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The buffalo belonged to the Bovidae family, Bovinae subfamily and the scientific name is Bubalus bubalis. This is descended from the Bubalus arnee or wild Indian buffalo, and is widely dispersed throughout Southern Asia. The world population of buffaloes is approximately 204 million head: more than 98% are in Asia; 0.8%are in Africa, particularly in Egypt; 0.9% are in South America; and 0.2% are in Europe (FAO, 2024).

The countries with the largest numbers of dairy buffaloes are India, Pakistan, China, Nepal and Egypt. In Pakistan and Nepal there are more dairy buffaloes than dairy cows. Water buffaloes are the main source of milk in South Asia. India is the largest water buffalo milk producer compared to Pakistan, where buffaloes produce more milk than cattle.

 Scientific classification
 Genus: Bubalus 
 Species: bubalis
 Wild water buffalo: Bubalus arnee
 Domestic water buffalo: Bubalus bubalis
 Lowland anoa: Bubalus depressicornis
 Mountain anoa: Bubalus quarlesi
 Tamaraw: Bubalus mindorensis
 Cebu tamaraw: Bubalus cebuensis

Type and Potential of Organic Residues

A number of diverse sources of organic materials are available for recycling in agriculture. These are mostly of plant origin and recycled either directly or after having being used as feed or food by animals and humans. In view of high organic content and mineral nutrients in the biomass, these are considered as valuable inputs to improve the soil fertility and crops production. Organic resources are low cost inputs but are valuable based on its potential for nutrients and organic matter content.

Attractive Features of Organic Resources

• Organic matter is the basic resource of several essential plant nutrients.

• It buffers the effects of pH dependent changes on nutrient availability.

• They are generated close to their use.

• They are renewable as they are generated regularly.

• With increasing demand for increasing food production, the potential of organic resources is expected to rise.

• Farmers are familiar with organic resources from time immemorial.

1. Oil Cakes

Several varieties of oil seeds are produced in India. Oil seeds contain 40 to 50 percent oil and residues left after extraction are known as oil cakes. Oil seed cakes are generally referred as concentrated organic manure because of their high content of plant nutrient, nitrogen in particular as compared to conventional farmyard manure or compost. Oil cakes also invariably contain 2 to 15 percent oil depending on the method of extraction. Oil seeds are further demarcated into edible and non-edible oil seed cakes depending on their palatability to animals. Both type of oil seed cakes can be used as organic manures, but edible oil seed cakes are generally used as animal feed as warranted by socio-economic reasons (Bhardwaj, 1995). Non-edible cakes are generally used as organic manure to supply major plant nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Potential of Non-edible Cakes

The authentic estimates of quantity of non-edible cakes produced in the country are not available because the oil yielding trees are grown and scattered our vast tract of the country. Only a part of oil bearing seeds of these trees are being collected and processed. According to an estimate, annual production of non-edible oil seed cakes was of the order of 3.8 million tonnes annually which on average can provide 87, 25 and 57 thousand tonnes of N, P2 O5 and K2 O respectively (Singh and Gurumurti 1984).

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) became one of the 21st century’s most technologically disruptive innovations very quickly. The effort to be at the leading edge of AI discovery and development is becoming more intense as the field develops. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has sparked significant interest and debate across various sectors, including higher education. From personalized learning experiences to data-driven insights, AI offers a multitude of opportunities for optimizing educational processes and enriching student outcomes. In this reframed exploration, we delve into the transformative potential of AI within higher education and its multifaceted utilization across various domains. AI accelerates scientific research and knowledge discovery by analyzing vast datasets, identifying patterns, and generating insights that fuel innovation. Natural language processing (NLP) algorithms facilitate literature reviews, automate data analysis, and assist in hypothesis generation, empowering researchers to make breakthroughs across disciplines. AI-driven tools empower educators with innovative methods for teaching and assessing student progress. Automated grading systems, virtual tutors, and intelligent tutoring systems streamline administrative tasks, provide real-time feedback, and enable instructors to focus more on personalized instruction. AI streamlines administrative processes within higher education institutions, from admissions to alumni engagement. Chatbots handle inquiries, virtual assistants aid in course scheduling, and predictive analytics optimize resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Introduction

Work-dwelling or workplace well-being describes all aspects of the working lifespan of workers from the point of view of quality, safety and physical environment. It pronounces the workers’ feelings about their work, their working environment, the climate at work and work organization. According to WHO (2010), a healthy workplace environment not only merely finds the absence of illness but also a state of comprehensive physical, mental and social comfort. Work and health hence have a reciprocal relationship that concerns occupational health wellbeing and confers decent work environments i.e. (i) payment of reasonable income; (ii) safety-security in employment and working environment; (iii) guarantee of equal opportunities and treatment for all; (iv) enclosure of social protection for the workers and their families; (v) offering prospects for personal development and inspiring social integration and (vi) allowance of workers to express their apprehensions and to organize (ILO, 1999). In the entrepreneurial sphere, globalization along with fast industrial progress is supposed to be accountable for occupational health hazards and related workplace ill-being, work insecurity, the lack of protection for workers’ health and well-being in the form of work-related accidents, illness and stress, lack of workers’ compensation and paid sick leave, lack of maternity protection, excessive hours of work, etc.(https://www.ilo.org/). This was evidenced in the recent report of ILO (2023) where it was found that 2.3 million people around the world surrender to work-related accidents or diseases every year which links to over 6000 deaths every solitary day (www.ilo.org). Subsequently, there are about 340 million occupational accidents where 160 million are fatalities of work-related illnesses annually in the World.

Introduction

Biochemistry of blood is extremely complex. It plays vital role in maintaining homeostasis with in the body. Blood is a specialized connective tissue which is a fluid that circulates all through the body in cardio vascular system. Blood consists of 55 per cent of plasma and 45 per cent of cellular components.

Plasma: A straw coloured liquid component of blood. Understanding the chemical basis of plasma is very crucial for diagnosis and treating various conditions. The compositional breakdown of plasma can be put forth as 90-92 % of water that acts as transport medium for the remaining 8-10 % of the solutes. Solutes further can be classified as electrolytes (salts), proteins, Lipids, other nutrients and waste products.

Plasma electrolytes: These are the minerals found in the blood that are electrically charged. Their role is very crucial in lot of physiological activities like

• Maintaining the balance of fluids interior and exterior to the cells.

• Carries electrical signals all through the body

• Helps in contraction of muscles

• Regulates blood pressure

Recent pandemic (COVID-19) impacted global economy significantly and increased economic disparity. Vaccines are significantly beneficial and cost effective compared to other public healthcare preventives. Vaccines reduce hospitalisation, treatment costs and associated morbidity and mortality. Although COVID-19 vaccination and natural viral infection protected against reinfection, it waned in part due to emerging novel variants. Waning immunity from vaccine and natural infection are documented, and it was more so in severe hospitalised COVID-19. Many countries developed their own vaccines successfully to counter as COVID-19 became global. Vaccines needed updates to effectively fight COVID-19 as the wild strain constantly mutated. Among the intrinsic, perinatal, extrinsic, environmental, behavioural and nutritional aspects, the host factors included antibiotics usage pattern, sleep habits, physical activities, smoking habit and alcohol intake. Similarly, the external factors influencing vaccine response included childhood vaccination, early-age infections, nutrient supplements soon after birth, and breastfeeding pattern. Vaccination time also affected the efficacy. Forenoon vaccination developed less breakthrough infection compared to afternoon or evening vaccination due to varying immunological responses like immune cell functions, recruitment and transport, owing to circadian rhythm. Although vaccination side-effects are there, almost all vaccines are reportedly safe, effective and prevented serious illness, hospitalisation and death. Vaccine usually takes two weeks to manifest, and it prevented 14·4–19.8 million pandemic fatalities globally in 185 nations in a single year during December 2020 and December 2021. It was necessary that the boosters alongside vaccines enhanced immunological effects and provided extended protection. Thus, vaccine and booster design and development, dosing, targeted immunisation, cost-efficacy and vaccine acceptance are challenges to address. Government, not-for-profit organisations, health agencies and researchers may systematically analyse, justify and validate vaccine R&D and vaccinations economics. This chapter comprehends biological, commercial and economic benefits and impacts of booster dose in vaccination drives, and the roadmap ahead.

