eChapters

IB is an acute, highly contagious, viral disease of chickens characterized by respiratory signs (gasping, sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge), the severe renal disease associated with neurotropic strains, and a marked decrease in egg production. It is a serious cause of sub-optimal egg production and poor egg quality. This disease is worldwide in ditribution.

Hosts

Chickens only. Recently IBV has been detected in species other than chickens. The disease may be produced only in chickens, IBV may multiply in other species of birds and be a source of infection.

Etiology

IB is caused by the avian coronavirus; numerous strains of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) exist because of high genetic diversity and cross protection between strains is not reliable.

IBD is an acute, contagious, viral disease of young chickens characterized by diarrhoea, vent pecking, trembling, incoordination, inflammation followed by atrophy of the bursa of Fabricius (BF) and by a variable degree of immunosuppression.

In the USA the disease was reported in Gumboro, Delaware in 1962, hence the name. The occurrence is worldwide.

Etiology

Avibacter paragallinarum Serotype A, B and C. Based on hemagglutinin serotyping, three serotypes (A, B and C) have been recognized.

Epizootiology

The chicken is the natural host although the disease has occasionally been diagnosed in pheasants. All ages of chicken are susceptible but birds up to 10 weeks are less vulnerable.

1. The chronic or healthy carrier birds serve as source of infection. Infection within farm occurs by contact with drinking water or feed contaminated by nasal discharge from sick/carrier chickens. To farms situated at a distance, infection is through air borne transmission.
2. The disease occurs more in cold and wet conditions. The more severe disease occurs when other respiratory diseases are prevalent at the farm.

ILT is an acute viral disease of chickens, pheasants and peafowl characterized by marked dyspnea, coughing, gasping and expectoration of bloody exudate. The disease is worldwide.

Hosts

Chickens particularly susceptible; reported to occur in pheasants and peafowl.

Age Range

All ages susceptible but is most often found in adult (mature or nearly mature) commercial chicken layers.

6.1. INTRODUCTION

All ecologist and biology researchers have to find out: (i) how reliable are the observed results? and (ii) what is the probability of difference between observed and expected results? The question of reliability is solved by estimating the confidence interval and the second question is addressed by the application of statistical tests for significance. Both these methods help us to draw conclusions on our observations, hence, may be grouped together as ‘inferential statistics’.

Referring back to the chapter on sampling, we may recall that it is usually not possible to calculate the ‘population parameter’ directly. Instead, we have to rely on estimates. Two types of estimates can be used, a point estimate and an interval estimate. A point estimate is a single numerical value of a sample statistic that is used to estimate the corresponding population parameter. For example, the sample mean, x , is used as an estimate of the population mean, μ Point estimates are not used widely because the value of some statistic, say mean, varies from sample to sample and we can’ t conclude with any degree of certainty that a single point estimate equals the population parameter. Therefore, an interval estimate is typically favoured. An interval estimate is a range of values within which the population parameter is likely to lie.

8.1. INTRODUCTION

The word ‘non-parametric’ means “not for any specific parameter”. For example, in the student’s t test we use the parameter ‘mean’. In the non-.parametric tests we check the randomness and trend of the pattern of distribution of a variable directly, without using a population parameter for comparing.

In contrast to the parametric tests, where many assumptions are made regarding the distribution of the parameter in the population (i.e. Gaussian features), here we do not make stringent assumptions about the population from which samples are drawn. These techniques are, therefore, also known as ‘distribution free’ tests.

We shall be discussing about 10 such non-parametric tests.

7.1. INTRODUCTION

The word ‘significance’ in statistics does not describe the strength of association. Statistical significance is simply related to the probability of the result being commonly or rarely encountered (If the probability of chance occurrence is low the result is likely to be determined by the set of circumstances under study and not by chance). If conclusions are to be drawn that a difference exists between two groups of subjects, then we have to ensure that they are equal in all respects except the one under test.

‘P’ values are used to assess the degree of dissimilarity between two (or more) sets of measurements. The ‘P’ value is the probability of obtaining a result as extreme as or more extreme than the one observed. The ‘P’ value is actually a measure of surprise and the smaller the value, the more surprising is the result. When ‘P’ value is between 0.05 and 0.01, the result is usually called statistically significant; when it is less than 0.01, it is usually called highly significant and if, values are lower than 0.005, then it is called very highly significant. Traditionally, the approach had been to indicate the level of significance by rounded off ‘P’ values e.g., P < 0.01. Now it has become a fashion to calculate the exact probabilities and thus arrive at a particular decision.

