eChapters

The word chicken originated from old English word ‘icen’, Germanic word ‘kivkenam’ and cock (‘keuk’). According to Charles Darwin, the original chicken (Gallus domesticus) from which all modern domestic breeds of chicken have descended is referred to as Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus). Archaeological discoveries in the Indus Valley suggest that chickens were probably domesticated from the Red Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) as early as 5400 B.C. (West and Zhou, 1988). But there are some others who believe that modern chickens have been contributed by four wild species found in South East Asia. These were Gallus gallus (Red jungle fowl) found in eastern part of India, Burma, Java and Sumatra, Gallus sonneratii (Grey jungle fowl) prevalent in western and southern parts of India, Gallus lafayetti (Ceylone
jungle fowl) the native of Sri Lanka and Gallus varius (Javan jungle fowl) found in lower adjacent islands of Java.
2.1. Origin of Modern Poultry
• 8000 BC
Archaeological evidence suggests that chicken existed in China
• 5400 BC
China - Cishan culture; but contribution of these birds to modern birds are doubtful.
• 3000 BC
In India account of cock fighting indicate that chicken have been part of the culture for a long time.

Policy plays a critical role in shaping the future of agricultural sciences. It determines the resources allocated to research, the inclusivity of publishing practices, and the extent of global collaboration (Fig. 15.1).
This chapter outlines actionable policy recommendations to support equitable publishing, strengthen research infrastructure, and encourage global partnerships. Furthermore, it delves into the importance of fostering interdisciplinary research and emphasizes why agricultural sciences need to continue gaining momentum in the face of global challenges.
15.1. Equitable Publishing Practices
Access to academic publishing remains a significant challenge for researchers in developing countries. High article processing charges (APCs) for open-access journals often exclude underfunded institutions and individual researchers. Policy interventions are essential to create a more equitable publishing ecosystem.
15.1.1. Subsidies for Open Access Publishing
Governments and funding agencies should subsidize APCs for researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). For instance, the Plan S initiative-backed by organizations like the European Science Foundation—aims to make all publicly funded research open access (Plan S, 2018).

29.1 Introduction
Cleaning is achieved using a cleaning agent designed to remove food, dirt, rust stains, minerals, or other residues. It is crucial to choose the appropriate cleaning agent, as not all are suitable for surfaces that come into contact with food. In a food-processing facility, sanitation involves ensuring that utensils and equipment that come into contact with products are kept clean and sterile. Additionally, clothing, air, packaging materials, and non-contact surfaces like floors, walls, and ceilings must be sanitized to prevent product contamination. Employees’ bodies, especially their hands, can also be sources of contamination, so maintaining high personal hygiene and cleanliness standards is essential. Moisture and heat can lead to microbiological contamination of both products and the environment. Moisture on product-contact surfaces and within products creates a medium where microorganisms can thrive and find nutrients, potentially affecting the safety and quality of milk and dairy products.
29.2 Types of Soil
Cleaning involves removing food residues and other types of soil from surfaces like utensils and equipment used in the dairy and food industries.
• In the dairy-processing sector, the equipment must be cleaned of various types of soil including: liquid milk films, air-dried films, heatprecipitated films, heat-hardened films, milk stone, and other foreign materials.
• Soluble soils will dissolve and be carried away in rinse or wash water. For insoluble soil components, chemical detergents may be needed to either dissolve them or soften them to facilitate easier removal.
• Cleaning or sanitizing the product contact surfaces of dairy equipment involves both washing and sterilizing. It’s important to avoid causing undue wear, erosion, or corrosion to these surfaces, as this can reduce their lifespan

Karonda (Carissa carandas Linn.) is also known as ‘Christ Thorn Tree’ and an important fruit plant of semi-arid and arid regions. It is an evergreen, hardy, spiny bush which is use as live fencing surrounding the orchards or filed. One or two plant was planted in backyards at rural place. It is also grown in wasteland, problematic soil, unproductive land and low moisture conditions. It can be also grown as ornamental purpose due to pink reddish fruits and evergreen nature. Plant produce sufficient amount of fruits and fruits are sour and astringent in taste. Fruits havenutritive value like rich source of iron, fair amount of vit. C and several medicinal values.

