eChapters

The bio-resources application in the soil is known to improve the biological properties of the soil. Several earlier reports show a spur in microbial populations or increased microbial biomass carbon and the enhanced enzymatic activities with the incorporation of bio-resources in soil (Perucci, 1990; Goyal et al., 1993; Bonde et al., 2004).

Microbial populations

Indigenous microbial populations in soil are of fundamental importance for an eco system functioning, through determining nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition and energy flow (Doran and Zeiss, 2000).

INTRODUCTION

The aquaculture industry is regarded as one of the most advanced food production industries globally. From 2010 to 2020, it grew at an average annual rate of 4.6%, reaching 122.6 million tonnes of live weight (FAO, 2022). Sustainable aquaculture proposes numerous profits to attain economic progress through well usage of natural resources (FAO 2017). The expansions in the sustainable aquaculture business are challenging due to the inadequate number of available natural resources and industrialized effects that released to the surround environments (Costa-Pierce et al. 2012; Verdegem 2013). Particularly in intensive system, increased higher organic matter concentrations raise several future issues, including acute harmful, chronic impacts (Piedrahita 2003). Recently, Innovative biofloc technology system (BFT) is one of the most popular methods to combat these problems.

Biofloc is a climate-smart technology that relies on mass synthesis of in situ microorganisms (Ogello et al., 2021). The BFT permits high stocking densities and higher fish productivity (Ogello et al., 2021) while requiring limited or zero water exchange in to sustain the flocs (Emerenciano et al., 2017). The power of BFT aligns with the "cradle to cradle" concept that outlined by McDonough and Braungart (2002), which omits the phrase "waste”. In BFT, nitrogen wastes that generated from feces of aquatic animals and residual feeds are transformed into the microbial protein that becomes feed for the same creatures (Minaz and Kubilay 2021). Numerous microorganisms, including bacteria, microalgae, protozoa, and zooplankton, are present in biofloc particles (Ray et al. 2010a). Hence, biofloc can incorporate the diet of aquatic species, which utilises the natural productivity in the culture system as a feed source (Wasielesky et al. 2006; Emerenciano et al. 2012a). This microorganisms are recognised for their contributions to (i) preserving high water quality (Emerenciano et al., 2017), (ii) enhancing culture efficiency by lowering feed conversion ratio (FCR) and costs of feed (Hargreaves, 2006). (iii) biosecurity (Defoirdt et al., 2004), and (iv) conserving greenhouse gases (GHG) (Manan et al., 2016). These four biological roles of microorganisms in BFT units are factors of high fish production, profitability and environmental protection (Ogello et al., 2021).

Babbitt: 1. A tin base alloy containing 88% tin, 8% antimony and 4% copper. 2. In machinery, to line, bush, fill or face with Babbitt metal, e.g. to babbit a bearing.

Back furrow: A raised ridge left at the centre of the strip of land when ploughing is started from centre to side. See Fig. 1B.

Backfire: The accidental explosion of an overly rich mixture in the exhaust manifold of a spark-ignition engine. Backfire conditions can also develop if the premature ignition occurs near the fuel intake valve and the resultant flame travels back into the induction system.

Backlash: The clearance or play between two parts, such as meshed gears.

ABSTRACT

This article is an attempt to describe potential agroforestry systems for mid hills zone of Himalayas. The existing traditional land use systems with separate allocation to agriculture and forest are inadequate not only to fill gaps between demand and supply for food, fuel, fodder and timber but also to check land degradation and soil erosion. The adoption of common agroforestry systems, namely agrisilviculture, agrihorticulture, agrisilvihorticulture, agrihortisilviculture, silvimedicinal, silvipastoral and hortipastoral along with appropriate management practices shall be suitable and viable option for checking soil erosion, improving productivity and economic status of the farming community. The functional components of agroforestry systems, however, differ greatly in size, texture and nature depending on the necessity of rural population. The fuel, fodder, timber and fruit trees dominate in the hilly regions, whereas commercial species like poplar, eucalyptus, shisham, etc constitute the major functional component in lower Shivaliks. Farming communities successfully grow food crops like wheat, maize, soybean, pea, black gram; vegetable crops like tomato, cabbage, capsicum; tuber crops and medicinal crops with multipurpose woody perennials. The findings indicate that agricultural crops can be integrated with woody perennials without any adverse impact on growth, production or physiological status of food crops, except when growing immediately beneath tree canopies. Our experience is that planting timber, fuel-fodder or fruit tree species in combination with agricultural crops and medicinal and aromatic herb species pave the way for diversified products and better economic returns to the farmers. Multipurpose tree species outside the forest have played very important role in catering to the day to day requirements of the rural population, beside environmental conservation. Different farming systems consisting crops + trees have yielded encouraging results and have not only helped diversification but enhanced productivity of land per unit area. Intercropping medicinal and aromatic herb species, especially with fruit and commercial timber further makes agroforestry more profitable.