Fertility is the ability of a male to impregnate the fertile female. The reduced or temporary loss of fertility is called infertility whereas permanent loss of fertility is called sterility. A male with low libido or poor sex drive may have excellent semen quality or a male with good libido may have poor seminal quality. So, libido has no direct relation with the male fertility. Male infertility can be categorized into Impotentia coeundi and Impotentia generandi. 1. Impotentia Coeundi • The condition of reduced or lack of sex drive or Inability to copulate (failure of normal service) is referred to as impotentia coeundi. • It may occur due to immaturity, poor experience to perform coitus, inability or unwillingness to mount, inability to perform intromission or failure of ejaculation. • The following conditions may reflect the immaturity or poor/bad experience of the male animal which leads to impotentia coeundi:

Inflammation

Inflammation is a complex process of vascular and cellular alterations that occur in body in response to injury. The term inflammation has been derived from the Latin word inflammare, means to set on fire. Inflammation is considered as an important event in body that activates the existing defense mechanisms in circulating blood to dilute, naturalize or kill the irritant/ causative agent. Thus, it is said that immunity is the resistance of body, while inflammation is the activation of that immunity. It is beneficial to body except when chronic or immune origin. Inflammation starts with sublethal injury and ends with healing.

Etiology

• Any irritant/ injury.

• Bacteria, virus, parasite, fungus etc.

• Trauma. • Physical or chemical injury.

It is defined as the reaction of living tissue to injury which begins following a sub-lethal injury to tissues and ends with complete healing. The purpose of inflammation is to destroy and remove the irritant and to repair the damaged tissue. 

Causes
    1.    Pathogenic organisms: Bacteria, virus, fungi, protozan and parasites.
    2.    Chemical poisons: Acid and alkalies. 
    3.    Mechanical or thermal injuries. 
    4.    Immune reaction: Antigen antibody reaction.

Definitions

Reaction of vascularised living tissue to local injury caused by various agents like microbes or necrotic tissue

Inflammation − Reaction of blood vessels − Accumulation of fluid and leucocytes in extra vascular tissues Inflammation and repair always go hand in hand

Beneficial effects of Inflammation

To destroy / dilute the injurious agent (microbes; toxins ) and to protect cell from injury (necrosis)

Harmful Effects of Inflammation

Different type of mycotoxins commonly present in different feed and fodder crops are produced by mould during cultivation and storage and are specific to certain region according to climatic and environmental conditions. Most of the toxins produced in crops are consumed when fed to animals. Among the mycotoxins, aflatoxin B-1 is present in highest concentration which enters rumen following ingestion of aflatoxin contaminated feed stuffs. In the rumen, AFB-1 is degraded into aflatoxicol and the remaining portion of the aflatoxin is absorbed in the digestive tract by passive diffusion and metabolized in the liver into aflatoxin M-1 (Kuilman et al., 1998). AFM-1 circulates in the blood as a stable compound until excreted in milk, urine and bile. The following are the sources of AFM-1 contamination in milk and milk products and it occurs through two modes of contamination viz., indirect contamination and direct contamination.

ABSTRACT

Microbial antagonists not only reduce the soil borne disease, but also influence the growth of crop plants. In a study conducted for five years on the effect of microbial antagonists on damping off incidence and biometric characters of solanaceous seedlings, it was observed that seed treatment and soil application of Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chroococcum reduced the damping off incidence considerably in brinjal, chilli and tomato. Application of these microbes also increased the per cent germination and promoted vigour of solanaceous seedlings as compared to control. Among the various antagonists, T. viride was the most effective one reducing the damping off diseases as well as promoting the growth of solanaceous vegetables.

Abstract

Apple productivity of Himachal Pradesh with effect from 1995 to 2004 varied from 6.99 t/ha to 0.82 t/ha.  Climatic variables such as effective chill units (ECU) and growing degree hours (GDHoC) were estimated at different stages of dormancy and their relationships with productivity was studied. The duration of rest period had negative correlation (r = -0.716) indicating that the increase in the rest period duration decreased the productivity in the corresponding year.  ECU accumulations during peak winters had significant positive correlation (r =+0.642).  However, the GDHoC accumulations during rest period  (r = -0.679) and peak winters (r = -0.771) had significant negative correlation. During the period of rest completion to full bloom, the GDHoC accumulations showed significant positive correlation with productivity (r =+0.645). Total snowfall recorded during winters was also significantly correlated. However, no significant correlations were observed with respect to rains and productivity of apple

Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L. Skeels) is an evergreen tropical tree which belongs to family ‘Myrtaceae’. It is commonly known as java plum, jambul, jamun, black plum, faux pistachier, Indian blackberry, doowet and jambolan. Jamun is native to the subtropical Himalayas, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Australia. Its fruits are delicious and have great importance in folk medicine (Ayyanar and Subash, 2012).

