eChapters

Agriculture and Food Security

Food security refers to a situation when people gain physical and access to enough food to meet the dietary requirements for a healthy life for all times. A household can have food security when all the members lead a hunger free life. It is estimated that nearly 800 million people in the world go to bed hungry every night. Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life (World Food Summit, 1996). This definition gives rise to four dimensions of food security: availability of food, accessibility (economically and physically), utilization (the way it is used and assimilated by the human body) and stability of these three dimensions.

Integrated Disease Management (IDM) in horticultural crops is a multifaceted approach aimed at mitigating the impact of plant diseases while ensuring sustainable production systems. Recognizing the complex interactions between pathogens, plants, and the environment, IDM integrates various control measures, including cultural, biological, chemical, and genetic strategies. Cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper sanitation, and selection of disease-resistant cultivars form the foundation of IDM, reducing disease pressure and creating unfavourable conditions for pathogen development. Biological control agents, including beneficial microbes and natural enemies of plant pathogens, play a crucial role in regulating disease populations and promoting plant health. Chemical interventions, when necessary, are judiciously applied and integrated with other strategies to minimize environmental impact and preserve beneficial organisms. Advances in molecular genetics have also contributed to IDM through the development of disease-resistant crop varieties with enhanced genetic resistance to specific pathogens. Overall, IDM offers a holistic and sustainable approach to disease management in horticultural crops, emphasizing proactive measures to prevent disease outbreaks and minimize the need for reactive interventions. Continued research, education, and collaboration among stakeholders are essential for advancing IDM practices and ensuring their effective implementation in horticultural production systems.

Introduction

A delicate balance between human sustenance and ecological preservation has always been at play in the vast expanse of our oceans and freshwater bodies. The world's fisheries have long served as a critical source of nourishment and economic livelihood for millions, yet the sustainability of these resources faces ever-increasing challenges. As fish populations dwindle due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and the looming uncertainties of climate change, innovative solutions are more urgently required than ever before. Enter Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), a groundbreaking technology that is poised to revolutionize the realm of fisheries management and aquaculture.

Introduction

The seventh-largest country in the world, India has a total size of 328 million hectares (mha). As of 2015–16, only 42.6% of the overall geographical area, or around 140 mha, is under cultivation, with nearly half of this land (156.4 mha) being arable. Despite accounting for only 16.5% of India’s GDP, the agricultural industry employs the greatest percentage of people (about 42.3% in 2019), including 71% of women working in rural regions.  

6.1 Introduction

In its broadest sense, literacy stands as a fundamental pillar of youth development, transcending mere reading and writing abilities to encompass critical skills necessary for navigating today's complex world (UNESCO, 2020). Concurrently, connectivity serves as the backbone of digital transformation, facilitating communication, collaboration, and access to information on a global scale (ITU, 2021). Skill development, particularly in digital literacy, has become indispensable in an increasingly digitized society, empowering individuals to thrive in both personal and professional domains (European Commission, 2019).

A key challenge for the years to come is feeding a rapidly growing human population while lowering the impact of food production on the environment. This is particularly true for low and middle-income countries where the demand for animal protein is likely to rise and further increase several folds in existing environmental changes (e.g., droughts, floods, extensive wildfires) have in recent years led to major food crises. To achieve these goals, food production not only needs to be increased, but most of all, good husbandry practices must be followed to reduce its negative impacts on the environment. Several studies have suggested that shifting the human diet towards increased consumption of f ish and seafood could be a solution to the need for protein that would sustain human and environmental health. In fact, fish and seafood consumption is forecast to increase by 27% on the horizon of 2030, mostly sustained by the aquaculture sector, which is expected to grow by 62% during the same period. The aquaculture industry contributes significantly to livelihood, food security, and poverty alleviation, with over 100 million people estimated to rely on aquaculture for their living. Fish is a cheap source of animal protein, and the current per capita consumption of fish in India is around 9 kg per annum, which is compared to the 11 kg recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Presently, the contribution of the fisheries sector to the gross domestic product (GDP) and agriculture GDP has been estimated to be 1.2 and 4.2%, respectively.

