eChapters

Pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] is an important commercial tropical fruit crop under the family Bromeliaceae. Centre of origin of this fruit can be traced back to Brazil, South America. It is eulogized as “Queen of Fruit” or “Friendship Fruit” or “Haven Fruit” or “Golden Queen”. The word ‘Pineapple’ came from the Spanish word “Pina” based on appearance of fruit which resembles a pine cone. Now, pineapple is termed as “Boon for dry land agriculture”. Pineapple is an introduced crop in India and was first introduced in Goa by Portuguese. The largest producer of pineapple is Thailand and India ranks 6th in the world pineapple production. In India, Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala are the leading pineapple producers. Pineapple is a CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism), monocarpic (each stem flowers only once and dies after fruiting), herbaceous perennial plant (Baruwa, 2013) and is suitable for cultivation in xerophytic conditions (Baraily and Deb, 2018).

The earliest written references to pineapple are found in the reference of Christopher Columbus, Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo y Valdés, and Sir Walter Raleigh. They found pineapple growing in the West Indies mainly for for food and wine making. The Portuguese sailors were responsible for early dissemination of the pineapple and introduced it to Saint Helena in 1502. They also carried it to Africa and India by about 1550. Cultivation of pineapple had spread over most of the tropical countries including some of the islands of the South Pacific before the end of the 16th century. Costa Rica, Brazil, China, India, and Thailand are now major growers of pineapple.

The history of plant growth regulation was knownfor many years before the time of Christ, when it was common practice in the Middle East to place a drop of olive oil on figs to promote development. The use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to modify growth and flowering of pineapple began in 1930s. In eighteenth century when a carpenter was working in a greenhouse in the Azores Islandaccidently set fire to a pile of shavings. To the surprise of the grower who had thought his plants were ruined, they burst into flower instead of being damaged (Collins, 1960). In Hawaii, Rodriguez (1932) noticed in the pineapple fields that smoke from brush fires adjacent to the field caused premature flowering. The ingredients of smoke were subsequently found to be ethylene and acetylene, the unsaturated hydrocarbons. During the 1940’s, auxins were also shown to produce this effect,α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), β-Naphthalene acetic acid (BNA), Fruitone and naphthaleneacetamide were the next forcing agent to become commercially used in pineapple. Since that time many works have been carried out with improving results like natural and synthetic compounds that alter function, shape and size of crop plants have been discovered. Today, specific PGRs are used to modify crop growth rate and growth pattern during the various stages of development from germination through harvest and post-harvest preservation. The use of regulating chemicals has become an important component of agro-technical procedures for most of the cultivated plants and especially for fruit plants.

Pineapple is an important tropical fruit crop of India introduced by Portuguese from Southern Brazil early in the 16th century. It is a versatile fruit acting as a rich source of nutrients in many favourite recipes. In addition, it is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,highlighting its role as anti-inflammatory, digestion, and immunity support.It resembles epiphytes where roots are sensitive to poor soil aeration (Joy and Sindhu, 2012). In the present day, the demand for pineapple is increasing gradually in different parts of the country. However, insect-pests infestation turns out to be one of the major impediments in its quantum of production.

Pineapple is infested by several insect pests like mealy bug, scale insect, thrips, fruit borer, white grubs, bud moths, midges, fruit flies, termites etc. during its entire crop duration. However, Mealy bugs appeared as the key pest of pineapple while otherslike scale insects, thrips and fruit borer could cause economic damage to the crop only under favourable environment. Therefore, emphasis must be given for development of suitableecofriendly management techniques by proper prophylactic (cultural, mechanical, biological etc.) and protective measures to reduce the insect-pest population below the economic damage through proper monitoring and regular survey of the crop field.Thus, this chapter emphasizes on the important insect-pests infesting Pineapple along with their appropriate management options.

? Secondary metabolites of toxigenic fungi on animal food and food ingredients which causes adverse effects when consumed.

? 1942-44: Mycotoxicosis in man and animals was recognized in Russia. Fatal outbreaks of “toxic alimentary aleukia”. 

? 1955: “Hepatitis X” in dog and in cattle and swine in 1957.

? 1960: “Turkey- X disease” and 100,000 turkeys died in England due to Aspergillus flavus infested ground nut meal.

? 1962: Aflatoxin was first isolated.

? Favorable conditions for growth of fungi: Min. 15% moisture (10-13%), relative humidity: 90-95% (> 70%), ambient temp. of 24-25ºC (4-35ºC).

? Moulds infested feed along with nutritionally poor and inadequate diet makes animal more susceptible to mycotoxins induced harmful effects.

? More than 100 toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins have been identified during the last three decades.

Introduction

There is different type of distributors available in the market. Depending on the basic principle of working they may be broadly classified into three major groups as below (FAO, 1980).

i. Distributors in which head loss takes place through small diameter tubes

ii. Distributors in which head loss takes place through some orifice control

iii. Distributors in which head loss takes place through a vortex action

There are many adaptations to distributors though the working distributors fall under the above stated basic principle. Tiny perforation in the laterals or porous materials allows leaking out the water serves the purpose of distributors. The compensating type distributors have long path in it to dissipate the energy and drips almost same rate within certain range of pressure variation. Whatever may be the distributors proposed to be used, the discharge characteristics should be known. The discharge characteristics should be provided by the manufacturers and preferably certified by any authorized body; otherwise to be tested by the designer before recommendation to large-scale use.

Introduction

Food packaging is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing industries in the current scenario of increasing industrialization. With the constant upsurge in the food wastage at different stages of processing (suchas harvest, storage, processing, transportation, and distribution) leads to more than 15% of food produced ending up in the dumping grounds due to food spoilage caused by climatic conditions andmicroorganisms.Ever-increasing demands of consumers for convenient food makes packaging technology a need of the hour in order to keep the food safe, wholesome and of high quality at the same time.