INTRODUCTION

Edible mushrooms are higher fungi occurring seasonally all over the world in various habitats varying from sandy plains to thick forests. About 2000 fungal species in the world have been identified as edible, of which, only a few (20) are cultivated commercially (Chang and Miles, 1991). These mushrooms are generally considered as the good source of protein, vitamins and minerals in addition to their flavour and condiment value. About 3.

Development can be defined as the process and timing of differentiation of the component events causing qualitative changes in form and function of the plant and therefore, manifestation of economic plant parts. Sowing is the beginning of the process, after which plants emerge, grow and develop with or without transplanting and may be harvested in vegetative (e.g., cole, bulb, tuber, root, salad crops) or reproductive phase (solanaceous fruits, peas and beans, cucurbits, okra, etc.). Growth and development of plants is dependent on abiotic (physical) and biotic (biological) factors. Abiotic factors include the physical environmental conditions and biotic factors include animals, insects, and diseases. Each plant has certain environmental requirements. To attain the highest potential yields a crop must be grown in an environment that meets these requirements. A crop can be grown with minimal adjustments if it is well matched with its climate or growing condition. Unfavourable environmental conditions can produce a stress on plants resulting in lower yield. In such cases the environment can be artificially modified, as done in protected structures like poly house, shade net house, etc. to meet the crop requirements.

Different abiotic environmental factors viz., light, temperature, water and soil greatly influence plant growth and geographic distribution. These factors determine the suitability of a crop for a particular location, cropping pattern, management practices, and levels of inputs needed. A crop performs best and is least costly to produce if it is grown under the most favourable environmental conditions. To maximize the production of any crop, it is important to understand how these environmental factors affect plant growth and development.

Introduction

Disasters are the natural and man made extreme events which exceeds the tolerable magnitude of any event, where adjustment is difficult. These events are catastrophic and results in the loss of life and property on a huge scale. These abnormal events form the headlines to the newspapers and media a world and national level.

These processes are beneficial to the human beings because they form the earth and habitable planet for the evolution of life. However, these processes within a short time limit forms, hazardous and such activities adversely affect the human beings and human related activities on a very large scale.

Amongst the three important types of disasters viz. natural, anthropogenic and technological, the first and the foremost natural disaster mainly includes the geological atmospheric and other related natural types viz. floods, earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis etc.

The influence of lunar and astrological rhythms on agricultural practices has been a subject of interest and practice for centuries. In biodynamic farming, these celestial rhythms play a significant role in guiding planting and cultivation activities. Biodynamic farming, founded by Rudolf Steiner, integrates cosmic rhythms, including lunar phases and astrological cycles, into its agricultural practices to enhance soil fertility, plant growth, and overall farm health. This article explores the principles underlying the influence of lunar and astrological rhythms on planting and cultivation practices, the historical context of these practices, and their application in modern biodynamic farming. It examines how lunar and astrological cycles are believed to affect plant growth, soil health, and pest management, and provides insights into practical applications and benefits. By understanding the interplay between cosmic rhythms and agricultural practices, farmers can optimize their cultivation strategies to align with natural cycles, potentially leading to more sustainable and productive farming systems.

Abstract

Different orchard floor management practices had a significant effect on percent soil moisture content at a soil depth of 0-22.5 cm and 22.5-45 cm and soil temperature at a depth of 22.5 cm and 45 cm. Black polythene mulch recorded significantly higher soil moisture content than other treatments at both depths while clean cultivation recorded the minimum soil moisture content throughout the studies. Similar to the soil moisture content, black polythene mulch recorded the maximum soil temperature while hay mulch recorded the minimum soil temperature.

Introduction

Rice, being an important crop in India, there is a part to focus on improving rice production and productivity. A number of biotic and abiotic factors mostly referred as production constraints that affect the rice yield adversely and subsequently, needs an extraordinary consideration to the developing demand of continuously emerging population of India (Kumar and Jha, 2000). Abiotic stress has been estimated that more than half of the yield potential of major crops is mainly affected due to unfavourable growing environments such as drought (Cortina and Culianez-Macia, 2005). The current study was aimed to carry out to assess the impact of Pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) and plant growth promoters on mitigating drought stress effects in semi dry rice.

