eChapters

Introduction

Agricultural lands in India have mostly low native soil fertility. On these soils there must be a regular application of nutrient inputs through chemical fertilizers and/or organic manures for a successful and sustained crop production to replenish soil nutrient reserves depleted by crop removal and other losses. It is essential to recognize that even in agricultural production systems with relatively low productivity level, the quantity of nutrients available for recycling through plant and animal residues is not enough to compensate the amount being removed by crops. Under these circumstances mineral fertilizers play a key role in those areas having low fertile soils by increasing agricultural production to meet out growing food demand. Chemical fertilizers are the major contributors as source of plant nutrients to enhance crop production and also to maintain soil productivity.

For efficient nutrient use, most important factors are the timely supply/recycling of adequate amount of nutrients to the production system and its retention and release by soil for timely and ready availability in the root zone for its mobility to the plant in the presence of optimum moisture content in the soil. For keeping the applied nutrients retained in the root zone one has to reduce the soil erosion and leaching losses through technologies available in hand which include direct measures of soil and water conservation and maintain the soil aggregation and porosity through suitable tillage and organic residue recycling. For movement of nutrients into plant system we need to ensure optimum soil moisture content through water management.

Nutrient use efficiency of crops is being improved through temporal and spatial management of the form and amount of nutrient inputs as being demonstrated by various agronomic practices. In addition, understanding of the genetic basis of nutrient efficiency would lead to the development of nutrient use efficient varieties thus reducing the application of nutrients. Earlier studies on genetics of nutrient use efficiency were limited as increasing productivity with heavy nutrient inputs was the main focus. But in the backdrop of environmental degradation due to the excessive nutrients and its impact in climate change, nutrient use efficiency in crops is need of the hour for sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.

The diets of over two-thirds of the world’s population lack one or more essential mineral elements. This can be remedied through dietary diversification, mineral supplementation, food fortification, or increasing the concentrations and/or bioavailability of mineral elements in produce (biofortification) involving aspects of soil science, plant physiology and genetics underpinning crop biofortification strategies, as well as agronomic and genetic approaches currently taken to biofortify food crops with the mineral elements most commonly lacking in human diets: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iodine (I) and selenium (Se).

Introduction

The term nitrogen use efficiency, (NUE) is widely used in research to cover problems in use of N in crop production systems. It describes N input/output ratio at different scales starting from farm levels to regional levels. An analysis of of NUE is helpful to analyze possible options for improving NUE in different crops and cropping systems. NUE at crop scale may be defined as the ratio between the yield and the N uptake by the crop. This ratio is sometimes called as the physiological NUE or utilization efficiency. High NUE can be achieved by high harvest index and a high productivity of dry matter per unit N uptake. The second component of NUE is the ratio of plant N uptake to the potentially available N. This ratio is called uptake efficiency or available N use efficiency. Enhancing the uptake efficiency of the crop is possible through enhancing the physiological uptake efficiency of the roots, enhancing root length density and matching the N supply and demand of a particular crop.

Introduction

The soil is the largest terrestrial pool of organic carbon, about 1150 Pg (1Pg = 10¹⁵ g) compared with about 700 Pg in the atmosphere and 600 Pg in land biota (Lal and Kimble,1997). Organic carbon level of soils reaches a fixed equilibrium that is determined by a number of interacting factors such as precipitation, temperature, soil type, tillage, cropping systems, fertilizers, the type and quantity of crop residues returned to soil, and the method of residues management. In the temperate climate, it may take about 50 years for the organic carbon of soils to reach a new equilibrium level following a change in management. However, this period is much shorter in a semiarid and arid climate and also in tropical climate like India.

Knowledge of structure is a basic element of biological research. Understanding structures of various degrees of complexity contributes to a better understanding of function, ontogenetic and physiologic processes, as well as phylogenetic relationships. In biological sciences, ultrastructure refers to the nanostructure of a biological specimen, such as a cell, tissue, or organ, at scales smaller than can be viewed with light microscopy. Electron microscopy (EM) has a great impact on our knowledge and understanding of ultrastructure.