Home cooking is all about simple, tasty and healthy food brought from the kitchen to the dining table. But oftentimes, preparing the food can be timeconsuming and tedious. With the right list of basic kitchen tools, utensils and appliances, we can make cooking more enjoyable and a lot easier. These appliances can also motivate us to think of creative new recipes to delight our loved ones.

Introduction

Immunology deals with the body defence system consisting of various cells and biomolecules that prevents entry of foreign infectious and toxic agents by different mechanisms. The mammalian immune system operates in two ways like innate or non specific immunity and adaptive or acquired or specific immunity. Innate part constitutes the physical (skin, hair, tears and mucous secretions) containing enzymes that prevents primarily entry of pathogen. It is the first line of defence action, very fast but not adequate. Adaptive form constitutes defensive cells and secreted immunoglobulins. It takes time to develop effectively, especially when the body sees the organism for the first time. Immunoglobulins (Ig) or antibodies are a group of proteins produced from B lymphocytes and plasma cells in response to the presence of any foreign substances. They are 5 basic types like M, A, G, E and D each with specific function. The system can produce antibody molecules, directed to about 1 million different kinds of antigens. All immunoglobulins have a similar basic structure.

Nursery is a place where plants are grown, nurtured and sold out. Generally, various commercial crop growers require a good quality saplings or grafts of genuine type.
 
Diseases and insects are as much a problem in growing plants in the nursery as they are in growing any other crop. It is always better to monitor the nursery continually with respect to disease and insects damage and select the proper control measures or pesticides for identified pests. Horticultural nurseries are heterogenous and especially complex agricultural systems, which present formidable challenges to management of diseases and pests. Moreover, nursery plants transported interstate and internationally can serve as important vectors for pathogens and insects that threaten both agriculture and forestry.

Abstract

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking functional foods in an effort to control their own health and well-being. The field of functional foods, however, is in its infancy. Claims about health benefits of functional foods must be based on sound scientific criteria. A number of factors complicate the establishment of a strong scientific foundation. These factors include the complexity of the food substance, effects on the food, compensatory metabolic changes that may occur with dietary changes, and, lack of surrogate markers of disease development. Additional research is necessary to substantiate the potential health benefits of those foods for which the diet-health relationships are not sufficiently scientifically validated. Research into functional foods will not advance public health unless the benefits of the foods are effectively communicated to the consumer. Finally, those foods whose health benefits are supported by sufficient scientific substantiation have the potential to be an increasingly important component of a healthy lifestyle and to be beneficial to the public and the food industry. Mounting evidence supports the observation that functional foods containing physiologically-active components, either from plant or animal sources, may enhance health. It should be stressed, however, that functional foods are not a magic bullet or universal panacea for poor health habits. There are no “good” or “bad” foods, but there are good or bad diets. Emphasis must be placed on over-all dietary pattern, which follows the current Dietary Guidelines, and is plant-based, high in fiber, low in animal fat, and contains 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