Field Crops: Refers to the crops grown on a vast scale. They are classified in the following ways

1. According to the place of origin

2. Botanical classification

3. Commercial classification

4. Economic classification

5. Seasonal classification

6. Classification according to ontogeny

7. Agronomic classification

8. Classification based on leaf morphology

9. Classification based on serving special purpose

In sustainable agriculture the word sustain is derived from the Latin word sustinere (sus-from below and tinere-to hold), to keep in existence or maintain, implies long term support or performance. As it pertain to agriculture, sustainable describes farming system that are capable of maintaining their productivity and their usefulness in society indefinitely. Such system should be resource conserving, socially supporting, commercially competitive and environmentally sound. Systems approach is essential for understanding sustainability and it gives us tools to explore the interconnections between farming and other aspects of our environment and sustainability implies at the following,

1. Meeting the basic needs of all people and giving this priority over meeting the greeds of a few
2. Keeping population densities if possible below the carrying capacity of the region
3. Adjusting consumption patterns and the design and management of systems to permit the renewal of renewable resources
4. Conserving, recycling and establishing priorities for the use of non- renewable resources
5. Keeping environmental impact below the level required to allow the systems unaffected to recover and continue to evolve.

Various definitions have been provided for what constitutes sustainable agriculture ranging from the narrow focus on economics or production to the incorporation of culture and ecology. Wendell Berry has simply said A sustainable agriculture does not deplete soils or people.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), also known as Armenian plum, is a delicious fruit with a pleasant flavor and aroma. It is consumed fresh, dried or canned and highly appreciated by many. The name ‘apricot’ (albicocco, albericocco) is most probably derived from the combination of arbor and precox from the Latin word praecocia (precocious), due to its early maturation (Faust et al., 1998).

Origin and Distribution

Apricot is native to north-eastern China whereas wild apricot, known as zardalu, belongs to India. It is introduced in India by the european settlers and missionaries during the late 19^th century.

It is grown in different countries viz., Turkey, Uzbekistan, Italy, Spain, Japan, Algeria, Iran and Pakistan etc. Among these countries Turkey, Uzbekistan and Italy are leading producers of apricot (FAO, 2017). In India, it is grown commercially in hills of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and also in some hills in North-eastern states. It can also be grown in the dry temperate areas like, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and some areas of Jammu and Kashmir. In India, it occupies as area of 13115 ha with a production of 17894 MT (NHB.2010).

1. The technique of acquiring information about some object by recording devices, without being in physical contact with the object under study is_____________. (Remote sensing)
2. The term remote sensing was coined by ____________. (Ms. Evelyn Pruitt)
3. Father of Indian remote sensing is ________________. (Pisharoth Rama Pisharoty)
4. In remote sensing_____________ type of radiation is utilized for photography.(Infra red)
5. First aerial photograph was taken in 1858 by Felix Tournachon, known as ________, from a tethered ballon over the Bievre Valley in France. (Nadar)
6. Remote sensing systems which provide their own source of energy for illumination are known as_____________. (Active sensors)
7. _____________ sensors are very useful in detecting and mapping forest fires. (Thermal sensors)
8. Land cover classification using three levels of the scale of 1 : 100000 was developed by _____________agency. (NRSA)
9. The forest survey of India (FSI) conducts forest cover survey once in every_____________. (2 years)

1. A measure of the items in a random sample is known as_____________. (Statistics)
2. Most commonly used measure of central tendency is_____________. (Arithmetic Mean)
3. Mean deviation is the_____________, when calculated about median. (Least)
4. Arithmetic mean of central tendency is applied for calculation of_____________ and _____________. (Regression and Correlation coefficient)
5. Arithmetic mean and variance are always equal in_____________ distribution. (Poisson)
6. Geometric mean of central tendency is appropriate for_____________. (Index number)
7. _____________ is the sum of all values/ number of values. (Arithmetic mean)
8. Middle most item of all values is_____________. (Median)
9. _____________ measure of central tendency requires data arrangement in ascending or descending order for its estimation. (Median)

