It can be concluded from the present investigations that promalin application at 60 ppm as a single dose or 15+15 ppm as split dose is useful in improving the fruiting and production of ‘typey’ fruits of Delicious apples when applied at king bloom stage. Promalin treatment is beneficial in improving fruit quality of Delicious apples in the marginal low lying and warmer apple production areas producing flattened fruits instead of oblong conical apple fruits.

ABSTRACT

Banana is one of the most accepted and versatile fruit crops across the globe and in Kerala, it is the most important economically profitable fruit crop grown, mainly by small and marginal farmers, providing a vital source of income. However, the productivity of this crop is very much reduced due to various diseases of which rhizome rot disease is an important one. In recent years, this disease has become a serious problem to the commercial cultivation of banana in southern states of India like Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.In Kerala the disease incidence is found to be nearly 30% and it will soon become cent percent if unnoticed since the disease is more seen in banana cultivated in paddy fields, and the area under the cultivation of banana in paddy fields in Kerala is rapidly increasing. The disease is caused by a gram negative bacterium, Erwinia carotovora. Developing an integrated management package involving biocontrol methods is the only remedy for managing the disease within the financial limits of the marginal farmers. With this intension a pot culture experiment was conducted to study the inhibitory effect of different biocontrol agents and botanicals in the incidence of the disease after testing their efficacy under in vitro cond itions. The results revealed that the biocont rol agent Pseudomonas flourescens (commercial preparation @ 7g /plant) was found to effective in managing the disease. The co- efficient of infection was found to be13.9% as against the control pot where it was 56.24%. With regard to the growth parameters also, the treatment with this biocontrol agent gave superior results. Thus it was proved that Pseudomonas flourescens (commercial preparation @ 7g /plant) could be successfully utilized in the integrated disease management making it cost effective.

Previous year questions

1. Introduction?

2. Role of private? Introduction

• The Indian seed industry used to be dominated by public sector seed companies. However, following the easing of government regulations and the implementation of a new seed policy in 1988, the private sector seed companies have started playing a major role in seed development and marketing.

• More recently, the government’s decision to embrace biotechnology as a means of achieving food security has attracted several leading biotechnology-focused multinational seed companies to India.

• The composition of the seed industry, by volume of turnover, has reportedly reached a ratio of 60:40 between the private and public sectors.

Introduction
Nanomedicine, utilizing nanoparticles for therapeutic purposes, has captured significant interest in both research and industry. Numerous FDA-approved products demonstrate its clinical potential. Liposomes, spherical vesicles with phospholipid bilayers, have emerged as a prominent platform for drug delivery. They offer a versatile carrier system for a wide range of therapeutics, including the successful encapsulation of doxorubicin, an anticancer agent, leading to improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Additionally, liposomes have been explored extensively for nucleic acid delivery, such as siRNA and DNA, enhancing cellular penetration and protecting drugs from degradation. Liposomes were among the first nanotechnologies to reach the market in 1995 and remain a major platform today. Notably, the first FDA-approved mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 (2020) utilizes lipidic/liposomal nanocarriers for delivery. However, despite their advantages, formulating, developing, and manufacturing liposomes presents significant challenges.
The complexity of nano formulations and nanomanufacturing stems from the unique physicochemical properties at the nanoscale. A greater number of variables need to be understood and optimized compared to traditional drug delivery systems. This lack of comprehensive understanding often leads to sensitivity and poor reproducibility in nano-preparations and manufacturing. For such complex systems, experimental approaches that identify critical parameters and their influence on the final product are crucial. Quality by Design (QbD) offers a solution, advocated for by various industries and regulatory bodies. QbD begins with defining the Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP), outlining the essential quality attributes (QA) of the final product for safety and efficacy. These QAs are influenced by critical material attributes (CMA) and process parameters (CPP). QbD then focuses on optimizing CMA and CPP by setting target specifications that ensure the desired QAs and ultimately achieve the QTPP (Alshaer et al., 2022).
A proper experimental design is employed to link CMA and CPP to QA. This facilitates establishing targeted specifications for materials, processes, and the final product. Furthermore, QbD enables the evaluation of multiple factors simultaneously and prioritizes QA through risk assessments. Given the success of liposomal-based drugs in clinical use and their diverse pre-clinical applications, a strategic and systematic approach to liposome development is necessary. QbD offers a framework to create better drug delivery systems for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. While previous research has explored QbD for liposomal drug delivery, there is a growing need to understand and describe the latest advancements in using QbD for liposomal formulations. This will pave the way for liposomalbased drug delivery systems with superior therapeutic outcomes and potential for industrial development (Alshweiat et al., 2019).

Introduction

Food is any substance or a product obtained from nature, which contains nutritive and non-nutritive components that help to maintain or improve the health of an individual if consumed in optimal amount (Sukhneet and Malhotra, 2014). Globalization of food production and procurement makes food chains longer and more complex and increases the risk of food safety incidents. Infections and diseases arising from contaminated/adulterated food remain threats to global public health (Havelaar et al., 2015; Luo et al., 2019). The WHO reports shows that every year foodborne diseases cause the death of 33 million people including many children (WHO, 2019). Food safety is linked to the presence of foodborne hazards in food at the point of consumption. Since food safety hazards can occur at any stage in the food chain it is essential that adequate control be in place. Therefore, a combined effort of all parties in the food chain is required to deliver safe food products to the final consumer. Effective and harmonized food safety systems shall manage and ensure the safety and suitability of food in each link of the supply chain.