So appropriate packaging has the potential of not only preventing spoilage but also taking care of healthand well-being of the individuals.Therefore, packaging plays the most important role in the overall safety of the food product.This makes packaging as the ever-evolving field since new requirements need new materials which demands new approaches and technology for better quality products.

By definition, Food packaging is a well-organized system of protecting the food product from any kind of physical, chemical, and biological damage in order to ensure that food reaches the consumer in its most safe condition at minimum applicable cost. It is bridge between production and consumption (Paine, 1992).

Introduction

Packaging is an integral and pervasive part of contemporary world. Packaging makes material handling convenient, economical and effortless and modern consumer marketing will seem virtually impossible without packaging. For an engineer or food scientist, packaging is specialized arrangement of matrices fabricated for the delivery of safe food products with maintaining high quality and food safety, at every step of distribution chain including procurement of raw material to manufacturing of finished product; packaging of product; storage; transportation and distribution to wholesaler, retailer and consumer and even for recycling operations [17].

Packaging of food is imperative in a world dominated by marketing-based economy The fact that 73% of purchase decisions are made at point of sale highlighted the importance of a good package design in marketing. During scanning of food package, consumer made quick and rapid perception about the inclusion of a particular food based on the various verbal and nonverbal attributes embodied on food package [25]. Designing is an indispensable are of food packaging. It is medium to attract potential buyers and distinguished the product from the competitors. The presence of visual attributes on package design will not only ameliorates the food product and glamorizes the packets but also defines its authenticity and peculiarity. Therefore, a quality package design is characterized as communication channel between the manufacture and consumer, and unless performed correctly the market image of the brand and product suffers and influence consumer’s perception.

Introduction

Food packaging materials development has been driven by the need to protect food products throughout distribution and storage. Nanotechnology offers opportunities to improve technical packaging features and develop sustainable smart packaging and sensors for monitoring product quality over time. However, the inherent permeability of conventional packaging materials to atmospheric gases and water vapour poses challenges in maintaining optimal conditions for food. The integration of nanotechnology into food packaging has emerged as a promising solution to address these challenges. Nanocomposite materials, composed of a polymer matrix and nanoscale fillers, offer a novel approach to enhancing packaging performance while addressing issues related to food spoilage, degradation, and safety.

Nanocomposite materials encompass a range of nanomaterials, including inorganic (i.e., metals and metal oxides), nanoclay, organic nanomaterials, and nanoemulsions (Huang et al., 2018; Jamaleddin et al., 2019; P. Kumar et al., 2020). NMs are used for three types of packaging: improved packaging, active packaging and intelligent packaging, Nanotechnology facilitates the development of improved bio-based packaging, enhancing mechanical strength and barrier performance while maintaining stability under varying environmental conditions (S. Kumar et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020). Active packaging harnesses nanostructures to encapsulate bioactive compounds, encompassing antimicrobials, antioxidants, and oxygen scavengers, which can interact with food and extend its shelf life (Motelica et al., 2020). Intelligent packaging releases active compounds in response to environmental triggers such as temperature or pH changes, transforming packaging into an intelligent, actively responsive material (Jamróz et al., 2019).

Introduction

The landscape of the Indian food industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Rising disposable incomes, coupled with the rapid pace of urbanization, have fuelled a surge in demand for convenient and processed food options. Consumers, increasingly pressed for time, are turning towards ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, and a wider variety of processed food products. While this trend signifies a growing economy and changing lifestyles, it has also brought to light a critical concern: ensuring food safety and empowering consumers with clear and accessible information. In order to empower consumers to make educated food choices and build trust between brands and consumers, food label transparency is crucial. Transparent labelling is essential for improving public health because it gives precise and unambiguous information about ingredients, nutritional value, and possible allergies. This information helps prevent diseases linked to a certain lifestyle, such diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Additionally, it guarantees that customers are not misled about the quality or provenance of their food, shielding them from dishonest business tactics. Transparency also promotes market justice by levelling the playing field, making product integrity apparent, and fostering creativity and brand loyalty. Transparent labelling promotes ethical and sustainable consumption while also facilitating international trade by adhering to regulatory norms in many countries.

Recognizing this need for a more transparent and consumer-centric food ecosystem, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced the FSS Labelling and Display (L & D) Regulations in 2020 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act). This landmark legislation marked a significant shift in the way food is labelled and marketed in India. By establishing stricter regulations and mandating the inclusion of comprehensive information on food packaging, the FSSAI aimed to empower consumers to make informed choices while also promoting fair competition within the food industry. This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the FSS Labelling and Display Regulations 2020. It explores the key provisions of the regulations, analyzes their impact on various stakeholders, and examines the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation. By providing an in-depth analysis, this chapter aims to shed light on the significance of these regulations in shaping a more responsible and transparent food industry landscape in India.

2.1 What is a frequency distribution?

A frequency distribution shows the frequencies of occurrence of the observations in a data set. Often the distribution of the observed data is called an empirical frequency distribution, in contrast to the theoretical probability distribution determined from a mathematical model.

The class interval is a term used in statistics when we are given a continuous series. Class means a group of numbers in which items are placed such as 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, etc. Class interval refers to the numerical width of any class in a particular distribution.

2.2 Relative frequency distributions

Although creating a frequency distribution is a useful way of describing a set of observations, it is difficult to compare two or more frequency distributions if the total number of observations in each distribution is different. A way of overcoming this difficulty is to calculate the proportion or percentage of observations in each class or category. These are called relative frequencies and each is obtained by dividing the frequency for that category by the total number of observations (column 3 of Table 2.1). The sum of the relative frequencies of all the categories is unity (or 100%) apart from rounding errors.

Correlation coefficient

We measure the degree of association between two variables by calculating Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient, usually just called the correlation coefficient.

