eChapters

Introduction

Livestock plays an important role in the sustainable livelihood of poor people of rain-fed agro-ecosystem, because of inherent risk involved in the crop farming due to uncertainty of rainfall and occurrence of recurrent droughts. They provide income and increased economic stability, and often the most important “cash crops” in small-scale mixed farming systems. Livestock sector in India is highly livelihood intensive and most rural households own livestock of one species or the other and earn supplementary incomes from them. Livestock holding is less iniquitous than land holding and income from livestock is more equitably distributed. The sector contributes 25.6 per cent of the value of output at current prices of total value of output in agriculture, fishing & forestry sector and in GDP, it was 4.11% in 2012-13 (19^th livestock census, 2012) therefore, development of the livestock sector is the critical pathway to rural prosperity

As per the 19^th livestock census, the total livestock population consisting of Cattle, Buffalo, Sheep, Goat, Pig, Horses & Ponies, Mules, Donkeys, Camels, Mithun and Yak in the country is 512.05 million numbers in 2012. The total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) is 299.9 million numbers in 2012 which shows a decline of 1.57% over previous census. In percentage basis distribution of livestock were: 37.28% were cattle, 21.23% buffaloes, 12.71% sheep, 26.40% goats and 2.01% pigs. The corresponding figures as per the 18th Livestock Census were 37.58%, 19.89%, 13.50%, 26.53% and 2.10%. The number of milch animals (in-milk and dry) in cows and buffaloes has increased from 111.09 million to 118.59 million, an increase of 6.75%. The number of animals in milk in cows and buffaloes has increased from 77.04 million to 80.52 million showing a growth of 4.51%. The Female Cattle (Cows) Population has increased by 6.52% over the previous census (2007) and the total number of female cattle in 2012 is 122.9 million numbers. The Female Buffalo population has increased by 7.99% over the previous census and the total number of female buffalo is 92.5 million numbers in 2012. The buffalo population has increased from 105.3 million to 108.7 million showing a growth of 3.19%. The total sheep in the country is 65.06 million numbers in 2012, declined by about 9.07% over census 2007. The Goat population has declined by 3.82% over the previous census and the total Goat in the country is 135.17 million numbers in 2012. The total poultry population in the country has increased by 12.39% over the previous census and the total poultry in the country is 729.2 million numbers in 2012. The total number of animals in milk in the country is 116.77 Million numbers.

Introduction

Strategy is a critical aspect of any organization, as it helps to align resources, capabilities, and competencies to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization.

Strategic Management Process: The strategic management process com prises four essential stages: analysis, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Each stage plays a crucial role in attaining desired outcomes and maintaining the organization's competitiveness.

Analysis Stage: During the analysis stage, the organization thoroughly examines its internal and external environments. The internal analysis assesses the organization's strengths and weaknesses, while the external analysis explores the opportunities and threats present in the market.

Formulation Stage: The formulation stage involves developing strategies to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. This stage involves selecting the most appropriate strategy based on the results of the analysis.

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are of great economic importance in livestock farming and are major obstacle in the health and productivity of animals. These may be due to endo-parasites that live inside the body or ecto-parasites such as ticks, mites, flies, fleas, midges, etc., which attack the body surface. Among ecto-parasites, ticks and mites are very important and harmful blood sucking external parasites of mammals. Blood sucking by large numbers of ticks causes reduction in body weight and anemia among domestic animals, while their bites also reduce the quality of hides. More than 250 species of mites can cause problems for humans and domestic animals because of their being vector for zoonotic diseases. Their attack may lead to problems of temporary irritation of the skin due to bites, persistent dermatitis due to mites invading skin or hair follicles, mite-induced allergies, transmission of pathogenic microbial agents, intermediate host of tapeworms, invading respiratory passages, ear canals and internal organs, fear of mites called acarophobia The economic or medical importance of the Acari increases with their ability to be vector for viruses, rickettsiae, spirochaetes, phytoplasmas, mycoplasmas and protozoa, or to harbor and transport nematodes, bacteria and fungi pathogens that affect plants, domestic and wild animals and humans. Ectoparasites were not considered serious problem till the introduction of exotic animals or exotic semen in India as the indigenous breeds were considered resistant to parasites and the damages occurred by them were totally ignored. Much awareness was not there about the diseases caused by ectoparasites like anaplasmosis therefore dairy producers had to bear losses both, in milk production and proper animal growth. Ectoparasites may be causing death of animals in certain cases. Losses in dairy, poultry, goatry and other livestock farming can be considerably reduced through strategic management of parasites. This needs timely detection, identification and development of effective control measures. 10-30% production losses are estimated by parasitic infestation. If profitability is the goal in livestock entrepreneurship then target has to be the animal health, productivity and quality produce through strategic management and awareness campaign on economic importance of parasites.