Although the food industry has the prime responsibility of ensuring safe foods in most societies, the maintenance of a safe food supply is regarded as a responsibility of the government of that country. This responsibility has, over many years, led governments to adopt legislation, standards and regulations for food processing and to impose penalties when a business fails to meet the expectation. As with any legislation, an effective system for detecting failures to comply with the legal requirements increases compliance and hence, in this case, promotes food safety. Governments have an obligation to protect consumer health and this includes protection against food borne diseases. Food standards are therefore necessary to aid governments in protecting public health. However, the standards can only be effective when they are enforced through an efficient food control system. This therefore requires comprehensive legislation inspection, food monitoring and food borne surveillance. An efficient food control system must be supported by competent staff with good laboratory services. Political and institutional support and stability are also important elements.

Introduction

The Rispana river is a order of stream forming a tributary of Ganga. Its watershed covers an area of approximately 53.6 Km in the northern part of Dehradun city lies between 78^º30’ to 78^º15⁰’ longitude and 30^º15’ to 30^º 30’ latitude in top sheet No is 1/3. The area is covered in IRS - IC Pan of 13 Jan 1998 and LISS-III of 7 March 1997.

The Doon Valley is enriched with numerous seasonal and perennial streams. Which forms the lifetime or the inhabitants . The Rispana river is the part of the Ganga system of Drainage of the valley. The river originates from the Mussoorie hills, which are full of natural springs. The droplets from the springs collect and form numerous streamlets and these streamlets are joined to be these and they form the famous Shekhar Falls (north of Shahanshai Ashram about 5 Km away). Then the Rispana flows along Rajpur road over the Doon Gravels and then river passes through the tiny hamlets Nalapani, Raipur, Chanderroad, Defence colony, Amwala, Tapowan, Dandadhoran Adohiwala, Dalanwala, Gujram, Ajabpur and finally its contribute the water to the suswa River which intern joins the Ganga.

The role of remote sensing in fishery science is one of the established fact. But today remote sensing is used generally everywhere. Success of fishing depends upon capacity for fish detection. Traditional methods like sighting, listening, smelling, locating phosphorescent patches, blue or yellow patches and oily patches in water are absolute now. Application of acoustic devices such as echo sounders, sonar’s started in 1930. Satellite remote sensing technologies have been applied recently since 1980.

In India acoustic fish finder was used in 1946. However its application has remained insignificant. No acoustic survey has been carried out either in the Arabian sea or in the Bay of Bengal. In the Indian Ocean some headway was made in 1977 and there in 1982.

Satellite remote sensing is restricted to the surface of the ocean at present. The Satellite cannot use its sensors to penetrate the column of water. The two important ocean parameters in remote sensing of fish stocks are the colour and surface temperature. Colour is used to assess and map chlorophyll productivity and through fish productivity. Temperature on the other hand helps locating thermal fronts and upwelling Zones. There by assessing nutrient abundance as well as fish abundance.

In the Indian waters, air craft remote sensing has been used for locating shoots of pelagic fish like oil sardines and mackerels in the Arabian sea using colour and bioluminescence only. The signals help distinguish shoals by species and estimate the weight of the schools. Ocean colour map also help in locating tuna schools, which prefer clear oceanic waters as against the turbid.

Fruit crop productivity is greatly impacted by rootstocks in a number of areas, including canopy structure, fruit quality, yield, blooming, and nutritional absorption. Furthermore, they are an essential line of defence against biotic and abiotic stressors such salt, heat stress, soil pathogens, and nutritional imbalances. Because there is a shortage of arable land and a growing market for fruit crops, production frequently takes place in unfavourable environments with high temperatures, little precipitation, floods, salt, and exposure to organic contaminants. The strategic use of appropriate rootstocks is crucial to reducing output losses under these conditions because they can lessen the effect of outside pressures on the scion (Bhandari & Bhattacharya, 2019) Rootstocks are essential to orchard management because they provide anchoring and facilitate the uptake of water and minerals. They also affect the growth of the trees, and they help create “three-piece” trees when they are employed as interstems, placed between the scion and the rootstock during propagation. Interstems assist regulate excessive vigour in desirable rootstocks and handle compatibility difficulties between stock and scion (Singh & Kumar, 2021).
Soils that are too dry or too moist can be made tolerable by rootstocks. The potential of rootstocks in commercial fruit crops has not yet been completely utilised in India, despite substantial research internationally on the discovery and use of appropriate rootstocks in crops including apple, pear, citrus, mango, and grapes. Therefore, the crucial next step involves identifying rootstocks with optimal characteristics tailored to specific environmental conditions, acknowledging that the best rootstock for one variety and set of conditions may not be suitable for another (Sahu & Patra, 2018).
Presently seedlings from open-pollinated seeds are used to propagate guava instead of homogenous clonal rootstocks. It was determined that many rootstocks, such as P. cattleianum, P. guinesee, P. molle, and Philippine guava, were appropriate. Plants using P. cattleianum rootstock had the best yield and the tallest trees. P. pumilum produced fruits with the largest total sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), and quantity of seeds possible, exhibiting a dwarfing effect. Despite having uneven and rough skin, P. cujavillis rootstock produced

