eChapters

Abstract

Non-structural carbohydrates are the primary product of photosynthesis in plants. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, and so on are examples of Non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). These are free carbohydrates having a low molecular weight that are involved in the creation of structures. Plants’ principal photosynthetic product, the NSC, is involved in metabolic processes and plays a critical role in plant functional characteristics. In a recent laboratory inter-comparison, NSC concentration measurements had very minor uncertainty due to different extraction and quantification techniques. Different techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), Near Infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS), anion exchange chromatography, chemical approaches such as the Anthorn assay approach, and certain kits are used to detect NSC in plants. This review will cover the methods for measuring NSC in plant tissues and attempting to infer its dynamics, as well as how to apply these tools to go beyond simply monitoring plant carbon connections such as “how much NSC is there and where it is located” to “under what conditions and to what extent is NSC used” to support plant function.

Abstract

This chapter explores farm budgeting, a method of evaluating plans for the allocation of agricultural resources at the decision-maker’s level. It involves estimating the income, costs, and profit of different farm activities.

Abstract

This chapter explores farm management, a subfield of economics that addresses decision-making on the organization and operation of a farm. The goal is to secure maximum continuous net income while ensuring the welfare of the farm family.

Abstract

This chapter examines how farm planning can help farmers anticipate and optimize their future activities based on economic principles. It presents a comprehensive farm plan that outlines the enterprises, procedures, labour, investments and other information involved in the farm operation. It demonstrates how farm planning can assist farmers in achieving their objectives, choosing crops, allocating resources, estimating input and credit requirements, and projecting future costs and returns.

Introduction

To address the escalating food demands of the global population, a transformation in the agricultural sector is imperative (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019). The current overdependence on finite resources is leading to their overexploitation, largely due to irresponsible usage (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019). By adopting a site-specific approach, farmers can apply inputs only where they are necessary in the field (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019). This method can enhance output, decrease labor costs, and mitigate the environmental damage caused by excessive input use (Velten et al., 2015; Lampridi et al., 2019).

The motive behind conducting the workshop on Capacity Need Assessment and Development is that the existing Extension Advisory Services (EAS) needs new capacities to respond effectively to the emerging challenges in agricultural development.

Floriculture and landscape architecture combine plant production with aesthetics, environmental improvement, recreation, and urban development. This chapter introduces the production, management, post-harvest handling, and marketing of flowers and ornamental plants. It also explains principles of landscape design, including balance, rhythm, harmony, colour, texture, form, space, and focal points. Softscape and hardscape components are considered in the planning of gardens, parks, institutional landscapes, roadsides, and urban green spaces. The chapter highlights the increasing importance of floriculture and landscape plants for urban biodiversity, pollution reduction, temperature moderation, recreation, and human well-being. Modern applications include turf management, green infrastructure, indoor plants, and peri-urban floriculture.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is one of the most effective methods for determining the functional groups and potential molecular interactions between membrane chemical molecules. Understanding of (infrared) IR absorption band placements in the spectrum as wave numbers can be used to identify the various chemical constituents (such as aromatic amides) that may not be visible by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Introduction

Agriculture came into existence around 12,000 years ago laying foundations for human civilization, helping people to live in a permanent settlement instead of a continuous nomadic lifestyle. The primitive form of farming was subsistence farming, where all the crops and livestock raised by the farmers was solely for the consumption of their family or community. People exchanged what they produced. The activity of marketing was just an activity of distribution. With development of civilization with social stratification, developed transportation and communication, the process of marketing became necessary and complex at the same time.

Introduction Since about 10,000 years ago, men and women have been rearing livestock and producing crops. Information about agricultural practices can be found in documents dating back over 3,000 years from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. Agricultural extension services have evolved and developed in many parts of the world to address agricultural systems’ unique challenges and requirements. These initiatives aimed to provide farmers with scientific knowledge, technological advancements, and improved farming practices to enhance agricultural productivity.

The fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India are a cornerstone of the country's democratic framework, guaranteeing essential protections and liberties to its citizens. These rights, often referred to as the "heart and soul" of the Constitution, reflect the deep commitment of the framers to create a just and inclusive society. The Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, sets forth a comprehensive set of fundamental rights that safeguard individual autonomy, promote equality, and protect against discrimination and abuse of power.

Introduction

Genetic engineering is the process of using molecular techniques to add, modify and delete genes of interest to the DNA strands of recipient cells or recipient plants. Genetic engineering is also called genetic technology, transgenic technology, transformation technology and recombinant DNA technology. Genetic engineering consists of tools and techniques used to study, identify, or modify the genes of living organisms. It is also defined as a technique for developing transgenic organisms. The key points of genetic engineering are briefly listed below.

Gerbera ranks among the leading cut flowers globally and is especially important under protected cultivation in India. This chapter covers its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and commercially important varieties. It explains greenhouse requirements, climate, light, soil, growing media, propagation, planting density, irrigation, fertigation and crop management. Important pests and diseases, physiological problems, harvesting, grading, postharvest treatment and yield are discussed in relation to commercial quality. The chapter highlights Gerbera's suitability for progressive farmers and its production in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other Indian regions.

5.1. Precision Farming Precision farming is an emerging concept in modern agriculture. It is micro management system to arrive at improved agriculture and land management decisions that result from using information delivered by geospatial technologies. In other words it is “Digital Agriculture” involving very large scale farm level mapping, comprehensive data base creation on required resources generated through space based inputs and field observations and making a detailed plan of work for maximizing the yield and reducing the cost on inputs using the decision support system. Precision farming means to do the right thing, in the right place and in right time. It is also called site-specific management (SSM), is the management of an agricultural crop at a spatial scale smaller than the individual field. In many fields, the crop’s environment varies substantially from one part to another

Good smear is well spread and tongue shaped. If forced during discharge of materials from the syringe, it is sprayed on to slide.

The ideal smears will yield intact and well stained cells (Figure) should have a clear demarcation between the nucleus and cytoplasm

Poor smear will show no cellularity or damaged cells.

Abstract

Enzyme is a highly efficient catalyst that is produced by active cells. When compared to chemical catalysts; enzymes have a number of benefits, including high specificity, high catalytic efficiency and flexible activity, all of which greatly help to promote their use in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food sectors. The majority of enzymes such as protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase are relatively unstable and industrial uses are frequently restricted by a lack of long-term operational stability as well as the technically challenging recovery process and ruse of the enzyme. Enzyme immobilization provides an excellent base for increasing enzyme availability to the substrate with higher turnover over a long period of time. Enzyme immobilization are done by several methods and their performance are influenced by many factors. Physical and chemical based immobilization are the most commonly used methods. The matrix immobilizes the enzyme by holding it permanently or temporarily for a short stretch of time. The generally used matrixes for immobilizations includes natural, synthetic polymers and inorganic compounds.Currently, synergistic interactions of biotechnology and nanotechnology are useful for the development of immobilized enzymes. Enzyme immobilization is a commonly used technology in a variety of industries including food, pharmaceuticals, bioremediation, detergents, and textiles due to technical and economical advantages. This chapter focuses on most commonly used immobilized techniques in industry with many recent applications of immobilized enzymes.

Climate change impacts

• Climate change is a crucial factor behind cyclone Tauktae

• Global ocean has absorbed 90% of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions since 1970

• Led to anomalous ocean warming in Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, which in turn makes cyclones intensify rapidly

• India will see more frequent cyclones every year due to global warming

The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body that has the responsibility of managing elections in India. It oversees the electoral processes for various positions such as the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, as well as the offices ofthe President and Vice President. The Election Commission operates under the authority of the Constitution, specifically Article 324, and the Representation of the People Act. In situations where existing laws are inadequate to handle specific election-related issues, the Commission has the power to take appropriate action in accordance with the Constitution.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was passed by Indian government in pursuance of Convention on Biological Diversity, 1993 The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding multilateral environmental agreement that has 194 contracting Parties (Countries) as its members with three objectives mentioned below:

1. Conservation of biological diversity
2. Sustainable use of the diversity and
3. Ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits of such use.