eChapters

Introduction

The biggest issue that humanity is currently facing is climate change. due to the increasing use of conventional energy sources. As a result, people all around the world are turning to affordable, clean renewable energy sources. These energy sources include biomass, tidal, solar, and wind energy. All of these energy sources, meanwhile, come with a unique set of challenges (Jeyasubramanian et al., 2021)particulate matter, carbon monoxide, etc. which influence a lot of environmental issues that are hazardous to all living beings including humans. One of the useful methods of using crop residues is in the form of biochar obtained after employing thermo-chemical routes. Apart from the crop residues, the carbon rich contents obtained from forest, animal compost, waste plastics, etc., can be heated in oxygen starved atmosphere, that left char having enriched carbon and trace amount of minerals finds extensive applications in agriculture, especially to make soil more fertile, as a carbon sequestration agent, increases crops yields, etc. This review focuses on the synthetic strategies adopted to obtain biochar, and the numerous applications in various fields. Further, the interactions involved in between the host–guest molecules are explained using computational studies like Density Functional Theory, Artificial Neural Network analysis, Machine Learning methods, and Visual MINTEQ program.

Current and emerging animal nutrition, reproduction and health management technologies have the potential to improve efficiency of livestock production. However, the thermal stress or hyperthermia caused by elevated ambient temperature reduces feed intake, milk yield, growth rate and reproductive performance of livestock species. Livestock in tropical countries will be affected severely by the abrupt and fast-paced climate changes. The impact is not only on production traits, a number of animal species may become endangered. Many of the native livestock species still perform better under climatic stress and low-input conditions. It is necessary to catalogue the indigenous livestock genetic resources, elucidate their genetic make-up and regulation of key metabolic pathways of adaptation and productive attributes and using the inferences to develop strategies for utilizing livestock resources under climatic stress.

5.1 Technology readiness levels- Introduction
Technology readiness levels (TRLs) is measurement of the maturity level of a particular technology. These are based on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the most mature technology. It is a map that shows whether a given technology is in a conceptual state or can be used in real-world applications and ensures innovations are thoroughly tested before being applied on a large scale. The TRL scale uses a set of questions designed to measure progress of a technology toward maturity. They help in reducing risks and improving efficiency. TRLs were initially designed in the 1970s for use by NASA to assess how prepared a technology was for space missions. Technology for space travel is always extremely sophisticated and with a high degree of risk. NASA required a system to assess systematically whether or not a new technology was ready to implement. By breaking down development into different levels, NASA was able to provide informed decisions on which innovations were ready to incorporate (figure 12). In due course, TRL proved to be so effective that other industries began to use it. Other entities like the European Space Agency (ESA), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), BIRAC, DRDO and many other agencies have taken , to using TRL to guide R&D strategies. TRL helps in simplifying development, decreasing risks, and maximizing resource utilization.

India has made considerable progress in improving its food security. The agricultural development strategy pursued in the country, particularly since the mid-sixties, is recognized and appreciated world over. The integration of agricultural research with quality education and a properly planned extension education system has been one of the fundamental foundations of this developmental strategy, which also led to revolutions in many other sectors of agriculture and allied enterprises. As a part of this strategy, several programmes of transfer of technology from research stations to farmers’ fields were launched in the country. These included National Demonstration Project, Lab to Land Programme, Operational Research Project and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centers). The programmes were continuously reviewed from time to time and reformulated for their effectiveness. Presently the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been recognized as an effective link between agricultural research and extension system in the country (Venkatasubramanian et. al., 2009).

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centers), an innovative science-based institution, were established mainly to impart vocational skill training to the farmers and field-level extension workers. The concept of vocational training in agriculture through KVK grew substantially due to greater demand for improved/agricultural technology by the farmers. The farmers require not only knowledge and understanding of the intricacy of technologies, but also progressively more and more skills in various complex agricultural operations for adoption on their farms. The effectiveness of the KVK was further enhanced by adding the activities related to on-farm testing and front-line demonstrations on major agricultural technologies.