It was developed by Karl Pearson from a related idea introduced by Francis Galton in the 1880s, and for which the mathematical formula was derived and published by Auguste Bravais in 1844. In 1896, Karl Pearson published his first rigorous treatment of correlation and regression in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London.

The linear correlation coefficient (sometimes called Pearson's Correlation Coefficient), commonly denoted, is a measure of the strength of the linear relationship between two variables.

• We say that we have perfect correlation if all the points lie on the line; in this case, the value of the correlation coefficient takes one of its extreme values, either +1 or −1 (Figure 7a and 7b).

• We have positive correlation if the sign of the correlation coefficient is positive; then there is a direct relationship between the two variables so that as one variable increases in value, the other variable increases (Figure 7a) or there is a tendency for it to do so.

• We have negative correlation if the sign of the correlation coefficient is negative; then there is an inverse relationship between the two variables so that as one variable increases in value, the other variable decreases (Figure 7b) or there is a tendency for it to do so.

• We have no linear association (i.e. the variables are uncorrelated) if the correlation coefficient is zero; then there is a random scatter of points with no indication of a linear relation between the variables (Figure 7c.). Note that a non-linear relationship between the variables can also give a correlation coefficient of zero.

A probability distribution is a statistical function that describes all the possible values and likelihoods that a random variable can take within a given range. This range will be restricted between the minimum and maximum possible values.

The probability distribution shows how the set of all possible mutually exclusive events are distributed, and can be presented as an equation, a chart or a table.

A variable which can take different values with given probabilities is called a random variable.

There are numerous probability distributions which may be distinguished by whether the random variable is discrete, taking only a finite set of possible values, or continuous, taking an infinite set of possible values in a range of values.

A discrete random variable with only two possible values is called a binary variable, e.g. pregnant or not pregnant, diseased or healthy.

Probability distributions for discrete random variables The probability distribution for a discrete random variable y is the table, graph or formula that assigns the probability P(y) for each possible value of the variable y.

1. Introduction

The current method of agricultural production is fish farming. A type of aquaculture known as "fish production" or "fish farming" entails the process of growing and producing a range of fish species. Proteins, vitamins (especially B2 and D), calcium, and other minerals are abundant in fish (Khalili, Tilami, and Sampels, 2018; Bostock et al., 2010). In the past, fish output was limited to freshwater fish capture. Fish farming, also known as pisciculture, is becoming a more common and commonly utilized technique for fish production. The aquaculture and fish farming industry is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors globally. The production rate of farmed fish has increased from less than one million metric tons, as reported in the 1950s to about 110.1 million metric tons in 2016, which is valued at over $243 billion. In the recent years, production of farmed finfish has reached 57.5 million tonnes (that is equivalent to 146.1 billion USD), including 49.1 million tonnes (109.8 billion USD) from inland aquaculture and 8.3 million tonnes (36.2 billion USD) from marine culture in the sea and coastal aquaculture on the shore (Rito and Viegas, 2020). Nowadays, the majority of the world’s population is reliant on the consumption of fish from aquaculture. Over the past few decades, finfish production through aquaculture and fish farming has increased remarkably, including both production and economic yield. Consequently, fish farming is becoming a major source of agricultural food in the present scenario.

Introduction

The ill effects of chemicals used in agriculture have changed the mindset of consumers in different countries, who are now buying organic products with a high premium for health. Policymakers are also promoting organic agriculture for the restoration of soil health and the generation of the rural economy, apart from making efforts to create a better environment. The world principles of organic farming have emerged in the form of biological farming, ecological farming, permaculture, biodynamic agriculture, green farming, bio-intensive farming, zero-input agriculture, etc..

Organic agriculture is one of the broad spectrums of production methods that are supportive of the environment. Organic production systems are based on specific standards precisely formulated for food production and aim at achieving agroecosystems that are socially and ecologically sustainable. Organic farming practices help in increasing carbon sequestration, soil and water conservation, and minimizing risk in agriculture. The important aspects of organic farming with respect to water conservation are mentioned in this chapter.

Introduction

Ber belongs to the family Rhamnaceae, which consists of about 45 genera and 950 species. Out of 950, the genus Ziziphus consists of about 80 species of evergreen and deciduous climbers, shrubs, and trees found in the old world tropics, subtropics, and warmer temperate regions. The fruits of almost all species are edible, and jujube (Z. jujuba Mill.) and ber (Z. mauritiana Lamk.) are cultivated commercially. Liu and Cheng (1995) believed that the Indo Malaysia region (South and South East Asia) is the center of both the evolution and distribution of the genus Ziziphus.

Ber is the most common fruit of arid and semi-arid parts of the world due to its hardy nature and wild adaptability to soil and climatic conditions. It survives and produces economically viable yield in the hyper-arid zone where most of the trees fail to grow due to lack of moisture, extreme temperature, and poor soil conditions. It performs well under saline and alkaline soil conditions. It can produce economically viable yield with moderately saline irrigation water. Ber can withstand extreme heat but is susceptible to frost. Furthermore, due to its deep root system and other xerophytic characteristics, it is extremely drought tolerant but requires adequate soil moisture during fruit development. While high atmospheric humidity is unsuitable for ber cultivation, low humidity during fruit development improves fruit quality.

Introduction

Irrigated agriculture is dependent on an adequate water supply of usable quality. The water quality used for irrigation is essential for the yield of crops, maintenance of soil productivity, and protection of the environment as well. The quality of irrigation water is defined with respect to its effect on plant growth, soil properties, soil biological equilibrium, and irrigation technology. Conceptually, water quality refers to the characteristics of a water supply that will influence its suitability for a specific use, i.e. how well the quality meets the needs of the user. Specific uses have different quality needs and one water supply is considered more acceptable (of better quality) if it produces better results or causes fewer problems than an alternative water supply. For example, good quality river water which can be used successfully for irrigation may be unacceptable for municipal use without treatment to remove its sediment load. Similarly, snowmelt water of excellent quality for municipal use may be too corrosive for industrial use without treatment to reduce its corrosion potential.