The term ‘Phyto-hormone’ was coined by Thimann in 1948. Phyto-hormones are organic compounds, which are produced naturally in plants, synthesised in one part and usually translocated to the other part where in every small quantity affect the growth and other physiological function of the plants. Auxin was the first hormone to be discovered in plants. At one time, auxin was considered to be the only naturally occurring plant growth hormone however, four other classes of phyto-hormone viz., gibberellins, cytokinin, ethylene and abscisic acid was later discovered. Plant growth regulators include both five specified classes of phyto-hormones (auxin, gibberellins, cytokinin, ethylene and abscisic acid) and other synthetic organic compounds (for example, polyethylene glycol, dinoseb-2-sec butyl 4,6dinitrophenol, proteins and/or amino acids, carboxylic, phenolic acid, humic acids, etc.) having properties of bio-stimulants or bio-inhibitors. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) modify plant physiological processes either by stimulating or inhibiting specific enzymes or enzyme systems to help regulate plant metabolism and thereby enhance yield and product quality. They normally are active at very low concentrations in plants.

Importance of PGRs was first recognized in the 1930s. Since then, wide array of natural and synthetic compounds that alter function, shape and size of crop plants have been discovered. Of the many uses of PGRs, effects on yield are often indirect. A wide range of beneficial effects of PGRs on crop growth and yields are: 1. promotion of germination and/or emergence, 2. stimulation of root growth, 3. promotion, mobilization and translocation of nutrients within plants, 4. modification of flowering, 5. increase in stress tolerance and improvement of water relations in plants, 6. promotion of early maturity, 7. increase in disease resistance, 8. retardation of senescence and 9. improvement of crop yields and/or quality.

Medziphema rural development block is known for producing sweetest pineapple in Nagaland. A few years earlier, farmers predominantly practised indigenous method of pineapple cultivation where productivity was less. Under horticulture technology mission, farmers have been trained to grow pineapple scientifically. Therefore, a study was conducted to know the scientific orientation of pineapple growing farmers in Medziphema rural development block of Nagaland. Sample pineapple growing farmers were selected as respondents from three purposively selected villages under Medziphema rural development block. Respondents were selected following random sampling procedure. A structured and pretested interview schedule was used for collection of primary data from the respondents. Data analysis was done using SAS software. Findings of the study revealed that, majority of the pineapple growing farmers possessed medium level of scientific orientation, followed by high and low level of scientific orientation. The variable ‘scientific orientation’ was significant and positively associated with the ‘entrepreneurial behaviour’ of the pineapple growers and it was found as an important predictor variable influencing the entrepreneurial behaviour of the pineapple growers. It was inferred from the study that off late, farmers are realising the importance and benefits of growing pineapple scientifically. Scientific orientation can promote the pineapple based entrepreneurial activities which can bring about the socio economic development of the rural people.

ABSTRACT

To study the influence of season on explant collection, axillary buds from mature trees of three elite genotypes of tamarind viz., Sour pulped type, Red pulped type, and Sweet pulped type (Thailand) were collected monthwise from September, 2002 to August, 2003, sterilized properly and cultured in MS medium supplemented with BAP (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mgl^-1) + GA 0.5 mgl^-1 + NAA 0.1 mgl^-1. The studies revealed that, the bud break percentage was highly dependent on the season of explant collection. In case of Sour pulped type, bud break was recorded during the month of April, May and June. Maximum per cent bud break (50.00 per cent) was recorded in May and June but least number of days were required for bud break (12.33) in April month. In Red pulped type, the bud break was observed during February to June. The axillary buds collected and cultured during the month of February recorded the best results with respect to the per cent bud break (100 per cent) and least number of days taken for bud break (7.12 days). In Sweet pulped (Thailand) type, bud break was recorded during the months of February to June. The axillary buds collected and cultured in the month of may recorded the best results with respect to the percent bud break (87.50 per cent) but March showed least number of days for bud break. Nodal segments cultured on MS + BAP 2 mgl^-1 + GA 0.5 mgl^-1 + NAA 0.5 mgl^-1 gave maximum and early bud break in three genotypes, but sprouted shoots showed abscission of leaflets and died later on.

8.1 What is stress?

• Physics:Mechanical force per unit area applied to an object.

• Biology:Stress is any adverse environmental factor or condition that affects normal metabolic or physiological processes. It may be :

• Biotic stress (living) • Abiotic stress (non-living) 8.2 Abiotic stress

• Abiotic stress is defined as:“The negative impact of non-living factors on the living organisms in a specific environment”

• Only 10% of the world arable land may be categorized as free from stress.

