eChapters

The word biscuit drives from Danisbiscoctus which is the Latin word used for twice-cooked bread in Britain and refers to bread rusks made for sailors (ship biscuits) as long as the Middle Ages. Biscuits are thin, flat, baked and crisp items made comprising flour, sugar and fat as the key ingredients. These usually have a moisture content of less than 4% and have a long shelf life, maybe six months or more, when packed in moisture-proof containers. They may be a part of routine diets, sweets, luxury gifts, nutritional items, baby foods, pet foods, chocolates and creams added, etc. The appearance and eating qualities determine the appeal to consumers.

Food security, nutritional security, sustainability and profitability are the main foci ofpresent agricultural scenario in India. In the absence of additional land for bringing under plough vertical growth in agriculture through intensive cropping and enhanced productivity becomes inevitable. Intensification of agriculture to meet the growing needs of the burgeoning population has brought with it numerous productivity related constraints. It has triggered multiple nutrient deficiencies in soil and this has raised doubts on the soils capacity to sustain anticipated production levels. One of the key inputs in enhancing and maintaining the productivity ofintensified agricultural systems is chemical fertilizer which provides nutrients in readily available form. But long term experiments on various cropping systems at various agroecological regions and soil types revealed that continuous use of chemical fertilizers in unbalanced and indiscriminate manner deteriorates the soil health and leads to deleterious effect on long term soil fertility and yield sustainability. Apart from the soil productivity issue, the use of chemical fertilizer is also becoming more and more costly due to scarcity during peak demand. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers is not only costly but they pollute the production environment (Singh et al., 2005; Dwivedi et al., 2003).

In the coming decades, a major issue in designing sustainable agriculture system will be the management and rational use of organic inputs such as animal manure, green manure, crop residues and biofertilizers etc. (Powlson, 1994). Long term studies indicated that current fertilizer recommendations are inadequate for maintaining yields (Bhandari et al., 2000; Singh and Mishra, 2010; Tiwari et al., 2006). It is, therefore, to sustain high crop yield without deterioration of soil fertility it is important to apply required amount of plant nutrients through fertilizers in combination with organic sources, crop residues, biofertilizers etc.

INTRODUCTION

Tulips are one of the most popular and widely grown flowering plant. Tulip is a main stay of spring gardens providing abundant flowers in vivid and vibrant spectrum and colours. It is first among bulbous ornamentals due to its attractive colours and exquisite flowers. Tulip is the national flower of Turkey and tulip motifs feature prominently in Turkish folk arts. The first European cultivation of the tulips as a garden flower occurred in the Netherlands in sixteenth century. In the following century, the early enthusiasm for the new flowers triggered a speculative frenzy now known as tulipomania. The Netherlands and tulips are still associated with one other. Tulip festivals are held in the Netherlands and in North America every May. A number of bewitching cultivars grown to perfection in a large variety of delicate and brilliant shades have developed tulip cultivation into a great bulb growing industry. Tulips are not only widely cultivated for cut flower production world wide but also grown for pot culture, in beds, borders, formal and informal location. They are also suitable for growing in orchards, lawns, rockeries and wild gardens.

The word tulip industry is dominated by the Dutch tulip growers. There is 10,000 hectare of tulip bulbs grown in the Netherlands. About 70 per cent of tulip bulbs cultivated are for forcing for flowers with 30 per cent for pre packs for gardens. The world market for bulbs has been buoyant for the past ten years. Production has been increasing at the rate of 6-8 per cent per annum and the market has expanded in line with this growth. In the Netherlands, three quarters of the total bulbs produced are exported, with the highest percentage going to the United State followed by Germany. In India, tulips are gaining popularity among the flower growers owing to congenial climate in hilly areas. Particularly in Kashmir valley, production of cut flower is increasing. Some area has been increased in Himachal Pradesh. It can also be grown successfully in other hilly parts of the country like Uttaranchal between 1300 to 3000 metre above mean sea level.