AIR POLLUTION FROM AUTO EXHAUST

Motor vehicles are the major source of a number of pollutants, in particular carbon monoxide (CO),nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC),ozone (O3) and other photo chemical oxidants and lead (Pb) and, in smaller proportions Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and volatile organic compounds.

The response of plants to air pollution can be understood by analyzing the physiological and biochemical parameters of plants.

Physiological Parameters

The epidermal cells are the first to interact with the air pollutants and also lack chloroplast. Epidermal cells hence cannot remove excess sulphur through the production and release of H2S. Damage to plants by air pollutants depends upon the amount of pollutants entering the cells and their reactivity with cellular constituents. Plants regulate the entry of gaseous molecules through stomatal movement thereby affecting the photosynthesis and transpiration. Response of plants to gaseous pollutants varies from species to species. This is due to differences in the stomatal conductance, aperture size and permeability of plasma membrane (Yunus et al., 1996).

True /False

Q.1.    A diagnostic test enables the doctors to reach at a decision whether the patient is suffering from a particular disease or not.
Q.2.    The recent developments in the field by biotechnology have led to the development of many new medical tests.
Q.3.    The general principles in designing and conduct diagnostic test studies are not known well.

True/False

Q.1.    Demographic data and vital statistics are important tools for researchers, epidemiologists, health planners and health professionals.
Q.2.    The distribution of people across different geographic regions is known as population density.

SYNOPSIS

The availability of food is of paramount importance without which it is hard for human beings to survive. The recognized way of making food available is to produce but it is also equally important that food produced is utilized well without loss of edible food materials. The paper discusses on unused food, under- utilized food within and across countries, and puts emphasis on utilization and handling of food. In perspective, the paper highlights the steps to be taken up to save and utilize the food already produced.

SYNOPSIS

With the change of time, and the progressive development in life-style, the menu of food has undergone significant changes in communities, countries, regions and worldwide. This is influenced by the travel, migration of the people, and enhancement of the socio-economic status among the masses.

SYNOPSIS

There have been conflicting practices, recommendations regarding a healthy diet in human beings. Unscientific food habits are limitation to good health and active life. Because of various social, cultural, religious and economic factors human beings in the same climatic conditions and living situations, have been practicing different food habits leading to many health problems. What to eat, how much to eat and when to eat are not clear with the masses. This paper attempts to throw light on these aspects.

SYNOPSIS

Food and nutritional challenges continue to be tackled in East and Southern African countries. Prevailing rates of high malnutrition among children and often in adults in vulnerable geographical locations do suggest the need for appropriate interventions. Of several global nutrition interventions during the 1980s, successful implementation of nutrition programmes in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Ethiopia have established strategies / approaches that are promising.  In Tanzania, the Iringa nutrition programme (WHO/UNICEF Joint Nutrition Support Programme) was implemented during 1983-1988.

Floriculture  is  increasingly  regarded  as  a  viable  diversification  from traditional field crops due to increased per unit returns and increasing habit of “saying it with flowers” during all the occasions. All over the world, the floricultural sector is experiencing rapid changes. Opening up to the world, market  in  the  WTO  regime  paving  way  to  free  movement  of  floricultural products worldwide, globalization and its effect on income generation have all  contributed  to  increase  in  per  capita  consumption  of  flowers  in  most countries. Noticeable  feature  of  global  floriculture  is  the  development  and expansion of floriculture in non-traditional areas. Netherlands, Italy, Germany and  Japan  had  strong  tradition  for  growing  and  consumption  of  flowers. The  concept  of  commercial  floriculture  was perpetuated  across  the  world from those regions. New production centres are developing in Latin America, Africa and also in Asia to meet the demand of consuming countries and also to  expand  domestic  market,  commensuration  with  improved  economic conditions  these countries  provide  highly  qualitative  floricultural  products with low cost price which is finding a favourable place in markets of Western Europe, America and Japan. Emergence of new production centres has made floriculture  more  competitive  and  this  in  turn  is benefiting the  ultimate consumers.