Plant disease causes losses estimated for 20-40 per cent of global crop. Climate change has a very complex effect on plant-pathogen interactions, since environmental conditions affect the whole disease triangle: they modify plant susceptibility, the biological cycles of parasites and pathogens, and hostpathogen physiology and interactions. Innovative plant protection strategies in horticultural crops encompass a wide range of techniques and approaches aimed at safeguarding plants from pests, diseases, and environmental stresses in a sustainable and effective manner. These strategies are essential for ensuring the productivity, quality, and resilience of horticultural crops while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Climate change, including increased temperature, CO levels, acid rain, and tropospheric O 3 2 , stresses plants and lowers their pathogen response. While higher CO 2 reduces stomata density, acid rain and O weaken cuticle protection, aiding pathogen entry.

Weed management in natural farming emphasizes natural, chemical-free methods that align with ecological principles. Instead of using herbicides or synthetic chemicals, natural farming promotes approaches that maintain biodiversity, improve soil health, and reduce weed pressure through various cultural, mechanical, and biological methods.
Here are key strategies for weed management in natural farming:
1. Mulching
Mulching is an agricultural and horticultural practice in which organic or inorganic materials are spread over the soil surface to protect and improve soil quality. In natural farming, mulching plays a key role by fostering a healthier ecosystem for plants without synthetic inputs.
Types of Mulch
Mulches are broadly categorized into organic and inorganic types:
• Organic mulch includes materials such as straw, leaves, grass clippings, crop residues, compost, wood chips, and sawdust. These materials decompose over time, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
• Inorganic mulch consists of materials like plastic sheeting, landscape fabric, and gravel. While these do not decompose, they effectively suppress weeds and retain moisture but do not improve soil fertility.

Vegetable breeding is the purposeful genetic manipulation of qualities in vegetable crops to create new varieties with a set of desired characteristics that are better suited for cultivation, give better yield, quality and are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Vegetable breeding can be accomplished through many different techniques ranging from plant introduction, simply selecting plants with desirable characteristics, to more complex molecular techniques. Classical plant breeding includes hybridization followed by selection and mutation to develop the desirable plant types. With the advancements in genetics, molecular biology and in vitro culture, different molecular genetics tools are also being used in vegetable breeding.
Sexually propagated vegetable crops
1. Plant Introduction
The term “Plant introduction” describes the movement of crop plants, species, varieties, wild species, etc. from their original growing sites to other locations where it was not grown earlier. Plant introduction is essentially the method of cultivating crop plants in a new environments. The agro-climatic conditions can differ greatly depending on the origin of the plant species and the area where they are introduced. Plant introduction is a time-honored strategy for improving crop diversity.

The effect of inbreeding and outbreeding was found in ancient time in animals and human beings since civilization. Hence, the phenomenon “Heterosis” was conceived since pre-Mendelian era. But in plants this phenomenon was recognized only 200 years ago. Koelreuter (1766) first published his scientific investigation on hybridization. Knight (1799) first recorded increased vigour following crossing. Mendel (1865) also observed increased vigour in pea hybrids. Charles Darwin (1876) suggested that cross-fertilization was beneficial whereas self-fertilization was injurious. However, the scientific concept of heterosis phenomenon was established in post-Mendellian era by the monumental work by East (1908) and Shull (1908).
General concepts of Heterosis
• Heterosis is the widely occurring genetically governed biological phenomenon involving both plants and animals.
• It frequently occurs in plants and is found mostly in cross-pollinated plant species than in self-pollinated plants.
• It is built in evolutionary mechanism favouring better survival of heterozygotes in nature.

Onion, Allium cepa under the family Alliaceae (Amarylidaceae) having chromosome No. = 2n × 2x = 16 is an important vegetable cum spice crop grown in almost all parts of the world. The four major onion growing countries in the world are China, India, USA and Turkey. Other important onion growing countries are Iran, Italy, Egypt, The Netherlands, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Japan and Brazil. Onions are the fundamental ingredient in many dishes of the Asian countries. In India, important onion growing states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. In India, onions are cooked for the preparation of stews, curries and as a base for rice pilafs or pilau or used fresh as salads. Onions are widely used in American cuisine, from burgers and sandwiches to soups and stews. Fried onion rings are a popular side dish. Onions are healthy whether consumed as raw or cooked however, raw onions have higher levels of organic sulfur compounds that provide many health benefits.
Origin, domestication and adaptation in India
The geographic origin of the onion is uncertain because the wild onion is extinct andancient records of using onions span western and eastern Asia. However, it is presumed that domestication of onion likely took place in Southwest or Central Asia comprising Iran, Afganistan, western Pakistan Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. Its secondary centre of origin is in the Mediterranean region. Its cultivation has spread in Western Asia from Palestine to India. It entered northern Europe through Italy and north Africa during 500 AD. It was introduced in the USA by the early Spanish explorers around 1625 AD.

Cow pea is an important vegetable crop in Kerala. The crop was originated in Africa and is the major source of plant proteins in the diet of rural populations in Africa. The grains contain 25% protein and several vitamins and minerals. Insect pests pose the greatest threat to cowpea production. The crop is severely attacked at every stage of its growth by insects. High pest densities occur at many locations with complete loss of grain yield if no control measures are taken.
Moth has greyish brown forewings with large transverse hyaline band and a few smaller spots. Hind wings are hyaline with brown outer margin. The female moth lays eggs on or near flower buds. Caterpillars are brownish green with black warts. The young caterpillars bore into the buds, flowers or pods. Pods with bore holes may be seen. The infested flowers and pods may be webbed together. Flower drop may occur in severe cases. Caterpillars may bore into the stem also (Mahalakshmi et al., 2016).
Host range
Soybean, blackgram, greengram, Groundnut, common bean, lima bean, chickpea, mung bean, broad bean, pigeon pea.

Introduction
Market milk holds a crucial place in human nutrition, economic development, and the dairy industry. Its consumption patterns and marketing strategies continue to adapt, influenced by evolving lifestyles, consumer preferences, and advancements in processing and packaging technologies. Regulatory frameworks ensure its safety and quality, while the wide range of milk types caters to diverse dietary and cultural requirements around the world.
Modern dairy farms rely on advanced milking machines that prioritize both efficiency and hygiene. These machines use vacuum-operated devices to gently extract milk from cows’ teats without causing discomfort. The collected milk is immediately transferred into refrigerated tanks to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Speed and efficiency in transporting milk to processing facilities are critical to ensuring its safety and quality.
At the processing plant, milk undergoes standardization, an essential step where the fat content is adjusted to produce different types of milk, such as whole milk, toned milk, double-toned milk, and skimmed milk. This ensures uniformity in fat levels, meeting market specifications and regulatory standards such as prescribed by FSSAI in case of India.
The milk then undergoes pasteurization, a process of heating it to a specific temperature for a defined period to eliminate harmful bacteria while preserving its nutritional value. Pasteurization has significantly improved milk safety, reduced health risks, and extended its shelf life. Following this, the milk is homogenized, where fat molecules are evenly distributed to prevent cream separation. This centres a smooth texture and consistent flavor preferred by consumers.

Trans-boundary Animal Diseases (TADs) are highly contagious diseases of livestock in the world and transmissible diseases which have the potential for very serious and rapid spread, irrespective of national borders, which has serious socio-economic or public health consequence and they are importance in the international trade of animals and animal products. With rapidly increasing globalization, an associated risk of movement of trans-boundary diseases is emerging. Trans-boundary animal diseases represent a serious threat. They reduce production and productivity, disrupt local and national economies and also threaten human health (zoonotic). Trans-boundary animal disease is a concern globally; cumulative effort is needed at international level to minimize the spread of infectious diseases across the borders.
Considering that livestock rearing constitutes a significant share in the national economy of a developing country, it is imperative to take up disease control initiatives. Measures are required to safeguard the livestock industry from epidemics of infectious diseases and to uphold safe international trade of  livestock and their products. In this regard, it is essential to develop scientific and risk-based standards that facilitate the international trade in animal commodities.
Introduction
Trans- boundary Animal Diseases (TADs) are highly contagious diseases of livestock in the world. Moreover, their economic importance is a major constraint in international trade. Their implication on human Health and National food security cannot be over emphasized. Zoonotic diseases among TAD’s include diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV), Rift Valley Fever (RVF), Mad Cow disease (BSE), Bovine Tuberculosis and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Other important TADs are Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Lumpy Skin Disease, African
Swine Fever (ASF) and Newcastle Disease (ND). They have the potential for very rapid spread, irrespective of national borders and these diseases can cause serious socio-economic and possibly public health consequences.

