eChapters

The estimation of digestibility by feeding trials with sheep or other ruminants is laborious and requires large quantities of feed. Therefore, the chemical composition of feedstuffs are used to predict digestibility by making use of established mathematical relationship between digestibility and composition. However, since the relationship between digestibility and chemical composition varies with the type of feedstuffs, for each group of feedstuffs, mathematical equations will have to be developed by relating chemical composition with in vivo digestibility. In spite of this, the errors associated with this approach of predicting digestibility is large. This has led to the development of techniques that would mimic digestive function of the ruminant in the laboratory.

In vitro methods of feed evaluation using rumen fluid and/or digestive enzymes are the most widely used techniques in ruminant feed evaluation.Although,the technique adopted in different laboratories differ, the principle of the technique is essentially a partially simulated rumen environment in vitro by incubating rumen fluid anaerobically in buffered medium at 39°C for variable period of time. Currently the most commonly used rumen in vitro techniques are,

Woman is an incarnation of ‘Shakti’the Goddess of Power. If she is bestowed with education, world’s strength will double. Let the campaign of ‘Kanya Kelavni’ be spread in every home; let the lamp of educating daughters be lit up in every heart across the regions and religions of the world.

Abstract

Globalization defines a new process of economic integration which is fuelled by neoliberal ideals claiming that an unregulated market economy maximizes economic efficiency and growth. Concept of equability and women empowerment provides durable strength and sustainable development to the programs aimed at promotion of commerce and trade through globalization. The post 2015 Development Agenda have not done much to address the large inequalities and discrimination against women. Global initiatives designed to benefit the daily lives of women and girls not being implemented effectively. This is especially for decision making and financial systems. The right to women needs to be ensured in order: to participate in the elaboration and implementation of development planning at all levels, to have access to adequate health care facilities, including information, counselling and services in family planning, to benefit directly from social security programmes, to obtain all types of training and education, formal and informal. All forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere must be ended. Out of the seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs), not even the single one will be achieved without including women and girls as equal partners. All countries hold the same responsibility to ensure the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development within their own borders, and to support other countries in achieving the SDGs which includes reaffirming and contributing to the fulfilment of gender equality. Women and girls have to be equal partners in sustainable development.

The term growth refers to an irreversible increase in size and weight of the plant. It normally reflects an increase in protoplasm, which may occur through increase in size of the cell and number of cells. Hence, the process of cell elongation and cell division provides the basis for growth. Cell division and enlargement are complicated processes involving synthesis of many organic compounds such as protein, cellulose and nucleic acid, besides the physical force required, which results in cell enlargement. The growth of the whole plant is compartmentalized into areas called ‘meristem’ where cell division and cell elongation are localized. The meristem cells such as shoot apex, root apex, cambium and the intercalary zones undergo repeated mitosis resulting in replication of DNA and nuclear material and finally the cell mass increases. Adjacent to this area of meristematic activity is the region of cell elongation, which phases in to the region of differentiation and maturation.

The increase in protoplasm (occurring in cell division and elongation) is brought about through a series of events in which water, carbon - di-oxide and inorganic salts are transformed into living materials. These events include (a) photosynthesis (production of carbohydrates) (b) nutrient absorption and translocation (uptake of water, nitrogen and other mineral elements) and (3) anabolism (synthesis of various materials produced in plant from the carbon fragments produced by photosynthesis and from the inorganic nutrients and water absorbed from the soil). The energy required for all these processes is provided by a catabolic process viz., respiration (degradation of sugars and fats to release energy). The net balance of anabolism and catabolism results in growth of the plant.

Drying is basically the unit operations which is used in many of the food industry nowadays. It can be desirably known as the process of removing moisture to relent a hard products. It is the transfer of energy source, mostly it derives heat from the outer environment to the dryer in which the food products is placed.

Learning Objectives

1. To raise awareness of a community problem and support its solution.
2. Induce the emotional participation of the community at the local level and establish a positive psychological climate for new activities.

The various methods of data gathering involve the use of appropriate recording forms. These are called tools or instruments of data collection; they consist of an observation schedule or interview guide, an interview schedule, a questionnaire, etc.