Strategies To Improve The Productivity Of Drylands

With renewed interest in rainfed agriculture during 1970s, both the national (AICRPDA and CRIDA) and international institutions (ICRISAT) have studied several aspects of rainwater management. Recommendations have been made after their through testing both at the research stations and on farmer’s fields. Initially these technologies were accepted by the farmers because of the pursuasion by the Scientists and the incentives, but many of them are forgotten once the support is withdrawn. It is now time for us to examine whether the technologies themselves were weak or certain components were missing. Malfunctioning of the software may be due to a bug right from the beginning or it entered into the system at a later stage. It is also possible that we neglected certain critical inputs which became major constraints making the system defunct. Whatever the reason it should be identified and set right if the technology has to continue as tool for tackling the challenges of rainfed agriculture.

Better functioning of FPO is possible through ensuring sustainability and promoting high growth activities. It can be achieved through working with specific planning. A brief road map for better functioning of FPO/FPC has been discussed here.

7.1. Factors for high growth of Farmer Producer Companies

The reason for high growth of FPC as perceived by ASA (2009) are energetic management team and the board of directors, cooperation from banking institutions which provided hassle free loans to the PC for working capital, and a clearly identified business opportunity that gives a high return on investment. A tentative assessment suggests that there are multifarious benefits for member in the form of timely and easily availability of fertilizers, seeds and other agriculture inputs at a reasonable rate; bulk selling of agriculture produce for better price; extension services received by the farmers which the PC had arranged with the agriculture department or from other service providers; receiving of cash dividends from the FPC (Mondal, 2010).

Introduction

Most of the technological advances in the recent past in Indian Horticulture have been done for favourable agro-climatic regions. However, the vast and diverse land-scape of hot desert, arid, semi-arid and tribal area is not yet receiving logical thought for resource based horticultural development (Samadia and Haldhar, 2017). Although, the semi-arid regions of the country have now became potential hub for aonla, bael, ber, pomegranate, jamun, guava, fig and custard apple. There has been a steady increase in area and production of these fruits particularly under aonla, ber, custard apple and pomegranate in the country as a result of identification and development of suitable varieties and production technologies. The average productivity of these fruits in India is, however, low as compared to many developed countries. The main reasons for low productivity are old and senile orchards, low yielding varieties, poor orchard management and inadequate technological up-gradation and adoption by the growers. Presently, the continuing decline in the availability of cultivable land, rising energy and land costs together with the increased demand of fruit and fruit products, have given thrust to the concept of high density planting (HDP) in fruit crops. High density planting gives earlier production and return per unit area, shortens juvenility, eco-friendly, provides efficient land use and better use of resources like light, water and fertilizers, efficient pesticides application, besides, in this system the harvesting becomes easy(Mishra and Goswami, 2016). Among the factors such as cultivar, rootstock, quality of planting material and cultivation practices contribute to high yield of fruit trees, however, the number of trees^-1 is the most important factor which brings about radical increase in fruit production. Therefore, high density planting has great potential for increasing productivity in fruit crops (Mishra et al., 2003). The success of this technology in most of the fruit crops is dependent on the use of methods to control shoot growth and maximize light interception as the trees begin to bear fruit. The main aim of HDP is to achieve the twin requisites of productivity by maintaining a balance between vegetative and reproductive growth without impairing the plant health and fruit quality. The underlying principle of HDP is to make the best use of vertical and horizontal space per unit time and to harness maximum possible return per unit of inputs and natural resources.