8.2.1 Type of abiotic stress

8.2.1.1 Temperature stress

• Temperature is one of the most important components of climate. It plays vital role in the production of horticultural crops.

• The different activities of plant like growth and development, respiration, photosynthesis, transpiration, uptake of nutrients and water and reproduction (Such as pollen viability, blossom fertilization fruit set etc.), carbohydrate and growth regulators balance, rate of maturation and senescence, and quality, yield and shelf life of the edible products.

• The above function of the plant should be well when the temperature at the optimum range.During high temperature plant does not perform proper functions of growth, where in low temperature physiological activities of the plant are stopped.

ABSTRACT

Considering the difficulties faced during ex vitro establishment of orchid plants the present investigation was undertaken to elicit information on the influence of different sucrose levels in the in vitro rooting medium and by subjecting the plants to different levels of triazole at the time of planting out in order to overcome the mortality percentage at the time of ex vitro establishment. Among the growth parameters observed viz. crop growth rate, net assimilation rate, and relative growth rate was found to be high in plants treated with 40 g/l of sucrose concentration and also at the triazole level of 5 mg/l. The photosynthetic rates were observed to increase meanwhile the transpiration rate was declined in plants grown under the above treatment levels of sucrose and triazole. The maximum survival percentage was observed when the in vitro plants grown in rooting medium with 40g/l of sucrose which is attributed to the influence of sucrose concentration on morphological characters studied viz. plant height, number of leaves per shoot and number of roots per shoot. Triazole treatment of plantlets at the time of planting out helped in better survival percentage which is the whole sum effect of increase in number of leaves per shoot, number of roots per shoot of plants grown under the triazole level of 5 mg/l. Where as the height of the plant was inversely proportional to triazole concentration,the biometric aspects studied viz root length, total fresh and dry weight of the plants with the above mentioned treatments were found to be superior. The present study envisages the measures to be taken during in vitro propagation and ex vitro establishment of tissue cultured plants in order to over come the field mortality.

INTRODUCTION

The weather conditions during the growing season of crops influences the onset and development of disease. The relationship between weather and plant disease development is the basis for meteopathological forecasting. On the basis of observed or forecast weather conditions, the incidence of plant disease is likely to be predicted.

Such predictions are designed to warn growers of expected significant developments in the manifestation of a particular plant disease. Such disease forecasts, if sufficiently accurate, permit efficient and competent counter measures to be adopted. A short range or medium range of disease forecast, issued at short intervals during the growing of crops, can give guidance to the farmers on the best remedial measures. Growers can decide whether a chemical control measure is needed or not, and if needed then optimum date on which to be applied and similar day to day decisions to fight against disease to minimize the losses to be caused.

The result, of adopting such a plan of weather based control measures, is to reduce the number of chemical sprays to a well timed few, thus giving an equal or even better protection at a lower cost in chemical and labour, and simultaneously reduces losses caused by phytotoxic and mechanical damage to the crop. The reduction in the use of potentially toxic chemical is a matter to be welcomed in the present world, considering the consequences of the widespread use of toxic chemicals.

Policy research plays a critical role in influencing policy change by generating robust evidence that can guide decision-making processes. The use of evidence is crucial in ensuring that policies are both effective and appropriate to address specific issues. Evidence-based policy-making relies on credible, relevant and timely research that helps identify problems, evaluate potential solutions and
forecast the impacts of various policy options.
Role of Policy Research in Generating Evidence
1. Identification of issues: Policy research begins with identifying key issues or challenges that require policy intervention. This involves conducting systematic research to understand the scope, scale and
nature of the problem. For example, research on gender disparities in agricultural labor in India may highlight specific barriers women face, such as lack of access to resources or discriminatory practices.
2. Data collection and analysis: Gathering quantitative and qualitative data is essential for building a comprehensive understanding of the issue. For instance, data collection may involve surveys, interviews,
case studies and secondary data analysis to capture diverse perspectives and experiences. This data provides a solid foundation for analyzing the problem’s root causes and identifying the affected population.

It is a contagious, infectious disease. It is of short duration usually sporadic, characterized by malaise, headache, severe pain in the body and catarrh of the respiratory passage.

Metrological conditions are predisposing causes. The bacillus of Pfeiffer is generally acknowledged to be the exciting cause. The bacilli enter the system through respiratory organs.

The disease is highly infectious. Incubation period is 1 or 2 days and one attack does not give any immunity, rather increases the susceptibility.