Introduction
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on longterm prevention [italicsadded] of pests or their damagethrough acombination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment
“Pest control is the process of meaning and preventing pests, such as insects, rodents and other animals, from causing damage to crops and other area.” Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that excludes the use of synthetic substances, such as pesticides, synthetic medicines or fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms.
As on 31st March 2023 total area under organic certification process (registered under National Programme for Organic Production) is 10.17 mha (2022-23).
This includes5391792.97hacultivableareaandanother4780130.56 haforwildharvest collection. Among all the states, Madhya Pradesh has covered largest area under organic certification followed by, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. India is bestowed with lot of potential to produce all varieties of organic products due to its various agro climatic conditions.
Pest controls are the many different types like this Cultural control, Biological control, Physical and Mechanical control, Botanical control, Insecticides and other Control etc.

Lamination and coating techniques are integral to modern food packaging, providing additional layers of protection, functionality, and appeal to the packaging materials. These techniques enhance barrier properties, improve durability, and enable packaging to withstand a range of environmental and mechanical stresses. Lamination typically involves bonding multiple layers of materials to achieve specific characteristics, such as moisture resistance, heat stability, and strength. Coating, on the other hand, adds a surface layer that can enhance properties like grease resistance, sealability, and printability. This chapter explores the various lamination and coating techniques used in food packaging, examining their applications, benefits, and potential limitations.

When a variety is grown under different environmental conditions, phenotype is the result of genotype+environment+genotype×environment interaction. Genotype×environment refers to the interaction effect of the genotype with different environments. Presence of this interaction leads to overestimation of genetical and biometrical parameters and thus may yield misleading results. This interaction also influences the varietal adaptation of new improved genotypes. Adaptation refers to certain varietal features (morphological and physiological) which promote survival under that environment. In production and breeding programmes adaptability is related to economic yield i.e. genotypes producing higher economic yield under different environmental conditions are comparatively more adaptive than those which produce low yield. Varietal adaptability refers to the capability of a genotype to grow normally and perform well in an environment or different environments. Adaptation of genotypes depends upon certain characters i.e. both morphological and physiological which promote survival under an environment. In natural conditions adaptation is brought by natural selection, but in artificial breeding, adaptation is induced by the breeders.

Introduction

DNA sequencing is the process of determining the nucleotide order of a given DNA fragment. The most commonly used sequencing method is the dideoxy method. This method uses dideoxynucleotide triphosphates (ddNTPs) which have an H on the 3’ carbon of the ribose sugar instead of the normal OH found in deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs). Dideoxynucleotides are chain terminators. In a synthesis reaction, if a dideoxynucleotide is added instead of the normal deoxynucleotide, the synthesis stops at that point because the 3’OH necessary for the addition of the next nucleotide is absent (Sanger et al., 1977).

Q. 1 Operating speed of power sprayer varies from
(A) 2 - 5 km /hr          (B) 4.8 - 8 km /hr
(C) 10 - 20 km /hr      (D) 20 - 35 km /hr

HCI is the study of how people interact with computers, especially as it relates to technology design. User-centered design, UI and UX are combined with HCI to provide intuitive technology and products.

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is the field of study that focuses on optimizing how users and computers interact by designing interactive computer interfaces that satisfy users' needs. It is a multidisciplinary subject covering computer science, behavioral sciences, cognitive science, ergonomics, psychology, and design principles. HCI focuses on designing, implementing and evaluating interactive interfaces that enhance user experience using computing devices.

Clinical Symptoms

• Gasping for air

• Discoloured gills with trapped materials

• Swollen gills with enhanced mucous secretion

• White to grey spots on the gills

• Diseased fish gather near the outlet of the pond

• Fish become lethargic and remain on the surface waters

Causative Agent: Flavobacterium branchiophilum, Cytophaga spp., Flexibacter spp.

Host (Common sp.)