2.1 Introduction

Food Pipeline refers to a post harvest system which deals with ensuring the delivery of a crop from the time and place of harvest to the time and place of consumption, with minimum loss, maximum efficiency and returns to all concerned including grower, processors and consumer. The term system represents a dynamic, complex aggregate of locally interconnected functions or operations within a particular sphere of activity. While, the term pipeline refers to the functional succession of various operations but tends to ignore their complex interactions.

2.2 Stages of postharvest system

The food commodities broadly undergo different stages/operations of post harvest systems right from harvest till consumption.

1. Harvesting

2. Threshing (food grains, pulses and oilseeds)

3. Drying (food grains, pulses and oilseeds)

14.1. Introduction

Tomato is grown in India in abundance both in summer and winters. Tomato though botanically a fruit is generally considered as vegetable because of the way in which it is consumed. Fresh tomatoes are very refreshing and appetizing but can not be stored for a long period. During peak season, about 25% of the produce is spoiled due to mishandling and such losses can be avoided by converting tomatoes into different value added products. Tomato can be processed into pulp, paste, puree, juice, ketchup and sauce. In India, tomato sauce and ketchup are very popular. High quality products can be prepared from tomatoes by:

1. Using uniformly ripened, red coloured tomatoes.

2. Avoid prolonged heating and cool the product immediately after cooking.

3. Avoid using iron and copper equipments and utensils at any stage of processing.

The importance of science and technology (S&T) to rural societies has long been recognized. Despite the significant advancements in S&T in India since 1947, there remains an urgent need to deliver these advancements to the most underserved populations, enabling them to meet the challenges of an increasingly technologically sophisticated world. Technological progress continues to generate new methods of communication and information management, profoundly impacting society. These advancements offer unprecedented opportunities and challenges for scientific endeavors.

While science possesses a universal character, its application is influenced by local customs and values, especially in rural areas where behavior patterns and practices are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs and superstitions. These are not easily displaced by modern scientific approaches. Therefore, S&T policies for rural development must consider the local environment to effectively deliver the benefits of S&T to rural societies. This consideration is crucial for the management of rural natural resources and the environment.

Healthcare programs across many countries, particularly in developing nations, increasingly employ Behavior Change Communication (BCC) to enhance the health status and well-being of populations. BCC is a process designed to motivate individuals to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors and lifestyles. An effective BCC strategy plays a crucial role in implementing activities aimed at improving population health. Notably, BCC is a healthcare education strategy outlined in the Uttar Pradesh National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) with goals including reducing mortality, fertility, and morbidity.

Upon completion of this unit, learners should be able to:

• Explain the meaning and benefits of BCC in family healthcare.

• Discuss various channels of BCC.

• Formulate BCC strategies.

• Follow guidelines for successful BCC implementation.

Three fundamental processes that are responsible for inducing changes in weather are transfer of heat, energy and mass. The Sun, whose inter-surface temperature is estimated to be around 6000°C emits heat energy in the form of solar radiation which is received at the earth’s surface after it is partly depleted in the atmosphere. Therefore, it is essential to understand the processes that govern the transfer of heat in the earth-atmosphere system.

3.1 Conduction

The transfer of heat from one point to another point within the material medium without the actual movement of the particles in the medium is called conduction i.e. the heat energy transfer is conducted by the particles in the medium from hot end to cold end. If a metal rod is heated at one end, the other end of rod becomes hot gradually due to transfer of heat by conduction. In the earth atmosphere system, conduction of heat is observed at the ground surface only. The amount of heat energy transferred due to conduction (Q) is

Agroforestry is a very old practice, dating back many years. Tropical farmers have long been growing food crops, timber, and livestock in addition to taking advantage of the variety of products that may be obtained from natural wood lots. Indian culture is deeply rooted in its appreciation of trees and forests. The forests gave birth to the greatest aspects of Indian culture. The sages who developed Hindu philosophy resided in forests, living in perfect harmony with the natural world. In fact, trees have been discussed in our ancient literature so much that people were planting trees on their own in addition to crops for agriculture. Maharishi Kashyap’s book ‘Krishishukti’ divides land into multiple categories and designates regions that are suitable for tree planting. Particular sites for planting trees include all wet and dry regions as well as the vicinity of homes, wells, and tanks. However, foresters and farmers, who have historically worked within very strict disciplinary boundaries and focused on producing their favoured commodities - crops, livestock, and trees - used to disregard such integrated production systems that incorporate many disciplines.

Farmers have been growing trees for different purposes for thousands of years. Tree species that are grown to provide more than one significant function are called multipurpose trees. These functions may be productive such as producing fuelwood, timber, fibre, fodder, food, medicine, etc. and/or protective such as soil conservation, shade, shelterbelt, microclimate amelioration, land sustainability, biodiversity preservation, etc. All trees are multipurpose; some, however, are more multipurpose than others. Tree species can be multipurpose in two ways.

1. A single tree can provide more than one function. For example, Gliricidia sepium is grown as living fences that provide fuel, fodder and green manure for agricultural crops - all at the same time.

2. Trees of the same species, when managed differently, can provide different functions. For example, Leucaena leucocephala is managed so that some trees will mainly yield wood while others mainly produce leaf fodder.

A watershed is a geohydrological unit or all the land and water area bounded by a divide which contributes runoff to a common point. Watershed is considered to be synonymous with ‘catchment basin’ and ‘drainage basin’. In watershed management approach, development is not only confined to agricultural lands but also covers the area, starting from the highest point of the land to the outlet of the natural stream. Watershed management becomes increasingly important as a way to improve livelihood of people while conserving and regenerating their natural resources.

