eChapters

Extension Teaching Method

The function of extension education is to bring about desirable changes in the behaviour of a human being. The changes in human being are produced by increasing his/her knowledge level, improving skill and changing attitude. For all these to happen, an individual has to be taught, trained and communicated. So, the extension education emphasizes the process of communication, and if you examine, you will find that the extension education is broadly a teaching-learning process in which a learning situation is created by an extension worker/ teacher by which an individual attempt to change his/her behaviour. The learning situation created in extension education process is a condition or environment in which the elements like teacher, learner, subject matter, physical facilities and teaching methods and aids for promoting learning are present in a dynamic relationship with one another. The quality of learning depends upon the conditions created by the teacher for learners to learn. However, the learner is the key element in the teaching and learning process. His willingness and desire for change are very important. The third element; subject matter is the content of the message that the extension worker wants to transfer to the client. Transfer of the subject matter will be easy and effective if it is valid, correct, based on facts, applicable to practical life situation and need based. Effective teaching-learning process is also affected if physical facilities like place, light, ventilation, seating arrangements, etc., are not properly provided to both teachers as well as to the learners. Besides all these, the transfer of subject matters to the learners requires the help of suitable teaching methods, aids and media. Proper selection and handling of methods and aids facilitate in creating the desirable learning situation. The teaching methods and aids should be simple, easy to handle, suitable to subject matter, readily available, suited to the environment and needs of the learners.

Meat processing is the set of methods and techniques used to bring substantial chemical and physical changes in the natural state of meat. These are the methods which are used for making meat and their products attractive, nutritious and marketable as well as for the prolongation of shelf-life. In processing techniques, grinding, chopping, addition of seasoning, alteration techniques for colour, heat treatments etc. are included but cutting, trimming and deboning are not included in processing operations.

History

Meat processing dates back to the prehistoric ages and probably the first processed meat product was sundried meat. Lator it turns to burning of meat over wood fire while salting and smoking of meat was practiced first time in the time of Homer, 850 B.C. In 63B.C.-14 A.D. at the reign of Augustus honey was tried for preservation of meat. Lator various types of cooking such as roasting, smoking, steaming and oven baking came in existance. Salt-preservation was especially common for foods including meat and meat products for warrior and sailor’s diets, until the introduction of canning methods.

Modern food processing technology in the 19th and 20th century was largely developed to serve military needs. In 1809 Nicolus Appert invented a vacuum bottling technique that would supply food for French troops and this contributed to the development of tinning and then canning by Peter Durand in 1810. Although initially expensive and somewhat hazardous due to the lead used in cans. Canned goods would later become a staple around the world. Pasturization discovered by Louis Pasteur in 1862 was a significant advance in ensuring the micro-biological safety of food. In 20^th century, food processing advances with the development of spray drying, freeze drying and the introduction of artificial sweeteners, colouring agents and preservatives such as sodium benzoate. In late 20^th century ready to eat meat food products were introduced to cater the need of consumers.

Rural Sociology

Significant proportion of Indian population lives in village and derives their livelihood from villages. India is a land of agriculture and its customs, traditions, social structure, etc. are unique in the world. Understanding of rural society is must for successful implementation of developmental programmes. The understanding of rural people requires study of rural sociology. Rural sociology, as indicated by its name, studies rural society, rural social structures and institutions. The rural society is primarily depending on agriculture and hence rural sociology also concerns itself on the peasant society. There is a stark difference between the social structure, processes, social dynamics and social control in rural society and urban society. Thus, rural sociology has been specially designed to study the rural phenomena and it is a systematic study of the varied aspects of the rural society. It is the study of the rural social networks and how they operate for the smooth functioning of the society. The rural society is generally rooted in the villages, and rural sociology studies the facets of the villages, the way it functions, the various problems it faces and the how it tackles to face the imminent challenges. Rural sociology offers viable solutions and ways of mitigating the problems that hound over the villages.