There is much discrepancy and disagreement among over authorities on the question. In a case of simple uncomplicated flu, but find no characteristic anatomical lesions other than congestion and catarrhal secretions of the mucous membranes of the respiratory and alimentary systems. Death is usually caused by some complication and post-mortems show all the changes found in the complicating diseases.

Introduction

Voluntary efforts are always focused on the search for an efficient extension mechanism towards a progressive rural development intervention. Extension is otherwise the organized exchange of information and purposive transfer of skills to fulfill the communication gap in transfer of technology process. The goal of extension varies between different extension organizations according to their system of administration and management. As such the voluntary organizations engaged in agriculture & rural development need an incessant backstopping of farm and allied information from the formal Government extension network, so as to complement & supplement the state sponsored extension efforts as an able stakeholder. Hence the study is an attempt to unearth the information flow in voluntary agencies for viable cooperative extension in the times ahead.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted with 34 numbers of agro-based grass-root voluntary organizations of Kendrapara and Balasore districts of Odisha. One functionary each from the cadre of administrative, supervisory and field staffs were selected as respondents covering total sample size of 102 respondents. Random sampling technique was followed to select voluntary organizations and respondents. Responses were collected on a four point continuum with the use of mean score, pooled mean and rank order for analysis of the data. Results obtained on the information and communication behaviour of voluntary agro- extension workers towards field extension are tabulated and interpreted below.

Information and Communication Technology: Concept

ICT refers to an extensive array of systems and technologies dedicated to managing and delivering information and facilitating communication. This includes digital platforms such as the internet and the World Wide Web, as well as traditional media like radio, television—through cable and wireless methods—mobile phones, and printed materials. Accompanying these technologies are services and applications such as videoconferencing and online learning that utilize these mediums.

s per the advancement in technology, our society is steadily moving towards adapting the new ordinary technologies for their normal affirms of life. While many’s daily lives are far from ordinary, one critical enabler for humans to survive and sustain their livelihood has been the accelerated adoption of digital technologies, especially in the last two years. We have witnessed how things happened because of the emerging technology in various sectors: education, business, communication, interaction, socialization, professional work, agriculture, etc. This will be the norm for the new normal and the “Gig Economy” evolution. Technology disruption has helped almost everyone in their many walks of life. When we consider the rural women at large, technology has, directly and indirectly, helped each procure food and other commodities to manage their livelihood. 

Introduction

The current science and technology is highly developed and everything is at our fingertips. The drudgery that was involved earlier while doing any kind of activity is so much reduced at present. The use of technology is so important nowadays that it has become unavoidable in all fields. With the tools and techniques, most of the problems can be solved and so technology has become a part of our lives thereby making our lives better. Some of the trending technologies are Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotic process automation, 5G, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Machine Learning (ML), Virtual Reality (VR) etc. With the application of all these technologies, every discipline whether it is infrastructure, medical science, transport, communication, etc. has become stronger than ever. Even the field of agriculture has become so advanced with these technologies. The enhancement of agricultural activities has become so important with the depletion of natural resources, less human labor, and the changing climatic conditions. All over the world agricultural technologies are adopted, disseminated, and practiced to increase production and productivity, improve livelihood and alleviate poverty (Kilima et al., 2013). Similarly, the main reason for the growing demand for ICT in agriculture is for the farmers to get up-to-date knowledge and apply the tools and techniques to improve their livelihood. However, the ultimate aim is to adopt sustainability in agriculture. Through ICT, farmers can get updated information on the market prices, weather forecast, emergence of pest and diseases and their management practices, planting materials, varieties, etc. This knowledge not only gives the farmer an efficient method of farming for more production but also empowers them with modern agricultural ways. The use of ICT in combination with other techniques enables the farmer to save time, use resources efficiently, and produce better quality products.

The present era is rightly termed as an “Information era”. Therefore, information and wide access to it is considered as wealth. People want adequate and authentic information as early as possible. In recent years, information delivery system has been changed from old ways to the modern ways. At the present time information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly being used as effective tool for reaching and delivering professional services among urban and rural communities. Yet the benefits of the information revolution are still much debated, particularly, in case of developing countries like India. There is a growing concern about the gap between the information “haves and have not’s”, which will continue to grow unless the developing countries acquire the infrastructure and resources to access these new ICTs.

ABSTRACT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society. Young people are the world’s largest resource in development. Forty percent of the world’s population is under 20 years of age while 66 per cent of the total population in the country is below the age of 35 and this youth play very important role in adoption of ICTs. Present study is concerning with Information and Communication Technology, importance of ICTs on youth and rural peoples of our country, the importance of ICTs is not the technology as such, but its enabling function in facilitating enhanced access to information and communication across large distances. It involved development and need of Information and Communication Technology. It also focused on strategies for sustained ICTs growth in India and development ranking of some selected countries. India has been ranked 121^st among 157 countries in terms of progress in the realm of information and communication technology.