Perennial fruit crops are largely cultivated under borderline conditions leading to various physiological disarrays. An environment-friendly technique for escaping or reducing losses in production due to biotic and abiotic stresses is their propagation onto rootstocks, which can reduce the adverse effects of external stresses. The scion and rootstock grow together, although genetically different but working infusion and grow as a single entity. The rootstock provides the root system, thus anchoring the tree and acts as an absorbing organ for water and mineral nutrients. The rootstock also influences the tree size, precocity in bearing, fruit quality and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Introduction

Women constitute half of the Indian population. Around 80 % of the total female population lives in rural and out of 31 million women work force of the country, 20 million are living in rural areas. The role played by women in agriculture is more enormous and fully recognized. Women accounted for more than 76 per cent of the marginal workers and about 16 per cent of them are main workers. Among main workers as well as marginal workers more women belong to the category of agricultural labourers. The role of women and their involvement is more in production, processing and storage of grains. In general, 60-70 per cent of labour input is provided by womenfolk which increases upto 80 per cent in rice. Women formed part of a highly valuable human resources which with appropriate training and education, can bring about phenomenal changes in the desirable direction. By keeping this view, the main focus of this paper was, to find out the role played by the farm women in farming, allied and off-farm activities.

Agriculture is the main stay of Indian economy as more than 70 per cent of the people of India are dependent upon this avocation and allied disciplines for their livelihood. Even today, at the dawn of 21st century, the Indian agriculture has continued to be the backbone of our national economy, representing country’s one third of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Thus, farming families consisting of men, women, boys and girls known as the pillars of our agriculture, constitute backbone of the nation. The support and contributions made by the rural women in agriculture, constituting 55-66 percent of farm work force (Singh et al., 2012) are, however, not less than those performed by the men, and therefore they become spine of the rural economy. In fact, women’s role in the economy has been underestimated and their work in agriculture has long been invisible and unappreciated, if we compare the women’s work participation rate of some of the selected countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, China. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, we find that India ranks second in position (22.7 %) after Indonesia (33.4%).

The backwardness and underdevelopment of our rural areas have drawn the attention of not only the planners but also those who are interested in the overall development of the India. The numerous schemes have not appreciably raised the living standard of the rural masses. Adoption of traditional agricultural technologies, lack of knowledge of improved practices, in sanitary conditions, inadequate housing and educational facilities are serious challenges faced by the rural masses. Unless we devote our efforts towards this cause, the chances of improvement of rural areas are remote in the near future.  The youth, who are the citizens of tomorrow have a vital role to play.  Youth reflect the national potentiality and represent the life blood of a nation.  Development of youth determines the future of the community and the country as a whole. As psychologists say, youth possess dynamic energy, creative activity and adventurous spirit and undergo physiological and psychological changes as they grow. In agriculture, due to small holdings, erratic rainfall, unrealistic market and price for the produce and meager income from crops, youth farmers are taking up dairying and sericulture as subsidiary enterprises which provide additional income and gainful employment to them as members of farm families throughout the year.  Young members of farm families play an important role in managing these enterprises. A study was  undertaken to know the role of youth in milk and silk farming.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) defines Climate Change as a change the weather parameters attributed directly or indirectly to human activity, altering the composition of the global atmosphere. Human activity includes the pollution that arises from industrial activity and other sources that produce greenhouse gases. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, have the ability to absorb the spectrum of infrared light and contribute to the warming of our atmosphere. Once produced, these gases can remain trapped in the atmosphere for tens or hundreds of years.

Almost two third of India’s population does not have access to formal financial services. The women self help movement emerged as an important strategy for achieving financial inclusion, contributing to inclusive growth and generating social capital in order to address larger issues like poverty eradication and women empowerment. Self Help Group (S.H.G.) are proving to be the most effective instruments for financial inclusion. The experiments started some thirty years ago with N.G.O.s Piloting S.H.G. promotion, which has evolved into a national movement with the proactive role of the state governments- gaining recognition from all the major stakeholders. S.H.G.s are also helping to optimize the utilization of the India’s vast formal financial institutional structure of 160,000 institutions in the rural areas through linkages with banks and acting as business correspondents for the banks.

Introduction

Semiochemicals, which can refer to both intraspecies and interspecies communication chemicals, was first coined by Law and Regnier in 1971 (simeon-marker or signal). Semiochemicals are chemical signals that cause different behavioral reactions in organisms. In most groups of animals, chemical communication seems to be the main means of information transfer. Since 1971, the term "semiochemical" has been in use. It is derived from the Greek word "semeon," which meaning "sign" or "signal. Semiochemicals are communication agents that alter the behaviour of living things by carrying information between them (Dicke M and Sabelis M W, 1988).

The action of the sex hormone is not confined to the growth and development of the sex organ alone, but the normal body growth as well as the growth of the skeleton are to a great extent influenced by these hormones. It is well documented that following oopherectomy, female experience a “rapid phase” of bone loss for the next few years. Of the female gonadial hormones, the action of estrogen on skeletal growth has been studies by various workers and shows that estrogen replacement therapy can help to prevent the postmenopausal stage of accelerated rate of bone loss. The effects of progesterone on bone healing or bone growth has not yet been studies in detail. The objective in this chapter is thus undertaken to investigate the effects of progesterone supplement on cortical bone healing in spayed rabbits.