1.1 Spice – definition and uses

Spice is defined as “a strongly flavoured or aromatic substance of vegetable origin, obtained from tropical plants, commonly used as a condiment”. A spice is a dried seed, fruit, root, rhizome, bark or vegetative substance or flower bud used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food additive for the purpose of flavoring. Spices are distinguished from herbs, which are leafy, green plant parts used for flavoring purposes. Herbs, such as basil or oregano, may be used fresh, and are commonly chopped into smaller pieces; spices, however, are dried and usually ground into a powder (http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Spice). American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) defines spices as “any dried plant product used primarily for seasoning purposes”. Included are tropical aromatics (pepper, cinnamon, cloves, etc.), leafy herbs (basil, oregano, marjoram, etc.), spice seeds (sesame, poppy, mustard, etc.) and dehydrated vegetables (onions, garlic, etc.) (http://www.astaspice.org/spice/frame_spice.htm). Many spices have other uses like food preservation, medicine, religious rituals, cosmetics, and perfumery or as vegetables.

Soil colloidal substances are composed of very fine particles (< 0.002 mm diameter) that undergoes two phase system in a heterogenous manner, where, one phase (disperse phase) is disperse in a fine state of subdivision in another medium called dispersion medium. The soil colloidal properties are affected by the physico-chemical and biological parameters of soils. The availability of plant nutrients are governed mostly by the surface charge characteristics of clay colloids.

5.0 Soil Colloids

Soil colloids being one of the active constituents determine the physical and chemical properties of the soil with the diameter ranging from 1 μm to 2 μm. The origin of the particles may be organic and inorganic constituents.

Introduction

A biopolymer is defined as a polymeric substance obtained from any living organism (plant or animal) [1]. These polymers are organic compounds where simpler molecules are covalently bonded with each other [2]. Although biopolymers are strictly synthesized naturally by living cells but some of them are also synthesized from non-biomaterial as well. Natural biopolymers are of different types based on their chemical nature like carbohydrate based, protein based or lipid based. Biopolymers can be broken down by the action of naturally-occurring organisms which leaves organic non-harming by-products like water and carbon dioxide in the environment[3].

Bio polymers are gaining importance in the field of food packaging, medical application, commodity packaging etc. because of their have specific physical, chemical, biological, biomechanical and degradation properties. Wide ranges of natural or synthetic biopolymers capable of undergoing degradation hydrolytically or enzymatically are being investigated for many applications[1]. Bio polymers are mainly based on two properties: a) Biological origin b) Biodegradability.

Earlier natural biopolymers such as cellulose, protein, starch have been used extensively for food applications. Recently, synthetic biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are gaining more attention[4] for various applications. Natural biopolymers are more stereospecific and mostly hydrophilic having complex 3D structures as compared to the synthetic polymers[2]. Among the synthetic biopolymers some are microbiologically degradable in the environment whereas some are recyclable[1].

1. The goal of —————— is to gather commodity from the field at proper stage of maturity With minimum damage.

   a) Harvesting

   b) Grading

   c) Sorting

   d) Handling

2. Harvesting in rose is done at —————— stage

   a) Loose bud

   b) Tight bud

   c) Fully open

   d) Partially open

3.1. Entrepreneurship and its allied concepts

3.1.1. Concept of entrepreneur

The word “entrepreneur” has its roots in the french verb “entreprendre,” which means “to undertake.” It means “to start a business” in a business environment. Entrepreneurs are self-employed individuals who not only create jobs for themselves but also generate jobs for many others. An entrepreneur is someone who can identify and seize opportunities to transform inventions or technologies into new products. They can also see an invention’s commercial potential and put together the funds, talent, and other resources needed to transform an idea into a product that can be distributed.