Anthuriums are tropical flowering plants with attractive foliage. These flowers are bewitchingly beautiful with attractive form and long lasting characters making it a favourite choice for flower arrangement and for bouquet making.  Anthurium is a large neotropical genus of 600-800 species belonging to family Araceae. Two flowering species in this genus Anthurium andreanum and Anthurium scherzerianum are extremely fascinating and commercially important.  The flowers of anthurium are popular with flower arrangers because of their bold effect and lasting qualities (Bhatt and Desai, 1989 and Singh, 1995). Together with some of its many hybrids, A. andreanum today forms the basis of a substantial cut flower industry chiefly in Hawaii, where much research is done in its hybridization and cut flower.

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) commonly called as Rajanigandha produces waxy, white and fragrant flowers on long spikes which are mostly used as cut flowers for making garlands and extracting essential oil. Among the ornamental bulbous plants, it has great economic potential for cut flower trade and essential oil industry. The predominant characteristics of this crop are its lingering, delightful fragrance and excellent keeping quality.

Agriculture is vital to the development of any nation, India being no exception. Development must include the youth and therefore the government seeks to encourage their participation in the agricultural sector. This effort seeks to change the negative perception the youth have of participation in agriculture as uneducated, unskilled, physical labourers with extremely low economic return. Modern agriculture is more than tilling the soil and animals. The sector today offers career opportunities in research, environment, financial management, engineering and other technical areas for the youth to explore. The introduction of the Youth in Agriculture is necessary and important to facilitate food and nutrition security for the sustainable development of the nation.

Agriculture is the key force in India and nearly two-third of the work force is directly or indirectly depends on agriculture to support their livelihood. In every day situation, farmers are facing complex problems viz., pest hazards, weed control, moisture insufficiency, soil fertility, farm credit, labor shortage, soil erosion, crop production technologies and so forth to improve the production and productivity. It is not sufficient to give agricultural related information to farmers alone and it is very essential to give information on newly released technologies to the people involving in the extension activities or extension personnel’s.

Technology adoption is mounting every day in the field of agriculture. The greatest need of the day is to effectively communicate the information related to farm technologies to the millions of farmers to educate and to adopt them in order to modernise their agriculture. Inspite of our best efforts, only 25 to 30 per cent of the modern agricultural technologies have reached farmers. This modern technology however has been restricted to favourable farming situation only.

Indian economy is basically an agrarian economy (Saxena, 2012) and the majority less literate and unskilled population living in rural areas does not fit into the employment market. Employing 55% of labour force, agriculture sector is a major employment provider (Chand, 2014). However, the seasonal nature of Indian agriculture leads to seasonal and cyclical unemployment. This situation can be altered by generating employment opportunities through nurturing entrepreneurship in agriculture (Rehman et al., 2012).

The prosperity and growth of a nation depends on the status and development of women as they constitute about 50.00 per cent of the human resource of the country. Women play a significant role in agriculture and allied fields. She also performs several management and decision making roles in farming and home making practices with her male counterpart and sometimes alone.(Sreenivasulu and Punna Rao, 2005). Khelkar (1995) found that 64.55 per cent had medium level of farm management followed by high and low 18.18 per cent and 17.27 per cent respectively.

The College of Food Technology was established in the year 1976 at Parbhani as one of the constituent College of VNMKV, Parbhani. Food Technology College involves the knowledge of application of different fields of food Science and also includes transfer of Food Science technology to the students to make them well equipped with knowledge and skills required for employment in public  and private sector.

Livestock sector plays a vital role in the welfare of India’s rural population by acting as an important source of income and employment in the rural sector (Dastagiri, 2004). India possesses the largest livestock population in the world and ranks first with (520.6 million), and accounts for the largest number of cattle (world share 16.1%), buffaloes (57.9%), second largest number of goats (16.7%) and third highest number of sheep (5.7%) in the world (FAOSTAT) and sustaining all these in less than 5% of world’s and one-third of Asia’s agricultural land area (MOA, 2003).