1.1 General

Access to energy is a crucial enabling condition for achieving sustainable development. Prudent energy policies and research can play an important role in steering both industrialized and developing countries onto more sustainable energy development paths. Specifically, they can strengthen the three pillars of sustainable development: the economy, by boosting productivity, social welfare, by improving living standards and enhancing safety and security, and the environment, by reducing indoor and outdoor pollution and remediating environmental degradation.

1.2 Energy and it’s Requirement

Energy in any form is necessary to meet many of our requirements. It’s varying definitions shows the importance of energy in our life.

Introduction

Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding branch of science that has a critical role to play in raising the standard of living for people in the modern world. The global market for nanotechnology in food packaging is valued at 20 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to 46.50 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.32% from 2024 to 2031 (InsightAce Analytic, 2023). The rapid expansion of nanotechnology has paved the way for number of industrial areas, including food processing, food contact materials, and agricultural output (Mohammadi & Jafari, 2021). Nanotechnology is the fastest-growing field of science that significantly enhances the quality of life in today's world. This rapid advancement has opened up numerous industrial sectors, such as food processing, food contact materials, and agricultural production. A natural advancement is the integration of nanotechnology into food packaging. This includes enhanced packaging, active packaging, and a new category known as smart or intelligent packaging. Food contact materials, such as antimicrobial metals and oxides, biodegradable nanocomposites, and nanosensors, are utilized to create active and intelligent packaging. These materials enhance thermal and mechanical durability, increase safety and extend the shelf life of food, and facilitate the monitoring of packaged food (Kah et al., 2013). At the nanoscale, material properties change significantly, making it challenging to predict, identify, evaluate, and manage the health, safety, and environmental risks associated with nanomaterials. For example, nanoparticles (NPs) of 50 nm can enter cells, those of 70 nm can penetrate the lungs, and 30 nm NPs can cross blood-brain barriers.

Introduction

Lithosphere, including the earth’s crust, is helpful in providing the base or medium for sustenance of most life processes and forms, interwoven in fine network interdependencies within themselves and the environment surrounding them i.e. ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystem contains an important dynamic living matrix termed soil, which is critical for agricultural production and food security. Soil forms the medium for growth and maintenance of a variety of plant species while the plant roots in the soil represent a four dimensional region in space and time of profuse activity relative to the bulk soil, revolving around pH, nutrient, redox potential, and exudate gradients changing as distance from the root increases (Marschner, 1995). The soil region adhering the plant roots is being strongly influenced by the presence of these roots and is characterized by high rates of microbial population and activity and referred as rhizosphere (the soil adhering to plant roots).

Poultry Breeding

Poultry breeding is a scientific practice aimed at enhancing the genetic traits of birds to improve their productivity and quality. Historically, poultry farming began as small-scale backyard operations, but it has now evolved into a major industry. This transformation has been driven by the development of superi or breeds for both egg and meat production through advanced breeding and selection techniques. Modern poultry breeds exhibit significantly improved productive capacities, such as higher egg production and better meat quality, compared to their ancestors. Successful poultry breeding requires a deep un derstanding of the qualities and capabilities of various breeds, allowing breed ers to select and combine desirable traits to achieve specific goals, whether for size, weight, egg production, meat quality, or a combination of these factors.

• Poultry production has transitioned from a small-scale backyard venture to a significant industry.

• This growth has been largely driven by the development of superior breeds for egg and meat production, utilizing modern breeding and selection techniques.

Need to know Physiological maturity (PM), Harvestable maturity (HM) and harvesting method

·    If these factors are considered, the harvest produce will have the maximum seed quality characters in terms of germination, vigour and storability.

 The maturity is of two types depending on the purpose. If the crop is for grain production it is enough to harvest the crop during harvestable maturity. But when the crop is meant for seed purpose it is advisable to harvest the crop during physiological maturity.