1. The word aquarium for the first time was used by ..........

 a) Philip Henry Gosse   b) Anne Thynne

 c) Philip Rottz   d) Britz Carles

 2. Who built the first stable marine aquarium in 1846?

 a) P.H.Gosse       b) Philip Rottz

  c) Britz Carles      d) Anne Thynne

 3. In 1853,the first large public aquarium was opened in .........

  a) Roman empire         b) London zoo

    c) Victoria era       d) None of these

4. Taraporewala aquarium came into existence in .........

 a) Year 1951       b) Year1945

   c) Year 1974        d) Year 1981

2.1 Rice

Rice is the staple food for the largest number of people on the Earth. According to an estimate, the global rice production must reach 800 million tonne from the present 91.04 million tonne in 2005-06 to meet the demand in 2025. It’s area is 37% of the total area under food grains as against 20% under wheat, another important food crop. But globally it stands next to wheat in harvested area. As the irrigated rice contributes more than 75 per cent of the total rice production, enhancing its yield potential would be key to meeting the global rice requirement for an additional 215 million tonne. To achieve the target yield, rice varieties with a yield advantage of about 20 per cent over popular and widely adapted rice varieties under tropical conditions must be developed. Experience in China, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Bangladesh and several other countries clearly indicates that hybrid rice technology offers readily available option to meet this challenge. 

Introduction

Vitamins are the organic derived accessory food factors apart from carbohydrate, lipid and proteins meant for specific biological functions, optimum growth and health of an organism. These factors are are required in minute amount in the diet for proper functioning of biological enzymes. The term accessory factors were given by Hopkins to the essential nutrients present in the natural foods. Funk (1913) coined the term vitamine to the active principal present in rice polishings. Vitamins are classified into two categories like fat soluble A and water-soluble b Vitamins A, D, E, K are fat soluble whereas Vitamins B and C are water soluble. The B group of vitamins include vitamin B1, B2, B6, biotin folic acid, B12 etcall the fat-soluble vitamins are isoprenoid in nature consisting of repeating isoprenoid units. And meant for diversified functions. The water-soluble vitamins are heterogenous group of compounds generally not stored in the body and readily excreted in urine. These are mostly act as coenzymes for the vital biological enzymes deficiency of which reflects in the form of various deceases.

Vitamin A, include retinoid group of compounds like retinol, retinal and retinoic acid Retinol is a primary alcohol containing β-ionone ring with isoprenoid units, double bonds and hydroxyl group. Naturally it exists as ester of long chain fatty acids. Retinal is the aldehyde form whereas Retinoic acid is the acid form. Carotene is provitamin A normally found in plant origin foods that in the intestine gives rise to two moles of retinal by enzyme carotene 15-15-dioxygenase. Diet contains retinol esters and p-carotene. Retinol esters are hydrolyzed into fatty acids and retinol that absorbed into intestinal mucosal cells. p-carotene Is absorbed and converted into retinal by p-carotene dioxygenase. Retinal then converted into retinol. In the intestinal mucosal cells, retinol re-esterifies with fatty acid to form retinol ester.

Introduction

It is an established fact that water in terms of direct deficit (drought) as well as water surfeits (flooding and water logging) and poor irrigation water quality (salinity)- are major constraints on the use of solar energy for food, feed and fiber production in almost all the agricultural regions of the world. The various biophysical, physiological, genetic, agronomic and ecological aspects of plant water relations have been thoroughly reviewed in recent years with the objective aimed at water availability as a constraint on crop production. This review will attempt a limited synthesis of these aspects, drawing mainly from research on drought resistance in grain crops, rice in particular, and emphasizing the progress- theoretical and practical- that could result from collaboration between physiologists, geneticists and plant breeders. A central theme will be research and development aimed at fitting crop plants to fluctuating drought prone environments. It is noteworthy that shortage of water restricts crop productivity all over the world-not just in those areas classified as arid or semiarid, but in any area in which the evaporative demand exceeds rainfall during the growing season. As such, the interaction between genotype and environment in situations has an important bearing affecting the physiology and also biochemistry at cellular level vis-à-vis the crop phenology. Cultivars with better ability to access soil water and improved water use efficiency could increase yields in an economic and environmentally sustainable way.