Rationale of the Study

Greens are the cheapest of all the vegetables within the reach of poor man, being richest in their nutritional value. The problem of malnutrition is assuming seriousness in the vulnerable groups viz., adolescents, pregnancy, lactation and school children, not because of poverty but because of ignorance, illiteracy and callousness of the people. The lack of knowledge especially on the nutritive value of these green leafy vegetables among the public in general is the main drawback in their lower consumption. (Jyoti, 2008)

Introduction

The Indian agriculture is very complex and carrying out multi-functionalities of providing food, nutrition and ecological security besides employment and livelihood for over 700 million people. Indeed, India has made a marvelous achievement in attaining self-sufficiency in food grain production after the introduction of Green Revolution which eventually resulted in maintaining all-time high buffer stock in warehouses of our country. Such rosy picture in production trends turned to be bleak in the past few years.

Introduction

“Non-monetary inputs are defined as those cultural operations which help to achieve high yield at no extra cost and whose cost does not change with the level of output”.
 
After the advent of green revolution, nutrient management has received the significant attention by farmer as well as researchers; as a result of which and coupled with the requirement for high yielding varieties, consumption of plant nutrient (N, P and K) increased tremendously. Variability was observed in fertilizer consumption between the states. 

Introduction

Fertilizers in India, are mostly applied either through broadcasting, foliar application or using seed cum fertilizer drills. With the introduction of micro irrigation systems, the application of fertilizers along with the irrigation water became promising and is gaining momentum. The goal of fertilizer application through irrigation is to maximize the uptake rate of fertilizers in order to minimize the losses.

A cellular phone is also known as a mobile phone, cell phone, portable phone and a hand phone. It is a device that can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link while moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile phone operator, allowing access to the public telephone network.

The cell phone was invented by Dr. Martin Cooper who led a team of developers at Motorola and made the first cell phone call in April 3, 1973 at Motorola.

Today, cell phones are becoming capable of doing almost anything a computer is capable to do. Below, are few examples of what a phone can do?

A mobile phone often referred to as a cellular phone or cell phone is an electronic telecommunication device that can make and receive telephone calls through radio wave or satellite transmission whilst moving around a wide geographic area. Most mobile phones provide voice communications, Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), short range wireless communication (Infrared, Bluetooth), business applications, gaming, photography and internet services such as web browsing and e-mail. Mobile communication technology has become the world’s most common way of transmitting voice, data and services, and no other technology has ever spread so fast. The mobile phone is especially important for India because it is growing here faster.

Climate change impacts on agriculture are being witnessed all over the world, but countries like India are more vulnerable in view of the high population that depends on agriculture and excessive pressure on natural resources. The warming trend in India over the past 100 years (1901 to 2007) was observed to be 0.51°C with accelerated warming of 0.21oC per every 10 years since 1970 (Kumar, 2009). The projected impacts are likely to further aggravate the yield fluctuations of many crops with impact on food security and prices. Climate change impacts are likely to vary in different parts of the country. Parts of western Rajasthan, Southern Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Northern Karnataka, Northern Andhra Pradesh and Southern Bihar are likely to be more vulnerable in terms of extreme events (Mall et al., 2006).

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Jhunjhunun district of Indian Thar desert to evaluate the soil fertility status and impact of different land uses on soil physico-chemical properties. Surface soil samples (0-30 cm depth) from rainfed crop lands, irrigated croplands, Orans (traditional grazing lands) and sand dunes were collected and analyzed for fertility. The pH and EC values of the soils ranged from 7.2- 9.7 and 0.02 – 2.5 dSm,^-1 respectively. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content in the soils varied from 0.03-0.62%, with the lowest average content (0.07%) in sand dunes, whereas average SOC under rainfed crop lands and Orans was 0.13 and 0.15%, respectively. Soils under irrigated crop lands recorded highest values for SOC (0.22%). Phosphorus deficiency was spread in the district across the land uses. However, soils under irrigated crop land showed phosphorus buildup due to carry over effect of continuous use of P fertilizers over a period of time.