Introduction

In view of the present Indian agriculture scenario, farmer producers organisations (FPOs) are emerged as a most appropriate institutional form to mobilize small and marginal farmers ,improved their access to technology, inputs and markets. As per the report of National Council on Farmers, these organisations are mainly promoted to combine the advantages of decentralized production and centralized services, post harvest management, value addition and marketing. (NCF,2004). In order to meet the dream of Atmanirbhar Bharat and to make farmers atmanirbhar, Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) is an appropriate form to mobilize them. Recently Government of India has announced a budgetary provision of 4496.00 crore for five years for promotion of 10,000 FPOs.(Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs,CCEA2020)

Also to improve agricultural productivity and income of the farmers, it is necessary to develop an entrepreneurial culture among the member farmers of an organisation. To make this organisational approach more successful, member farmers need to develop planning ability, decision making abilitiy, managerial qualities ,scientific attitude, organisational skills, participatory skills etc. The member farmers as an agripreneur should possess knowledge about improved production techniques, markets, consumer preferences , schemes, credit availability, policy advocacy to enterprise effectively under FPO.

Introduction

Entrepreneurship has become a major driver of economic development in recent years. It involves starting new businesses or revitalizing existing ones, often through recognizing and seizing new opportunities. Entrepreneurs are individuals who organize, manage, and take on the risks of a business venture with the aim of making a profit. They identify market opportunities and introduce new technologies and organizational improvements. Entrepreneurs constantly innovate and create value from these opportunities. According to Hisrich (1990), entrepreneurs are proactive and creative individuals who can organize resources and manage risks and failures to succeed.

To grow as an entrepreneur, it is essential to develop and refine key entrepreneurial traits. These traits shape an entrepreneur’s skills and abilities, aligning with their motivations and guiding them to drive their business forward. Entrepreneurial characteristics are a mix of personal, social, and environmental factors that influence a business ecosystem. These traits play a key role in shaping a company’s goals and strategies, ultimately affecting its performance.

Peri-parturient Health Care Periparturient period is defined as a period immediately around calving. It is the most critical time when high yielding cows are prone to nutritional deficits due to great metabolic alterations from dry to milking. Reduced feed intake and depressed immune system at this time make cows vulnerable to periparturient diseases affecting milk yield adversely and increasing mortality risk. Health care during this critical period aims at minimising deficits particularly in relation to dry matter intakes (DMI’s) and energy and mineral balance. •     Milk fever is the most common and important periparturient disease affecting high yielders. Due to the sudden onset of lactation, there is a huge demand for calcium resulting in dramatic decrease in blood calcium level during calving causing milk fever.

This chapter introduces Alstroemeria as a high-value cut flower commonly known as Peruvian lily. It discusses its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics, commercial varieties and protected cultivation requirements. Temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, irrigation, nutrition, crop management, harvesting and postharvest handling are addressed. The chapter also considers grading standards, vase-life enhancement and important pests and diseases. Particular attention is given to modern hybrids and greenhouse production for high-quality stems.

ABSTRACT

This study critically examined the access of women farmers to Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) as against their male counterparts. The study was conducted Kapasiaupazila of Gazipur district. A total of 120 respondentswere selected using proportionate random sampling technique and interviewed through structured questionnaires. Data collected were subjected to descriptivestatistics, Chi-square and rank test. The results indicated that the women folk, despite their dominancein agricultural activities, were dominated in terms of access to and full participation in the use of ICTs. In terms of access to agricultural information through ICTs, it was evident that, people in the study area capture the advantages of increased number of ICTs to access information related to their farming business. Most of respondents valued ICTs as easy, fast and convenient way of communicating agricultural information and also allow more contacts among the farmers for family farming along with increase income of the family people in the community. Chi-square analysis on the relationship between socio-economic characteristics of the respondentswith their access to ICTs showed that age, education and innovativeness have significant relationship with therespondents’ access to ICTs. Kruskal Wallis rank test showed that there was a significant difference inthe gender access to and the uses of ICTs (P d” 0.005) with the male dominating the female gender. Chi-squareanalysis revealed that age and educational background and innovativeness of the respondents had significantrelationships with their access to ICTs (P d” 0.005). On the other hand religious/cultural barriers, language barriers and cost of possessing and accessing ICTs were the main reasons for gender disparity in gaining access to ICTs.

The degree of excellence in regard to the physical and genetical characterstics of seeds is called as Seed quality. Seed lots having high genetic purity and high germination percentage and minimum inert, weed and other crop seed and are free from diseases and pest attack, it is said to be a high quality seeds. If it is lacking in any of these qualities, it is said to be low quality seed lots. Only good quality seeds expected to respond well for fertilizers and other inputs used.
 