Leafy greens, comprising a diverse array of crops such as spinach, lettuce, kale, collard greens, and mustard greens, among others, are a vital component of global vegetable production. With their high nutritional value, versatility in culinary uses, and ease of cultivation, leafy greens (Fig. 6.1) have become an integral part of diets worldwide.
• In India, leafy greens are grown across various agroclimatic zones, with major producing states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The estimated area under leafy greens cultivation in India ranges from 0.7 to 0.8 million hectares, accounting for a significant share of the country’s total vegetable production. The annual production of leafy greens in India stands at approximately 5-6 million tonnes, with a considerable portion being consumed domestically.
• Beyond their culinary and nutritional significance, leafy greens also hold substantial economic importance, particularly for small and marginal farmers who constitute the backbone of India’s agricultural sector. The cultivation of leafy greens provides these farmers with a vital source of income, enabling them to support their livelihoods and contribute to local economic development.
 

Unconventional feed ingredients are those feed ingredients that are less commonly used in formulations or whose nutritional properties and feeding value are less well understood. Hence, these feeds are not traditionally used for animal feeding either by farmers or by feed manufacturer.
Unconventional feed resources
Concentrates sources: These are mainly mangoseed kernel, neemseed cake, rubberseed cake, tamarindseed cake, tamarind seed kernel, tapioca waste, salseed cake, safflower cake, nigerseed cake, spent tea waste, mahua cake, karanj cake.
Tree leaves and fallen tree leaves: Banyan, peepal, mango, teak, bamboo, neem, gliricidia, banana, cassava, mulberry.
Other by-products: groundnut shell, paddy husk, maize cobs, bajra cobs, jowar cobs, husk of bengal gram, black gram, green gram, sugarcane tops, bagasse, water hyacinth, molasses etc.
Marine and aquatic waste: Fish waste, frog meal.
Starch industry waste: Maize germ, maize bran, maize gluten.
Brewery waste: Dried brewer’s grain (after extraction of malt)
Slaughter house by-product: Blood meal, meat meal, meat and bone meal, tankage.
Poultry industry by-product: Feather meal, offal meal/ poultry waste meal, hatchery waste.
High moisture agro-industrial by-products: vegetable and food processing residues, apple/tomato/pineapple pomace, citrus processing waste.

An aquarium functions as more than a simple container for aquatic life— it is a carefully balanced miniature ecosystem designed to replicate the natural environment of its inhabitants. Key elements that support both the biological health and visual aesthetics of an aquarium include substrates, gravels, and decorative features. These components are essential for creating a stable, appealing, and lifesupporting
underwater world.
Substrates serve as the foundational layer in any aquarium setup and fulfill several critical roles—biological, chemical, and mechanical. They offer a surface for beneficial bacteria to thrive, help root aquatic plants securely, impact water chemistry by altering pH and hardness, and shape the visual theme of the tank. The type of substrate used—be it sand, gravel, nutrient-rich soil, or crushed coral—depends on the specific aquarium setup, whether it’s a freshwater, marine, planted, or biotope-focused tank.
Gravels, a common form of substrate, combine utility with decorative value. Available in diverse sizes, textures, and colors, they contribute to the tank’s visual appeal while also supporting aeration and microbial life in the substrate layer. Choosing the right type of gravel depends on the species of fish and plants involved, as well as the intended function of the tank.
Decorative elements such as rocks, driftwood, ceramic structures, and aquaticsafe ornaments add character and structure to the aquarium’s layout. Beyond aesthetics, they serve practical purposes—providing shelter, defining territories, and encouraging natural behaviors like hiding or exploring. These additions can also help recreate specific natural settings, like riverbanks or coral reefs, thereby increasing the aquarium’s realism and educational value.

13.1 Introduction
Having navigated the foundational statistical methods, advanced analytical techniques, visualization strategies, and the intricate world of Numerical Weather Prediction and Climate Data Analysis, we now arrive at a pivotal point in the chapter “Specialized Applications and Future Trends.” This chapter is dedicated to exploring how the comprehensive understanding and methodologies developed in previous chapters are being applied to address some of the most pressing environmental and societal challenges of our time. Furthermore, we will look ahead to the emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches that are shaping the future of atmospheric and climate science.
The atmosphere is not an isolated system; it profoundly influences, and is influenced by, human activities, energy systems, water resources, and urban environments. Therefore, the insights derived from meteorological and climate data are increasingly being tailored and integrated into highly specialized applications that directly impact public health, economic sustainability, and urban planning. This goes beyond traditional weather forecasting to provide actionable intelligence for complex, real-world problems.
In this chapter, we will delve into several key areas where atmospheric science is making critical contributions:
• Air Quality Analysis and Pollutant Measurements: We will explore how meteorological principles are applied to understand the transport, dispersion, and transformation of atmospheric pollutants. This includes the methods for measuring various pollutants and the sophisticated dispersion modeling techniques used to predict air pollution levels and their spread, crucial for public health warnings and environmental regulations.

Definition of Communication
Communication is the process through which individuals exchange information, ideas, emotions, and meaning through verbal and non-verbal methods. It is a fundamental human activity that enables people to connect, share knowledge, and understand one another. Communication can take place in many forms, including spoken language, written text, body language, gestures, facial expressions, and other symbols.
Effective communication involves not just the transmission of a message but also ensuring that the message is accurately received and understood by the intended audience. For communication to be successful, both the sender (person delivering the message) and the receiver (person receiving the message) must actively participate in the process, with the goal of achieving shared understanding.
Key Components of Communication
• Sender – The person or entity initiating the message.
• Message – The content or information that the sender wishes to convey.
• Encoding – The process of transforming thoughts into symbols (words, images, gestures).
• Channel – The medium through which the message is sent (spoken word, written text, electronic media).
• Receiver – The person or group for whom the message is intended.
• Decoding – The process by which the receiver interprets the message.
• Feedback – The response provided by the receiver, indicating whether the message was understood.

India is one of the top ten countries most affected by disasters, as defined by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. Natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, often lead to food and water shortages. Man-made disasters, like industrial accidents and pollution, can further worsen conditions for animals. Ensuring animal welfare during disasters is essential for family survival, as livestock provide food security. Developing a comprehensive animal care plan is vital to safeguard animals during and after natural disasters.
During natural disasters, the primary objective should be to prevent animals from starving by diverting feed from lactating animals whenever possible. Implementing restricted feeding is crucial, even if it results in weight loss and reduced milk yield in lactating animals. Utilizing various measures such as conserved fodders, cost-effective hydroponic systems, unconventional feed resources, and nutrient blocks can help prevent livestock mortality and morbidity during emergencies.
Natural calamities often lead to significant livestock losses, highlighting the importance of feed security for animals during and after disasters. Developing feeding strategies to sustain animals in the face of natural calamities is crucial.
Feeding strategies during feed shortages aim to maintain animals at a minimum body weight for survival, prioritize feeding productive stock, and understand critical weight losses for different species. Critical body weight varies by species, breed, and age, with cattle at risk if weight loss exceeds 20%. Understanding these factors is essential for effective feed resource allocation during emergencies.
Developing countries face feed shortages exacerbated by natural disasters, creating a gap between feed demand and supply. Hydro-meteorological disasters pose challenges in transporting feed, leading to increased costs. In such situations, ensuring animal survival through rationed feeding is crucial. Booster feed can aid in their recovery once conditions improve

1. Introduction
Functional feed additives are specialized, non-nutritive substances added to animal feed with the primary aim of enhancing health, growth, and performance beyond the basic nutritional requirements. Unlike traditional feed ingredients that primarily provide essential nutrients, functional additives are intended to optimize physiological functions and overall well-being in animals. In the context of aquaculture, these additives are particularly crucial for improving the efficacy of fish diets, as they can significantly influence various health and performance parameters.
Functional feed additives can be derived from a diverse array of sources, including:
• Microorganisms: Probiotics and prebiotics that support gut health and improve digestion.
• Plants: Phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and alkaloids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory properties.
• Natural Compounds: Various extracts and essential oils known for their therapeutic effects on fish health.
By integrating these additives into aquafeeds, aquaculture practitioners aim to promote fish welfare, enhance production efficiency, and ultimately contribute to sustainable fish farming practices.