Abstract

Vegetables are health capsules, being the chief source of vitamins and minerals besides providing other dietary elements like carbohydrates, proteins and even fat and enzymes to some extent, antioxidants and fibre. Though India is the second largest vegetable producer (147 million tones in 2012) in the world, per capita supply and consumption of vegetables in India is very low (160 g day ^-1). It is now realized that the problems of satisfying hunger and nutrition are much beyond the realm of food crops alone and therefore, to supplement and balance our diet, more vegetables are to be included. Vegetables not only provide nutritional security in rural areas but also financial security to small and marginal land holders growing vegetables in the hinterlands of urban markets. Commercialization of vegetable production is the scene of the day as they are money spinners in domestic markets and dollar earners in global markets. To compete in the domestic and global market and for year round supply of quality produce, protected or greenhouse cultivation of vegetables is imperative. Water and nutrients are the top most growth and production inputs in any crop cultivation and vegetables are no exception to this. In order to get the potential yields with matching quality of vegetables grown under protected cultivation, the best of the management strategies to supply water and nutrients is needed. In this direction, drip fertigation is the best option for efficient supply of irrigation water and fertilizer nutrients for greenhouse grown vegetable crops. The studies carried in different parts of the world have clearly indicated that fertigation technology resulted in substantial yield increase with marked enhancement of water and nutrient productivity.

Introduction

Western world started paying attention to climate change after the Industrial Revolution when collateral environmental problems began appearing with the development. But in India, many shastras gave philosophy of sustainable development before the evolution of many civilizations.

It means that “All this is for habitation by the Lord, whatsoever is individual universe of movement in the universal motion. Man should use all resources by renunciation, he should not see them with feeling of lust”. Here, renunciation means controlled use of resources. It is known as Green Application of the resources nowadays.

Whenever the term ‘green’ is used as an adjective with certain phrases, the said phrase is considered to depict a friendly character with the environment. In this sense, the Cambridge Dictionary defines the word ‘green’ as “relating to or believing in the protection of the natural environment.” For instance, Green Technology, one of those concepts towards which this paper is concerned, will refer to those technologies which are environment friendly. But this won’t help us understand what green technology actually means.

Introduction
Veterinary embryology is a fundamental branch of veterinary science that focuses on the study of the development of embryos in animals, tracing the journey from the moment of fertilization to the point where a fully developed fetus is formed. This field is not just an academic endeavor but a critical component of veterinary practice, research, and animal husbandry. It offers profound insights into the origins of life, the complex processes that drive the formation of tissues and organs, and the ways in which genetic and environmental factors interact to shape the development of an organism. The field of veterinary embryology is vast and encompasses several stages of development. The process begins with gametogenesis, where the reproductive cells—sperm in males and ova in females—are produced through a process of meiosis. These gametes are haploid, meaning they contain half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells. The union of these gametes during fertilization restores the diploid number of chromosomes, marking the beginning of a new individual organism. The fertilized egg, or zygote, is the starting point of embryonic development. Following fertilization, the zygote undergoes a series of rapid cell divisions known as cleavage. During cleavage, the single-celled zygote divides without growing, resulting in a cluster of smaller cells called blastomeres. This process continues until the formation of a structure known as the blastocyst, which consists of an inner cell mass that will eventually develop into the embryo, and an outer layer of cells called the trophoblast, which will form the placenta. The blastocyst is a critical stage in development as it is involved in implantation into the uterine wall, a necessary step for establishing a successful pregnancy. The next major phase in embryonic development is gastrulation, a highly orchestrated process that results in the formation of three primary germ layers: the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. These layers are the foundation for all the tissues and organs in the body. The ectoderm gives rise to the nervous system, skin, and sensory organs; the mesoderm

