eChapters

Introduction

“The World Packaging Organisation’s (WPO) slogan, “Better Quality of Life Through Better Packaging”, sumps up the important place that packaging occupies in a modern economy.

As the economics of many countries are increasing, the consumers have started using more processed food. As a matter of fact global food processing and packaging business has reached to multi trillion dollars. In today’s world of global markets and stiff competition in every product along with increasing consumer demand, it becomes imperative for companies to explore ways to improve their productivity in terms of maintaining safety, using sustainable packaging materials, implementing flexible and standardized technology, and adopting proven management. Towards this end, companies have been striving to improve the efficiencies of their operations through improvements in the processes. Reducing wastes and shortening lead times becomes all the more imperative in the food industry due to the perishable nature of the product. Moreover, recent advances in technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and nano-materials afford companies greater opportunities to streamline the processing, packaging, and manufacturing schemes.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a cool season root vegetable and temperature is the important factor affecting root shape and colour, besides soil type and moisture content of soil. It provides an excellent source of vitamin A and fiber in the diet. The genus Daucus, which include carrot, has many wild forms that grow mostly in the Mediterranean region and South West Asia. Representatives are found in Africa, Australia, & North America. For Daucus carrot L. it is generally agreed that Afghanistan is the primary center of genetic diversity and therefore the primary source for dissemination. Asia Minor, Afghanistan, North West India, Iran and Turkey are the centers of origin of carrot. Banga (1957& 1963) has provided evidence that the purple (anthocyanin) carrot together with a yellow variant spread from Afghanistan to Mediterranean area as early as 10th and 11th century. It is known in Western Europe in 14th and 15th century, China in 14th century and Japan in 17th century. The European carrot (Carotene carrot) derived from the Asiatic (anthocyonin containing) form of carrot (tropical carrot).  Afghanistan is the centre of diversity of the purple coloured carrot (anthocyanin). Integration of Asiatic and European carrots has given the present day forms. The yellow coloured (carotene rich) forms were also thought as mutants of anthocyanin carrots. The yellow mutants were traced in Asia Minor in 10 and 11th centuries, Spain in 12th century, North Western Europe in 14th century and England by 15th century.  The crop was introduced to China during 14th century and to Japan during 17th century. D. carota and D. sativus are only cultivated species of the genera with Chromosome No. 2n = 18. All forms have same chromosome number. 

1. Flavor is a sensory phenomenon depending upon
   1. Taste, texture or mouthfeel
   2. Odour or aroma, appearance
   3. Temperature - sensation of heat or cold
   4. All of these
2. Flavours are minor constituents of foods, usually
   1. Nutritive
   2. Non - nutritive
   3. Energetic
   4. None of them

1. Introduction

Social research refers to study of social trends, dynamics and principles existing between individuals and within societies. Professionals perform social research in order to better understand the social factors that motivate and influence human beings and to analyze how and why humans interact with each other, and thus create new knowledge and theories or tests and verify existing theories. The purposes of social research are manifold and can be classified as exploratory, descriptive, explanatory, community change / action and evaluative.

Abstract

A profile study of organic pigeonpea growers was conducted during 2007-08 in Gulbarga district of Karnataka state. Two taluks namely, Gulbarga and Jewargi were selected based on highest area under organic pigeonpea cultivation. One hundred twenty respondents were selected with simple random sampling procedure, to know (1) the practices followed by farmers in organic pigeonpea cultivation and (2) the forward linkage activities followed by organic pigeonpea growers. The study revealed that majority of respondents (63.33 %) had medium level knowledge about organic pigeonpea farming practices, with regard to individual organic farming practices, majority of respondents had knowledge about the practices like recommended seed rate (81.60%), recommended sowing time (98.33 %), application of FYM (100%), crop rotation (96.67%), pheromone traps (98.33%), NPV (100%) and NSKE (100%). With regard to post harvest operations, cent percent of respondents graded the produce manually and jute bags used to store the produce, whereas, 71.67% of the respondents sold later when price was suitable in regulated market (90.00%) through commission agents (77.50%) and got price information by personnel visit/phone call to regulated market (81.67%) and others who visited the market (68.33%). But no farmer certified the produce and sold at premium price. With regards to personal characteristics, majority of respondents (31.62 %) were illiterate, 59.17 per cent were had joint family, 61.17 per cent were having low farming experience, 60.83 per cent of respondents were big land holders and 69.17 per cent of respondents possessed medium level of scientific orientation.