Watershed management is the process of creating and implementing plans, programmes and projects to sustain and enhance watershed functions that affect the plant, animal and human communities within a watershed boundary. It implies the judicious use of all the resources,i.e., land, water and vegetation in an area to prevent soil erosion, improve water availability and increase food, fodder, fuel and timber on sustained basis.

Introduction

India is bestowed with varied agro-climatic conditions. Thus, horticultural crops have lot of potential in the country. India has witnessed voluminous increase in horticulture production over the last few years, which has undoubtedly doubled the income of farmers. As a result, the country has emerged as the 2nd largest producer of fruits (102.48 million tonnes) after China during 2020-21 (Anonymous, 2023). The abundance of fruits ranging from tropical delights like mango, banana, guava and papaya to temperate fruits such as apple, peach, plum, apricot and pear, have laid a robust foundation for the growth of the fruit processing industry. This chapter delves into the dynamics of fruit processed products in both local and international markets, exploring the challenges, opportunities and strategies for sustained success. Fruit processing plays a crucial role in adding value to horticultural produce, enhancing shelf-life and meeting the diverse demands of local and international markets. In India, a country blessed with abundant fruit varieties, the processed fruit industry has been witnessing significant growth, catering not only to the domestic market but also making strides in the global arena. The processing of these fruits into various products such as juices, pulps, concentrates, jams and dried fruits has emerged as a thriving industry. This chapter will provide insights into the current state of fruit processed products in India, their importance for both local consumption and export markets, challenges faced by the industry and potential avenues for the future growth.

1. Introduction

There is an emergence of the concept of a Circular Economy as one of the transformational approaches toward sustainability, where greater emphasis is laid on rethinking and redesigning products and services for maximum resource efficiency. In contrast to the traditional linear model ("take, make, dispose"), CE emphasizes product reuse, recycling, and cascading with the clear ambition of closing the loop of product lifecycles through continuous recovery of resources. The key to this solution involves changing the paradigm, highly relevant to resolving pressing environmental issues facing the planet such as resource depletion, waste management, and climate change.

Conventionally regarded as information stores, libraries are increasing awareness of their potential to create an impact toward sustainable practices. Centres of information and meeting points for communities, libraries are at an advantageous position for leading by example in integrating the principles of CE into their system. This paper examines the current status of integrating the circular economy principles within library management and discusses a proposed conceptual framework that aims to guide libraries in adopting circular practices. The paper addresses the contribution that libraries might make to a more sustainable future by exploring the intersection between CE and library management through innovative practices and strategic plans.

1. Introduction

Libraries have an outstanding role in the advocacy of sustainability and green practices, now that the place of environmental awareness is on the rise. Green libraries provide a commitment, through sustainable architectural practices, efficient systems in energy saving, measures taken with environmental consciousness to preserve resources, and ways to conserve resources in the work they do. The libraries focus on ensuring they provide healthy indoor spaces and educate their communities on sustainability. Admittedly, it is through the adoption of these practices that libraries minimize their ecological footprint and provide a beacon of environmental responsibility. Green libraries are facilities that take ecologically friendly approaches in carrying out operations and programming in activities targeting environmental responsibility. Such libraries try their best to use methods that diminish energy consumption and lower resource use to move closer to sustainability at its core, which may have less of an impact on the environment. Green libraries have focused on recycling, reduction of trash, renewable sources of energy like solar panels, energy efficiency in lighting and space heating, sustainable building materials, and architectural style.

1. Introduction

There is a real climate change, and human activity is its primary driver. Notably, worldwide average temperatures have been rising consistently since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, posing a danger to life as we know it from climate change. For example, 2019 had record sea levels, melting ice, and unusually high global temperatures as a result of increased human activity. Regrettably, in spite of the fact that climate change is causing the environment to deteriorate more and more, insufficient worldwide pledges have been made to mitigate its effects. Thus, the necessity for green libraries became apparent. In India, green libraries are becoming more and more important as the country works toward achieving the Goals for Sustainable Development (SDGs). These libraries promote a comprehensive approach to environmentally friendly growth by serving as examples of social responsibility, environmental care, and economic success. Green libraries use eco-friendly construction materials, sustainable waste management practices, and renewable energy sources like solar power in their design. They clearly support climate resilience and drastically cut carbon footprints, which is in line with SDG 13 (Climate Action). Additionally, by fostering environmental literacy, lifelong learning for people of all ages, and inclusive and equal access to knowledge and educational resources, green libraries in India actively support SDG 4 (Quality Education). Additionally, by acting as green public spaces that improve urban livability and provide a haven from the bustle of city life while encouraging social cohesion and community participation, these institutions serve SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

1. Introduction

Libraries play a crucial role as community centers that promote education, culture, and individual growth at a time when information is the currency of advancement. Rural libraries, however, confront unique difficulties that set them apart from their urban counterparts. Rural libraries often struggle with limited funding, being geographically isolated, and having difficulty obtaining technology infrastructure. Yet, in order to guarantee that rural libraries can provide the same caliber of service as their counterparts in larger cities, pricing and accessibility become vital factors. And in light of all of that, they continue to be vital community hubs that contribute significantly to education, cultural enrichment, and lifelong learning.

Open source solutions hold a lot of promise for addressing these problems.Open source software solutions are more affordable and flexible than proprietary software systems, allowing them to be tailored to the specific needs of any rural library. Among other reasons, the library staff finds it easier to catalog documents when they use these kinds of systems. Because these systems use simpler circulation techniques, they assist them with saving expenses while guaranteeing higher user involvement.