Technology Assessment and Refinement
What is Technology Assessment?
Technology assessment serves as a method or tool for forecasting future technological needs. It helps in envisioning or predicting potential technological developments required by users and in identifying areas where existing technologies can be improved. In agriculture, evaluating a technology means understanding its worth or effectiveness. This evaluation can be done by researchers, farmers, or other relevant stakeholders. The knowledge obtained from such evaluations is essential for creating new technologies, improving existing ones, and ensuring their successful adoption by end users.
The approach to technology assessment varies depending on who is conducting the evaluation, the purpose behind it, and the specific characteristics of the technology being assessed. It is commonly defined as the organized and intentional use of knowledge, skills, and experience to carry out a task or deliver a service that contributes to the well-being of society.
Technology Assessment: Definition and Objectives
According to Strasser (1972), technology assessment is a structured approach to planning and forecasting that identifies various options and associated costs. It considers not only economic factors but also environmental and social impacts, both internal and external to the technology being evaluated. The assessment places emphasis on analyzing both the positive and negative consequences of technologies. As such, institutions involved in the development, refinement, and dissemination of agricultural technologies have a significant stake in conducting technology assessments.

Basics of Technology Commercialization
Technology, a ubiquitous force shaping our world, can be understood from various angles. Here’s a breakdown of its definition, functions, and the fascinating process of its advancement.
Definition
At its core, technology is the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It’s not just about gadgets and gizmos; it encompasses a vast array of systems, processes, and tools that we use to transform the world around us and solve problems. This includes everything from the humble wheel to the intricate workings of artificial intelligence.
Functions
Technology serves a multitude of functions, broadly categorized into:
Simplifying tasks: From automated manufacturing to self-driving cars, technology automates and streamlines processes, saving time and effort.
Enhancing communication and connection: From the internet to social media, technology bridges geographical barriers and fosters global interaction.
Expanding our knowledge and understanding: Scientific instruments, telescopes, and advanced data analysis tools enable us to explore the universe, delve into the microscopic world, and gain deeper insights into various fields.

Introduction

Gerbera is one of the most important commercial flowering crops growing in the world as a cut flower as well as garden decoration, which belongs to family compositae and native in South Africa and Asiatic region. Presently, its demand and utility are rising up continuously in India both in urban as well as rural areas throughout the year. Peoples prefer this flower, because of its unparallel diversity in colour and long vase life; whereas farmers took this crop in relation to high margin of profit and long post harvest life over some others flower. Now, people are showing their keen interest towards use of this flower in their daily life and for celebrating a colorful festival. As per report of NHB (2014), total crop area is 820 hactors, where flower marketed of 3.96 and 17.84 MT of loose and cut flowers respectively. The prime producing states in India for gerbera flower production are Karnataka, Maharastra, Assam, Uttrakhand, Telangana, Tamilnadu and West Bengal. There are some constrains identified in gerbera cultivation under protected situation, like initial investment is too much, protocol of the technology is very much restricted, regular supervision is an essential and all local festivals regulates quantity of consumption etc. However, before adopting this technology for implementation as taking part of business, users should upgrade their knowledge by seeing and believing at different production centers. Details about latest technology are summarized under mentioned, which may be helpful to the students and farmers to some extent for ready references.

4.1 Introduction 
The growing recognition of biofuels as a competitive renewable energy source is increasingly evident, particularly when compared to the fossil fuel energy's limited supply, unstable geopolitical environment, and environmental repercussions associated with fossil fuel energy. In the broader context of renewable energy sources (RES), which are characterized as sustainable resources long-time availability at an affordable price and devoid of adverse effects, biofuels emerge as a promising category.(Charters, 2001) Biofuels include any type of energy-dense material that is either directly acquired from biological activities or is obtained through the chemical conversion of biomass from previous species.(Rodionova et al., 2017) Because biomass can be effectively converted into energy, biofuels play a crucial role in supplying energy needs and consumptions. The importance of biofuels in the global energy landscape is underscored by several factors, making them relevant technologies for both developing and industrialized countries.(Demirbas, 2007) Fuel, a concept central to energy discourse, encompasses substances that store and release energy when subjected to a chemical reaction. It serves as the lifeblood of energy systems, powering various sectors from transportation to electricity generation. The variety of fuels available is staggering; they include traditional petroleum-based fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, in addition to renewable energy resources like solar and wind and, most crucially, biofuels and alternative energy sources like nuclear power.(M et al., 2023) Within the realm of biofuels, there exists a multifaceted spectrum, where each type offers unique advantages and applications. Bioethanol, derived primarily from crops such as corn and sugarcane, stands out as a prominent example. Biodiesel, synthesized from vegetable oils or animal fats, represents another significant category. Additionally, advanced biofuels, produced through cutting-edge technologies like cellulosic ethanol and algae-based biofuels, showcase the ongoing innovation within the biofuel industry.(Vickram et al., 2023) There are a number of reasons why people choose biofuels over conventional fuels, but their favorable effects on the environment are the main one. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels present a renewable and sustainable option, as they are derived from organic materials that could be replenished. This contrasts starkly with the finite nature of fossil fuel resources, which are not only depleting but also contribute to ecological degradation. Moreover, the instability in the geopolitical landscape surrounding fossil fuels, with its attendant economic and security implications, further accentuates the appeal of biofuels as a more secure and resilient energy source.(Lee, Clark and Devereaux, 2008) When