The study is conducted on ten clinically healthy female adult New Zealand White rabbits divided into two equal groups (A and B) consisting of five animals each. All animals are spayed and kept in standard diet and management throughout the experiment. In all animals, midshaft simple transverse fractures are created in both the ulnae under thiopental (2.5%) anaesthesia. In test group (gr A), 1mg (=1ml) of progesterone is injected subcutaneously in alternate days for upto 35 post fracture days. Lateral and anterio-posterior radiographs are taken on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 post-fracture. These radiographs are observed for progress of fracture healing and complications, if any, at different intervals.

Women empowerment refers to the process of enabling women to increase their control over their lives, resources, and decision-making power. It involves promoting gender equality, challenging gender stereotypes, and addressing the social, economic, and political barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.

The Government of India declared 2001 as the ‘Year of Women’s Empowerment and the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women came into force from 2001. The policy approaches that were underlined in this policy concerned gender equality. The policy proposed that the legal system be made responsive and gender sensitive to women’s needs. It stated that women should be economically and socially empowered through focused efforts.

Women Empowerment has Several Dimensions

1. Economic Empowerment: Access to education, employment, credit, and other economic resources.

2. Political Empowerment: Participation in decision-making processes, leadership positions, and political representation.

3. Social Empowerment: Challenging gender stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and addressing social norms that limit women’s potential.

4. Legal Empowerment: Access to justice, legal rights, and protection from discrimination and violence.

5. Psychological Empowerment: Building self-esteem, confidence, and self-reliance.

Introduction

Microbial diversity is one of the main factors characterizing natural ecosystems; soil is considered one of the best storehouses of useful microorganisms in the world. Although the role of most of these microorganisms is still unknown, scientific progress is providing a better comprehension of the specific ecological functions of soil microorganisms (Ahmad, I.et al., 2008). Microorganisms in the rhizosphere soil play a key role in maintaining the soil fertility (Yadav et al. 2015), which is key for successful natural crop production to meet the increasing global organic food demand. Soil acts as a reservoir of air, water, and nutrients that is essential for plant growth. Only a few grams of soil contain hundred million to billion microorganisms. Bacteria are the most abundant microbes in soil followed by fungi; however, the actinomycetes are ranges in between bacteria and fungi. Other microbes that are found in smaller numbers are algae, cyanobacteria, protozoa, and nematodes. Soil gives the necessary support for anchorage to plant roots (Yadav et al. 2012; Bhaduri et al. 2015).

INTRODUCTION

Soil is a very important component of the earth’s biosphere. It is the basis of agricultural production and also in the maintenance of local, regional and global environmental quality (Glanz 1995). The thin layer of soil covering the surface of the earth represents the difference between survival and extinction for most land-based life (Doran and Parkin 1996). Analysis of soil productive capacity point out human-induced degradation on nearly 40% of the world’s agricultural land as a result of soil erosion, atmospheric pollution, widespread soil cultivation, over-grazing, land clearing, salinization and desertification (Oldeman 1994). Degradation and loss of productive agricultural land is definitely one of our most pressing ecological concerns, similar to the other human caused environmental problems like global climate change, depletion of the protective ozone layer and serious reduction in biodiversity (Lal 1998).

Abstract

This study evaluates the potential of remote sensing techniques for assessing the relationship between land degradation and poverty in Pali development block of Rajasthan. Due to climatic conditions that prevail in this area of the country, less facilities and management practices to conserve land and its fertility becomes an important factor for intensifying poverty. The other countenance of this is that it is poverty which leads to land degradation. This paper assesses the impact of poverty and land degradation on each other. The desertification intensity and BPL density is calculated and relation is seen using Chi square test. The goodness of fit is seen up to 5 per cent level of significance for land degradation and demographic data.  The desertification in agricultural area is also considered. The total degradation in the block calculated is 8.39 per cent. It is found that village with highest BPL density has more degradation intensity particularly in agricultural area, proving the agricultural based economy of the dry lands in Rajasthan. An example study is also done at village level.  Using cadastral map and satellite image classification, fields that require immediate attention have been identified. Demographic and degradation maps are also prepared.

True/False

Q.1.    Statistics in singular is used to denote a subject (branch) of science.
Q.2.    Statistics in plural is used to denote “data or methods”
Q.3.    Statistics is defined as a science of collection, compilation, analysis and interpretation of numerical data.
Q.4.    Statistics can be used for two major purposes: descriptive and infe-rential.

Establishment of databases and data warehouse; knowledge discovery from database/data warehouse (KDD) and development of the mechanism of dissemination of knowledge on information networks as per requirements of user groups is gaining importance now a days. Since there is a large number of data collection agencies and equally diverse resources for which the information is collected, it is easy to visualize the heterogeneity of information. The problem is compounded by the fact that there are no common standards that are applied in data collection. Designing data warehouses to integrate the collected information poses a formidable challenge to any data warehouses architect. In order to use the information for planning and decision-making level, data have to be integrated and aggregated properly.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the third most important pulse crop grown all over the world. Chickpea is infested by an average of about 60 insectspests, of which gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae) is known to be the key pest. Helicoverpa is responsible for causing up to 90 % damage in chickpea due to its regular occurrences. In order to manage this problem, growers are tempted to increase the amounts of pesticides, but indiscriminate or injudicious use of pesticides has resulted in residues in the food chain, pesticide resistance, and pest resurgence, in addition to causing harm to non-targeted beneficial organisms and the environment. Here, we reviewed the sustain- able approaches to reduce the incidence of pod borer and achieve sustainability in chickpea production systems through the adoption of an integrated approach involving host plant resistance, good agronomic practices, and judicious use of chemical and biological methods.