Abstract
 
This work aimed to evaluate agromicrobes preponderance and activity in maize ecosystem of same soil types (diara land/fragile land) under different agricultural practices. We conducted a five year field survey of grower’s field to investigate the effect of tillage system, maize plant genotypes and soil organic carbon level on preponderance of diazotroph (Azotobacter), plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (Pseudomonas) and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) colonization of maize ecosystem. No tillage, traditional maize cultivar and soil organic carbon (>1%) appear to support the preponderance of targeted diazotrophs, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in maize rhizosphere and AM colonization of maize root. Elevation in the preponderance of bacteria, Azospirillum population in maize root, AM colonization, microbial biomass, nitrogen mineralization, phosphate solubilising microbes, cellulose hydrolyzing microbes and acetylene reducing assay (ARA)  of maize root appeared due to organic fertilization of maize crop.

Abstract

High altitudes may be cold and humid or cold or arid ones making the requirements of protected cultivation entirely different in both the conditions. The present chapter is based on the environmental conditions existing in Leh region. Near sub-zero temperature with snow in higher altitudes makes vegetable production tough without use of techniques of protected cultivation. Protected cultivation has witnessed gradual developments from riverbed cultivation practices to use of several types of plastics (PP, PE, PVC etc.) and UV stabilized polythene sheets. Area under protected cultivation is spread worldwide mainly in countries like Holland, Spain, Isaral, China , Japan etc. Protected cultivation technology provides favorable climate for production of vegetable &/or their seedlings of superior quality even in the extreme adverse climate outside. Such structure exploits solar thermal energy to improve photosynthetic efficiency of the plants grown inside. This green house effect is very helpful in winters at high altitudes. Similarly, some modifications in these structures are needed to low the temperature during summers. A number of advantages with some limitations can be listed that are associated with the protected cultivation. At high altitudes, three methods viz. Polyhouse/Greenhouse /Net /shaded house, Low tunnels or row covers and plastic mulching can be used. Polyhouse is a framed structure with 200 micron UV stabilized low density cladding forming a greenhouse effect. Underground trench type polyhouse can also be made with polyethylene supported on wooden poles or GI pipes. Though a combination of above two known as polyench was found performing better in Ladhak area. Low tunnels or row cover use transparent plastic films or net over low hoops to cover rows of plants. Mulching is covering the soil around plants to conserve soil moisture, temperature, preventing weeds etc. using transparent and black plastics of 10-25micron thickness. Double colored plastic mulches are being tested for different crops and different seasons. In arid high altitudes, DRDO (through DIHAR, Leh) has worked extensively on protected cultivation and developed production technologies in the service of nation. Its contribution includes making possible the production of nursery, cucurbits and several other vegetables and their seeds in sub zero climatic conditions. Now, there is a need to develop more area specific, more appropriate, efficient and economic protection structures. Simultaneous development of tools, machinery and vegetable varieties suitable for use in protected conditions are among the major aspects of future work to be done in this field.

Food preservation methods are important in order to avoid glut or shortage of food in the market. In addition it helps to increase the shelf life, maintain the nutritional and sensorial quality, facilitate transportation and improve the overall value of the commodity. Even though various methods of food preservation are available now. Most of the conventional methods are thermal preservation methods which may result in the loss of volatile nutrients and flavour, different sensorial modifications, microbial spread with or without gas production, damage to the microstructure, rupture of coating or packaging surfaces and microbial recontamination caused by non-hermetic closure.

Biodiversity encompasses the different kinds of life we find in one area— the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life. Biodiversity refers to all species and living things on Earth or in a specific ecosystem. Biodiversity brings together the different species and forms of life (animal, plant, entomological and other) and their variability, that is to say, their dynamics of evolution in their ecosystems. Traditionally, there are three levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. But what does each of these levels really mean.

5.1. Research methodology

Research methodology is a thorough investigation plan and the manual for conducting the research. This chapter’s examination of methodology aims to help readers comprehend the ideas, strategies, and tactics used to plan a study, gather data, analyse it, and interpret it in order to reveal reality and develop theories. This chapter has been classified under various sub headings for clear understanding:

(i) Locale of research.