Abstract

Brinjal being native vegetable crop of India possesses rich variability. It is one of the important crops for arid region with limited irrigation water. The large variability in genetic resources available in this crop, provide scope for development of varieties with desirable characteristics such as earliness, high fruit quality and yield, tolerance to high temperature and fruit and shoot borer (FSB).

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted on integrated nutrient management in clitoria at Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Kukma-Bhuj, during 2009 and 2010 with four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha^–1) and phosphorus (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha^–1). In another field experiment, response of clitoria to bio-fertilisers (rhizobium, phosphorus solubilising microbes (PSM) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) was assessed. Other experiments on standardising micronutrient application, seed rate, spacing and intercropping with grasses were also conducted.

Abstract

Ten genotypes of Cenchrus ciliaris L. were evaluated for seed yield and its components under arid environment prevailing at Jodhpur. The genotypes were grown (using seeds) during July 2010 and three cuts of fodder were taken up to November, thereafter allowed to produce seeds. Fodder of re-growth was finally harvested in June 2011 after seed collection. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied, viz.

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is known as the king of oil seeds in India due to the high oil content (50-54%) of its seed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphology of sesame under high temperature stress. Seventeen released varieties of sesame (Sesame indicum L.) were studied during kharif 2009 under rainfed conditions. Analysis of variance on ten quantitative and qualitative traits was carried out. The mean, range, phenotypic and genotypic variation, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were calculated.

Introduction

Libraries are universally recognized as important social institutions for diffusion of knowledge and information. The modern and highly equipped libraries are found in the universities since they are the centers of higher education, training and research. The universities libraries are essential to achieve the objective of university education and research.

Introduction

There are a growing number of academics and publishers who believe quite firmly that once the transition from print to electronic journals has been made — particularly within the scientific, medical and technical (STM) sector of the journals market — there will be no role for libraries in the scholarly communication chain. Electronic journals can be delivered directly from the publisher  to the user’s desktop. Such a scenario is certainly possible, but it is unlikely for a number of reasons.

Inroduction

In the present I.T. (Information Technology) environment a number of libraries are being converted into digital libraries as the advantages of being a digital library is now well understood by every one. Over the years information has been produced digitally and libraries have become major providers of information in digital format. The information managers should have knowledge of computer, networking, internet and digital resources, etc to manage these resources and provide access to end users.

Introduction
 
Electronic resources for libraries includes online databases , electronic( e-) journals , electronic(e-) books ,full text articles and web sites, where online journals have firmly established themselves as essential resources for libraries and information centers  and their users, as appointed books in most of disciplines. Electronic books (e-books) have not found the same favour. The potential of e-books to support learning activity has been acknowledged, and new services have emerged in recent years, but uptake has been slow.

Introduction
 
Library automation in the first giant step towards the use of ICT based products & services in libraries. It brings great revolution and saves tremendous time of users and library staff for collecting and disseminating information. Library automation refers to use of computers, associated peripheral media such as software for automation, magnetic tapes, disks, optical media etc. Library automation makes the provision to provide the 'right information to right reader at the right time in a right form in a right personal way' it is the basic aim of libraries. There are some open source software available e.g. Evergreen, CDS Invenio, Koha, NewGenLib, PMB, PhpMyLibrary, OpenBiblio as well as many commercial software: SOUL, Alice for windows, Netlib, LibSys etc.

1. Introduction

Radio Frequency Identification popularly known as RFID is a term used for a radio-enabled device that communicates with or interrogates a tag or smart label, which is embedded with a single microchip processor and an antenna. "This is an automatic identification method that relies on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices such as RFID tags or transponders (Mamdampur and Rajgoli, 2011)". This technology is similar in concept to a cell phone (Singh and Midha, 2008) which refers to the subset of automatic identification that uses radio waves to automatically identify bulk or individual items (Chavan, 2012).While the origin of RFID lie more than 50 years in the past, passive RFID technology is actually only in its infancy (Sarma, 2008).