Indian economy is basically an agrarian economy (Saxena, 2012) and the majority less literate and unskilled population living in rural areas does not fit into the employment market. Employing 55% of labour force, agriculture sector is a major employment provider (Chand, 2014). However, the seasonal nature of Indian agriculture leads to seasonal and cyclical unemployment. This situation can be altered by generating employment opportunities through nurturing entrepreneurship in agriculture (Rehman et al., 2012).

Since meteorology and climatology are primarily observational sciences, adequate care has to be taken for getting most representative and accurate observations of weather parameters for their efficient application. This depends on site of observatory, maintenance of observatory, accuracy of instruments, timely measurements of weather parameters, knowledge and responsibility of the observer.

Monitoring of weather conditions, in a country like India, which is climatologically so diverse because of its unique geographical situation is a challenging task. It is done through a large network of observatories of different types. India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune, is entrusted with the collection and keeping the record of weather data collected from different stations and also to train the man power in this specialized area. Weather stations installed in different parts of the country are of different types.

The most significant achievement in India after independence is the self-reliance in food grain production. The use of high yielding varieties, irrigation facilities, higher application of fertilizers & pesticides contributed to sufficient food grain production in the mid 60’s & 70’s of the last century. Later on development in other enterprises like dairy, poultry, piggery, fishery, sericulture etc., took place in an isolated manner. However, the productivity of these high yielding varieties and hybrids became stagnant during last decade and with limited scope for increasing the cultivable land, the country’s food security is likely to be threatened in the near future. According to a recent estimate the food grain requirement of India would be 380 and 450 million tons in the years 2025 & 2050 respectively with the present rate of population growth. On the other hand, despite significant breakthrough in food production the living standards of farmers are far from satisfaction; this situation is matter of great concern for the country. The farmers are losing confidence in farming due to declining returns; hence majority of them prefers to shift to non-agricultural vocations. If this trend continues in future, the potential to satisfy future food needs will be seriously compromised. Agriculture continues to be the pivotal sector in the Indian economy providing employment to 69 per cent of the population.

ABSTRACT
There is a quantum global growth in both number and size of dairy industries in recent times. These industries discharge thousands of liters of wastewater characterised by a heavy chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nutrients, inorganic salts, besides detergents and sanitisers each day (Kushwaha et al., 2011). High carbohydrates, fats and proteins contents in such waste streams originating from milk pose challenge to conventional municipal sewage treatment systems (Demirel et al., 2005). The easily biodegradable dairy effluent leads to precipitation of casein which is toxic and has a strong odour. Without adequate treatment, these effluents could pose serious threats to the receiving water bodies and disturb the ecosystem (Satpathy et al., 2017). For such heavily loaded organic effluents, biogasification through anaerobic digestion seems a promising strategy. This cost-effective energy generation process is also effective in environmental management compared to its other eco-friendly renewable source counterparts, such as, hydro, solar and wind (Satpathy, 2017). The Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactors are the most popular anaerobic systems to treat the fluctuating organic loads in dairy effluents. Anaerobic filter (AF), Upflow Anaerobic Filter (UPAF), Fixed-bed anaerobic reactor, Anaerobic Hybrid Reactor (AHR) etc. are few other systems that are demonstrably competent removing COD upto 90% and generating biogas. Successful anaerobic systems reported yielded (with upto about 85% CH₄ content) 0.32-0.34m3 CH₄/kg COD removed. Biomethanation process and reactors designs are constantly being optimised for effective treatment of the effluents while maximising the biogas production. The energy-rich gas thus obtained could further be utilised for heat and electricity at the domestic level, and also as a vehicular fuel. Residual digestate can also be used as organic manures (Angelidaki et al., 2007).