Abstract

The tradition of growing of flowers is age old. The flowers have travelled from the bowl of prayers to gardens to commercial sector for revenue. The quality concerned world demands for round the year production and supply of quality produce which can only be possible under controlled environment production. A range of location specific and crop specific infrastructures are being commercially used for production of planting material and flowers. General and crop specific guidelines for trade of cut flowers are available which the producers and policy makers must know for successful promotion of export of cut flowers from the country. The producer can also use practical methods for vase life study of their produce which is of great relevance in cut flower trade.

Keywords: Protected floriculture, trade, crop specific guidelines, export, cut flower

Introduction

Indian floriculture industry is shifting from traditional flowers to cut flowers for export purpose. The liberalized economy has given an impetus to Indian entrepreneurs for establishing export oriented units (EOUs) under controlled climatic conditions. The wide variations in agro climatic conditions in India permit us to grow various types of tropical and subtropical flowers. Though such plants grow successfully in open conditions without cover, they fail to meet the quality requirements of being blemish free. High quality ornamental plants meant for export should be scientifically grown only in plastic, glass or fibre glass greenhouses or at least under partial cover. Though initial investment is high in protected cultivation, the products in them will obtain far more attractive prices.

Abstract

Complex industrial wastewater by using conventional treatment method is a significant challenge for its safe disposal. Recently, two step treatments by aerobic bacteria using activated sludge process followed by rhizofiltration has been recommended as a promising technology for detoxification of complex industrial waste. In activated sludge process recalcitrant compounds are biotransformed along with biodegradation of organic waste. Aerobic treatment may be activated sludge process, trickling filter or aerobic lagoon process, which one is used for treatment  it is based upon the characteristics of wastewater. Carbon and nitrogen ratio along with other organic compound is also play important role for microbial growth and degradation of pollutants. During degradation of various pollutants, metal microbes interaction play significant role for its bioremediation either through adsorption or bioaccumulation.

Government Programmes for Agribusiness

Both the central and state governments have devised programmes to luve the entrepreneurs for setting up agribusiness in India. They may be classified as programmes falling under small-scale industries, Khadi and village industries, small and medium industries, large industries based on the finance required for investment. Apart from these many efforts were taken especially after signing, the WTO agreement to harness the export market. They include conversion of Export Processing Zones (EPZ) into Special Economic Zones (SEZ), establishment of Agri-export zones for which government is attracting private investors to make investment in infrastructure development of cold storage chains, improvement in road, rail, sea and air transport systems.

The Ministry of Small Scale Industries & Agro and Rural Industries designs and implements the policies through its field organizations for promotion and growth of small and tiny enterprises, including the coir industries.

The Ministry also coordinates with other Ministries/ Departments on behalf the Small Scale Industries (SSI) sector.

The implementation of policies and various programmes/schemes for providing infrastructure and support services to small enterprises is undertaken through its attached office, namely the Small Industry Development Organization (SIDO), statutory bodies/other organizations likely Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) & Coir Board a Public Sector Undertaking -National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and three training institutes -National Institute of Small Industry Extension Training (NISIET), Hyderabad, National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), New Delhi and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati.

Manure is the organic material derived from animal, human and plant residues which contain plant nutrients in complex forms. Manures are used as source of plant nutrients. They release nutrient after their decomposition. They are applied in large quantities

Advantages of Organic Manures

• Organic manure provides all the nutrients that are required by plants but in limited quantities.
• It helps in maintaining C:N ratio in the soil and also increases the fertility and productivity of the soil.
• It improves the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.
• It improves both the structure and texture of the soils.
• It increases the water holding capacity of the soil.
• Due to increase in the biological activity, the nutrients that are in the lower depths are also made available to the plants through manures.
• It acts as mulch, thereby minimizing the evaporation losses of moisture from the soil.