Introduction

In the vast tapestry of challenges confronting humanity, few are as fundamental as ensuring a secure and sustainable food supply for a burgeoning global population. As the world's inhabitants surpass 9 billion by 2050, the pressure intensifies on agriculture to deliver higher yields, reduce environmental impact and adapt to the uncertainties of climate change. In this pivotal moment, the convergence of technology and agriculture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize farm management and secure our agricultural future. The role of technology in precise farm management has transcended mere convenience to become an indispensable cornerstone of modern agriculture.

Introduction

The libraries of 2020 become multi-media centres of information resources, leaving behind their dull and drab image of repositories of old dusty books materials like micro-films, audio and video cassettes. Various electronic products for use both off line and on line representing the special type of materials need special equipments of different makes for their effective use.

Introduction

In one or another way, agriculture is integral to the physical and economic survival of every human being. The United Nations forecasts that the global population will reach more than 9 billion by 2050. To feed everyone, food production will have to increase 70 per cent. Helping the world’s farmers to achieve this target is challenging in itself, but beyond providing food, agriculture sustains the economies of most countries in significant ways, especially in the developing world (Anonymous, 2018). To meet this challenge in a fast-changing world, new tools, processes and ways of organizing-i.e. innovations-are needed to make agriculture more efficient in economic, social and environmental terms (Hall, Mytelka and Oyeyinka, 2006). Past efforts have tended to focus solely on technology. Previous approaches to technological change in agriculture have been based around supplying technology in a simplistic, top-down manner. These approaches had some success for relatively simple innovations in conducive settings. However, these simplistic approaches are not adequate for the task of meeting the complicated challenges facing agriculture today. Historically, new agricultural technologies have been developed by public research organizations and then transferred to farmers by public extension services (Sulaiman, 2015).

Introduction

Recognizing the importance and impact initiatives were taken for starting National Horticulture Mission, announced by Honorable Prime Minister on 15 August 2003. Crop diversification has become an imperative for India’s agri-economy. To address this need and to give further impetus to encouraging growth in cultivation of horticultures, vegetables, flowers, species etc. a National Horticultural Mission has been launched. Its main target will be doubling India;s horticultural production by 2010. Sub sequentially, National Horticuture Mission was launched during Tenth Plan with effect from 2005 2006 for holistic development of horticultural crops, having competitive advantages.

Abstract

In the present horticultural scenario of India, this is the burning issue as how best the underutilized horticultural crops can be exploited. There is tremendous potential for these crops especially for diversification. These plants can generate employment for millions especially to the natives ofdeveloping counties besides nutritional security. Traditional wisdom of Indian farmers if used properly can pave the path for transforming the economy of developing nations. There are great opportunities for the people to identify crops, explore their market, standardize their cultivation and processing techniques, document them and provide jobs to millions. This will salvage the people from exploitation by multinational companies of developed nations and can give a new direction to sustainable agriculture.

The role of fringe cannot be ignored in the city development process. It is interesting to study the pattern and characteristics of fringe in developing cities. The chapter focuses on the phenomenon of urban fringe of Pune and also discusses strategies for further development. The study deals with some of the variables of change like demographic pattern, land use, and infrastructure in fringe area villages.

Historical Growth of Pune City

Pune’s origin date back at least two thousand years, it was a small settlement called ‘Kasbe’ and developed into a metropolitan region over the period of time. Its basic unit of development can be identified as ‘wada’ - a traditional house. In due time these developed into ‘peths’, which were planned complexes including residences of all types, commercial areas, parks, playgrounds, police station etc.

During 13^th to 17^th century, the city was under the control of Muslim rulers. Pune gained importance in 1630s, when it was declared as capital of Maratha kingdom. Pune’s importance grew in this period and many peths were developed to cope with the increasing requirements. The town changed hands between Maratha and Mughals before the British gained control of it in 1818. The Pune cantonment and Kirkee cantonment were established by British to guard the entry points. Development of cantonment areas started in this period and Parsi families constructed spacious bungalows which gave an image to the city.

Care and treatment of animals is possible by the combined efforts of all the stake holders of animals shared by the owners, consumers and veterinarians. Although, veterinary services are available throughout the country, involving different stakeholders including veterinarian, there is an entrenched lack of empathy and a profound disconnect among stakeholders when it comes to identifying with the pain and discomfort of animals. 
Veterinarians participate in two ways in animal welfare and animal ethics. One is the role of the veterinarian as an individual member of a profession. The other is the collective role of the profession, as expressed by the professional bodies.

Introduction

The Integrated Watershed Development has come to be recognized internationally as an important holistic approach to natural resources management and poverty reduction, wherein promoting the concept of sustainable development. In the Indian context, watershed development has come to be acknowledged as key and discrete units in rural development which forms an important vehicle for achieving the objectives of increased production and availability of food, fodder and fuel restoration of agro ecological balance and in improving the livelihood status of the village communities.