It is crucial to understand that our entire health and wellbeing depends centrally on our mental health. A broad spectrum of mental health issues that impact our mood, thoughts and behaviours may lead to stress, sadness, anxiety inappropriate eating disorders, addictive behaviours and many more. People occasionally face mental health issues, but when persistent symptoms impair functioning and cause regular stress, a mental health concern turns into a mental disease. It also affects how we respond to people, deal with stress and make decisions.
From infancy to adolescence mental health is very crucial for healthy development as it lays the foundation for development of positive social, emotional, cognitive and communication skills and behaviours in young people and that boost the mental health and wellbeing in later life.
Why Is Mental Wellbeing Important?
According to estimates from the World Health Organization, 20% of young people suffer from mental problems and the incidence are growing faster (World Health Organization). Greater numbers signify a greater effect and are more serious. Globally, mental, behavioral and neurological disorders are predicted to account for nearly 15% of disability-adjusted life years by 2030; number of years that an individual was “lost” to living with the aftereffects of a certain disease or lived with a handicap. However, the prevalence pattern varies among high, middle and low-income countries (Prince et al., 2007).

The Hans Krebs cycle, known by different names like the citric acid or tricarboxylic acid cycle, was named after the scientist Hans Krebs. The citric acid cycle is named after the citrate product formed in the cycle. The name tricarboxylic acid is given as citrate itself, which is a tricarboxylic acid due to the presence of three carboxyl functional groups (-COOH).
The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle occurs in aerobic conditions and within mitochondrial ETC, involving various sequential oxidoreductase reactions. The cycle requires Acetyl-CoA (C2 molecule) and oxaloacetate molecule (C4 molecule) to begin with the formation of a citrate molecule (C6 molecule). Acetyl-CoA is generated from the pyruvate (glycolysis), the fatty acids (lipolysis), or by oxidative deamination of specific amino acids. The complete oxidation of a glucose molecule results in the end products like energy (ATP), CO2 and H2O. A molecule of Acetyl-CoA has two carbons. It is formed from a three-carbon pyruvic acid molecule generated from the glycolysis of a sixcarbon glucose molecule. Acetyl-CoA is the substrate for this cycle and is an energy-rich molecule having a thioester bond between coenzyme A and acetic acid.
8.1 Formation of acetyl-CoA from Pyruvic Acid
Pyruvate is obtained by glycolysis or the oxidation of glucogenic amino acids. The pyruvic acid produced in the cytoplasm crosses the inner membrane of the mitochondrion to enter the mitochondrial matrix, where it undergoes oxidative decarboxylation, forming Acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA carries (carrier molecule) the acetyl group to the citric acid cycle. It also links various metabolic products with the TCA cycle. Such products can be from the EMP cycle, beta-oxidation, and oxidative deamination of amino acids. Oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvic acid needs a complex enzyme system known as pyruvate dehydrogenase

OVERVIEW OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) TECHNOLOGY
Agricultural drone technology employs drones equipped with cameras and sensors to assist farmers in monitoring crops, applying pesticides, and analyzing soil conditions. This technology assists farmers in making informed decisions, enhancing yields, and minimizing chemical application.
A drone is fundamentally a flying robot that can be operated remotely or autonomously through software-driven flight plans within its embedded systems, which integrate with onboard sensors and a Global Positioning System (GPS).
Drones are remotely operated or autonomous aircraft engineered to function without a pilot on board. They are also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). They has the capability to function alone or be managed by human operators.
• They have gained significant popularity in recent years owing to their extensive range of applications and uses. Drones are available in a range of sizes and configurations, from compact portable models to larger variants. They possess an array of equipment that enables optimal functionality.
• The fundamental components of a drone consist of motors, propellers, flight controllers, batteries, and remote control systems. The motor and propeller are essential for generating push to elevate the drone from the ground, whilst the flight controller functions as the drone’s brain, responsible for data processing and movement regulation.
• The battery energizes the drone’s electronic components, while the remote control systems enable the operator to maneuver the drone. The drone functions by an integration of electronic components and software algorithms.

Building upon the foundational statement, this chapter on “Practical Training for Professional Seeding” recognizes that equipping the next generation of agricultural meteorologists requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond classroom lectures and textbook knowledge (Fig.6.1). It necessitates immersing students in real-world scenarios and providing them with the tangible skills demanded by the evolving agricultural landscape. Let’s delve deeper into the crucial areas of practical training that will be explored in this chapter:
6.1. Hands-on Experience with Meteorological Instrumentation and
Field Data Collection
This section will underscore the importance of direct interaction with weather monitoring equipment. Trainees will gain practical proficiency in:
• Operating and Maintaining Weather Stations: Learning the intricacies of setting up, calibrating, and maintaining various meteorological instruments like thermometers, hygrometers, anemometers, rain gauges, pyranometers, and soil moisture sensors. This will include understanding the principles of operation, potential sources of error, and best practices for ensuring data accuracy.
• Conducting Field Measurements: Moving beyond automated stations, trainees will learn manual data collection techniques for parameters like leaf area index, canopy temperature, radiation interception, and soil physical properties. This hands-on experience will foster a deeper appreciation for the spatial variability of microclimates and the challenges of obtaining representative data.

Introduction
The area of drug delivery has progressed remarkably in recent decades propelled by the demand for more efficient therapeutic approaches that can reduce side effects and improve the therapeutic index of medications. Conventional approaches to drug delivery frequently lead to widespread distribution, putting healthy tissues at risk of exposure to harmful levels of therapeutic compounds, while not achieving sufficient concentrations at targeted disease locations (Yu et al., 2023). This issue is especially apparent in addressing intricate conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, where the therapeutic window is limited, and the likelihood of adverse effects increases. In this context, the advancement of targeted drug delivery systems has become an essential approach for enhancing the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic agents, with liposomal drug delivery systems receiving significant focus (Mitchell et al., 2021). The concept of targeted drug delivery revolves around the selective direction of therapeutic agents towards specific tissues or cells, aiming to reduce exposure to non-target areas. This method is crucial for enhancing treatment efficacy, especially in conditions marked by variability in drug response, like cancer. For example, traditional chemotherapy frequently results in considerable toxicity and negative side effects because of the non-specific distribution of drugs (Gao et al., 2023). Utilizing specific delivery methods allows healthcare professionals to increase the concentration of therapeutic agents in tumor tissues, leading to better treatment results and minimizing harm to healthy tissues (Bae et al., 2011). Beyond oncology, targeted drug delivery shows potential for various diseases, such as infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions. For example, in the management of viral infections, targeted delivery can increase the concentration of antiviral agents within infected cells, thereby enhancing efficacy and minimizing systemic toxicity. Targeted delivery systems can enhance the transport of therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, addressing a major challenge in drug development for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Delivering drugs selectively to their sites of action is essential for achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes and enhancing patient quality of life (Wu et al., 2023 a; Rana et al., 2024).
Among various drug delivery systems, liposomes have surfaced as a flexible and efficient platform for targeted drug delivery. Liposomes consist of lipidbased vesicles formed by phospholipid bilayers, capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. Their distinctive structure and characteristics render them excellent options for various applications in targeted therapy. The encapsulation of a wide variety of therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutics, anti-inflammatory drugs, peptides, and nucleic acids, stands out as a key benefit of liposomes. This adaptability facilitates the simultaneous delivery of various drugs or therapeutic approaches within one liposomal formulation, promoting combination therapies that can improve effectiveness and address resistance mechanisms (Wang et al., 2023).