Weeds can be considered a significant problem because they tend to decrease crop yields by increasing competition for water, sunlight and nutrients while serving as host plants for pests and diseases. Since the invention of herbicides, farmers have used these chemicals to eradicate weeds from their fields. Using herbicides not only increased crop yields but also reduced the labor required to remove weeds. Today, some farmers have a renewed interest in organic methods of managing weeds since the widespread use of agro-chemicals has resulted in purported environment and health problems. It has also been found that in some cases herbicides use can cause some weed species to dominate fields because the weeds develop resistance to herbicides. In addition, some herbicides are capable of destroying weeds that are harmless to crops, resulting in a potential decrease in biodiversity on farmers. It is important to understand that under an organic system of weed control, weeds could never be eliminated but only managed. In organic agriculture weeds are the resources as they are mostly native to the field/areas of existence (Children’s of the soil)

Sensor is a physical device used to detect manifestations or variations in a process value and collect data in real time assessment mode for measuring and predicting system/device performance and finally analyzing it to attain a specific task or application. Sensor technology is now-a-days used for interdisciplinary applications for data collection, system analysis and monitoring.

Introduction

The interest in soil as a natural body originated from its ability to produce and sustain crops. The scientific study of soil probably started in the mid-nineteenth century and was dominated by geologists, chemists and plant physiologists. Justus von Liebig (1840) in his famous publication, Chemistry Applied to Agriculture and Physiology, put forward the theory that plants assimilate mineral nutrients from soils which varied in their capacity of nutrient supply. The ‘Law of Restitution’ propounded by him states that whatever is being taken by plants from the soil needs to be restored to maintain the nutrient supplying capacity of the soil.

To combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, nutrition-sensitive agriculture is a food-based strategy to agricultural development that emphasizes dietary diversity, fortification, and consumption of nutrient-rich foods. This strategy recognizes the importance of consuming a wide range of foods for optimal nutrition and acknowledges the social and economic significance of the food and agriculture industries in supporting rural livelihoods (WHO, 2014)

The overarching goal of nutrition-sensitive agriculture is to enhance the ability of the global food system to produce nutritious outcomes. An increasing number of governments, donor agencies, and development organizations are endorsing nutrition-sensitive agriculture as a means to achieve their developmental objectives. However, relying solely on nutrition-specific interventions falls short of meeting global targets for improving nutrition. Agriculture, with its significant potential to influence nutrition outcomes, must also play a role. 

Ear plug: A device made of a pliable substance, which fits into the ear opening; used to protect an ear from excessive noise or from water.

Ear protector: A device, such as a plug or ear muff, used to protect the human ear from loud noise that may be injurious to hearing, such as that of jet engines.

Earned value: The budgeted cost of the work performed for a given project.

Earth moving: Tillage action and transport operations utilized to loosen, load, carry and unload the soil.

Earthmover: A machine used to excavate, transport, or push earth.

1.     Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory
    
2.     Cleaning and Sterilization of Glass Wares
    
3.     Media Sterilization
    
4.     Media Composition and Media Preparation
    
5.     Callus Culture in Carrot
    
6.     Culture of Shoot Tip (Vanilla)
    
7.     Anther Culture of Datura
    
8.     Subculture of Carrot Callus
    
9.     Hardening of Plantlets
    
10.     Isolation of Protoplast from Plant Leaves

The word ‘remote sensing’ was coined by Evelyn L. Pruitt, an American Geographer in 1960. Remote sensing is defined as collection and interpretation of information about a target without being in physical contact with it. Remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, area or phenomenon under investigation (Lillesand and Keifer, 1994).

The information needs a physical carrier to travel from the objects/events to the sensors through an intervening medium. Any force field such as gravity, magnetic or electromagnetic could be used for remote sensing. However, the electromagnetic radiation is conventionally used as an information carrier in remote sensing. Remotely sensed data may be gathered by different devices, including sensors, film cameras, digital cameras and video recorders. Instruments capable of measuring electromagnetic radiation are called sensors.

Remote sensing is nothing but opposite of astronomy. In astronomy, man looks from the earth to the sky to understand and gain more knowledge about the celestial objects. But remote sensing refers to going upward in the sky to look downwards to understand and gain more knowledge about terrestrial objects. In remote sensing, the aerial sensor technologies are used to detect and classify objects on earth by means of electromagnetic radiation.

