eChapters

Pre-Treatment Before Sowing

The natural conditions necessary for seeds to germinate are increased by pre sowing seed treatment. Many plants and trees’ seeds require a specific amount of time to mature in their immature portions and to overcome dormancy, which is the absence of certain elements that impede germination, so that the seeds can sprout. Depending on the type of seed, different environmental factors promote different levels of germination. For example, some seeds need to be kept in a very damp, cold environment, while others need to be kept in a dry, hot environment. Different techniques are employed to support seed survival and speed up germination, depending on the size of the lot, the species, the local conditions, and the availability of pertinent tools and facilities. Many species’ seeds don’t germinate successfully unless they are exposed to specific circumstances. Dormancy is the state in which seeds do not germinate unless certain circumstances are met. Conditions in the natural world could include being near fire or being eaten by animals.

Abstract

Ten genotypes of Cenchrus ciliaris L. were evaluated for seed yield and its components under arid environment prevailing at Jodhpur. The genotypes were grown (using seeds) during July 2010 and three cuts of fodder were taken up to November, thereafter allowed to produce seeds. Fodder of re-growth was finally harvested in June 2011 after seed collection. Analysis of variance showed significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied, viz.

Abstract

The area of study extends about 65 km from Gamasa City to Burg El-Burullus. The coastal sand dunes are very near to the shoreline in Baltim and El-Burg and far from the shoreline in Gamasa. It is narrow with relatively steep slope northward near Burg El-Burullus and Baltim, while it increases in width eastward to become wide with gentle slope near Gamasa. The coastal sand dunes are very mobile and move toward the agricultural lands, roads (international coastal road), resorts, and other developmental activities. The sand dunes in the study area are classified into two categories, the old fixed dunes and recent mobile dunes. The main directions of wind blow are N, W, and NW directions. It causes the movement of mobile dunes (Barchan and longitudinal). Several methods have been used for dune fixation like the tar spraying, wind fences and stones. Wind fences are not costly and nonpolluting if compared with stonewall and tar spraying, which prevent the land utilization for agricultural purposes.

This chapter introduces soil, growing media, irrigation and nutrient management practices essential for high-quality flower production under protected conditions. It covers containers, organic and inorganic growing media, soil decontamination, drip irrigation, fertigation and fertilizer selection. Important intercultural practices such as pinching, disbudding, deshooting and other crop-management operations are also discussed. The chapter emphasizes efficient use of water and nutrients while maintaining an optimum root environment and achieving high productivity.

With the advent of modernization and urbanization, people are shifting from rural to urban areas, thereby, urban population is increasing day by day resulting in congested cities and towns. All around the world, a huge number of buildings are being constructed adding many more in future. Throughout the years, replacement of vegetated surfaces with paved and impervious surfaces in the urban areas have increased the temperature as compared to rural areas, because the paved surfaces absorbs, retain and reradiate more solar energy than vegetation. The ambient temperature in urban area can be as much as 6oC higher than the air in rural areas.

PGPR have shown potentiality against pests and diseases oc curring on crop plants. Wilt and collar rot diseases are caused by soilborne pathogens viz., Fusarium oxysporum fsp. lycopersici (FOL) and Sclerotium rolfsii respectively in vegetables. An attempt was made to manage the diseases with PGPR microbes and 142 PGPR strains were isolated from different vegetable crops. Among them two isolates viz., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA1) and B. subtilis (BS2) were found highly effective in controlling the diseases.  Apart from the disease control, the isolates BA1 and BS2 also registered enhanced crop growth and yield in cowpea under field conditions. Species level identification of BA1 and BS2 was done through PCR amplification and sequencing of 16s rRNA. Both BA1 and BS2 clustered with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis respectively.

Experiment - 1
 
Aim: Micropropagation of Tobacco plant by leaf disc culture

Principle: The totipotency of the plant cells and tissues form the basis for in vitro cloning i.e., generation or multiplication of genetically identical plants in in vitro culture. The ability to propagate new plants from a cells or tissues of parent plant has many interesting possibilities.