1. Introduction

Web 2.0 speaks about the second version of web advancement and draft that aims to make it easier to communicate and safer to share information, as well as to make the web more interoperable and user-centered. Social networking sites, video-sharing sites, Wikis, blogs, and folksonomies are just a few of the web-based communities, hosted services, and apps that have grown and changed because of Web 2.0 ideas. (King and Brown, 2009; Wikipedia, 2010c). According to Birdsall (2007) web 2.0 is a social revolution since these tools have brought new changes in the society. According to O'Reilly (2005) the advent of Web 2.0 has revolutionized the way individuals and organizations interact with the internet, marking a significant shift from a static web experience to a dynamic, user-driven environment. This transformation is characterized by the emergence of platforms and tools that empower users not only to consume content but also to create, share, and collaborate on it. As a result, Web 2.0 has fostered a more participatory online culture, where users actively engage in the generation and dissemination of information.

1. Introduction

Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) are a great resource for scholars in academic institutions. They assist academics in comprehending the study carried out in prior years. When study results are made accessible on an open access platform, they are extensively utilized for further inquiry and teaching purposes. Theses and dissertations need to be made publicly available so that the users can get access to it. So, the emergence of Shodhganga proves to be very useful to the students, researchers, faculties and all other users (Vijayakumar and Vijayakumar, 2007). A significant number of doctorate research projects are now being conducted worldwide in several fields within the natural sciences. Bibliometrics focusses on analyzing the attributes of published literature, such as the distribution of literature on different subjects, statistical examination of content kinds, references, citations, and co-citations within and across fields (Pritchard, 1969). Davarpanah and Aslekia (2008) conducted bibliometric research on PhD theses, however these investigations were often limited to a certain university or department. Shodhganga serves as a digital archive for freely accessible whole texts of Indian electronic theses.

What is Audio

Audio refers to sound that is within the range of human hearing. This encompasses everything from the spoken word and music to ambient sounds and electronic signals. In technical terms, audio often refers to the representation of these sounds in a form that can be recorded, transmitted, and reproduced, typically using electronic devices.

History and Evolution of Audio Communication and Aids

Ancient to Early Modern Period

1. Early Communication

• Oral Tradition: In ancient times, communication was predominantly oral. Stories, knowledge, and news were passed down verbally.

• Musical Instruments: Early instruments like drums, flutes, and stringed instruments were used for communication, rituals, and entertainment.

2. Writing and Instruments

• Written Language: The invention of writing allowed for more permanent records of communication but was separate from audio.

• Bell Towers and Horns: In medieval times, bells and horns were used for signaling and communication over distances.

What is a Camera Shot

A camera shot consists of a sequence of frames captured continuously from when the camera starts recording until it stops. This uninterrupted footage is crucial in filmmaking and video production. By utilizing various types of shots, angles, and camera movements, filmmakers can highlight particular emotions, ideas, and actions within each scene.

Camera Shot Size Overview

The following shot size cheat sheet illustrates how different shot sizes appear on screen, helping to distinguish between them.

Understanding Shot Sizes

The essential shot sizes, ranging from establishing shots to extreme close-ups are explained in this chapter.

The practice of veterinary homoeopathy has existed since Hahnemann’s time. During recent years it has emerged from the shadows and appears to be growing exponentially, expanding in many directions. Veterinary homeopathy has strongest modern tradition in Europe particularly in Germany, France and Great Britain. European Union committee has urged recently to cut the use of antimicrobials in human as well as in animals to an essential level for maintaining the effectiveness of antimicrobials and to deal with the problems of emergence of resistance among microbes.

Tradition of veterinary homeopathy is as old as humans. Initially homeopathic drugs viz. Aconitum napellus, Camphora, Nux vomica and Opium were used for the treatment of certain diseases of horses and cattle as early as 1833 by German Practitioner – Guillaume Lux. Since then veterinary homeopathy has progressed considerably despite the apparent difficulty in adopting the patient questioning technique, lack of expression of subjective feelings and lack of experimental data.

Local of the study: Migration, from very beginning of civilization, has been one of the most important phenomenons in population distribution across the world. As a result, it has been a major focus of both sociological as well as demographical studies around the world. Though migration theories get its root from the famous article of Ravenstein (1889) but most of the modern migration studies so far have centered around the conventional approach of migration as one of the cornerstones known as the Harris-Todaro Model of Migration Harris and Todaro (1970), which is considered as one of the cornerstones of migration studies. This model dealt with the migration decision of an individual of a family, keeping apart the role of family as a whole. The main approach of this model was some kind of cost-benefit type of assessment in undertaking migration decision. Here the potential migrant was to analyze the expected return that he/she may receive after migrating and the cost that to be borne in the process. If the net return is found to be positive then there is every chance that the concerned person will migrate and more from the place of origin to the place of destinations. The major attack that this approach received is that it gave individual the highest importance in migration decision ignoring the role of ‘family’ and thus the migration studies until recently were partial in nature.

Developmental Anomalies

Congenital icthyosis

Congenital icthyosis is scaly epidermis which resembles the skin of fish and occurs due to a simple autosomal recessive homozygous gene in calves. This condition is characterized by scaly, horny, thick epidermis divided into plates by deep fissures. Microscopically, there is thick keratin layer over the epidermis (Fig.1.1).

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a congenital defect characterized by discontinuity of epithelium on skin leaving patches without squamous epithelium mostly at feet, claws and oral mucosa. Such defect may occur in calves which succumb to infection after birth or such foetus may abort. This disease condition is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Pathology of Muscles

Equine Rhabdomyolysis

It is also known as Azoturia or Monday Morning Disease. The disease occurs in well fed horse after a spell of inactivity. Suddenly after walking a few steps, the horse is unable to move further and feels pain with intense sweating and hardening of muscles.

Etiology

• Accumulation of lactic acid in muscles.

• High glycogen storage.

• Lack of oxygen supply.

Macroscopic features

• Hardening of muscle just like wood.

• Urine is dark brown with myoglobin – myoglobinuria.

• Tonic spasms in muscles.

• Atrophy of affected muscles in chronic cases.

