eChapters

ABSTRACT

Haryana being predominantly agricultural state had only 2.86 per cent recorded forests at the time of its inception. Agroforestry has been an age old practice in Haryana as in other parts of India. It has existed in various forms through the time immemorial. Farm boundary plantation/natural regeneration and scattered trees in the farmlands were the main agroforestry interventions in Haryana till the seventies. To counter the environmental degradation and to provide fuel, fodder and timber different tree-crop combinations were tried for accessing their compatibility. As a result number of agroforestry systems had been recommended and are discussed in this paper. The paper also include methods of managing the perennial component of agroforestry system. Economics of some of the successful systems has also been discussed.

INTRODUCTION

Haryana state lies in the Indo-gangetic plains of North-west India. It has 44,212 sq.km of land and 90 per cent of this is in plains and the remaining area is in Shiwalik and Aravalli hills. Yamuna plains in the North and sandy plains in the South and West respectively have 50 per cent and 40 per cent of above land. More than 80 percent of the land is under agriculture. Canal and tube well irrigation is available for 65 per cent of arable land. Two crops per annum are a routine practice in Haryana. The climate of Haryana is arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid. It is sub-tropical, continental and monsoonic type. The range of temperature daily as well as annual is extreme. It varies from 1°C in winter to 47°C in summer. Mean annual average temperature varies from 23°C to 26°C. May and June are the hottest months while December and January are the coldest ones. The normal annual rainfall ranges from 300 mm in the southwestern parts of Bhiwani, Hisar and Sirsa districts to about 1500 mm in the northeastern hilly tract of Ambala district. The mean daily pan evaporation ranges from 2.4 mm in December and January to 13.4 mm in May and June.

Introduction

In the evolving landscape of agriculture, where feeding a rapidly growing global population is a pressing concern, the role of data analytics has emerged as a beacon of hope, igniting revolutionary transformations in optimizing crop yields and resource utilization. Data analytics, the science of examining raw data to uncover insights and make informed decisions, has transcended conventional farming practices, propelling the industry towards a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

6.1 Introduction

Capsicum is mostly consumed raw in green mature forms unlike in Europe and US where they are consumed in red ripe form in salads, cooked, mixed and stuffed vegetables. It is known as bell pepper because of its fruit shape. The fruits of capsicum are non-pungent, so popularly known as sweet pepper; but some cultivars are slightly pungent. Capsicums are grown throughout the Old world and New world as a commercial crop mainly in mid-hill regions or protected structures. Its cultivation is restricted to cooler regions of the world. In Spain, it is referred to as ‘pimientos’ due its red colour and sweet taste. Fruits are rich in vitamins C and D (beneficial to the vascular system), as well as vitamins A, B1 , and B2 . It has four different colours such as green, red, yellow and purple. The oleoresin extracted from bell pepper is of better quality than that extracted from Chilli.

Abstract

Radon being the radioactive daughter product of Uranium; the interrelationship between U and Rn has been established in the present study. It is found that Radon coexist with Uranium in the region. A total of 61 samples were collected spatially from hand pumps and bore wells of the study area. Major ions such as Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, F^-, Cl^-, HCO^3-, NO^3-, H₄SiO₄,PO₄- and SO₄^2- and U, Rn were analysed. The lithological influence of U and Radon occurrence is also highlighted. Hard rocks especially Granites are the source for both U and Rn in the study area whereas the lack of correlation exist between U and Rn in sedimentary terrain can be attributed to difference in flow conditions and chemical properties of these elements. 

Key words: Radon, Uranium, Granite, Ground water, Source.
 

1. pH meter

pH meter/electrode systems are the most common method of measuring pH in the biology laboratory. Although more expensive and more complicated to use than chemical indicators, pH meters provide greater accuracy, sensitivity, and flexibility. When used properly, pH meters can measure the pH of a solution to the nearest 0.1 pH unit or better, and they can be used with a variety of samples.

The present study was undertaken to study the trends of area, production and productivity of major fruit crops in the Himachal Pradesh state. The study was based on secondary data from 1974-75 to 2010-11. The data was collected from several government publications and website. To analyze the trend of area, production and productivity of major fruit crops in the Himachal Pradesh state, the linear, quadratic and exponential functional forms were used. To fit the trend, quadratic functional form was used due to its higher R² value as compared to other two forms. Besides these, compound growth rate, coefficient of variation and instability index was also estimated. The effects of area, productivity and their interaction towards increasing production were also estimated in the present study. The growing of major fruit crops was not risky in the Himachal Pradesh state as revealed by the lower coefficient of variation. The coefficients of variation (CV) of area, production and productivity of major fruit crops were less than 100.13 per cent. The instability indices for area, production and productivity for major fruit crops in the Himachal Pradesh state were positive and thereby indicating less risk for growing major fruit crops in the state. The increase in production is due to increase in area as well as interaction of area and productivity of fruit crops in the state. This may be due to the adoption of high yield variety seed of major fruit crops and adoption of improved methods by the farming community during last decade.