 (ii) Pilot study.

 (iii) Methods of sampling.

 (iv) Variables and their empirical measurement.

 (v) Preparation of the interview schedule.

 (vi) Tools and techniques of data collection.

 (vii) Statistical analysis and interpretation of data.

1.1 Introduction

Temperate fruits are those fruits that are adapted to the temperate climate where the winter is distinctly cold. They can tolerate both diurnal and seasonal wide fluctuation of temperature and are grown only in places where winter is distinctly cold. They require exposure to specific chilling temperature for certain period to break bud dormancy and initiate bud break. These fruit plants are generally deciduous and suitable for higher elevation as they can withstand frost. Their cultivation is confined to Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh; they are also grown to a small extent, at suitable elevations in south India as in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu. They shed the leaves during winter and remain in dormant condition throughout the winter. The most economically important temperate fruits belong to Rosaceae family and includes peach, pear, cherries, almond, apple, apricot, plums, raspberries and strawberries (Ferree and Warrington, 2003). Among them apple is the dominant temperate fruit with greater than 71 million tonnes of global production. It was perceived as native to Central Asia and now grown in many countries across the world (Janick et al., 1996; FAO, 2009).

Introduction

In today’s world, where environmental issues are prominent and there’s a growing realization of our planet’s limited resources, the concepts of sustainable harvesting and conservation have become extremely important. They act as guiding principles, directing us to use resources responsibly and to protect the diverse life and ecosystems on Earth. The paper is designed to explore the core principles of sustainable harvesting and conservation, emphasizing their critical importance and the pressing need for a careful equilibrium between utilizing resources and safeguarding the environment. The paper analyzes laws, policies, and delving into Sikkim’s sustainable conservation and harvesting methods, and argues that successful implementation of these strategies presents Sikkim as a model that can be replicated worldwide. Sikkim’s proactive initiatives, such as banning plastic and harmful substances, as well as implementing measures to reduce pollution, showcase a forward thinking approach to environmental stewardship(Sikkim, ND),. These actions set an example for other areas to emulate, promoting a more sustainable and responsible relationship with our natural surroundings.

Introduction

Agricultural research and development in the past 50 years has primarily focused on increasing productivity through intensification of input use to  maximize grower income and  minimize hunger and food shortage (Andow et al., 2009). The full environmental costs of this policy such as water and soil pollution, soil and resources impoverishment (Tegtmeier & Duffy, 2004), only recently became apparent, and this awareness has led to the beginning of a change in philosophy away from purely production-oriented practices towards those that are more environmentally sustainable (Alexanian, Metera, & Schuler, 2009). In addition, agriculture and its interactions with the natural environment have begun to emerge more strongly in political, economic and social agendas reflecting the increasing importance of sustainability to consumers. Consumers are now demanding food that are of high quality, locally produced, regionally specialized, organic, fairly traded, and are humanly and ethically produced. Achieving all or some of these goals with fewer resources is now the objective of modern sustainable agriculture (Mason, 2003).

Organization means a system with parts which work together, or system with parts dependent upon each other. According to Louis Allen, organization is a process of identifying and grouping the works to be performed, defining and delegating responsibility and authority, and establishing relationships for the purpose of enabling people to work most effectively together in accomplishing objectives.

There is a difference between the words "Organizing" and "organization". Organizing refers to i) the identification and classification of required activities, ii) the grouping of activities necessary to attain objectives, iii) the assignment of each grouping to a manager with the authority (delegation) necessary to sepervise it, and iv) the provision for co-ordination, horizontally and vertically, in the oganization structure.

Organization implies a formalized intentional structure of roles or positions. The "intentional structure of roles" would refer to the roles people are asked to fill should be intentionally designed to ensure that required activities are done and that activities fit together so that people can work smoothly, effectively and efficiently in groups.