In line with the above, the conceptualization of Integrated Watershed Development Project Hills-II (initiated in September 1999) has been built up on the success of IWDP Hills-I project with a laudable vision to arrest environmental decline, boost agricultural growth, and ensure better management of scarce land and water resources and reducing poverty dimensions in the Siwalik & Karewas regions, which are one of the most environmentally degraded areas in India. The project area encompasses two sub-watersheds in sub-tropical belt of Siwaliks of Jammu region and two in temperate Karewas of Kashmir valley, covering an area of 1,11,080 ha. Ramnagar and Akhnoor sub-watersheds are located in Siwalik range of Jammu region whereas the sub-watersheds of Rajwar and Rambiara are located in Karewas belt of Kashmir valley.

2.1 Introduction

Agro-meteorological advisories relate the past, current and predicted future weather to agricultural activities. Behaviour of weather both in space and time, considerably affect the agricultural production. Year to year variations in crop production are generally depended to the abnormalities in the behaviours of weather. The mission of the Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) of NCMRWF is to maximise farmers’ profits by decreasing losses due to weather calamities and also by increasing the timeliness of operations in the crop field. An ideal AAS bulletin helps to reduce environmental pollution through the optimum use of chemicals in the crop filed. An ideal AAS bulletin should contain farm management information to weather based agricultural operations and available to the farmers in real time.

The influence of the vagaries of weather on all species on the earth is ubiquitious. It exerts its profound influence on the health, moods and activities of the humans, on all the Agriculture operations right from the seeding stage to the harvesting stage and on the health, behaviour and production of the animal life. Crop growth, is influenced by the variation of the meteorological parameters such as temperature, rainfall and wind etc. It is estimated that in some countries the losses due to adverse weather conditions amount to as much as 30% of the annual agricultural production. This type of losses, many times prove disastrous in the countries whose economy is mainly agriculture based, like that of ours. While the favourable weather conditions increase crop yield, the adverse weather, damages the crop giving rise to very low yield. The weather elements play an important role in governing the crop performance. Similarly weather elements also found to be controlling the Livestock production. It hence becomes necessary for the agriculturists and the veterinarians to have some basic knowledge of Meteorology to get better equipped for problem solving in their respective fields. All the weather phenomenon whether beneficial or disastrous are enacted in the natural theatre which is called the atmosphere. Hence to start with one has to study the characteristics of the atmosphere before proceeding further in meteorology.

The atmosphere is a thin layer of gases surrounding the Earth?s surface, which is retained by the earth?s gravity. The atmosphere protects life on the earth by absorbing ultra violet solar radiation and reduces the temperature extremes between the day and night. The atmosphere has no abrupt cut-off. It slowly becomes thinner and fades away into space. There is no finite boundary between the atmosphere and space. Three quarters of the atmosphere by mass is within 11 km of the planetary surface. In fact half of the atmosphere is contained within 6km from the surface. The Karman line, at 100 km is frequently used as the boundary between the atmosphere and space. The atmosphere contains by volume roughly 78% nitrogen and 21% of oxygen, trace amount of other gases and water vapour. This mixture of gases is known as air. The atmosphere also contains water vapour in smaller quantities. The amount of all these gases except water vapour is more or less constant while the water vapour is highly variable and yet its presence is essential for the development of any weather phenomenon. Based on the thermal characteristics, chemical composition, movement and density, the atmosphere is divided into four distinct layers. They are troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere & thermosphere. The first 64–80 km above the earth contains 99% of the total mass of the earth?s atmosphere and is generally of a uniform composition, except for a high concentration of ozone, known as the ozone layer, at 12–30 mi (19–50 km). Because of the pull of gravity the density of the atmosphere and the pressure exerted by air molecules are greatest near the earth?s surface. Air pressure decreases quickly with altitude, reaching one half of its value at about 5.5Km. The density of air at sea level is about 1.2 kg/m³. The atmospheric density decreases as altitude increases.

Mushrooms are a nutritious and versatile food commodity that has gained significant importance in India in recent years. With a growing demand for healthy and organic food options, mushroom production has emerged as a lucrative venture for Indian farmers (Fig. 9.1).
• India is home to a diverse range of wild and cultivated mushroom species, with over 200 varieties found across the country. The majority of mushroom production in India is concentrated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
• Mushroom production in India has witnessed significant growth over the past few decades, driven by advances in technology, improved farming practices, and increasing demand. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the country produces over 1.5 million metric tons of mushrooms annually, with a value of over `3,000 crores.
 • Mushrooms are an important crop in India due to their high nutritional value, medicinal properties, and economic significance. They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and various essential vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms are also rich in antioxidants and have been found to have potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting the immune system.

Introduction

The library and information centre is an important component of any educational institution. It is a hub of specific information where the end users can explore the vast resources of information. In the era of old age libraries users had to spend more time for searching a small piece of information and for that had to depend on library professionals. But now we are living in the age of information and communication technology, computers are being used for day-to-day work of library which saves the time of users and avoid the redundancy work of library staff.

Due to the globalization of the food supply there has been a need to strengthen food safety systems in and between the countries. In this regard the World Health Organization (WHO) has promoted efforts in improving the food safety from farm to plate which started on World Health Day, 7 April 2015. The World Health Day 2015 slogan was “From farm to plate, make food safe”. The informal food production and marketing system is still strong in most countries of the South-East Asia Region, for the enforcement of food safety regulations. Traditionally, the preferences have been for hot and well-cooked food. These habits are partially responsible for preventing foodborne infections. In many countries street food has become very popular as it is cheap. Hygienic conditions are improving, provided that potable water supply and clean facilities are ensured by municipal authorities. Many waterborne and diarrhoeal diseases could be prevented with the introduction of bottled drinking water. The awareness and education on food safety by the consumers has strengthened in the enforcement of food standards. This has improved the hygienic practices and has helped in the prevention of foodborne illnesses. The “WHO Five keys to safer food” serves as the basis for educational programmes to train food handlers and educate the consumers. These help in preventing the foodborne illnesses. The important points are to keep food surfaces clean, washing of all utensils, plates and cutlery, keeping the raw food separate from the cooked food. Cooking food thoroughly to the appropriate temperature, keeping food at safe temperatures, both for serving and storage and using safe water and raw materials.