With the advent of hybrid technology, it is natural to assess its potential benefits at the national level. To meet the domestic requirement of pigeonpea, about 50.000–60,000 metric tons of pigeonpea is imported annually from Myanmar and Africa. In this communication, an attempt has been made to look into the possibility if we can meet the entire domestic needs of pigeonpea through the adoption of hybrid technology. It is a big question but the goal is not impossible. The estimates shown in Table 18 show that if only 2% of total pigeonpea area can be brought under hybrids, the target can be met with ease. This will require seed production in only 700-800 hectares.

The agroclimatic conditions of Indian Himalayan region are suitable for growing temperate fruit crops like apple, pear, peach, plum, apricot, almond, walnut, pecan nut, kiwi, strawberry, hazelnuts, pistachio nuts and other small fruits. The region is extended over the states of Jammu and Kashmir (J & K), Himachal Pradesh (H.P.)  and Uttaranchal (U.A.) in the north-western Himalayan region and Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, hilly areas of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya and West Bengal in the north -eastern Himalayan region. Other areas are ooty, Kodai Kanal and Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. Mount Abu in Rajasthan and hilly areas of Punjab. Although, temperate fruit growing areas in India do not fall in the temperate zone, yet the prevailing temperate climatic conditions due to high altitude and nearness to snow covered Himalayas has made the temperate fruit cultivation possible.

Abstract

Crop cultivation is a complex process and involves a set of activities like land preparation, planting, pest control, irrigation, nutrient management, harvesting, marketing, etc. Entire cycle of crop production requires multitude of information by the farmers. Despite many efforts over the years to disseminate and transfer agriculture knowledge to the stakeholders, large amounts of expertise and knowledge are still out of reach to most of them. Agriculture knowledge may be contained in the corporate database, or it may reside undocumented inside the brain of the researchers or even stored in locations unknown to the majority of the people in the organization. Large sections of the farming community, particularly the rural folk, do not have access to the huge knowledge base acquired by agricultural universities, extension-centers and businesses. In this respect the main challenge is to find this knowledge and apply it to the decision making process involved in agriculture development.

Meaning of Market Energy Strategy

Market Entry Strategy

When an organization has made a decision to enter an overseas market, there are a variety of options open to it. These options vary with cost, risk and the degree of control which can be exercised over them. The simplest form of entry strategy is exporting using either a direct or indirect method such as an agent, in the case of the former, or counter trade, in the case of the latter. More complex forms include truly global operations which may involve joint ventures, or export processing zones. Having decided on the form of export strategy, decisions have to be made on the specific channels. Many agricultural products of a row or commodity nature use agents, distributors or involve Government, whereas processed materials, whilst not excluding these, rely more heavily on more sophisticated forms of access.

Abstract

The control of micronutrient deficiency is a realizable goal, notwithstanding the magnitude of the task, challenges and constraints that need to be resolved. Since wheat products particularly maida and atta form the major raw material in widely consumed food items like chapati, bread and biscuit. Fortification of flour as followed in many other countries could be an important strategy to help realize this goal. The technology of flour fortification is effective and cost affordable. Effective flour fortification program would require collaboration between scientific community, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and industry and consumer groups.

Introduction

There are a number of chemicals in the environment, some natural other man-made, some toxic other non-toxic. These are toxic chemicals, whether natural or man-made, which has created problems for the environment and biota on the earth. Of these toxic chemicals, heavy metals are extremely hazardous. Metals are present naturally in the earth’s crust at various levels. However, increasingly widespread heavy metal pollution resulting from anthropogenic activities has caused serious environmental problems and is posing threat to both wild life and human population (Nriagu and Pacyna, 1988). Natural sources include weathering of mineral and metal ions from rocks, displacement of certain contaminants from groundwater or subsurface layers of soil, atmospheric deposition from volcanic activity, and transport of dust. The anthropogenic sources include deposition of industrial effluents, application of sewage sludge, deposition of air-borne industrial wastes, military operations, mining, landfill operations, use of agricultural chemicals, gas exhausts and energy and fuel production (McIntyre, 2003).