1. Introduction
 
Today we are living in the Era of Information. Over last decade, electronic resources have become increasingly substantial components of academic library collection. This is due to the continuous development of Information Technology and its impact on library collection development policies due to changing demand of users for the pin pointed and exhaustive information within a short time. With the growing popularity of e-resources, the traditional libraries are gradually migrating from print documents to e- resources where providing access to information is considered more important than owning it. This is further augmented by the advent of Internet. Which has opened up windows of opportunity to different Information sources.

1. Introduction

Electronic journals are an important source for scientific technical research and development. This resource is widely used by research and development workers and other users of the libraries to carry out qualitative research, education and gain knowledge. In recent years there has been a surge in the number of electronic journals available to libraries for their users to access. More titles are made available by publishers and subscription agents. There is a common view amongst Liberians that libraries are forsaking traditional print resources in favor of electronic resources. With the application of information technology, particularly internet, there has been a shift from traditional print journal to electronic journals. This type of use survey is essential to improve the existing library services, to plan new services, rationalize the use of the limited financial resources in an economic way, evaluate the performance of the library and enhance the user satisfaction.

1. Introduction

Over the years, the library and information environment has seen remarkable changes in its collection, organization and services due to impact of Information Communication Technology (ICT). One of the most significant benefits which libraries have acquired with the help of ICT during past two decades is the Institutional Repositories (IR). IR has changed the image and importance of academic libraries in preserving the institutional knowledge to a great extend. "With the rapid development of Information Communication Technology (ICT), many new services have been introduced in libraries to satisfy the need of users in a better way. Institutional Repository is a type of information service which involves collection, organization, preservation and dissemination of digital scholarly materials such as theses, dissertations, technical reports, journal articles and teaching materials.

Introduction

Due to the advent of new technologies now-a-days e-resources became more popular and essential. The information technology has made it possible the availability and accessibility of e-resources. The e-resources are made available both online and offline. Further some are free and some are paid. The free e-resources can be accessed anywhere and anytime on the discretion of the user. But for the paid e-resources to get comprehensive access by using best possible tools and techniques is the library. Multiple resources in the present electronic environment can be seamlessly integrated with a single login gateway which makes is user friendly. Further the explosive growth in network connectivity and rapid advances in computing power systems have altered the speed of communications. Recent advances in the information world have transformed the role of libraries in disseminating information to users. Increase in the number of users and their different needs have made modern libraries apply new communication technology. As a result of this there is a worldwide need and trend to collect, organize, manage, protect and distribute information in digital form.

Introduction

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research is the apex body for co-coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country with more than hundred and above ICAR libraries and fifty six state agricultural universities libraries spread across the country this is one of the largest national agricultural library network in the in the country under consortium of e-Resources in Agriculture. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has contributed a lot towards strengthening of Agricultural Libraries via modern Information Technological (IT) tools. ICAR has sanctioned so many projects under National Agricultural Technology Project and National Agricultural Innovative Projects i.e e-Granth, CeRA, Krishiprabha, Krishikosh Agricat etc. for strengthening and development of agricultural libraries. These are useful to manage knowledge explosion and helpful in libraries to providing information effectively to the end user of society.

Introduction

As we all know that the 21st century has witnessed the changing phenomenon of information and its communication resulting a dynamic transformation not only in the social structure but also in the perception of human mind.  Exchange of information and knowledge has empowered the human being and enabled them to achieve sustainable development. From paper- based society to paperless society, information has remained the most valuable commodity.

ABSTRACT

Recent advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the way we live, learn and interact.  They have transformed the way knowledge is produced, processed, retrieved and transferred between different stakeholders. The innovative ICT applications are dominating and driving the development scholarship and thinking in agriculture sector. The increasing availability and use of the Information and Communication Technologies offers the Extension System and all its stakeholders/partners an undeniable opportunity to redefine the way it provides information and interacts with farmers. ICTs are not just a new tool for information dissemination; it is empowering and changing the very culture of society’s information-seeking behavior. And Extension must change, too.