ABSTRACT

This paper broadly deals with salient applications of Information Technology in various areas related to Agriculture Research, Government’s digital initiatives, Indian Council of Agriculture Research IT initiatives in agriculture research as step, towards reaching agriculture knowledge and technology to small holders (Resource-Poor-Farmers). The present paper identifies new emerging areas of usage of computer application in Horticulture research and development.

INTRODUCTION

The horticultural sector is facing the challenges of dwindling land resources, increasing biotic and abiotic stresses, indications of factor productivity decline, threatened loss of bio-diversity, new IPR regime etc, (Adiguru and Mruthyunaja, 2004). Further, Indian agriculture has come under significant adjustment pressure from market liberalization and globalization. Farmers need reliable and timely information about best practices of production, processing, marketing, input and output prices, financial markets and risk-covering institutions. Existing public extension system has become outdated and ineffective in spite of the fact that it has been a catalyst in successfully heralding the Green Revolution in the country. This is partly due to an inadequate use of new means of information dissemination (Adhiguru et al., 2003). The public extension system follows a top-down approach and has become less interactive, more time-consuming and costly and fails to meet the expectations of those involved in the agricultural production and other involved in the value chain. Therefore, a new extension system re-oriented to meet the information needs of the farmers should be put in place across the country by using ICT.

Introduction

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

Introduction to DHAN Foundation

DHAN (Development of Humane Action) Foundation is a grassroots action agency working with poor communities in villages. Enhancing poor people’s livelihoods in sustainable way and enabling the poor communities are the focus of the programmes. The mission of the organisation is to build institute for innovation in the development work and reaching significance to bring positive changes in the lives of poor. DHAN Foundation was established in year 1997 as spin off institution of PRADAN (Professional Assistance for Development Action) based at New Delhi.

DHAN Foundation believes in building the capacity of people in planning, organizing, conflict resolution and implementation of development programmes. This will be possible only when people are encouraged to work on a single thematic focus, either through micro finance or small scale irrigation theme, for a substantive period to pick-up the generic skill of developing viable alternatives to their stalemate situation; DHAN Foundation initiatives are aimed at building people constituencies around specific activity, these institution will move into civic programmes like health, Education and Information Technology to address their member’s needs. Simultaneously DHAN Foundation as a mothering institution promotes thematic organizations as subsidiaries to upscale the matured themes and continue the promotional role to sustain the people’s organization in the specific theme for e.g. micro finance or irrigation.

Theory

ICT or Information and Communications Technology: The basket of technologies, which assist or support in storage, processing and dissemination/ communication of data/information. ICT thus includes technologies such as desktop and laptop computers, software and connection to the Internet that are intended to fulfil information processing and communication functions.

ICT Tools

    •    Word processing applications - used for preparing text documents.
    •     Presentation software - used for preparing presentations
    •     Spreadsheets - used for calculation and preparing tabular data with calculations
    •     Databases - used to store the information in the form of records and retrieving information using query mechanism.
    •    Multimedia – used to organize the information more meaningful manner with the help of text, images, animation, audio and videos
    •    Web browsers and E-mail – used to searching information and sending or receiving mail using Internet.

Statistics: Collection of methods for planning experiments, obtaining data,

and then organizing, summarizing, presenting, analyzing, interpreting, and

drawing conclusions.

Sir R.A. Fisher: Father of modern statistics.

Population: All subjects possessing a common characteristic that is being

studied.

Sample: A subgroup or subset of the population.

Parameter: Characteristic or measure obtained from a population.

Statistic: Characteristic or measure obtained from a sample.

Karl Pearson: Study of correlation and chi-square test of goodness of fit.

W.S.Gosset: Student’s t-test for small sample

Francis Galton: Regression analysis.

Descriptive Statistics: Collection, organization, summarization, and

presentation of data.

Inferential Statistics: Generalizing from samples to populations using

probabilities. Performing hypothesis testing, determining relationships

between variables, and making predictions.

ABSTRACT

The chapter focuses that information as an economic resources and the role of library to distributing information among the user’s communities. From the economic point of view-the most important properties of information are easy to access and limited money acquire more information i.e. cost benefit. Information economy makes people ware about their goal and library help people to provide resources on need base.

Keyword: Information economy, Library, Information Communication Technology, ICT, Users’ community.