Introduction
Information on genetics is also crucial in agriculture research-related advancements in crop and livestock improvement, sustainability, and food security. Genetic information is analyzed by scientists so that important traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved yield can be bred into plants and animals with many attributes. Selective breeding programs and subsequent genetic manipulation to improve agricultural production while reducing dependence on chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers are then developed (Bohra et al., 2020; Li & Yan, 2020).
Precision agriculture also boasts genetic data for informed decisions on the genetic composition of crops and livestock. Genetic data are thus used to optimize resource use as global demand for food resources continues to grow with increasing population needs against the backdrop of climate change resilience of crops and nutritional quality of agricultural products. Genetic studies also serve purposes of biodiversity conservation through ex-situ preservation of native and rare species presumed to have important genetic assets worthy for future breeding programs (Chaudhary et al., 2023; Varshney et al., 2021; Thudi et al., 2021).
Overview of Challenges in Analyzing Genetic Data
It may prove difficult for agricultural research to analyze genetic data because of its wide and varied capabilities:
Data Complexity and Volume
Advances in genomic sequencing technologies produce huge amounts of data that necessitate specialized computational machinery for processing. The most complex aspect of large-scale data is reliable storage, retrieval, and analysis.
Data Integration and Standardization
Genetic data comes from different sources and different sequencing techniques and institutes of research. Variations in format, methods, and terminologies complicate comparison of findings across studies. There are standardized protocols for collection and analysis of genetic data that ensure its consistency and reliability (Lassoued et al., 2021; Mulder et al., 2017).
Computational and Bioinformatics Challenges
Genetic data processing needs very high-performance computational resources and sophisticated bioinformatics tools. Most agricultural research institutions, particularly in developing countries, are poorly equipped with such technologies,

1. Introduction
Crop health valuation plays a vital part in modern agriculture as it positively stimulates food security, economic constancy, and ecological sustainability. This process involves monitoring and evaluating the growth and development of crops, finding possible stressors or diseases, and executing suitable management practices. Judicious and precise evaluation of crop health permits early exposure of diseases, pests, and other irregularities. Detecting these problems at their early growth stages can aid prevent extensive occurrences and decrease the need for unnecessary pesticide use, indorsing justifiable crop management practices. Assessing crop health on a regular basis help in enhancing yields by detecting factors that could inhibit crop productivity. Agricultural systems can be made resource-efficient by incorporating tools, modern technologies and information management systems that come under the precision agriculture concept. Modern scientific improvements, comprising Global Positioning System (GPS), grain yield monitoring system, Variable Rate Technologies (VRT), sensor networks, and Femote Sensing (RS), have assisted farmers to detect in-field heterogeneity of crop and soil and adopt site-specific farm management practices. Varying the application of inputs with VRT can decrease the cost of inputs and labor, increase productivity, and decrease the potential environmental influences from the overuse of farm inputs. However, the success rate of VRT needs precise and consistent information on the location and extent of crop and soil health conditions, such as crop nutrient shortages, soil and crop water deficiency, and injury caused by insect pests, weeds, or pathogens. So far, the dominant remote sensing technologies that the farming sector has used are visible (VIS), Near-Infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensors. The use of thermal sensors in agriculture is to some extent narrow despite its wide use in the areas of medical science (Ring and Ammer, 2012), intelligence/military (Hinz and Stilla, 2006), and the food processing sector (Vadivambal and Jayas, 2011). By providing temperature variations of soil and crop canopy, thermal remote sensing has the prospective to be used for various

1. Introduction
Pharmacognosy, formerly known as materia medica, is the study of unrefined medications derived from minerals, plants, and animals. Although C. A. Seydler coined the phrase in 1815, J. A. Schmidt used it in 1811 to refer to the study of medicinal plants and their characteristics. The word refers to the study or knowledge of medicines and is derived from the Latin terms gignoso, which means “to acquire knowledge of,” and pharmakon, which means “a drug.” Plants, animals, or their parts that have just been dried, sliced longitudinally or transversely, or infrequently peeled after collecting are considered crude pharmaceuticals. The majority of the basic drugs used in medicine are derived from plants, with only a minor portion coming from the animal and mineral kingdoms. Drugs made from plants are full plants, however cinchona bark, ginger rhizome, nux vomica seeds, and senna leaves and pods are plant components. Some medications, such as orange and lemon peels and colchicum corm, are used fresh, but the majority are dried after harvesting. Crude pharmaceuticals can also be obtained by straightforward physical processes like drying or water extraction. Aloe is the dried juice of Aloe species’ leaves, opium is the dried latex from poppy capsules, and black catechu is the dried aqueous extract from Acacia catechu’s wood. Plant exudates such as gums, resins, balsams, volatile oils, and fixed oils are also considered crude medicines. Additional drugs that physicians, surgeons, or pharmacists use directly or indirectly include diatomite for filtering gums or turbid liquids; cotton, silk, jute, and nylon for surgical dressings or kaolin; wax, gelatin, and agar for use as pharmaceutical auxiliaries of flavoring or sweetening agents; and drugs used as insecticides or vehicles. Animal medications can be extracts, like liver extracts, glandular products, such thyroid organs, or whole animals, like can-tharides. Similarly, goods that come from animals include fish liver oils, bee wax, musk, certain hormones, enzymes, and antitoxins. Drugs can be classified as either organized or disorganized. Organized medications come directly from plants and are composed of biological tissues. Unorganized pharmaceuticals are generated by physical intermediary procedures such as cutting, drying, or extraction with water, and although being derived from plants, they do not contain cellular tissue. Thus, unstructured medications include gums, resins, aloe, catechu, opium, and other plant exudates. Kaolin, chalk, diatomite, and other Ayurvedic bhasmas are examples of mineralbased medicines.

Introduction
World food security has become largely dependent only on a handful of crops like; wheat, rice, and corn which are the major cereals that support more than 50% of the global calorie demand. While these grains are an essential part of various diets, however they are devoid of essential micronutrients. As a result, it is estimated that micronutrient deficiency affects an estimated 2 billion people worldwide raising health concerns over our high dependence on cereal crops. As agriculture sector is considered as backbone of nation and therefore utilizing a handful of crops have placed the global food security at risk. In this context, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has identified many plants as under-utilized, which can significantly contribute for improving nutrition and health, enhance food basket and livelihoods, future food security and sustainable development (FAOSTAT, 2023). These underutilized crops offer an immense potential in the functional food sector to combat hidden hunger crisis and offer the options of income generation.
Cereals such as rice, maize and wheat are monocots and belong to family Poaceae, however buckwheat, chia, quinoa and amaranthus although resembles with cereals are dicots and are categorized as Pseudocereals. These crops have been placed under the category of important crops by UNESCO due to dwindling cultivation and exploitation in the wild besides, these pseudocereals has gained a worldwide importance in the nutraceutical industry due to the rich nutritional profile compared to cereals and are considered as crops of the 21st century (Pirzadah et al., 2020). These are enriched with various active principals such as; polyphenols, flavonoids, amino acids, dietary fibre, lignans, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids and other essential components like fagopyritols. The protein quality and quantity in pseudocereals is far better compared to cereals and this property qualifies their entry into the functional food industry (Rodriguez et al., 2020). Pseudocereals are rich in amino acids such as; arginine, tryptophan, lysine and histidine that proved essential for infant and child health thus, projected pseudocereals as an appropriate food supplement for child nutrition. The food production agro-systems must be adapted to climate change to ensure food security and stability. However, pseudocereals are climate resilient crops and can be grown even on marginal lands that are not fit for cereals thus, are considered as future crops to tackle mal-nutrition and future food crises. To explore these neglected or lost crops, there is an increasing interest in research and development that needs heightened direction and focus (Mabhaudhi et al., 2019). In this context, there is a need to adopt recent biotechnological interventions for the crop improvement and domestication of pseudocereal crops. This chapter focuses on nutritional profile of emerging pseudocereals viz., Buckwheat, Chia, Quinoa and Grain amaranth, phylogeny, genetic resources, breeding behavior and advanced breeding methods and their integration into the global food system