• Goldfish • Koi carp

• Cichlids • Fighter fish

• Gourami fish

1. Introduction

The library, often perceived as a tranquil oasis, can be a hotbed of emotions. Behind the scenes, library employees and patrons alike struggle to manage their emotions, and anger can be a particularly pervasive and destructive force. The pressure to meet deadlines, the stress of dealing with difficult patrons, and the frustration of working with outdated technology can all contribute to a simmering sense of anger and resentment. But anger is not just a personal problem, it can have far-reaching consequences for the library as a whole. Unchecked anger can lead to decreased productivity, strained relationships, and even violence. It can also create a toxic work environment, driving away talented employees and eroding the trust of the community. Despite the importance of anger management, it is often overlooked in library training and professional development. Library employees are frequently expected to manage their emotions without being given the tools or support to do so. This can lead to a culture of silence, where employees suffer in silence, afraid to speak out about their struggles with anger.

Tumour in Domestic Animals
Tumours in domestic animals, much like in humans, can occur in various tissues and organs. These can range from benign growths (non-cancerous) to malignant tumors or cancerous. Their causes, types, diagnosis, and treatments depend on the animal species, breed, age, and environmental factors. Common tumours in dogs are mammary tumours, skin tumours, lymphoma, osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. In cats lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, mammary tumors and fibrosarcomas are reported. In cattle, squamous cell carcinoma, lymphosarcoma and papilloma are common. In horses, sarcoids, melanomas and squamous cell carcinoma are common. In small ruminants (sheep and goats) lymphoma and skin tumours are reported. In pigs, lymphoma and melanomas are commonly reported. Diagnosis of cancers are done by physical examination, cytology, biopsy, imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI and blood Tests.

INTRODUCTION

The discipline of Agrometeorology, an applied science is less than fifty years old. Its services are operationally used by individual farmers in developed countries, and by agricultural or development services in more than half of the countries of the world. Its contribution to agricultural production by examining forecast is sought in virtually all countries. In many countries, the respective governments have expressed the desire to use meteorological information to a much larger extent in day-to-day farm planning and operations. The climate database is used for the development of practical criteria in planning and management of irrigated and rainfed crop production system (Martin Smith, 2000).

Though a huge set of Agromet data exists in India, its utility has not been effective due to the scattered location of these data sources and the impediments for free flow of data to the users to analyze and interpret for real-time decision making in agriculture. There is also a considerable time lag between the actual observation and data availability. In view of the importance and the immediate exigency to centralize the database system for helping the researchers and planners, a central agrometeorological databank facility funded by DST from 1998 to 2003 and later by ICAR with the following objectives was established at Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR), Hyderabad.

Protected cultivation of vegetable crops refers to creation of favourable environmental conditions around vegetable plants, offsetting or minimizing the detrimental effects of prevailing or expected to prevail abiotic and biotic factors. In open fields, vegetables face several abiotic and biotic stresses, resulting in lower or poor or no yield. This condition is altered by using different protected structures for cultivation and/or nursery production. Vegetables which are transplanted using seedlings should be produced by raising seedlings under protected conditions. Protected conditions ensure production of healthy seedlings. The use of healthy seedlings ensures better and higher production of vegetables both under protected conditions and open field conditions. Nursery grown in nursery trays can be transported long distances and can wait till field is ready or human resources is available for transplanting. Structures are ideal for production of plug plants/transplants in different sizes of portable trays.

Need for climate-smart agriculture strategy

Climate change has long-lasting and potentially detrimental consequences on the agriculture sector. Changes in weather events cause perturbations across agricultural ecosystems and have impact on farm productivity. Adopting the climate-smart agriculture approach has thus, become inevitable in order to build resilience in agriculture systems and cope up with climate change. With a view to implementing climate-smart agricultural practices to ensure climate resilience, certain broad strategies have to be adopted. The CSA approach is designed to identify and operationalize sustainable agricultural development within the explicit parameters of climate change (Climate Smart Agriculture Sourcebook.FAO.2013). It integrates the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental) by jointly addressing food security and climate challenges.

8.1 Introduction

Giving people and companies access to basic financial services is known as f inancial inclusion, and it has long been a problem on a global scale. Millions of people worldwide still lack access to basic banking services like savings accounts, loans, and insurance and are either underbanked or unbanked altogether. Fintech, or financial technology, has emerged as a key player in resolving this problem by providing creative ways to improve banking service accessibility and advance financial inclusion.

One of the main forces behind promoting equitable economic growth and lowering poverty is financial inclusion.