In agricultural systems, water quality is usually determined to  assess its suitability for irrigation and/or its use for aquaculture. Analysis of irrigation water is carried out, to know their nutrient load, suitability for irrigation purposes in general and to salt sensitive crops in particular, and their significance as nutrient suppliers as in practical crop production (Tandon,1993). For aquaculture, on the other hand, maintenance of pond environment for survival and growth of aquatic lives, forms the major purpose of such exercises. While both the assessments are mostly governed by some common variables, a few additional attributes are also used for identifying the water quality for these two different purposes. The most important characteristics, that determine the quality of irrigation water are:

Agroforestry is a new name for a set of old practices. The farmers have been practicing agroforestry since ancient times. The general concept of agroforestry is to integrate trees and agriculture so as to create a more diversified landscape, while providing the producers with new environmental and economic benefits. In other words, agroforestry is a method of farming that allows trees and shrubs to grow along with crops and/or livestock, therefore blending agriculture and forestry in the same production system. This relatively young science was brought from the realm of indigenous knowledge into the forefront of agricultural research four decades ago and was promoted widely as a sustainability-enhancing practice that combines the best attributes of both forestry and agriculture.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is highly mountainous except for a short belt joining the Punjab plains. Geographically, the state of Jammu and Kashmir is divided into three regions -alpine desert of Ladakh, subtropical region of Jammu and predominantly temperate region of Kashmir valley. The valley is rich in herbaceous flora with huge potential for landscape use, however, many of which are still not exploited much for the purpose. Plants which live and bloom year after year are known as perennials which have an importance of their own and are backbone of any well-planned garden. The stems of herbaceous perennials die at the ground level each winter. They comprise a vast group of plants widely differing in size, leaf texture, flower color and are found in all the gardening countries of the world. The monotonous spread of concrete and glass in cities can have a dehumanizing effect. Growing colourful flowers in the house compound and in the parks will greatly enhance the beauty of surroundings in the countryside, the towns and cities. Flowers also bring happiness to life and boast the sagging spirits. The assemblage and display of colourful and attractive herbaceous perennials can achieve very significant and telling effects on the environment particularly in the landscaping of the house compounds, gardens, parks, health resorts and hotels. Now a day herbaceous plants are also used therapeutically to cure several problems related to humans. Judicious selection of native and introduced herbaceous perennials should camouflage with the type of habitation, building pattern, colour of the countryside etc. These plants should occupy only well thought of position in the landscape. There are always a number of shady spots in our lawns/gardens especially towards north-east side of a structure where lawn grass fails to grow or show poor growth. These spots can be converted into perennial herbaceous border of foliage plants.

Trees and shrubs are often the most dominant plants in landscapes but ground covers and vines play an important role too. The low spreading form of ground covers can connect and unify major planting areas and even serve as a focal point when the plants are flowering. In contrast to annuals, perennials provide savings in time, labour and expenses each year because where adapted to a specific climate zone, they can successfully over come winter and re- establish for more than a single growing season. Perennials are probably the most diverse plant group, providing a huge variety of shape, form, colour, texture and scent with which to design a planting. Since there is an increasing trend and awareness of planned landscaping in the public and in view of its value in preserving the environment, there is an urgent need to identify and select the appropriate native, naturalized and exotic planting material for specific sites /locations. Information regarding herbaceous perennials surveyed and identified in Kashmir Valley with prospective use in landscaping are given as under:

Drought

There is no universally accepted definition of drought. Early workers defined drought as prolonged period without rainfall. Drought is a situation when the actual seasonal rainfall is deficient by more than twice the mean deviation. American Meteorological Society defined drought as a period of abnormally dry weather, sufficiently prolonged for lack of water to cause a severe hydrological imbalance in the area affected.

Prolonged deficiency of soil moisture adversely affected crop growth indicating incidence of agriculture drought. It is the result of imbalance between soil moisture and evapotranspiration needs of an area over a fairly long period as to cause damage to standing crops and to reduce the yields.