Quality Control addresses the standards and management practices required to ensure reliable and effective biofertilizer products. It introduces general quality concepts, quality-control parameters, microbial functions, and properties of microbial products. The chapter then explains quality-management procedures for important biofertilizer groups, including Rhizobium, nonsymbiotic nitrogen fixers, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. Quality-control measures are linked to product performance, consistency, storage, and application suitability. By emphasizing systematic assessment and management, the chapter highlights why quality assurance is essential for maintaining viable microbial populations and delivering predictable agricultural benefits from biofertilizers and related biological inputs. across production and distribution systems effectively today.

Introduction

The pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.), a small tree native to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Iran. The Pistacia genus is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes the cashew, mango, sumac, and poison ivy plants. The tree yields seeds, which are frequently eaten as food. The genus Pistacia has about 20 species including Pistacia vera, Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia khinjuk, and Pistacia lentiscus (Parizi et al., 2016). Western Asia is the pistachio nut home region, and traders brought them to the Middle East, the Mediterranean nations, and Europe. Pistacia vera L. is the only species in this genus commercially grown for edible nuts. It was probably first grown in areas close to where it grew wild, as remains of pistachio nuts dating to the 6 millennium BC have been discovered in both Afghanistan and south-eastern Iran in recent times. Pistachio cultivation progressively spread to the West from the old Persian Empire, where it was widely grown. the word “Pistachio” etymology most likely stems from the Avestan word “pistak” from ancient Persian (Mandalari et al.2022).

Health benefits

In pistachio nuts more than 50% of the fat is unsaturated. There are also 20% proteins, 20% complex carbs, and pro-vitamin A. Dried fruit pistachios nut has the highest potassium content that is very good for health. It is also great supplier of energy, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. The heart’s functioning can benefit from the consumption of this fruit. Moreover, it participates in cell metabolism, and the potassium it contains controls the water content of the cells. The production of hemoglobin and myoglobin depends on iron, consumption of pistachio nuts fulfill the iron requirements. It contributes to cellular respiration, intellectual growth, and immune system amplification. A crucial component of bones and teeth is phosphorus. Moreover, magnesium aids in the formation of bones and the production of proteins. This nut is good source of phosphorus and magnesium also.

Natural farming in India is based on core principles that advocate for harmony with nature, self-reliance, and ecological sustainability. More than a farming system, it represents a holistic philosophy that mirrors natural ecosystems in agricultural practices. Inspired by India’s traditional wisdom and promote prominently by Subhash Palekar through Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), it stands as a low-input, environmentally responsible alternative to chemicaldependent agriculture.
No external input is a fundamental principle of this approach. Farmers are encouraged to avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead utilizing resources available on the farm—such as cow dung, cow urine, compost, and herbal preparations—to maintain soil fertility and manage pests. This closed-loop system reduces reliance on market-purchased inputs and encourages farm-level self-sufficiency.
Soil regeneration is another key tenet, viewing the soil as a living system teeming with beneficial microbes. Techniques such as organic mulching, maintaining soil cover, and applying Jeevamrutha (a mixture made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, and pulse flour) enrich the soil microbiome. These practices improve soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, leading to healthier crops.
Seed treatment in natural farming avoids chemical coatings. Instead, Beejamrutha—a preparation made from cow dung, cow urine, lime, and native soil—is applied to seeds before sowing. This enhances seedling health, protects against disease, and promotes vigorous early growth, rooted in natural protection.
Natural pest management uses plant-based deterrents rather than synthetic chemicals. Preparations like neem oil, garlic extract, and Agniastra (made from cow dung, cow urine, tobacco, and chili) are applied to control pests. These reduce chemical residue in crops and help preserve beneficial insects and overall biodiversity.