Since ancient times, agriculture is an outdoor or open field production of crops. Open field production is climate and weather dependent. In fact, growth and development of crops under a particular set of climate parameters defines geographical location, productivity and production period of different crops. The magnitude of impact of climate and weather on agricultural productivity and quality of produce is appreciated by farmers and the scientific community, including horticulturists. Abiotic and biotic factors govern crop production potential and quality of products. Among the major constraints in production of horticultural crops are temperature (hot or cold), sunlight duration and quality, water deficiencies or excesses, atmospheric moisture (relative humidity), weeds, deficiency of nutrients, heavy winds, carbon dioxide and host of diseases and insect pests. There are ecological optima for obtaining production potential of each of the crops. Deviation from these conditions results in yield losses partially and sometimes totally. However, near optimal climatic conditions could be created by controlling the climate with the help of greenhouse using

The article is the Inaugural address delivered by Dr. R.S. Paroda at Indian Society for Protected Cultivation (ISPC-registered in March 2012), New Delhi on 21 March 2013 in a seminar ‘‘Advances on Protected Cultivation’’ at NASC, Complex, Pusa, New Delhi different protected structures/methods/devices and such cultivation under controlled environmental conditions is termed as as protected cultivation.

Introduction

The share of Agriculture sector in GDP is declining over the years. This is because, of the a large gap in the latest known technology and technology being used by the farmers. Our human resources are not being utilized properly because our people in the villages are ignorant about many scientific innovations.

In Andhra Pradesh, more than 70.00 per cent of the population is dependent on agriculture but its contribution to the state GDP is only 30.00 per cent. It is felt that this low contribution to the GDP by the Agricultural sector is due to uneconomic returns

Indian agriculture is passing through a phase of reforms, owing to its shifting emphasis towards diversification, intensification, commercialization and sustainability, which has posed newer challenges before the extension functionaries. Understanding and appreciating the information needs of different clients (farmers, farm women, labourers, youth, etc) and providing quality extension service is central to its success, which needs quality manpower at different levels. Among extension services training need resources is a key input for human recourses development and contributes substantially to face the challenges by all concerned. Farmer led extension approach gives farmers the opportunity to share their experience and practices through a method demo with fellow farmers in the area. It was noticed that farmers who are successful in their farming venture have established credibility among their peers. These very same farmers are just waiting to be tapped to act as extensionist.

Abstract

‘Made in India’ is no more a sign of poor quality. However, in the field of food grain exports, India is still lacking the required determination. The Indian food grains get rejected in the International market because of its out-dated post harvest technology (PHT). The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the nodal national agency for the procurement, storage, processing and transporting of food grains, and their further distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The government fixes the procurement price as well as the distribution price of the food grains, and the FCI has to accept it. The government compensates the resulting loss through subsidy. The government, through FCI, must encourage cultivation and marketing of premium quality food grains, by offering suitable incentives to farmers. The cost of marketing, storage and transporting of food grains can be considerably reduced with simultaneous improvement in quality of the end product, if the prevailing bag handling is replaced by bulk handling, storage, and transportation. However this needs closer coordination between various departments of the Ministry of Food and Ministry of Railways. The President of India revealed his vision to make India a developed country by the year 2020. To achieve this, the current post harvest losses to the tune of 10 percent must be reduced to 2 percent. This is possible if the government takes bold political decision supported by equally firm and time-bound necessary

Minimizing waste in agricultural and food production is increasingly recognized as a critical pathway toward environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and food security. Strategies such as waste prevention, material reuse, and resource recycling form the backbone of sustainable waste management in the agri-food chain—from production and processing to distribution and consumption. Globally, agriculture is under pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, with waste generation being a primary concern. Implementing integrated waste management practices across the agri-food sector enhances resource efficiency, improves soil health, creates value-added opportunities, and supports circular economy objectives. In the Indian context, where significant post-harvest losses and agro-industrial residues persist, such strategies are essential for advancing rural development, ecological sustainability, and economic resilience.

Minimization Strategies
Waste reduction starts at the production level with optimized crop planning and judicious input use. Precision agriculture tools—such as GIS mapping, soil health diagnostics, and sensor-based irrigation—enable efficient resource management and reduce chemical overuse. Practices like crop rotation, intercropping, and integrated pest management (IPM) further enhance productivity while minimizing environmental harm. Post-harvest losses, which can exceed 30% in India's fruit and vegetable sectors, are addressed through improved cold chain infrastructure, timely logistics, advanced packaging, and localized value addition. Digital interventions—such as price forecasting apps and e-market platforms—empower farmers to make informed decisions and reduce overproduction and spoilage.