Introduction

Climate change is one of the biggest environmental threats to food production, water availability, forest biodiversity and livelihoods. Warming of climate system of the earth is a unanimously accepted reality and probably one of the most prominent challenges for scientists, development workers, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders regarding development and sustainability in international and national arena during past several years. Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPPC) has described climate change as any anthropogenic or naturally occurring alteration in the climate over time. It is widely believed that developing countries such as India will be impacted more severely than developed countries. Climate change is emerging as a big threat to sustainable development of agriculture including animal husbandry and to the livelihood of people. Extreme events such as cold waves, heat waves, ?oods and high intensity single day rainfall events are on increasing trend during the last decade (Dikshit and Birthal, 2010). It is probable that by 2030 the impacts of climate change will be noticeable, although not dramatic and will be largely manifested through changes in pasture growth and quality, and greater inter-annual variability in pasture production. Livestock contribute to climate change by emitting methane through enteric fermentation. But they are also affected by climate change it directly and indirectly, hence affecting their economic and social contributions. Various studies suggest that the changes in pasture growth, composition and production will be dependent on the actual combination of CO₂, temperature and rainfall conditions. Livestock productions under both intensive and extensive systems are subjected to so many stresses, where they undergo different types of physiological adjustments to cope up with stressful conditions. Productions are drastically reduced during stress and require managemental interventions both in terms of optimum nutrition and health care (Soren, 2013).

Introduction

The importance of soil in agriculture cannot be overstated, as it serves as the foundation for crop growth and sustenance. However, many regions grapple with problematic soils characterised by issues such as poor fertility, erosion, contamination, and structural degradation. In recent years, significant steps have been made in addressing these challenges through innovative approaches and technologies. This change in outlook includes the combination of imaginative advancements, protection procedures, and biological standards to enhance farming efficiency while limiting ecological effects (Singh et al., 2011).

Farmers are challenged with the management of problematic soils characterised by fertility issues, erosion, contamination, and structural degradation. Sustainable agricultural techniques depend on the efficient management of problematic soils, which is also critical to environmental sustainability, global food security, and farming systems' ability to withstand climate change. The idea of changing soil and harvest management practices a complex system that incorporates accurate horticulture, agroecology, and computerised cultivating innovations (Fu et al., 2021).

In India, several institutions are working towards women’s empowerment and gender equality. The Ministry of Women and Child Development is the nodal agency responsible for promoting women’s rights and empowerment. The National Commission for Women (NCW) is another statutory body that works to protect and promote women’s rights. Additionally, there are various autonomous organizations such as the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), and the Women’s Technology Park (WTP) that provide training and support to women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, there are numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC), and the YWCA of India that work towards women’s empowerment and gender equality. These institutions provide a range of services including education, healthcare, legal aid, and economic empowerment programs to support women’s development and well-being.

Report writing is the process of creating a structured document that conveys information, findings, analyses, or recommendations on a specific topic or event. It involves gathering data, organizing it logically, and presenting it in a clear, concise, and formal manner tailored to the needs of a specific audience. The purpose of a report can range from providing insights and informing decisions to documenting progress or offering solutions to problems.
Importance of Report Writing
Report writing plays a vital role in various fields, including academics, business, research, and government. Its importance can be summarized as follows:
1. Effective Communication: Reports provide a formal means to convey ideas, findings, and analyses. They ensure information is communicated clearly and concisely to specific audiences, making it easier to understand and act upon.
2. Facilitates Decision-Making: Well-structured reports present data and insights that support informed decision-making. For example, business reports can guide strategic planning, while research reports help policymakers develop evidence-based strategies.
3. Accountability and Transparency: Reports serve as documentation that holds individuals or organizations accountable for their actions, progress, or outcomes. For instance, financial reports detail the allocation and use of resources, ensuring transparency.
4. Record Keeping and Reference: Reports act as permanent records of activities, events, or research. They provide historical data that can be referenced in the future for audits, evaluations, or comparisons.