4.0 Soil organic Matter

The soil organic matter (SOM) is a storehouse of multi-nutrient elements, composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and small amounts of other elements like nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, potassium, calcium , magnesium and organic residues coming out from the decomposed plant or animal products (Figure 4.1). The SOM may have the recently incorporated materials or age-old decomposed materials or with living flora or fauna in the organic matrix. Soil organic matter is one of the important components determining soil quality indices and also for enriching the fertility status of soil for production maximization. The nutrient retention capacity , water holding capacity, degradation of pollutant elements, carbon sequestration, soil structure and aggregate stability are affected by the presence of SOM.

7.1 Introduction

Cherry is one of the important temperate stone fruits of the world. It is widely grown in the cooler climates where the span of winter is wide and very much pronounced. Sweet cherry is tall, attaining a height of 18 m, and pyramidal form. The branches are usually erect, and leaves are large, thin, variable pubescent beneath and coarsely serrated. Sweet (Prunus avium L.) and sour (P. cerasus L.) cherry ripen first among stone fruits followed by apricot, peach and plum. Sweet cherry comes first on the fresh market; hence, it is in high demand during late spring and early summer. Sweet cherry cultivars with red fruit colour lead the market while cultivars of yellow, white, or blush colour are in less demand. Sour cherries have smaller fruit size and are less firm than sweet cherries. The vast majority of the sour cherries are processed. The tree of sour cherry is usually 6-9 m tall, open headed, round topped or spreading and often without a central leader. The leaves are much smaller, dark green in colour and more numerous and trees are hardier than those of sweet cherry. Diameter of sour cherry fruit is about 2 cm.

10.1 Introduction

Persimmon is known as the national fruit of Japan. In India, persimmon was introduced by the European settlers somewhere in 1921. At present it is grown on a limited scale in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, hilly areas of Uttar Pradesh and parts of eastern India. No organized cultivation of this fruit has yet been undertaken in India. The fruit is commonly known as ‘Japaniphal’ which is cherished for its unique flavour and high nutritional content. It is mainly originated from China, Japan and Korea (Lucas-Gonzalez et al., 2017) and is cultivated in warm region of China, Japan, Brazil, Italy and Mediterranean region (Bubba et al., 2009). It was originally cultivated in China and Japan, and it is therefore also known as the ‘Chinese date plum’. Persimmon is good source of various bioactive compounds that possess antioxidant activity which is beneficial for human health, owing to their ability to prevent from various chronic diseases.

11.1 Introduction

The kiwi fruit is native to China, also known as Chinese Gooseberry. It was brought to New Zealand from China by missionaries in the early 20th century with the first commercial planting occurring several decades later. In 1960, it was renamed Chinese Gooseberries. It is a new fruit crop in India which is cultivated on a small scale and people do not know much about its cultivation. In India, it was first planted at Bangalore and after that in Himanchal Pradesh in 1963. In India, Kiwi is mostly grown in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Kerala.

13.1 Introduction

Pecan nut is cultivated for edible fruits (drupaceous nuts) consumed as dried fruit or as processed food, as an ornamental plant, and to promote timber wood production (Wakeling et al., 2001 and Marozzi et al, 2017). In recent years, demand for pecan kernels has increased worldwide, partly because of the good flavour of the kernel, their high nutritional value or as an alternative crop to traditional and widely known nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts, etc.). In USA, it is considered as “Queen of nuts” because of its value both as a wild and as a cultivated nut. Poonch district in Jammu & Kashmir holds the reputation of “Pecans Capital of India.” Pecans can be available in the market year around in this region.

14.1 Introduction

Hazelnut is also known as Cob nut or Filbert nut. In its natural form the hazelnut is a deciduous, monoecious, multi-stemmed bush, but commercially should be grown as a single trunk tree. Tree sizes are up to 6 m tall in the commercial state. The term ‘Hazel’ was derived from Anglo-Saxon word ‘Haesel’ meaning bonnet, whereas ‘Corylus’ was derived from Greek word ‘Korys’ meaning Hood or helmet. There are nine widely recognized species. five of those are shrubs: C. avellana, C americana, C. cornuta, C. heterophylla, and C. sieboldiana, and four are trees: C.columa, C. jacquemontii, C. chinensis, and C. ferox (Thompson et al., 1996). The nuts of C. avellana are large with superior quality; this species is less hardy and used in breeding programs either exclusively or combination with other species (Thompson et al., 1996). Hazelnuts are deciduous trees or shrubs, grown for their edible nuts. Hazelnuts are large multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees with rounded leaves which possess a doubly serrated margin (each tooth bears another tooth). Hazelnut can reach a height of 3–8 m (10–26 ft) and can live for many years, although its commercial life span is usually about 40 years.

15.1 Introduction

The genus Castanea, (chestnuts and chinkapins), belongs to the family Fagaceae, which includes other important timber producing genera such as Quercus and Fagus. The chestnuts are native of Western Asia, Europe and Northern America. Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) is a native of China, Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata) is native of Japan and South Korea and European chestnut is native of Mediterranean countries of South Europe and Asia miner (Conedera et al., 2004; Davis et al., 2006). The Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata), American chestnut (Castanea dentata), and European chestnut (Castanea sativa) are widely cultivated owing to the economic relevance for their fruits (Larue et al., 2021 and Song et al., 2021). Interspecific hybrids which have emerged from disease resistance work are used for nut, timber and as rootstock.