Obviously human have had to deal with microbes even before the recorded history. The first record of human using microorganisms comes from ancient tablets from mid east.

Babylonians were using yeast to make beer over 8000 years ago and acetic acid bacteria to make vinegar over 6000 years ago. About 5000 years ago, Persia (Now Iran) region recorded the wine making.

The Romans had God for specific microorganisms. The roman God of mold and mildew were “Robigus” and “Robigo” which mean crop rust. (Rust is one of the plant disease caused by fungus). God Robigus was very much feared because of crop lost. About 2000 years ago, Romans proposed that diseases were caused by tiny animals. But, fundamentalist religions had a strong hold over the progress. The real microbiology history starts from 1600s, when people began to make crude lenses and microscopes.

The following are the scientists and their role in the development of microbiology:

Criterion for essentiality of plant nutrients

Arnon’s (1954) criteria for essentiality of elements for plant growth:

1. The plant must be unable to grow normally or complete its life cycle in the absence of the element,

2. The element is specific and cannot be replaced by another and,

3. The element plays a direct role in metabolism.

Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account of the different returns from value-added crops with complementary marketing opportunities.

Major driving forces for crop diversification

Crop diversification provides better conditions for food security and enable farmers to grow surplus products for sale at market and thus obtain increased income to meet other needs related to household well being. Crop diversification enable farmers to gain access to national and international market with new products, food and medicinal plants. Diversification from the monoculture of traditional staples are important for nutritional benefits of farmers in developing countries and can support a country to become more self reliant in terms of food production. Diversification also manages price risk and compared to monoculture techniques. For diversification crops generally consists of more sustainable natural resources and again, diversified farms are usually more economically and ecologically resilient.

Aquarium hardscaping is the craft of arranging rocks, driftwood, and other structural elements to create a natural-looking and visually appealing underwater environment. This design process goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about crafting a balanced habitat that mimics nature and supports aquatic life. Aquarium plants and hardscape form the foundation of aquascaping. While plants add color, texture, and movement, they also play essential ecological roles by producing oxygen, absorbing nutrients, stabilizing water conditions, and offering shelter and breeding sites. Whether it’s low-growing carpets like
Hemianthus callitrichoides or tall background plants like Vallisneria, aquatic flora turns a simple tank into a dynamic ecosystem.
Hardscaping uses inanimate materials—rocks, driftwood, and decorative structures—to simulate riverbeds, forests, or mountain-like terrains. It shapes the aquascape’s layout, provides hiding spots, and defines territories, helping to reduce stress among fish.
A successful aquascape depends on harmony between plants and hardscape. Selections should be based on tank dimensions, lighting, water chemistry, and the needs of the species being kept. Materials must be safe, stable, and non-toxic. Knowing how plants grow—whether rooted or floating—and how they interact with their surroundings is vital to achieving a sustainable, beautiful aquarium.
IMPORTANCE OF AQUATIC PLANTS IN OXYGENATION
AND AESTHETICS
Aquatic plants are essential components of an aquarium, offering both ecological and visual benefits. Functionally, they improve water quality by producing oxygen and removing excess nutrients such as nitrates and carbon dioxide. Aesthetically, these plants create a more natural and appealing underwater environment, enhancing the overall visual experience of the aquarium.

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Several propagation structures are helpful in propagation of horticultural crops. These structures are helpful for seed germination, rooting of cuttings, layering, grafting etc. and other hardening operations. The structures which facilitate propagation of plants are called propagation structures. Propagation structures are required for propagating plants by seed, cuttings and grafting.2.2