Introduction

The 21st Century agriculture needs knowledge integration and maximum input efficiency. Crop simulation models offer possibilities to evaluate and target agricultural information towards sustainability (Elliott et al., 2015; Van Oort and Zwart, 2018). All the modern day’s crop growth models not only predict the growth and yield, but also they are strong Decision Support System (DSS). Due to the impact of climate change, land degradation and biodiversity loss, the agricultural production system becomes the most vulnerable one (Araya et al., 2017). Crop intensification is inevitable to meet the ever-increasing food demand for the billions of populations. It leads to deterioration of soil physical health, reduction of the organic carbon percentage and micro-environmental pollution. Conservation agriculture (CA) has a great potentiality to enhance the inherent resilience against all sorts of degradation and possess the potentiality to regenerate the degraded lands (Haggblade and Tembo, 2003). CA is a farming system that maintains a permanent soil cover to assure its protection, avoids soil tillage, and cultivates a diverse range of plant-species to improve soil conditions, reduce land degradation and increase water and nutrient use efficiency (Friedrich et al., 2012; Sapkota et al., 2015; Bell et al., 2019; Steward et al., 2019). For last few decades, climate change becomes a serious threat to agriculture in context to influence crop and livestock production, hydrological balances, input supplies and other components of agricultural system (Kabir, 2015; Kumar and Kumar, 2016). Agriculture is inherently sensitive to climatic conditions and conservation agriculture may be the only answer to combat the negative impact of climate change.

Agriculture serve as a backbone in improving economic growth of a country as well as it provides a base in meeting various needs of people in direct and indirect ways. The recent advancement in nanotechnology has shown a path to develop traditional agriculture into a sustainable practice. Several nanochemicals emerged as promising agents for better plant growth, used as fertilizer, pesticides, control weeds and also used as antimicrobial agents in food packaging. Nanotechnology may act as sensor for checking soil health of agriculture fields.

Introduction

Any notable long-term alteration to the anticipated patterns of the average weather in an area (or the entire Earth) over an extended period of time is referred to as climate change. It concerns anomalous fluctuations in the climate and how these fluctuations affect other regions of the planet. Tens, hundreds, or even millions of years may pass before these changes occur. However, as a result of increased anthropogenic activity including industrialization, urbanization, deforestation, agriculture, and altered land use patterns, greenhouse gas emissions grow and accelerate the rate of climate change. Increases in temperature, variations in precipitation, and an increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations are all part of climate change scenarios.

Introduction

Pomegranates are a tasty, juicy, sweet fruit that are rich in nutrients. Punica granatum is its scientific name, and Iran is where it was originally found. Because pomegranates may be cultivated effectively in regions of the nation with dry climates, they hold a distinctive place among the fruits that are grown there. Other names for pomegranates include Dadim in Sanskrit, Bedana in Bengali, Anar in Hindi, and Madulai in Tamil. The states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are the primary locations for its cultivation. From the perspective of export, this fruit is also highly significant.

Pomegranate is referred to as a “Super Food” because of its many health and nutritional advantages. It is one of the greatest sources of antioxidants and has significant medicinal and nutritional value. Ripe fruit has a pleasant and nutritious juice. Juice from pomegranates in the summer, sherbet is incredibly refreshing. Pomegranates are regarded as a medication for long life and excellent health in the Ayurvedic medical system.

4.1 Genetic Improvement of Aquaculture Species

1. Introduction

1.1 Importance of Genetic Improvement in Aquaculture

Aquaculture serves as a critical component of global food production, supplying a substantial portion of seafood consumed worldwide. However, the industry faces challenges such as disease outbreaks, environmental changes, and increasing demand for sustainable practices. Genetic improvement plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by enhancing the traits that contribute to productivity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability in aquaculture species.

1.2 Role of Genomics and Biotechnology

Advancements in genomics and biotechnology have revolutionized the way aquaculture species are bred and managed. Genomics enables the detailed study of an organism’s genetic makeup, allowing researchers to identify specific genes associated with desirable traits. Biotechnological tools, including genome editing and molecular markers, facilitate precise manipulation of these genetic traits, accelerating the breeding process and improving the efficiency of trait selection.

Spices breeding is the process of developing new and improved varieties of spices through selective breeding, hybridization, and other genetic techniques. The main goals of spices breeding are to enhance desirable traits such as yield, flavour, aroma, disease resistance, and adaptability to different growing conditions. Importance of spice breeding
• Economic value: Spices are economically valuable crops globally. Breeding can lead to higher yields and better quality, improving profitability for farmers.
• Diversity and culinary use: Spices like black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, and chili are used worldwide in various cuisines. Breeding helps to maintain and improve the diversity of these spices.
• Medicinal properties: Many spices have medicinal properties. Breeding can enhance the concentration of beneficial compounds in spices.
Breeding objectives
• Yield improvement: Increasing the quantity of spices produced per plant or per unit area.
• Quality enhancement: Improving the essential oil content, pungency, colour, and other quality traits.
• Disease and pest resistance: Developing varieties that are resistant to common diseases and pests affecting spices.
• Climate adaptation: Creating varieties that can withstand different climatic conditions, such as drought or high humidity.
• Reduced crop duration: Breeding for shorter growth cycles to increase the number of harvests per year.