INTRODUCTION

In many cultures, fresh cut flowers are deeply symbolic, conveying the message of nature to man. In recent times revolutionary changes have been seen in Indian floriculture sector which is due to the introduction of various annuals from abroad. Snapdragon too is the one of the relatively recent introduction in the field of cut flowers. Now-a-days, snapdragons are usually grown as annuals, though traditionally they are cultivated as perennials. Due to its curious shape of flowers, which resemble a dog, rabbit or dragon, it is popularly called as snapdragon, dog flower, bunny rabbit or bunny mouth. Snapdragons are one of the most popular and widely grown garden annuals. It is ideally suited for beds, pot, edging, window boxes, herbaceous border and rock gardens. Tall cultivars can be used among the shrubs, at the background of the annuals like hollyhock, larkspur, etc. in mixed borders or with herbaceous plants. The intermediate cultivars are very useful for bedding and potting purposes. Both these types are excellent for cut flower production. The dwarf cultivars are good for edging and bordering formal beds. The dwarf hybrids are suitable for covering the patches in rock garden. They are used in floral arrangements and in bouquets too. Their production for cut flower purpose began with the introduction of a winter flowering cultivar Chevoit Maid, followed by several F₁ hybrids with desirable cut flower qualities. The F₁ hybrids are grown all the year round. Flowers have good keeping quality, as they remain fresh for 6-7 days. Snapdragon has also been reported to have medicinal importance. It has diuretic and astringent properties and have been employed for the treatment of scurvy, liver tumor and ulcers.

Date palm is one of the oldest fruits and was known to man many thousand years before Christ. It is staple food of the Arabs. Large quantities of date are imported by India from the Arabian countries. Wild date palm are seen growing even up to an altitude of 1500 M (Pareek, 1990), of course they do not fruit at this altitude every year. Raw sugar and a fermented drink ‘toddy’ are prepared from the sap of this palm. In the Indians valley, date palm is believed to have been introduced by the soldiers of Alexander the great in the fourth century B.C. and some wild groves of seedling date palm are found in the coastal belt in the Kachchh district of Gujarat. Investigations to develop indigenous production of dates in India were initiated during the 1950 by the ICAR at Regional Fruit Research Station, Abohar (Punjab). Some commercial varieties of date palm were introduced from USA, Pakistan and Middle East countries during 1955-1962. The extremely dry areas comprising Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur in Rajasthan, Abohar in Punjab and Kachchh in Gujarat are the potential regions for the date growing in India.

As we stand at the threshold of this final chapter, “Harvest For Future,” we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment. Throughout the preceding chapters, we’ve explored the intricate relationships between rural households, agricultural practices, and the ever-changing climate. We’ve examined the critical role that operational agricultural meteorology plays in empowering rural communities to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of uncertainty. From understanding local weather patterns to leveraging climate-resilient agricultural practices, we’ve traversed the complexities of sustainable rural development. Our exploration has taken us through the nuances of climate variability and its impact on agricultural productivity, water management, and soil health. We’ve discussed the importance of effective early warning systems, drought management strategies, and crop insurance programs in mitigating the risks associated with climate-related shocks. We’ve also highlighted the critical role that information and communication technologies can play in disseminating climate information, agricultural advisories, and market intelligence to rural households. Moreover, we’ve examined the human side of sustainable rural development, including the social, economic, and cultural factors that influence decision-making processes within rural households. We’ve looked at the ways in which agricultural meteorology can be used to support climate-resilient agriculture, enhance food security, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Through case studies and examples, we’ve seen how operational agricultural meteorology has been successfully implemented in various parts of the world, leading to improved agricultural productivity, increased incomes, and enhanced resilience among rural households. Now, as we look to the horizon, it’s time to distill the insights, strategies, and lessons learned into a cohesive vision for the future. What does a sustainable rural household look like in the context of a rapidly evolving climate? How can operational agricultural meteorology continue to support and uplift these communities, fostering resilience, equity, and prosperity? In this final chapter, we’ll synthesize the key takeaways from our exploration and chart a course for harnessing the full potential of agricultural meteorology to create a more sustainable, food-secure, and climate-resilient future for rural households worldwide. We’ll explore the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things, and how they can be leveraged to enhance the delivery of climate services to rural households. We’ll also examine the policy and institutional frameworks that are needed to support the widespread adoption of operational agricultural