GREENHOUSE

Greenhouse is a structure covered with glass or polythene for protection against adverse climatic conditions as well as to provide optimum environment for growth of the plants. Greenhouse has been used long back by horticulturists as a means of forcing rapid growth of plants and extending the growing season particularly in colder areas. Plants are grown or cuttings are rooted in a greenhouse when the atmospheric condition does not permit for raising them in outdoor conditions. Modern greenhouses are equipped with regulatory mechanisms for controlling temperature, light intensity, air, humidity etc. Plants in green house are grown in the ground bed or bench type raised beds. The size of the greenhouses and dimensions of beds vary according to the need of propagators. Glass covered greenhouses are expensive but they have long life. However, for short-term benefits, plastic covered greenhouses can also be made. Plastic covered greenhouses are lighter than glass covered ones but there is increase in humidity is such houses, especially in winters, which results in undesirable water drops on the plants. It can however be overcome by making adequate ventilation. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has also been used in construction of greenhouses but it tends to darken pre-maturely in sunlight. In India, construction of temporarily low-cost poly houses is in fashion for raising nursery of fruit plant in off-season. Such low-cost greenhouses are constructed either on wood or metal framework and are covered with polyethylene sheet of 0.10 to 0.15mm thickness, which is resistant to ultra-violet rays. These houses are equipped with thermostat, cooler or an air conditioner or humidifier etc for rigid control on temperature and humidity. Greenhouses made from fibre glass sheet are more durable than the polythene houses, but are quite expensive. In greenhouses, two types of beds are used for raising seedlings. In greenhouses, the beds may either be prepared on ground itself or raised beds or bench type beds are used. Greenhouse structures vary from elementary home constructed to elaborate commercial installations.

Role of Bioinputs explains how biological inputs contribute to soil health, plant performance, ecological interactions, and long-term agricultural sustainability. It introduces the conceptual framework and classification of bioinputs before examining their effects on soil microbial populations, enzyme activities, organic carbon, nutrient availability, soil structure, rhizosphere activity, and soil-fertility indicators. The chapter further explores plant–microbe interactions and plant–faunal relationships involving earthworms, beneficial nematodes, arthropods, microarthropods, protozoa, and the soil food web. By linking biological processes with physiological and agronomic outcomes, the chapter presents bioinputs as important components of resilient, ecologically balanced, and sustainable farming systems. across sustainable and natural farming systems.

Lighting and water quality are closely linked elements of aquarium maintenance that significantly affect both the well-being of aquatic organisms and the tank’s overall appearance. Proper lighting enhances visibility, influences fish behavior, supports plant growth through photosynthesis, and helps manage algae levels.
The choice of lighting should correspond to the specific type of aquarium—be it a simple freshwater setup, a densely planted tank, or a reef environment. Key factors to consider include light intensity, color temperature (in Kelvin), and the duration of daily exposure. LED lighting has become a favored option thanks to its energy efficiency, adjustable settings, and minimal heat production. Maintaining water quality involves regulating essential parameters such as temperature, pH, general and carbonate hardness (GH/KH), ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and oxygen levels. Neglecting these can lead to fish stress and illness.
Routine care includes water changes, effective filtration, gravel cleaning, and regular testing.
Coordinating lighting and water conditions prevents issues like algae overgrowth, plant decline, and fish loss. A balanced, integrated strategy promotes a healthy and visually appealing aquatic environment.
TYPES OF LIGHTS: FLUORESCENT, LED, FULL-SPECTRUM
In its most basic role, aquarium lighting allows hobbyists to view the tank’s inhabitants. However, its more essential purpose is supplying necessary energy for photosynthetic plants and animals. As the main—often only—light source, appropriate lighting is crucial in aquariums containing organisms like corals, anemones, and aquatic plants. It also affects the behavior and physiology of fish, playing a significant role in maintaining the health and balance of the entire aquarium environment.

Proto – first; Zoon – animal

Protozoa are single celled eukaryotic organisms, which lack cell wall and ability to move at some stage of their life cycle.

They are referred as the first animals.

There are about 65000 described species grouped into 7 phyla. Among them, 50 per cent are not available as living forms (as fossils) and out of remaining 50%, 22,000 species are free-living and 10,000 species are parasitic forms.

The protozoa are distinguished from other organisms by following characters