Introduction
The process of culturing plant cells, tissues, organs and protoplast on artificial media under controlled and aseptic circumstances is known as ‘Plant Tissue Culture’. It is predicated on the idea of “Cellular totipotency”, which describes a cell’s capacity to develop into a whole plant in the right cultural environment. This characteristic of cells has broad applications in the manipulation of plant cells to enable fast plant multiplication and the in-vitro regeneration of whole plants following the genetic transformation. Around a century ago, the idea of tissue culture was first put forth, to grow entire plants in vitro from somatic cells (Haberlandt, 1902). The tissue culture system has advanced with the identification of different concentration, ratios of auxin and cytokinin, which are critical for the regeneration of adventitious roots and shoots (Skoog and Miller, 1957). Appropriate explant, or plant organ removed, including cotyledons, leaves, roots, shoot apices, nodal segments, hypocotyls, anthers, embryos, and seeds. The explants are thoroughly cleaned with sterile double-distilled water, surface sterilized with a disinfectant such as sodium hypochlorite or mercuric chloride and aseptically cultured in an artificial medium in test tubes/ flasks, jars, and Petri dishes. Several factors influence a plant’s capacity to regenerate, such as the presence of a plant growth regulator (Gerdakaneh et al., 2020), the explant type (Dhar and Joshi, 2005) and the basic medium’s composition (Sundararajan et al., 2017).
The most widely used media include major elements, carbohydrates, growth regulators (auxins, cytokinins etc.), microelements, vitamins, amino acids and several media compositions have been created specifically for plant tissue culture (Atkinson et al. 2012). While 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) at concentrations of 0.5-4.0 mg/L typically induces callus, or a homogeneous mass of undifferentiated cells, auxins at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 mg/L, favour rooting by cell elongation. Similarly, cytokinin’s induce fast cell division and the growth of shoot buds/shoots. Agaragar, agarose, and GelriteTM are examples of chemically inert, powdered gelling agents added to the culture medium to solidify it before it is autoclaved. After the medium has been added to the culture containers, they are autoclaved. Explants in the culture vessels are injected under aseptic circumstances in a laminar air-flow cabinet equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters (pore size 0.2–0.3 mm). Explants that are placed in the right growth medium under the right circumstances dedifferentiate, or mature cells that have increased DNA/ RNA and protein production return to their meristematic state. Regrowth in the agar-gelled medium results in an amorphous mass of cells known as ‘callus’. Suspension culture, a method of cultivating cells in a liquid medium, produces a suspension of individual cells. Every three to four weeks, the developing tissue must be sub-cultured onto a new medium because an increase in cells or calli causes the medium to run out. In the end, the organogenesis pathway is utilized to create ordered structures like roots, branches, flower buds, etc. from these cells and tissues. The synthesis, preservation, and application of

Introduction
Loss of arable land due to population expansion, urbanization and climate change have substantially impacted agricultural production, driving the need to exploit advanced techniques for enhancing sustainable crop production (Bren d’Amour et al. 2017). The yield and productivity of plants are influenced by both their genotype and the growing environment, which govern the performance indices or phenotype (Reynolds et al. 2020). Conventional plant breeding plays a crucial role in ensuring food and nutritional security for the ever-growing global population by harnessing genetic diversity and selecting plants with superior agronomic traits (Singh et al. 2019). However, identifying plants with superior agronomic traits and novel genes (quantitative trait loci or QTLs) through conventional breeding is akin to finding a needle in a haystack (Bohra et al. 2022). Furthermore, the conventional breeding approach is time-consuming and often associated with linkage drag due to extensive inter-crossing/hybridization among elite, wild, and common landraces (Beaver and Osorno 2009). Despite these challenges, classical breeding does develop new plant varieties with improved traits that can withstand climate extremes. Nevertheless, the duration of breeding cycles required to successfully complete the breeding program remains a major bottleneck, taking around 7-9 years to develop an improved variety (Pratap et al 2021).
Efforts have been made to revamp conventional breeding techniques by exploiting molecular markers (Ribaut et al. 2010). These markers effectively capture genetic variations across large populations at an early plant developmental stage. Additionally, the use of molecular markers in plant breeding significantly reduces the time required to screen plant genotypes with desired traits. Otherwise, achieving this task would take 2-3 years (Amiteye et al. 2021). Molecular marker-based techniques, such as marker-assisted selection (MAS), markertrait association (MTA), and genome- wide association studies (GWAS), have become routine tools. They help predict and develop genetic models for plants containing desired traits (Bohra et al. 2020). Furthermore, plant breeders have successfully integrated these molecular markers with genomics, phenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics approaches (Malik

Under the selected breeding system selected males and females are mated. The breeding system can be classified into five different ways depending on their phenotypic and genotypic relations.
The five Breeding Systems are
(1) Random mating,
(2) Phenotypic assortive mating,
(3) Phenotypic disassortive mating,
(4) Genetic assortive mating and
(5) Genetic disassortive mating.
1. Random mating or Panmixia: It is a system of mating in which each male individual has an equal opportunity to mate with the female individual and vice versa. This mating system generally takes place in nature where the number of males and females are assumed to be equal.
2. Phenotypic assortive mating: In this type of mating animals which are phenotypically alike are allowed to mate among themselves. This is also called “like to like” mating.
3. Phenotypic disassortive mating: Here individuals which are phenotypically unlike are allowed to mate. It is also called “unlike to unlike” mating. For example, mating of tall with short individuals.
4. Genetic assortive mating: In this system individuals, which are closely related genetically are allowed to mate. This is also known as inbreeding.
5. Genetic disassortive mating: This system is just opposite to the previous system where mating takes place between less closely related individuals. This is also called as out breeding.

Introduction
Agronomy, the science of crop management, is a cornerstone of agricultural sciences, focusing on the principles and practices that optimize crop production. This chapter delves into the core principles of agronomy, exploring how these practices have evolved over time to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. As the global demand for food intensifies, agronomy has emerged as a critical field that integrates various scientific disciplines to improve crop yields, enhance sustainability, and ensure food security. The chapter begins by outlining the fundamental principles of agronomy, which serve as the foundation for crop management. It then transitions into an exploration of new concepts and innovations that are reshaping the agricultural landscape. These include precision agriculture, vertical farming, agroforestry, urban agriculture, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture practices, all of which contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly farming systems. The chapter also discusses the role of digital agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, and regenerative practices in addressing the pressing issues of climate change and food security.
By examining these cutting-edge developments, this chapter highlights the importance of agronomy in the context of global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and climate change. The role of agronomy in ensuring sustainable food production and its impact on global warming are also discussed, providing a comprehensive overview of the field’s relevance in the 21st century. In the intricate tapestry of agriculture, where the hands of farmers and the mysteries of nature converge, stands a pivotal discipline that orchestrates the dance of growth and sustenance – agronomy. Rooted in science and guided by the rhythms of the seasons, agronomy is the art of orchestrating nature’s symphony to yield the harvests that nourish the world. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and a profound understanding of the intricate balance between the forces that shape our planet.
At its essence, agronomy is the vanguard of crop production, embracing the ever-evolving dialogue between humans and plants. It’s a discipline that transcends mere cultivation, delving into the profound intricacies of plant life, the dynamics of ecosystems, and the manipulation of natural elements to ensure bountiful yields. It’s a synergy of knowledge that marries the wisdom of generations with the cutting-edge revelations of science, all in pursuit of ensuring the sustenance of humanity.