1. INTRODUCTION

Indians are known to prepare preserves from the ancient times. They were also familiar with ther therapeutic values associated with the preserves. Besides, candies, reathers and toffees are the other food products prepared and consumed. In this chapter, the methods of their preparation are described.

2. PRESERVES

A preserve is made from properly mature fruit, by cooking it whole or in the form of large pieces in heavy sugar syrup, till it becomes tender and transparent. In its preparation not less than 45Kg of the fruit are used for every 55Kg of sugar, and cooking is continued till a concentration of at least 68 per cent of TSS (Total Soluble Solids) is reached.

Freshly made preserves are wholesome and have an attractive appearance. When they are stored for a long period, their natural colour and flavour deteriorates on account of oxidative changes. They should therefore, be made only during the season, unless there should be adequate facilities to keep the fruits so that they are available in the off-season also.

My definition of a ‘Developed India’ is “when the quality of life in our rural areas becomes comparable to that in the non-urban areas of already developed countries”. Another way of looking at development is to look at ‘Measures of Development’. Unlike the three used by United Nations, viz. per-capita Gross National Product, life expectancy at birth and adult literacy, I have been suggesting for a long time that the appropriate measures of development for a developing country are only two – per capita electricity consumption and female literacy. Availability of electricity is essential to provide the basic amenities like pure drinking water and proper health care and to develop rural industries. And also, without near-hundred per cent literacy and without societal equity – evidenced inter-alia through gender non-discrimination – the fruits of science and technology (S&T) will not fully reach rural India.

Technology Foresight to Become a ‘Developed’ Country

Choosing the right technologies to put the nation on the part of rapid development requires technology Foresight. Technology foresight must be distinguished from Technology Forecasting, which attempts to predict future technological developments, without worrying about the impact of these developments on the economy, society or the environment. Technology foresight adds assessments from economic, social, environmental, security and even ethical points of view to technology foresight. One may often get different answers from such analysis depending on whether you are from India or say, from the United States of America, to the need for technologies like, for example, fast breeder reactors or rural food processing.

Basics of Technology Incubation
Technology incubation is a fascinating process that fosters the growth of innovative startups and businesses with high-potential technology. It provides a supportive environment and resources for early-stage companies to develop their ideas, validate their business models, and navigate the challenges of commercialization.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of technology incubation: What happens in a technology incubation?
Pre-incubation: Startups with promising ideas can receive initial guidance and support to refine their concepts and develop a business plan.
Incubation: Selected startups gain access to shared office space, mentorship from experienced professionals, networking opportunities, and access to funding sources.
Post-incubation: Graduated startups continue to receive support in areas like marketing, legal advice, and investor relations as they scale their businesses.
Benefits of Technology Incubation
Reduced risks: Startups can test their ideas and validate their market potential before investing significant resources.
Access to resources: Incubators provide vital resources like office space, equipment, and software, reducing the financial burden on startups.

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.

Abstract

Hills and mountains are an important agro-ecosystem, which have lagged  behind the plains in respect of agricultural development. The plains of India witnessed green revolution followed by white, yellow and blue revolutions, which not only increased production and productivity of food crops but helped in bringing about overall development that led to livelihood security in the rural India. The hills, however, remained technologically backward resulting in low agricultural productivity, which brought about livelihood insecurity in these areas. And this has happened despite the fact that a large number of top class institutions of the CSIR, ICAR, ICFRE, Atomic Energy 
Commission, GSI and BSI along with State Agricultural Universities have been present (in the region) and were engaged in developing technology relevant to agriculture and allied areas. However, these technologies did not reach to the end user i.e. the hill farmer for a variety of reasons. Therefore, technology development and dissemination have been accorded high priority by the state governments.