3.0. Introduction

A hazard is any factor that may be present in the food or food products and can cause harm to the consumer either through injury or illness. Hazards may be biological, chemical and physical. It may be a biological, chemical or physical property or condition of food with the potential to cause an adverse health effect. Therefore, these hazards can be grouped into three broad categories (Fig 3.1). Further, various stages during which processing hazard can takes place in a food industry is illustrated through Fig. 3.2. Effect of different potential hazards on human health along with symptoms is presented in Annexure IV.

Introduction

Tripura is a small state blessed with rich flora and fauna. The small scale aquaculture with other agricultural enterprises and allied economic activities are common practice followed by majority of the farmers in rural areas. The small scale aquaculture is not only common in rural areas but is also practiced in the backyard ponds in urban which have multiple uses. The homestead fish production is common in Tripura because fish is highly preferred food item in the diet of about 95% people of Tripura. But due to the subsistence level of aquaculture practices in the state, productivity and production of fish is quite insufficient to meet out market demand for fish. Though the state Government and other stakeholders of fish production systems are making relentless effort to enhance the production to the level of 74 MT to meet the current market demand, the average fish productivity in the state is comparatively lower as compared to many states of the country. The lower productivity is an important issue and one of the major impediments in enhancing fish production in the state. The experts and research finding have identified several factors such as short culture period, acidic nature of soil and water, more iron content, poor quality of seed, improper feeding, lack of technical knowhow etc are the main reasons behind the lower productivity. Still, there are many other issues uncovered and unaddressed which may be the lower growth of fishes and consequent lower fish productivity. For instance, factors like pond size and number of species in the culture system at farmers’ level may also have impact on the farm productivity. It is necessary to adopt region-specific models for furthering freshwater aquaculture in view of the available aquatic biodiversity as well as the consumer preferences and economics of operations in different parts of the country (Ayappan et al, 2009). This is particularly important considering polyculture is the major form of aquaculture in the state. Datta 2015, has opined that due to consumer’s preference, high market value as well as conservation-revitalization of various cultivable species, importance of diversification in culture of various species has been found of immense importance in the present aquaculture scenario. Among the species, endemic minor carps, catfishes in monoculture, perches, murrels live species are important. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyse level of species diversification at the farm level and their socio-economic and scientific significance at farm level.

Internet of Things (IoT) is networking of physical objects, devices, machines, systems etc to interconnect each other for exchanging data through standard internet protocols. The IoT is also termed as Machine-to-Machine (M-to-M) communication. The term ‘Things’ in IoT includes objects embedded with sensors, actuators, mobile phones, routers, hubs, computers, wearable’s and smart devices etc.

Introduction

Biochemistry is branch of life science which deals with the study of chemical reactions occurring in the living cells and organisms. The term biochemistry was first introduced by German chemist Carl Neuberg in 1903. Since biochemistry is associated with the biological reactions and energy changes associated with these reactions or transformations within the living cell, biochemistry may thus be treated as a discipline in which biological phenomenon are analysed in terms of chemistry. The branch of biochemistry for the same reason has been variously named as “Biological Chemistry” or “Chemical Biology”. Modern biochemistry has two branches descriptive and dynamic biochemistry. Descriptive biochemistry deals with qualitative and quantitative characterization of the various chemical components of cell and the dynamic biochemistry deals with the elucidation of the nature and the mechanism of reactions involving these chemical cell components.

Qualitative analysis of biological sample deals with the examination of the organic or inorganic cell associated components in order to determine its composition. It denotes the presence of various biomolecules, elements or groups of elements that are present in the sampling population. It is possible to determine whether a particular component is present or absent in a sample by performing a qualitative analysis of the sample. Qualitative analysis is the identification of elements, species and/or compounds present in a sample.

SYNOPSIS

India has been conspicuous as one of the most malnourished nations, as every child out of two is malnourished. Moreover, the levels of under nourishment is substantially high among tribal communities. The present investigation has been made to examine the levels of food insecurity at the micro level in four regions identified in the tribal dominated areas of Maharashtra on the basis of macro level indicators. A comparison of food insecurity between the two communities reveals a high incidence of food insecurity among the tribal as compared to that of non-tribal. The nutritional status of tribal children is much lower than that of their non-tribal counterparts.