The IPPC Secretariat provides support for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and coordinates the annual work programme put in place by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures. The three key activities of the Secretariat are: standard setting, technical assistance and information exchange. To facilitate the information exchange obligations laid out in the IPPC, the Secretariat adapted an existing Web-based environment to allow users to be able to both deposit and retrieve data from various sources. This Web site was named the “International Phytosanitary Portal” (IPP). As the IPP continues to evolve every effort are being made to ensure that specific issues necessary for the management of invasive alien species are addressed.

Introduction

Increasing quantum of information being generated and distributed in electronic form and management of these resources has become a real challenge to the library professionals.  How to integrate and handle this information increasing at phenomenal speed and how quickly and effectively it can be accessed and provided is the real concern. This has given rise to the concept of 'poly-media library'. This concept has brought to the front the importance of Information Literacy (IL) for academic pursuits as well as for life-long learning.

INTRODUCTION

Information literacy has been the subject of many studies over many years. The originating concept of information literacy is generally attributed to Paul Zurkowski, in 1974 (Spitzer, Eisenberg & Lowe 1998). Indeed, since 1974 information literacy has been an area of increasing interest to librarians and information professionals and there is a huge amount of literature on the topic. However, the majority of publications have come from the industrialised, English-speaking countries, especially from the United States and Australia. Information literacy is related to information technology skills, but has broader implications for the individual, the educational system, and for society. Information literacy is a natural extension of the concept of literacy in our information society. Information literacy education is the catalyst required to transform the information society of today into the learning society of tomorrow. IL is generally seen as pivotal to the pursuit of lifelong learning, and central to achieving both personal empowerment and economic development. Information literacy is a key component of, and contributor to, lifelong learning. Information literacy is increasingly important in the contemporary environment of rapid technological changes and proliferating information resources. Because of the escalating complexity of this environment, individuals are faced with diverse and abundant information choices—in their studies, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self directed, and assume greater control over their own learning.

The phrase “information skills” (rather than information literacy) is used, for example, by the Standing Conference of National and University Libraries (SCONUL) in the name of its Task Force, and was used by the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) when tendering for a project looking at training in UK further and higher education.

Information literacy competency ensures maximum utilization of the information resources as well as optimization of information handling capabilities.. Information literacy competency extends learning beyond formal classroom settings and provides practice with self-directed investigations as individuals move into internships, first professional positions, and increasing responsibilities in all arenas of life. Because information literacy augments students ’ competency with evaluating, managing, and using information, it is now considered by several regional and discipline-based accreditation associations as a key outcome for college students and for “on campus “ students..

Introduction

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands popularly known as the Bay Islands are situated 1200 Km away from Indian mainland and are well known for their wide range of biodiversity.The dreaded tsunami hit the island on 26th December, 2004 and it destroyed livelihood of thousands of people. CARI on a limited scale initiated process of restoration of livelihood by technological interventions with generous funding by DBT under project entitled “Integrated Rehabilitation of tsunami affected people through technological intervention in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands” in the adopted villages of Manjeri, Manglutan and Guptapara. (Three situations). A total 56 ha has been affected by tsunami in the adopted villages. Following three situations occurred after tsunami and for each situation appropriate technological interventions were taken up.

ABSTRACT

Information is the data that have been put into a meaningful and useful context and communicated to a recipient who uses it to make decisions. Information is needed because of it affects individuals living activities. The present age has rightly termed as an ‘information age’. Information cannot provide finance, inputs or infrastructure. But, it can help in creating awareness about technologies and mobilise people to use them. It also helps in imparting training to people, organising community and ultimately the development of the whole nation.

The present study was undertaken to assess the information needs of young farm women (18-35 age group) with respect to kharif paddy cultivation. The study was conducted in Bolpur sub-division of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Results of this empirical study indicated that farm women wanted to know more about selling of product, pest control, nursery raising and disease management. The study also revealed that most preferred sources of information for the young farm women personal localite sources.

Key words: Young farm women, information needs, personal localite, personal cosmopolite, kharif paddy

ABSTRACT

The domestic buffalo occupies an important niche in agricultural systems by providing milk, meat and draught power. Indian buffalo population which is about 1/3 of the cattle population contributes more than half of the total milk production of the country.  Several biological and socio-economic problems restricted the efficiency of buffalo production which needs careful and intensive research. Studies pertaining to reproduction are one of the important areas in buffalo research. The reproductive process in buffalo is complex in nature, which differs on many aspects with the cattle. There is a need to undertake separate strategies to understand buffalo reproduction to disseminate the information to the livestock owners and researchers.