INTRODUCTION

Mass production was the hallmark for improvement of productivity in early 20^th century. Subsequently the productivity development was driven by the use of information technology and related concepts like Entrepreise resource planning (ERP), Customer relationship Management (CRM), Business Process Reingineering, TQM etc. These technologies and concepts were instrumental in collection, codification, analysis, decision making and execution of decision which translated to better coordination and profitability. The ability to harness synergy out of the information systems, coordinated team and goal orientation helped in executing strategies with sharpness, proactively identifying customer need, responding to social context and competitive scenario with alacrity. As it stands now, with internet and multimedia technologies it is faster to form organization, reach out to the stakeholders. Technology mediation has improved the productivity and quality of economic activities. It has still lot more options to come in the 21^st century.

Sovereign state performances from different parts of the world have been going through a different set of social and performance context. Over last couple of decades multiple social issues have surfaced. Issues like “rich and poor divide”, “increase of least developed countries (LDCs)”, have forced a thinking about the efficacy and efficiency of governance processes. The social and economic context in multiple countries gave rise to the Millenium Development Goals (MDG) of the UN. Governments in most of the countries have short life span than before, and are now elected with lower margins. The recent Jasmine revolution has eliminated entrenched dictators, almost without bloodshed vastly due to the use of technology like, social-e-media platforms. Regional aspirations have become strong, vociferous and demanding. Splintering of USSR, Sudan, Unification of Germany, Iraq, overthrowing of monarchy in Nepal and closer home in India, there is clamour for more states. In a multi-party democracy, few national parties have got splintered into or have given rise to multiple regional political parties to represent the local aspirations. Governments are now grappling with economic crisis. Democracy as the form of the government, ironically, has not been able to live upto the expectations. On different facet, recently the issues like wikieleaks and exposure of snooping of different governments on its own citizens, have indicated the lack of trust of people.

The word biscuit drives from Danisbiscoctus which is the Latin word used for twice-cooked bread in Britain and refers to bread rusks made for sailors (ship biscuits) as long as the Middle Ages. Biscuits are thin, flat, baked and crisp items made comprising flour, sugar and fat as the key ingredients. These usually have a moisture content of less than 4% and have a long shelf life, maybe six months or more, when packed in moisture-proof containers. They may be a part of routine diets, sweets, luxury gifts, nutritional items, baby foods, pet foods, chocolates and creams added, etc. The appearance and eating qualities determine the appeal to consumers.

Bread is considered as one of the oldest processed foods to be known, traditionally prepared using wheat flour and water and baked on hot stones. The process of bread making involves hydration of protein and formation of gluten network ABSTRACT 70 Bakery and Confectionery Technology upon mixing, the evolution of carbon dioxide owing to the action of yeast on sugars and aeration of the mixture by incorporation of the gas followed by coagulation of the dough upon heating it in the oven. 

The history of cakes traces back to ancient times where Egyptians first practiced advanced baking skills. However, the modern-day cakes are said to have evolved in Europe around mid of 17th century. Today cake products and its derivatives are widely found all around the world. Cakes are sweet baked products rich in sugar, fat and egg with a tender bite and a pleasant flavour. They are basically protein foams, stabilized by gelatinized starch. Quality of cake depends on number of factors like selection of ingredients, balancing of recipe, optimum mixing and baking procedures. Good quality cakes are characterized by large volume, uniform crumb with fine cells and pore size.

Confectionery is an vital food item of great acceptance among wide range of population. It has been relished as a major food delicacy from ancient times. The term confectionery is describes a spectrum of sweet goods and takes on different meaning depending on the country in which it is used, for example in the United Kingdom the term applies to any sweet product including cakes. In the United States confectionery is candy and includes sugar confectionery and chocolate confectionery.

In the Modern era of globalisation, a wide variety of miscellaneous bakery products are available. It is hard to acknowledge all of them in this chapter due to the unlimited specialities of bakers across the world. The writing here in this chapter is limited to formulation & technology used for the production of buns, pizza base, chapatti, wafers, pretzels, crackers and muffins individually.