Abstract

The medicinal plant, Nithyakalyani, Catharanthusroseus is valued for its alkaloid and the content varied, among root (0.14 to 1.43%), stem (0.48%), fruit (0.4%), seed (0.18%) and pericaup (1.14%). The biofertilizer consortium development includes Catharanthusroseus. Azosppirillumlipoferum CAZS-4, Azotobaterchroococcum CAZB-1, Bacillusmegaterium CPB-18 and Pseudomonasflourescens CPF-14. The relative chemotactic response (RCR) of the strains to anionic fraction is more than that of cationic and neutral fractions. The consortium treated plants possessed 1.120 mg g^-1 of ajmalicine on 180 DAS, and the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) (13.240 U mg of protein hr-1), peroxide (POX) (11.240 U mg of protein hr-1) and catalase (CAT) (9.000 U mg of protein hr^-1) values were higher on 150 DAS. The consortium increased the biomass production by 50-75 per cent with proportionate increase in the mineral nutrient content. Biofertilizer consortium is the most effective organic input for biomass production.

INTRODUCTION

According to the World Bank, youth present an opportunity for a sustainedeffort to participate in nation’s development process because they possess greaterenergy and potential and have the capacity to drive positive change. Stimulating growthof employment in the agricultural sector remains paramount priority in countries with alarge agricultural sector, as improvements in agricultural productivity can generatemore and better jobs in most developing countries (World Bank, 2008). Youth who possess non-farm skills are 1.4 times more likely to move out ofagriculture. Their age has significant role in favor of shifting out of agriculture, becauseoccupational mobility was higher among younger farmers (Sharma and Bhaduri, 2012). India has the largest youth population in the world. About 70 per cent of India’spopulation is below the age of 35 years, making India the youngest nation in the World. According to some estimates, the proportion of population under 25 years in India is 51per cent. Some experts refer to this large proportion of youth as “demographicdividend” because greater proportion of the population is young and in the workingage-group which can lead to economic growth. However, out of the youth population of460 million, only 333 million youth in India are literate and unemployment rate ishighest (10.6 per cent) among youth (CIA World Factbook, 2012).

Abstract

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is known as the king of oil seeds in India due to the high oil content (50-54%) of its seed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate morphology of sesame under high temperature stress. Seventeen released varieties of sesame (Sesame indicum L.) were studied during kharif 2009 under rainfed conditions. Analysis of variance on ten quantitative and qualitative traits was carried out. The mean, range, phenotypic and genotypic variation, heritability in broad sense and genetic advance were calculated.

INTRODUCTION

Stock or Gilly flower is an annual or biennial plant flowering in terminal clusters. It exists as both single and double forms and is valued for fragrant flowers that can be used as fresh or dried cut flower. Stocks are a most valuable race of garden plants for they are easy to grow and can be in bloom during the greater part of the year. They are excellent pot plants for the greenhouse in winter and spring and provide good cut flowers. Flowers are well arranged on a long column and the colours are variable from white to rose, crimson, purple, yellow, mauve, pink, etc. Seeds of stock are aphrodisiac, bitter, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant and are used as tonic. An infusion has been used in the treatment of cancer and when mixed with wine, it has been used as an antidote to poisonous bites. The highly fragrant flowers are used as a garnish, especially with sweet deserts.

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.