Abstract

Many people’s food and livelihood security depend on the sustained management of various biological resources that are important for food and agriculture. Agro biodiversity is the result of the interaction between the environment, genetic resources and management systems and practices used by culturally diverse peoples. The management of agro biodiversity by the indigenous communities is for a variety of reasons. The land use types, land use stages, aspect, soil fertility, availability of water and quality seed of crops etc. are essential variables which an indigenous farmer considers while cultivating a diversity of traditional landraces in the farm for food security. India is the largest producer of many kinds of millets, which are often referred as coarse cereals. However, realizing the nutrient richness of these grains they are now considered as nutria-cereals. Small millets, as a group includes several grain crops namely finger millet (ragi), proso millet, barnyard millet, italian millet, kodo millet and little millet. In the four decades since 1961, the area under millets declined by nearly 50% from about 18 million hectares to about 9 million hectares. During this time, production of millets declined from about 8.8 million tons to about 7.2 million tons; a decline of 18%. Tremendous decrease in area and production is directly or indirectly resulted in the loss of agro biodiversity of these crops as these crops are grown on marginal or rainfed areas without any fertilizers. Therefore, more emphasis should be given for maintaining bio diversity of these highly rich crops by increasing area under these minor millets and developing proper agro techniques for increasing its productivity.

The prosperity and growth of a nation depends on the status and development of women as they constitute about 50.00 per cent of the human resource of the country. Women play a significant role in agriculture and allied fields. She also performs several management and decision making roles in farming and home making practices with her male counterpart and sometimes alone.(Sreenivasulu and Punna Rao, 2005). Khelkar (1995) found that 64.55 per cent had medium level of farm management followed by high and low 18.18 per cent and 17.27 per cent respectively.

Hypothesis become theories and theories attain rank of laws after withstanding rigorous experimental tests. Feasibility of a process is confirmed in the laboratory. Qualitative and quantitative analyses give complete chemical picture of the substance. It is with these considerations in mind we proceed to learn what is there in a laboratory.

Rainfall is precipitation (falling of any type of condensed moisture to the ground) in the form of liquid drops larger than 0.5 mm in diameter falling on the earth surface. Ordinary rain drop size varies from 0.5-4.0 mm in diameter. Rainfall is measured in term of depth of rain water (millimeters) on a solid surface provided that rain water is neither allowed to percolate nor runoff or loss in any form.

ABSTRACT

Himalaya represents an importantfocal point of botanical rich diversity, and homeofmanymedicinal plants known for their various therapeutic properties. Since ancient times, several plant species have been used as ethnomedicine, and only a few of these species have beenfully explored and validated scientifically. Today, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are the fastest growing sectors that use botanical extracts to maintain the health and support integrity of the skin and other parts of human body.Peoplearedemandingcosmeceuticaladditivesfrommarket made from plants as herbal botanicals as these causes fewer or no side effects, and therefore, ethnomedicine are gaining immence importance for cosmetic and value added products development of natural origin. Human and animal skin is the largest covering of the body as it provide barrier to the internal cells ortissues,and protectthebodyfrominfections and toxic chemicals. Keeping in mind the importance of skin, investigations and literatures were consulted to document plants protectingskininfectionsfrom external environment.Thepotential high altitude plants ofHimalaya were screened outto be used inskin care and treatmentofvarious skin pathogens.Inthe presentcommunication, total 81 plants of 72 genera belonging to 40 families are presented that have ethnobotanicalapplicationinskin care and usages incuringskindiseases. This data will provide a base-line information for cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies for developmentof various new value-added products for human and animal health care.

1. DEFINITION

Seed village definition is to see that the aim right from the start is to make a holistic transformation in the village. Seed village concept is a “Win-Win model”, says Deepak Mullick, one of India’s foremost professionals in agribusiness. It is also known as “Compact area approach”. Seed village area should be suitable for crop or varieties. Seed in compact area, whole village should be involved. The whole farmers in the village cultivate same crop, same variety and follow same cultivation practices.

Hybrids are produced by crossing two genetically diverse parents variety. Hybrid vigour is at its maximum in the F₁ generation and hence highest emphasis is placed on the F₁ hybrids. Hybrid varieties leads to maximum exploition of heterosis as compared to any other varieties. Beal in 1880 recommended the use of F₁ varietal crosses of maize for commercial cultivation.