Introduction 
Heterocyclic chemistry is advancing rapidly, driven by its diverse applications and crucial role in drug discovery (Kabir & Uzzaman, 2022; Vala et al., 2022). Among various heterocycles, nitrogen and oxygen-containing compounds such as pyrazoles, thiazoles, and triazoles are especially notable for their potent biological activities (Li Petri et al., 2020). These compounds play a key role in addressing diseases caused by microbes, resistant strains, and genetic mutations. Advances in synthetic methods have enabled the development of vast heterocyclic libraries essential for drug screening. Remarkably, heterocyclic frameworks account for nearly 75% of modern low molecular-weight drugs, highlighting their significance in medicinal chemistry (“Thematic Issue ‘Heterocyclic Compounds in Medicinal Chemistry, 2020). Within this context, 1,2,3-triazole has gained significant attention due to its exceptional stability under oxidative, reductive, and hydrolytic conditions, as well as its efficient and regioselective synthesis (Vaishnani et al., 2024). Its unique structural features such as lipophilicity, polarity, rigidity, and favorable pharmacological properties along with strong binding affinity to biomolecular targets, make it an indispensable scaffold in bioactive heterocycles (Devasia et al., 2022). Moreover, 1,2,3-triazole has been used as a bioisostere in medicinal chemistry, aiding the development of pharmaceutical drugs. 1,2,3-Triazoles display a wide array of therapeutic activities, including antiepileptic (Pålhagen et al., 2001), anti-platelet (Campos et al., 2009), anti-microbial (Baddam et al., 2024; El Malah et al., 2020; Mendapara et al., 2024), anti-viral (Farghaly et al., 2024; Gadali et al., 2024; Sabt et al., 2024), anti-inflammatory (Ambala et al., 2024; Awasthi et al., 2024; Qi et al., 2024), anti-cancer (Belay et al., 2024; Bimoussa et al., 2024; Duan et al., 2024; Meenakshy et al., 2024), anti-leishmanial (Molaei et al., 2024; Rodrigues Gazolla et al., 2024), antiplasmodial (A. Yadav et al., 2024; J. Yadav & Kaushik, 2024), anti-alzheimer (Shareghi-Boroujeni et al., 2024), and anti-HIV (Alvarez et al., 1994; Feng et al., 2021; Lazrek et al., 2001) effects. They also act as enzyme inhibitors (Dhameja et al., 2022; El-Naggar et al., 2024; G. Kumar et al., 2024; A. Singh et al., 2024; M. Singh et al., 2024), and anti-convulsants, and protect against snake venom (Ornellas et al., 2024; Simas Pereira Junior et al., 2024). Notably, approved drugs containing 1,2,3-triazole include tazobactam (ß-lactamase inhibitor), cefatrizine (anti-bacterial), and rufinamide (anti-convulsant) (Figure 1).

Introduction 
Digital infrastructure has emerged as the foundational pillar for transforming governance systems in the 21st century, particularly in developing countries like India that aspire to harness digital technologies for inclusive growth and efficient public service delivery. Defined broadly, digital infrastructure encompasses the integrated ecosystem of hardware, software, connectivity networks, data centers, cloud platforms, and institutional frameworks that enable the generation, storage, transmission, and utilization of digital information (Verdecchia, Lago, & de Vries, 2022; Clark, Marin, Ardic Alper, & Galicia Rabadan, 2025). In the context of governance, such infrastructure provides the critical backbone for digital public goods, service delivery platforms, and real-time decision-making systems. India’s strategic thrust towards digitalization since the early 2000s, and particularly after the launch of the Digital India programme in 2015, reflects an ambitious attempt to leverage digital infrastructure not merely as a technological upgrade but as an instrument of governance reform, economic empowerment, and social equity (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, n.d.-a). Digital infrastructure forms the bedrock of contemporary digital governance, unlocking scalable, secure, and inclusive public service delivery in India. It comprises high-speed broadband networks, State Data Centres, identity platforms, cloud systems, and institutional linkages essential for capturing, processing, storing, and transmitting data across government and citizen-facing services (Aapti Institute, 2024). Since the launch of the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) in 2006, India’s efforts have focused on strategic infrastructure investments like State Wide Area Networks (SWANs), State Data Centres (SDCs), and Common Services Centres (CSCs) to decentralize digital access across states and districts (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, n.d.-a). Building on the foundation laid by the National e-Governance Plan, the Digital India Mission—initiated in December 2015—elevated infrastructure development to a national policy priority by integrating platforms such as

Introduction 
The transformative potential of digital technologies in reshaping governance and development paradigms is increasingly evident, particularly in rural contexts. In India, where nearly 65% of the population resides in rural areas, the imperative to leverage digital tools for inclusive growth has never been more critical. Rural digital governance refers to the strategic use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to enhance service delivery, improve livelihoods, and foster participatory development in rural areas. It encompasses various applications from digital health, education, and financial inclusion to precision agriculture, market linkages, and entrepreneurial enablement, each designed to address long-standing structural inequities. Historically, rural regions have been perceived as passive recipients of policy support and welfare interventions. However, with the advent of digital technologies, these areas are increasingly positioned to become both demand drivers through rising incomes and service consumption and supply hubs, contributing to national productivity through digitally enabled livelihoods and enterprises. By enhancing access to essential services, improving the efficiency of traditional sectors such as agriculture and handicrafts, and facilitating diversification into non-farm activities like rural tourism and agri-processing, digital governance catalyzes rural transformation. However, the success of rural digital governance is contingent upon adopting a holistic and contextualized approach. One-size-fits-all digital interventions often fail to address the nuanced realities of rural economies. Effective rural technology deployment requires carefully diagnosing local needs, infrastructural capabilities, and livelihood profiles. In this regard, a participatory approach to technology selection and design grounded in the realities of rural life ensures greater relevance, uptake, and impact. Publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) play a pivotal role in scaling such initiatives, with governments providing scale and legitimacy while private actors contribute innovation, technical know-how, and financial investment.

The agricultural sector is a complex and dynamic system, influenced by a
multitude of factors, including weather, soil, and market conditions. To provide effective support to farmers, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of crops and farming systems that exist. Classification of crops and farmers is critical components of this understanding, as it enables the development of targeted and customized Agromet advisories that take into account the specific needs and circumstances of different farming communities.
9.1. The Importance of Classification
Classification of crops and farmers is a fundamental concept in agriculture, as it allows for the identification and grouping of similar crops and farming systems. This, in turn, enables the development of tailored recommendations and advisories that are relevant to specific farming contexts. By classifying crops and farmers, agricultural researchers, extension agents, and policymakers can better understand the diverse range of agricultural practices and systems, and develop targeted interventions that address the unique needs and challenges of different farming communities.
9.1.1. Customized Agromet Advisories
Agromet advisories are critical for supporting farmers in making informed decisions about their agricultural practices. By providing timely and accurate weather forecasts, advisories can help farmers to optimize their crop management, reduce losses due to weather-related events, and improve their overall productivity and income. However, to be effective, Agromet advisories must be customized to take into account the specific needs and circumstances of different farming communities. This requires a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of crops and farming systems that exist, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities faced by different farmers.
9.1.2. The Role of Classification in Customized Agromet Advisories
Classification of crops and farmers plays a critical role in the development of customized Agromet advisories. By grouping similar crops and farming systems together, researchers and extension agents can identify patterns and trends that inform the development of targeted advisories. For example, advisories for farmers growing wheat in a particular region may focus on issues related to soil moisture, temperature, and pest management, while advisories for farmers growing rice in a

Monsoons are vital atmospheric circulations that govern the climate and livelihoods of vast populations across the globe. Characterized by seasonal reversals in wind direction and associated shifts in precipitation patterns, these systems are critical for agriculture, water resources, and overall socio-economic stability in many regions. However, the delicate balance of monsoon systems is increasingly threatened by climate variability, leading to significant disruptions and challenges, particularly in the form of severe droughts. Recent years have witnessed the devastating impact of drought in numerous monsoon-dependent regions across the world. In India, heavily reliant on the summer monsoon, failures have caused significant water shortages and poor crop yields, particularly in vulnerable regions like southeastern Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The consequences extend to groundwater depletion and increased irrigation demands. The impact of recent droughts is not limited to Asia. The African continent has also faced severe consequences. The Horn of Africa experienced a particularly devastating drought from October 2020 to 2023, resulting in widespread harvest failures, livestock losses, and displacement, marking the worst drought in four decades. West Africa has similarly suffered from frequent droughts causing crop failures, rising food prices, and exacerbating income inequality. South America, too, has experienced significant impacts. Argentina faced a severe drought in late 2022 and early 2023, halving wheat and soy harvests and impacting exports. In Uruguay, this drought led to a lack of access to drinking water for thousands. Brazil has seen harvest failures and reduced agricultural GDP due to drought, also threatening its hydroelectric power generation. Furthermore, the Amazon rainforest has been affected by intensifying droughts, leading to increased tree mortality, a higher risk of forest fires, and significant impacts on biodiversity and local communities due to drastically reduced river levels. Recent years have witnessed the dual impact of extreme weather events in numerous monsoon-dependent regions. In India, while facing drought in many areas, heavy monsoon rains have also caused catastrophic flooding. In July 2021, the coastal regions of Maharashtra experienced severe flooding affecting millions and causing hundreds of deaths. Major events like the 2022 Assam floods and the 2023 North India floods further exemplify the destructive potential of intense monsoon rainfall. The African continent also experiences significant flooding during its monsoon seasons. In 2024, West and Central Africa, including countries like