Wide hybridization or distant hybridization is crossing between two different species or genera, and has been used successfully to transfer genes and to create new crop species. Wild plant species related to crop plants form an important source of useful traits for quality improvement and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Cultivated species has lost many beneficial traits for stress tolerance in the process of domestication and selection, which resulted in uniformity in many agronomic traits. Although there have been multiple cases of valuable tolerant genes being transferred from wild rice to cultivated rice, it is now necessary to look at new breeding and selection strategies that may be applied to wide hybridization. It breaks the species barrier for gene transfer and makes it possible to transfer the genome of one species to another, which results in changes in genotype and phenotype of the progenies. The barriers in wide hybridization occurs as prezygotic and postzygotic barriers. Techniques of chromosome doubling, bridging species, protoplast fusion, and embryo rescue are highly beneficial in recovering fertile progenies by overcoming various barriers in wide crossings. Broadening the gene pool of a crop is an important plant breeding method as it can enhance tolerance of major biotic and abiotic stresses and improve the quality characteristics of the plant.

Abstract

The total Indian population is 1027.01 millions of which women account for 495.73 millions (2001 census). Women constitute about 48.27 percent of the population. The labour force participation of the women is 51.6 percent. In rural India, agricultural and allied activities employ as much as 89.5 percent of the female labour. Women have an active role and extensive involvement in livestock production, forest resource use and fishery processing. They contribute considerably to household income through farm and non-farm activities as well as through landless agricultural labours. They are deprived of exposure to knowledge and hardly participate in the process of decision-making. Female agricultural labourers are the poorest section of Indian society. Despite the women’s role in agriculture there has been a lack of adequate attention towards gender issue in the area of agriculture research.

The Indian farm women have extensive workloads with triple responsibility for farm, household and community. Gradually their work is becoming harder due to climate change, degradation of natural resources, natural calamities, male migration and changing agricultural technologies. Women are extensively involved in crop production, horticulture, livestock management, post harvest operation, fisheries, agroforestry and household activities. Majority of their time is devoted towards collection of fuel, fodder and water, growing vegetables in homestead and rearing backyard poultry. They also considerably contribute for household income as agriculture wage earners and through cottage industry.

Women play a significant and crucial role in agricultural development and allied fields. The nature and extent of women’s involvement in agriculture varies greatly from region to region. But regardless of these variations, women are actively involved in various agricultural activities.

As per Census 2011, out of total female main workers, 55 per cent were agricultural labourers and 24 per cent were cultivators. However, only 12.8 per cent of the operational holdings were owned by women, which reflect the gender disparity in ownership of landholdings in agriculture. Moreover, there is concentration of operational holdings (25.7 per cent) by women in the marginal and small holdings categories. Worker Population Ratio (WPR) of women (24 %) is lower as against men (54.4 %) in the country. The workforce participation rate for rural females is higher at 30.5 percent against urban women participation rate of 20.20 percent (Mo SPI, 2022-23). As per the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2022-23, agriculture had the highest estimated percentage distribution of female workers, ie. 64.3 %, with 76.2 % in rural areas and 11.7 % in urban areas.

12.1. Women in Agriculture

Women are actively involved in various agricultural activities.

Women Folk: A Precious Resource

India’s ancient history ascribes a divine status to women. Laxmi, Durga and Saraswati are the three great goddesses of Prosperity, Power and Wisdom respectively. The ancient scriptures declared that ‘God lives where women are worshipped’. However, a multitude of derogatory attributes have been ascribed to women in the post-vedic period. According to Manu, “a woman must never be independent. In childhood, she must be subject to her father, in youth to her husband, and when her lord is dead, to her sons”. The passive role of women, unfortunately thus visualized, later guided the future course of action leading to their present status of backwardness in general and neglect in the streams of development and scientific arena in particular.

The term ‘gender’ was first used by Ann Oakley and others in 1970s to describe the characteristics of men and women which are socially determined in contrast to biological differences. The term ‘gender’ further explains, a neutral term meaning either men or women or both in a particular context. The goal is to improve the status of disadvantaged class and get rid of socially created and approved discriminations. The green revolution in India changed the face of agriculture but apparently it contributed to two general trends (FAO, 1996) where wealthy have benefited more from technological change in agriculture than the less well off andsecondly men have benefited more than women.

The women is the backbone of agricultural workforce and are a vital part of Indian economy. Over the years, there is a gradual realization of the key role of women in agricultural development and their contribution in the field of agriculture, food security, horticulture, dairy, nutrition, sericulture, fisheries, and other allied sectors. Women form the backbone of agriculture, in India, Comprising the majority of agricultural laborers, women have been putting labour not only in terms of physical output but also in terms of quality and efficiency. With various targeted efforts, her enlightenment will change the face of rural India.