Advances in seed production techniques have revolutionized brinjal cultivation, enhancing productivity, quality, and sustainability. Traditional methods, such as manual emasculation and pollination, have been supplemented and in some cases replaced by innovative approaches, contributing to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and grafting technologies have emerged as valuable tools, offering novel avenues for enhancing breeding efficiency and managing soil-borne pathogens. These advancements have facilitated the development of high-yielding F1 hybrids and improved pure-line varieties with enhanced resilience to pests and diseases. Furthermore, the adoption of precision agriculture techniques, including controlled environment agriculture and hydroponics, has enabled year-round seed production, mitigating the impact of seasonal fluctuations and adverse weather conditions. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies have been integrated into seed production protocols, minimizing chemical inputs and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Additionally, innovations in seed extraction methods, such as mechanical extraction and dry extraction techniques, have streamlined the seed processing workflow, resulting in higher seed purity and improved germination rates.

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) are economically significant crops in India, known for their distinct attributes and culinary uses. Despite their shared progenitor, these crops exhibit varietal differences and require specific breeding strategies for hybrid seed production due to small flower size. The development of male sterile systems has revolutionized hybrid seed production, with the exploitation of Genetic Male Sterility (GMS) and Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (CMS) in chilli and bell pepper breeding. The market for chilli seeds in India is substantial, driven by the demand for high-value hybrid seeds. This chapter comprehensively reviews the botanical characteristics, genetic resources, and breeding objectives in Capsicum species, emphasizing traits like disease resistance, high yield, and stress tolerance. It also highlights varietal achievements in public and private sectors, showcasing improved cultivars and hybrids with specific attributes. The integration of molecular markers in male sterile genes facilitates efficient hybrid seed production, ensuring genetic purity and quality. Additionally, the package of practices for seed production in chilli underscores the importance of isolation, field standards, inspection, harvesting, seed processing, and quality standards to maintain seed purity and viability.

Pumpkin (2n = 40) is an important ‘pepo’ vegetable of the Cucurbitaceae family. Five domesticated species viz., C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo, C. argyrosperma and C. ficifolia are included in the Cucurbita genera (Schaffer and Paris, 2003). Owing to the presence of maximum genetic diversity in the neotropical regions and its ability to grow in varied agro-ecological conditions and its tolerance to hotter climatic conditions as compared to the other cultivated Cucurbita species, C. moschata is known as “tropical pumpkin” (Andres 2004). In terms of the average nutritive values, pumpkin (2.8) stands at a higher position when compared to many widely grown vegetables. The fruits are rich in carotenoid pigments. However, the proportion of beta carotene is higher than the others. Beta carotene shows strong anti oxidative and anti-cancer properties. While, it has relatively low content of other carotenoids like alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxantin and violaxantin (Matus et al., 1993; Fraser and Bramley, 2004). Moreover, pumpkin fruits are also rich in mineral elements viz., potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and selenium. The mature pumpkin seeds contain the essential unsaturated fatty acids and minerals like zinc. Pumpkin-rich diet has also shown to have a pharmacological effect on reducing blood glucose (Xiong and Cao, 2001; Cai et al. 2003). Further, water-extracted pumpkin polysaccharides showed better hypoglycemic (Zhang and Yao, 2002). As a result, pumpkin has emerged as a staple food in many developing countries (Ferriol and Pico, 2008).

Increased awareness of the importance of quality and nutrient-rich food among the majority of the population created a need for the development of organic production systems and suitable varieties/hybrids for cultivation. The quality of soil, water and air is affected by the overuse of agrochemicals in agriculture. The use of organic varieties helps in reducing the use of various agrochemicals and high-quality pesticides. Organic varieties can address environmental issues and climate change. The world organic seed market is valued at USD 4.2 Bn in 2022 and it is expected to grow at an annual rate of around 8.7% between 2022 and 2031. The demand for organic seeds in the market has created new opportunities for organic farmers. By following standard organic crop production practices and seed certification guidelines, they can produce quality organic seed or planting material on their own farm.

1. Introduction

Worldwide, organic agriculture is a rapidly growing sector. The demand for organic food markets is increasing recently with the fast-growing movement of community support for organic agriculture. A total of 96.4 m-ha were grown organically with 2% of the worldwide agricultural land. The region with the most organic agricultural land is Oceania (53.2 m-ha) followed by Europe (18.5 m-ha), Latin America (9.5 m-ha) Asia (8.8 m-ha), North America (3.6 m-ha) and Africa (2.7 m-ha). Australia stands first in area with 53.0 m-ha followed by India (4.7 m-ha) and Argentina (4.1 m-ha) (FiBL & IFOAM, 2024). The global organic farming market will grow from $169.04 billion in 2022 to $287.83 billion in 2027 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.3% (Organic Farming Global Market Report, 2023).

The concept of insect pest management and the strategies employed have evolved over the time. With the increased emphasis on safe agricultural practices and elevated demand for safe and healthy food, the various solutions for pest management have shifted more towards use of biocontrol agents. Bio- rational pest management methods have now evolved as important pillar of the integrated pest management to replace the synthetic insecticides and also other associated advantages. They include the use of botanical pesticides, insect growth regulators, pheromones and allelochemicals. The major positive attributes associated with all of them are their low mammalian toxicity, safety to beneficial and non-target organisms, higher specificity, low risk of development of resistance and low environmental persistence. Though bio-rational insecticides are considered to be safe, in an organic ecosystem, it should be done with caution because over reliance on them for longer periods may facilitate the target insect pests to develop some kind of resistance against them. So, proper deliberations on the positive and negative attributes of bio rational pest management strategies should be done so as to facilitate their long term usage in organic farming.

Agricultural sector, with the technological advancements, is also contributing to global climate change, loss of biodiversity and degradation of resources. Further, there is a serious global concern about chemical residues, healthy food and healthy planet earth. Organic and natural farming are acclaimed to be the best alternative non-chemical production pathways to reverse the ill effects of modern agriculture. However, these systems are not contemplated to meet the food security and other requirements of ever-growing human population, particularly in developing countries. In this chapter, based on the available and documented protocols and production practices of these systems, the additional research, extension and policy needs to strengthen these production pathways to attain economic, ecological and social sustainability are discussed while considering the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) of United Nations.