Introduction 
As we have journeyed through the preceding chapters, meticulously examining the foundational understanding of crop-weather interactions, the sophisticated development of crop simulation models and decision support systems, the invaluable contributions of indigenous technical knowledge, and the systematic formulation of precise and customized agroadvisories, we now arrive at the decisive stage of this entire endeavor of dissemination of Agromet Advisories. The profound scientific insights and meticulously crafted recommendations, no matter how accurate or relevant, remain inert unless they effectively reach the hands, ears, or screens of the farmers who need them most, in a format they can readily understand and apply. This chapter, therefore, is dedicated to unraveling the complex, yet essential, process of ensuring that crucial agrometeorological information successfully traverses the last mile to translate into tangible impact on agricultural practices and outcomes across diverse landscapes. The challenge of effective dissemination extends far beyond a simple broadcast; it necessitates the establishment of a robust, dynamic, and multichannel communication ecosystem. This ecosystem must be meticulously designed to account for the rich tapestry of socio-economic, technological, and literacy disparities prevalent within farming communities. Historically, traditional methods such as the communal gathering around a radio for a farmer‘s bulletin or face-to-face discussions during village meetings formed the bedrock of knowledge transfer, leveraging established social networks and widely accessible, albeit low-tech, communication tools. However, the relentless march of the digital revolution has fundamentally reshaped this landscape, unveiling an unprecedented potential for expansive reach, enhanced personalization, and rapid delivery of information, thereby opening a myriad of new avenues for disseminating critical advisories with remarkable speed and specificity.

13.1 Introduction
Any metal that is shaped into thin, malleable sheets is called sheet metal. The sheets come in a variety of predetermined thicknesses, known as gauges, and are made of materials ranging from titanium to brass. Although sheets can vary in thickness from fractions of a millimeter to several inches, most are typically less than ¼ inch thick. In sheet metal forming, different techniques are used to exert force on a sheet of metal to plastically change it into the required shape and changing its geometry instead of removing any material. Because sheet metal can be bent or stretched into a wide range of intricate shapes, it can be used to create sophisticated structures that are both very strong and use little material. The most economical forming method available today for producing large quantities of parts is sheet metal forming. On the other end of the spectrum, it can be manually operated in metal workshops for small series items or fully automated in factories. It is a flexible, reliable, and superior process that produces precise metal parts with little material waste. Sheet metal forming components are everywhere in our daily lives, from metal cans to protective housing for hardware. Sheet metal process is an extensive cold working procedure that involves shearing, punching/cutting, folding, riveting, splicing, and moulding such as vehicle bodies using metal sheets that are typically less than 6mm in thickness.
13.2 Sheet Metal Characteristics
The characteristics of the sheet metal are as listed below.
i. Because of its ductility, sheet metal may be shaped into a wide variety of shapes without shattering or cracking.
ii. Because it allows the material to be bent, stretched, and stamped throughout the production process, its malleability is essential for manufacturing.
iii. Another crucial element is the thickness of the sheet metal, which can vary from incredibly thin to several centimeters. Typically, a gauge number is used to indicate the thickness of a sheet metal. A lower gauge number denotes a thicker material and a higher gauge number denotes a thinner material. Sheet metal can be used for a wide range of purposes, from heavyduty machinery parts to lightweight electronic enclosures.

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

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

Irrigation Efficiency
Irrigation water is an expansive input and has to be used very efficiently. The main losses that occur during irrigation of fields as conveyance, run off, seepage and deep percolation; Irrigation efficiency can be increased by reducing these losses. Uneven spreading and inadequate filling of root zone are the other causes for low irrigation efficiency. Irrigation efficiency at the field level can be increased by selecting suitable method of irrigation, adequate land preparation and engaging an efficient irrigator. At the project level, it can be increased by proper conveyance and distribution system. Irrigation efficiency is the ratio usually expressed as percent of the volume of irrigation water transpired by plants, plus that evaporate from the soil, plus that necessary to regulate the salt concentration in the soil solution and that used by plants in building plant tissue to total volume of water diverted, stored or pumped for irrigation.
Wt+Ws-RsEi=×100Wi
Where,
Ei = Irrigation efficiency (percent)
Wt = the volume of irrigation water / unit area of land transpired by plants, evaporation from the soil during the crop period.
Ws = the volume of irrigation water per unit area of land to regulate the salt Content of soil solution.

It is well recognized that sustainable management and sustainable livelihoods are inseparable. If neglected and if the present trends are not corrected in time, everyone’s future is threated. On the other hand, there is increasing recognition of living examples and demonstrated evidences of how the eco agricultural practices can help provide a solution to some of the major problems of today and tomorrow. Also, the main stream international agencies are emphasizing that agro-ecological approaches are the way forward. What the policy makers, farmers and people would like to know is How !it has been our experience that is most countries of the developing world the answer to ‘How’ of eco-agricultural is being demanded! In January 2016, a global team was invited by the office of Prime Minister of India to discuss and prepare an approach paper on Agro-ecology ( or Eco Agriculture including Organic farming). The team consisted of J. Fagan, Hans Harren, M.H. Mehta and A. Thimmaiah who after intensive discussions had prepared several presentations – first given to the group of top officials of Government of India departments and institutions as organized through the office of the prime minister. This was later followed by a meeting with Prime Minister Modi. During this meeting, the clear question asked was, “You need not convince us that agro ecology and organic farming are the way forward, but the question is how? How do we expand this system to national scale ?”

Community mobilization stands as one of the most powerful tools for social transformation and sustainable development. It represents the collective action of communities working together to address their challenges, harness their strengths, and create positive change from within. At its essence, community mobilization embodies the principle that lasting development must emerge from communities themselves rather than being imposed by external forces. This chapter explores the fundamental concepts, historical evolution, and practical aspects of community mobilization, providing a comprehensive foundation for understanding this critical approach to community development that has shaped societies across cultures and continents for millennia.

The integration of yoga practices into community mobilization represents a profound synthesis of ancient wisdom and contemporary social transformation methodologies, offering communities powerful tools for personal and collective empowerment that address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of human development. This innovative approach recognizes that sustainable community change requires not only strategic planning and organizational capacity but also the inner resources, collective harmony, and holistic well-being that yoga practices can cultivate among community members. Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj” meaning to unite or join, embodies principles of integration and connection that align naturally with community mobilization goals of bringing people together for collective action and mutual support. The ancient science of yoga offers systematic practices for developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, physical vitality, and spiritual wisdom that can enhance communities’ capacity for sustained collective action while promoting individual well-being and social harmony. The application of yoga in community contexts

Permeability is a fundamental concept in food packaging, shaping the protective capabilities of packaging materials by determining the extent to which gases and vapors can move through them. This property plays a crucial role in preserving food freshness, safety, and quality by controlling the interaction between the food product and its surrounding environment. Understanding permeability is essential in designing packaging solutions tailored to the specific requirements of different food products, as improper permeability can lead to accelerated spoilage, nutrient degradation, and undesirable changes in texture and flavor. In this chapter, we explore the science of permeability in food packaging, breaking down its core principles, the behavior of different gases and vapors in various packaging materials, and the factors influencing permeability. Additionally, we examine how permeability impacts shelf life and consumer satisfaction, offering insights into selecting materials for specific food types. By understanding and manipulating permeability, food manufacturers can develop packaging that optimally balances protection and breathability, extending product shelf life and ensuring quality

Electronic health records contain extensive clinical, demographic, diagnostic and treatment information that can support medical research and decision-making. This chapter examines the characteristics of healthcare big data and the challenges associated with EHR storage, integration, quality and analysis. It presents an analytics pipeline covering data ingestion, secure storage, preprocessing, integration, pattern discovery, visualization and clinical decision support. Machine learning and deep learning methods are discussed in relation to clinical phenotyping, risk stratification, predictive epidemiology and adverse-outcome prediction. The chapter also addresses data privacy, governance, regulatory compliance, explainability, scalability and bias, highlighting the need for secure and interoperable EHR-mining systems that generate clinically useful knowledge.