Viability: It is the ability of embryo to live, grow and develop into a seedling under favorable conditions. The seeds attained maximum viability at physiological maturity stage. Later on seeds start to loss viability.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”. It allows selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism into another, also between non-related species. Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from genetically modified animals and marines. Genetically modified animals and marines are those in which specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering using a process of either Cisgenesis or Transgenesis. These techniques are much more precise than mutagenesis where animals and marines are exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. Other techniques by which food animals can be modified are selective breeding and somaclonal variation. By this means desired quality of meat, egg and other animal products can be produced. But it is a common thinking that foods derived from genetically modified animals and marines are far from safe. They are likely to be contaminated by potent vaccines, immune regulators and growth hormones, as well as nucleic acids, viruses and bacteria that have the potential to create pathogens and to trigger cancer.

1.1 Introduction

Fruit breeding is an ancient technology with dynamic current technology and an exciting future (Janick and Moore 1975, 1996). In its broadest sense, fruit breeding refers to the purposeful genetic improvement of fruit crops through various techniques including selection, hybridization, mutation induction and molecular techniques. Its origins trace to the domestication process in prehistory and antiquity, where useful species were chosen and cultivated, and improved by continuous selection (Janick 2005, 2011). Through the millennia genetic improvement of these species have been achieved by grower selection, first from natural seedling populations and then from grower field that continued unique genotypes fixed by vegetative propagation. Spontaneous hybridization between wild plants and cultivated clones was critical to the early domestication of fruits.

In the rabbit production industry, providing a healthy diet and adequate amount of food every day is crucial for success. Rabbits can only survive and thrive on a diet of forage, so it is important to carefully consider their nutritional needs when planning their feeding regimen.

Some rabbit producers choose to provide basic grains in addition to forages in order to increase the potential productivity of their herd. These grains can be sourced from one's own farm or purchased commercially as concentrated feeds. The type of feed given to rabbits will greatly impact the management of the herd, such as how frequently they need to be rebred.

Introduction

Novel Corona Virus 2019 (COVID 19) has impacted the human race very badly than any other disease in twenty first century. Almost every country on this planet was affected by this virus. The condition is more severe in developed countries.

So when it All Started?

There were reports that the medical professionals of Wuhan in China informed the government that there is some mysterious pneumonia like disease which is spreading very fast and affected the doctors and other paramedical staff who are attending the patients. When the situation became serious it was declared as outbreak of epidemic and first case of COVID 19 was declared in Wuhan China on 31st December 2019. Wuhan is one of the main business centres of china and there was regular movement of domestic and international visitors to that place. Till the problem was identified and communicated to other agencies, the spread of virus was already there in other parts of china and world specially Europe and USA.

World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID 19 as pandemic on 11 February 2020. Countries like USA criticized WHO for delay in identifying the disease and declaring it a pandemic.The damage was already done due to its spread in other countries. In India first reported case of COVID 19 was on 30th January at Kerala. However, considering the possible danger of this disease, Indian Government took primitive measure to contain the spread of Virus and announced Nationwide Lockdown 1.0 on 23rdMarch 2020. Similarly, Lockdown 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 were announced on 14 April, 3rd May and 17th may respectively.

History of poultry production

Domestication of birds has a long history, with evidence of their existence and use dating back thousands of years. Here are some key points:

• Chickens: Archaeological evidence suggests domesticated chickens existed in China 8,000 years ago and later spread to Western Europe, possibly via Russia. The cockfighting in India 3,000 years ago indicates their cultural significance. Modern domestic chickens (Gallus domesticus) evolved from the wild red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), native to India and Southeast Asia.

• Pigeons: The domestic pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) is considered the world’s oldest domesticated bird.

• Geese: Domestic geese (Anseranserdomesticus in Africa, Europe, and West Asia; Ansercygnoides in East Asia) were domesticated in Egypt over 4,000 years ago and have significance in Roman mythology.

This chapter introduces Anthurium as an important tropical ornamental crop cultivated for cut flowers, potted plants and landscaping. It examines its origin, distribution, genetics, botanical characteristics and commercial varieties. The chapter discusses greenhouse conditions including temperature, humidity, light, shade, irrigation, nutrition and propagation. It also covers pests, diseases, harvesting, grading, storage and packing. The importance of improved cultivars and controlled environmental conditions in maintaining high-quality flowers is emphasized.

Saline Water Agriculture has been drawing interest as one of the solutions for limitation of world fresh water supply, farmland availability, salinity ingression and the pressing future need of food supply. The cultivation of salt-tolerant crops on saline soil and with saline waters has significant social and economic potential.

It is often argued that fresh water agriculture near rivers and ponds was invented because of the need to sustain people and communities. Saline water agriculture is going to be needed for sustaining our future generations and civilization.

1. The normal gestation period of buffalo is

   a) 280 days

   b) 290 days

   c) 300 days

   d) 310 days

2. The best crop of silage making is

   a) Maize

   b) Jowar

   c) Bajra

   d) Lucerne