INTRODUCTION

Carbon dioxide gas is fundamental to sustaining life on earth for two reasons (i) it is a source of C for photosynthesis, and (ii) it acts like blanket in atmosphere that keeps the earth warm. Molecular CO₂ absorbs short wave solar radiations and release them as long wave infra red radiations. An atmospheric concentration of 300 ppm is adequate to support life on earth. CO₂ accounts for about half of the greenhouse effect. The natural concentration of green house gases (GHGs) has been essential to life on earth, creating the average temperature of 15ºC. Without the naturally occurring green house effect, the average temperature would be minus 18ºC. CO₂ concentration has now reached 400 ppm. If present trends continue then CO₂ levels would reach 600 ppm in 2100 and 1300 ppm in 2200 and level off at 1800 ppm in the year 2400 (Harvey and Danney, 2000). With increasing CO₂ concentration the amount of solar radiation absorbed by atmosphere would increase and make earth warmer. The higher atmospheric temperature can affect global hydrological cycle and alter the distribution and productivity of terrestrial biota. This can have devastating consequences for human life as each 10C increase in temperature, vegetation zones may change dramatically, moving toward the poles by 200-300 km. Further, each 1ºC of global warming will also increase water evaporation, leading to about 2% greater mean global precipitation.

Introduction

Energy conservation is the practice of using less energy to lower costs and reduce environmental impact.

A majority percentage of energy used in buildings is still from non - renewable and fossil fuel resources. Lighting and Appliances are affecting energy demand in domestic sector.

Reasons for increased energy demand

• Increase in electrical appliance ownership

• Increasing income level and reliable access

• Rise of Lighting and appliance loads

Abstract

Rice is the staple and principle food of about half the human race and is often the main source of calories. Navara is a unique rice cultivar indigenous to Kerala, gifted with extra short growth duration. It is mainly used for the preparation of Navara kizhi, which is an effective remedy for rheumatic complaints, neuro muscular disorders and body rejuvenation. It is traditionally given as a supplementary diet to the under-weight and also consumed as a replenishing drink called ‘Karkadaka kanji’ during the monsoon season along with certain other herbal medicines.Despite the Navara is known for its special medicinal attributes to the producers, consumers and other actors of the value chain, there is a declining trend of Navara rice cultivation noticed (2000 acres to less than 50 acres) in the state (The Hindu, November 28, 2010), which entails the loss of biological and cultural diversity associated with this unique rice.The study attempted to identify and analyze the actors involved in the value chain of Navaraon the conservation perspective. The primary data required to analyze actors in the value chain were collected from the farmers, input suppliers, processors, retailers and consumers of Palakkad, through key informant method, focused group discussion, and structured interview schedules and analysed through Value chain mapping tool and SWOT analysis. The secondary data regarding the rice and its properties were collected from websites and publications. The study revealed that the cultivation of Navarashould be purely organic to preserve its medicinal value. The cultural practices except ploughing, such as weeding, manuring, harvesting etc. are done manually. Application of chemical fertilizers will increase the vegetative growth of Navaraand subject to lodging of plants and at the same it also affects the quality of rice.

Introduction

Castor (Ricinnus communis L.) is an important non-edible oilseed crop and occupies an important place in the country’s vegetable oil economy. The crop is mostly confined to Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Although other states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa, Maharashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh cultivate castor, their contribution to either area or production is limited. Presently, castor is grown over an area of 8.7 lakh hectares with a production of 11.7 lakh tonnes and productivity of 1352 kg/ha in the country (2008-09). Castor oil finds application in manufacture of a wide range of ever expanding industrial products such as nylon fibres, jet-engine lubricants, hydraulic fluids, soaps, varnishes, paints, medicines and a host of similar other products. Castor cake is used as manure and also as nematicide. Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh put together contribute to 68.5% of the total castor area and 80% of the total castor production in the country. The crop has been cultivated under resource-rich irrigated conditions in Gujarat with very high productivity (1963 kg/ha), while in Andhra Pradesh, the crop has been cultivated under rainfed and poor resource management conditions, with very low productivity (509kg/ha).