Women make essential contributions to the agricultural and rural economies in all developing countries. Their roles vary considerably between and within regions and are changing rapidly in many parts of the world

Abstract

India is bestowed with immense richness of agro-biodiversity and a rich diversity in landraces / traditional cultivars/farmers varieties in several Agricultural and Horticultural crops. A huge number of crop plants (384) are reported to be cultivated in India. This includes 168 species earlier reported under the Hindustani centre, one of the eight Vavilovian centers of origin and diversity. Further, an enormous richness (326 species) is reported in wild relatives of crop plants. A total of 49 indigenous major and minor crops have been reported in the “History of Agriculture in India”, published by the ICAR. A large number of cereals, millets, oilseeds and vegetable varieties have originated and are cultivated in India, making it one of the richest Centres of Origin of crop and plant diversity in the world.

Abstract

Women of sixteen villages in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary were interviewed for assessing the role of women on forest policies and conservation of natural resources. Survey conducted during 1996-1997 indicated that women in general declined to comment upon natural resources. Ninety percent of women had no knowledge about natural resources. Except for Fire Protection Act women had no knowledge of other government policies. They had no say in policies and conservation of natural resources in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary. As a result there has been encroachment of forest area, cultivation in forest land, shifting cultivation, hunting, smuggling, open cast mining and deforestation. To make role of women active and effective for conservation of natural resources in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, suggestions have been advanced in this paper based on a survey.

Abstract

Rural Indian women are extensively involved in agricultural activities and play a major role in agrarian scenario. Majority of the rural farm women are actively involved in various operations related to mixed farming system existing in India. Women and men participate in agricultural and animal husbandry practices as a family unit on the farms. Men perform major share of work quantitatively on agriculture side, where as on the animal husbandry side most of the management operations are being carried out by women in addition to their household activities. Dairy production is less influenced by rain failure compared to crops and is invaluable in sustaining family income during drought. Dairy development is now considered as an important tool for rural development or poverty alleviation. In fact, dairy farming occupies a special place in rural society with its linkage with religion and culture apart from providing sustained income. Most of the cattle and buffaloes are commonly kept in every farm household primarily for socio-economic reasons and more importantly for gaining drought power and as a secondary source of nutrition subsistence in the form milk and milk products for the whole family. In this context, a study was conducted in Karkala taluk of Udupi district with the major objective of studying the form and extent of participation of farm women in various operations of animal husbandry. The attempt made in this regard has revealed that rural women are fully involved in majority of the operations either as manual workers or as supervisors. Hence, it is suggested that for massive empowerment of rural women, animal husbandry programmes need to be launched as they are inherently profitable.

Introduction

Fish serves as a particularly significant source of protein and important micronutrients for all demographic groups in the population, and it is also a cheap and accessible food. A significant portion of the populace relies on f ish resources (both marine and inland) for sustenance, employment, and income. In India, thousands of people have relied on the fish trade as a source of income, with women making up the majority of fish vendors. Contrary to men, whose work is primarily restricted to the sea, river, or lake, fisher women vendors must travel with their goods to markets.

Abstract

Although women were not recognized as essential components of Agriculture for a long time, of late due recognition has been given to the role of women in agricultural production and steps have been taken to bring more and more women farmers into main stream, through Shree Shakthi Sanghas and Self Help Groups for women. Special projects aided by outside agencies and voluntary organizations such as WYTEP, IRDP, TRYSEM, DWCRA etc. provide training to farm women.These operations include selection and treatment of seed, protection of the seed or plant material, land preparation, application of manures and fertilizers, sowing or planting, nursery raising, irrigation, weeding, earthing up, pinching or thinning, training and pruning top dressing, plant protection, harvesting, transport and post-harvest operations such as threshing, winnowing, sieving, cleaning, drying, grading, packing and storage, joining hands with men etc. They also do marketing and disposal of the produce. For household use they take care in hulling, flowering, pounding etc.

Abstract

Bio-intensive pest management modules have been developed by the Project Directorate of Biological Control (PDBC) for management of pests on cotton, sugarcane, rice, citrus and several other crops. These modules lay emphasis on release of bio-control agents like parasitoids, predators and pathogens and reducing chemical pesticide applications to the possible extent. The pre-requisite of any bio-control programme is to have a large-scale supply of beneficial agents. It is at this juncture that women can play a major role. If the biocontrol strategy has to become popular, there should be reliable sources, which can assure timely and adequate supply of quality bio-agents for large-scale field releases. It would be most appropriate to educate farm-women on the importance of natural enemies and to provide them with incentives to start bioagent production units. Again, if the concept of biological control with the involvement of women has to succeed, massive educational programmes should be initiated. Women can become active participants at the village level mass production units, which could cater to the needs of farmers of different regions of our country. This could solve the problems encountered in long distance shipment of bio-agents. Besides creating awareness among women, these insectaries/production units can provide job opportunities for the rural and urban women.

15.1 Introduction

15.1.1 Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future in India

Education and opportunity are key to a thriving future, and investing in women's education empowers not just them but also the next generation. India's vast natural resources offer countless benefits, but centuries of human activity have taken a toll. Unsustainable practices and mismanagement have degraded the environment, threatening the well-being of communities across the country. The evidence of environmental decline is undeniable. Over the past decade, the situation has worsened. Our actions are pushing us towards a potential environmental crisis. India, like the earth itself, sustains a multitude of activities. This has undeniably improved lives, particularly in recent decades.