ABSTRACT

The law of intellectual property has assumed utmost importance the World over, in the recent past and it is being considered as one of the most important subjects of law in view of its implications on economic, social and cultural realms. The term “intellectual property” has come to be internationally recognized as covering, patents, industrial designs, copyrights, trademarks, know-how and confidential information or trade secrets. This paper presents an overview on nature and scope of these elements of IPR.

Introduction

Climate is a measure of the average pattern of variation in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, precipitation and other meteorological variables in a given region over long period of time. Climatic change refers to the shifts in the mean states of the climate or in all its variability, persisting for an extended period (decade or longer). The expected climatic change includes an increase in average temperature, an increase in CO₂ concentration and varied rainfall regimes due to increased ultra violet-B radiation. Fossil fuel burning and deforestation have emerged as principal anthropogenic sources of rising atmospheric CO₂ and other greenhouse gases and consequent global warming and climatic change.

The vegetable crops like knol-khol, Broccoli and kale belong to the genus brassica of the cruciferae family. They are essentially cold weather, hardy crops and thrive best in cool moist season. These crops, if grown under warm conditions, the produce become pungent due to development of glucocide called sinigrin containing sulphur. According to Chowdary (1967), the crops of this group have developed from wild cliff cabbage, also known as cole wrots, from which the name cole has been given. Their taste founds to be more sweat in hills due to low temperature and constitute at top in the list of preference vegetables for people all over India.

This chapter attempts to describe the cultivation of these three cole crops, exclusively grown in hills of India.

Knol-Khol

Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gonylodes) is a well known green–leafy vegetable, which is consumed with leaves and knobs. It is popular among Kashmiri people and the people of hilly areas. Its cultivation is confined to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pardesh, West Bengal, Uttranchal and Punjab. Due to its year round demand and conducive agro-climate available in J&K, it can be cultivated round the year. The crop is of short duration and be grown three to four times a year. Thus it gives very high productivity per unit area.

A veterolegal post mortem examination should be done by written order from the Police or the District Magistrate.

Before examination carefully read the police report.

History of plant propagation

The propagation of plants is one of the absolutely necessary occupations of human beings since time immemorial. Civilization might have started when ancient man learned to plant and grow different kinds of plants, which fulfilled the nutritional and other allied needs of human beings and their animals. Cultivated plants commenced mainly by direct selection from wild species (e,g., lima bean, barley, tomato, and rice), hybridization between species, accompanied by changes in chromosome number (e,g., strawberry, pear, and prunes), and a group of plants occurs naturally as rare monstrosities (e,g., cabbage, broccoli, and brussel’s sprouts).

5.1 Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Aquaculture Practices

1. Introduction to IoT in Aquaculture

1.1 Definition of IoT in the Context of Aquaculture

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices, sensors, actuators, and software applications that collect, exchange, and analyze data to automate processes and provide actionable insights. In aquaculture, IoT integrates digital technologies to monitor, manage, and optimize farming practices in real-time, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and productivity.

1.2 Importance and Benefits of IoT in Aquaculture

IoT offers numerous benefits to aquaculture operations:

• Real-time Monitoring: IoT sensors continuously monitor critical parameters such as water quality (e.g., pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia levels), temperature, and salinity. This real-time data allows farmers to maintain optimal conditions for aquatic organisms, ensuring their health and growth.

Introduction

Seed is regarded as carrier of new technologies. Therefore, the seed needs to be protected so as to deliver it as an efficient input. When seed is planted during an environmental stress like heat or drought chemical reactions in the seed may not go as smoothly as when the seed is under little or no stress. All the crops are liable to face varying degree of water stress and it is most crucial at the time of germination and plant establishment. Successful stand establishment under all conditions is the key to assured production. The early sown varieties of various crops faces the problem of heat stress at early vegetative stage. Moreover, due to global warming there is uncertainty regarding the physiological response of crops to enhanced atmospheric temperature. Any significant change in climate on a global scale directly affects crop production and then would impact local agriculture.

Abstract

Grains in present context are food grains. The PFA Act includes cereals, millets, and pulses in food grains. At times, seeds of certain oilseeds like soybean are also referred to in the discussion of food grains. Grains have been cultivated for thousands of years. We have Grain Standards as established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which are considered as International Standards. Another source is Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) under the aegis of FAO (UN), which operates a Committee to formulate standards that are referred to as Codex Standards. Many countries have a National Standards Institution, which develops National Standards for their main grain crops and other commodities and issues specifications along with methods of testing and analysis. Several countries, which are in developing status, adopt or modify international standards into their national system. The Grain Standards have been evolved and established for a variety of purposes but primarily to grade produce in agricultural marketing largely to facilitate the movement of grain, provide both sellers and buyers with guidelines to support financial transactions, and ensure that the produce will meet up with end-use requirements, or, increasingly to protect the consumers.