eChapters

Abstract

Women of sixteen villages in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary were interviewed for assessing the role of women on forest policies and conservation of natural resources. Survey conducted during 1996-1997 indicated that women in general declined to comment upon natural resources. Ninety percent of women had no knowledge about natural resources. Except for Fire Protection Act women had no knowledge of other government policies. They had no say in policies and conservation of natural resources in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary. As a result there has been encroachment of forest area, cultivation in forest land, shifting cultivation, hunting, smuggling, open cast mining and deforestation. To make role of women active and effective for conservation of natural resources in Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, suggestions have been advanced in this paper based on a survey.

Abstract

Rural Indian women are extensively involved in agricultural activities and play a major role in agrarian scenario. Majority of the rural farm women are actively involved in various operations related to mixed farming system existing in India. Women and men participate in agricultural and animal husbandry practices as a family unit on the farms. Men perform major share of work quantitatively on agriculture side, where as on the animal husbandry side most of the management operations are being carried out by women in addition to their household activities. Dairy production is less influenced by rain failure compared to crops and is invaluable in sustaining family income during drought. Dairy development is now considered as an important tool for rural development or poverty alleviation. In fact, dairy farming occupies a special place in rural society with its linkage with religion and culture apart from providing sustained income. Most of the cattle and buffaloes are commonly kept in every farm household primarily for socio-economic reasons and more importantly for gaining drought power and as a secondary source of nutrition subsistence in the form milk and milk products for the whole family. In this context, a study was conducted in Karkala taluk of Udupi district with the major objective of studying the form and extent of participation of farm women in various operations of animal husbandry. The attempt made in this regard has revealed that rural women are fully involved in majority of the operations either as manual workers or as supervisors. Hence, it is suggested that for massive empowerment of rural women, animal husbandry programmes need to be launched as they are inherently profitable.

Introduction

Fish serves as a particularly significant source of protein and important micronutrients for all demographic groups in the population, and it is also a cheap and accessible food. A significant portion of the populace relies on f ish resources (both marine and inland) for sustenance, employment, and income. In India, thousands of people have relied on the fish trade as a source of income, with women making up the majority of fish vendors. Contrary to men, whose work is primarily restricted to the sea, river, or lake, fisher women vendors must travel with their goods to markets.

Abstract

Although women were not recognized as essential components of Agriculture for a long time, of late due recognition has been given to the role of women in agricultural production and steps have been taken to bring more and more women farmers into main stream, through Shree Shakthi Sanghas and Self Help Groups for women. Special projects aided by outside agencies and voluntary organizations such as WYTEP, IRDP, TRYSEM, DWCRA etc. provide training to farm women.These operations include selection and treatment of seed, protection of the seed or plant material, land preparation, application of manures and fertilizers, sowing or planting, nursery raising, irrigation, weeding, earthing up, pinching or thinning, training and pruning top dressing, plant protection, harvesting, transport and post-harvest operations such as threshing, winnowing, sieving, cleaning, drying, grading, packing and storage, joining hands with men etc. They also do marketing and disposal of the produce. For household use they take care in hulling, flowering, pounding etc.

Abstract

Bio-intensive pest management modules have been developed by the Project Directorate of Biological Control (PDBC) for management of pests on cotton, sugarcane, rice, citrus and several other crops. These modules lay emphasis on release of bio-control agents like parasitoids, predators and pathogens and reducing chemical pesticide applications to the possible extent. The pre-requisite of any bio-control programme is to have a large-scale supply of beneficial agents. It is at this juncture that women can play a major role. If the biocontrol strategy has to become popular, there should be reliable sources, which can assure timely and adequate supply of quality bio-agents for large-scale field releases. It would be most appropriate to educate farm-women on the importance of natural enemies and to provide them with incentives to start bioagent production units. Again, if the concept of biological control with the involvement of women has to succeed, massive educational programmes should be initiated. Women can become active participants at the village level mass production units, which could cater to the needs of farmers of different regions of our country. This could solve the problems encountered in long distance shipment of bio-agents. Besides creating awareness among women, these insectaries/production units can provide job opportunities for the rural and urban women.

15.1 Introduction

15.1.1 Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future in India

Education and opportunity are key to a thriving future, and investing in women's education empowers not just them but also the next generation. India's vast natural resources offer countless benefits, but centuries of human activity have taken a toll. Unsustainable practices and mismanagement have degraded the environment, threatening the well-being of communities across the country. The evidence of environmental decline is undeniable. Over the past decade, the situation has worsened. Our actions are pushing us towards a potential environmental crisis. India, like the earth itself, sustains a multitude of activities. This has undeniably improved lives, particularly in recent decades.

ABSTRACT

The family farm exists as one of the most important factors in food production in India. Rural areas in the country are home to 73 per cent of India’s population, most of whom rely upon agriculture for their livelihood. Whole families run the farms and, because of the rural location, are less educated than their urban countrymen. Youth are increasingly losing interest in agriculture and migrate to urban areas in search for job opportunities in other sectors, yet in some countries opposite trends were observed recently. Access to adequate productive resources, goods and services, and job opportunities would convince youth to stay closer to the family farm. Access to education would be essential for youth to be able and willing to stay in rural areas and engage in agriculture. Young Farmers’ Organizations can effectively represent the needs and interest of rural/agricultural youth in policy making processes. Women are the backbone of family farming. They play multiple roles, undertaking both productive and reproductive activities in agricultural/rural households. Women’s large contribution of work in family farms is not recognized, in terms of income earned and access to productive resources and assets. Families in agriculture have multiple vulnerabilities. Both women and men need adequate access to productive resources to make rural societies more resilient. If women get equal access to resources, they could improve their yields which would reduce food insecurity of agricultural/rural households. Government should develop policies, programs and projects that target specifically young farmers and provide them with privileged access to land, credit and technical knowledge. Improve educational instruments and support alternative models for knowledge transfer in rural areas, e.g: agroecological education in local schools. Youth should actively participate in farmers’ organizations in order to let their voice heard and better access agricultural resources - including credit and finance. Young farmers should pay special attention to the conservation of natural resources. Governments should invest in young farmers for tomorrow’s food security.

ABSTRACT

The United Nations has declared 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming. The central role of increased participation by youth in agriculture is necessary and vital to facilitate food and nutrition security. Rural Family farming generates food and income for hundreds of millions of rural people, including the poor and marginalized fostering jobs for men, women and young people, both within their family farms and in related enterprises along food and agricultural value chains. It provides models of adaptability and resilience for more sustainable food production and is socially and culturally part of communities and territories constituting regions and as such underpins national food security in most countries safeguarding and protecting the environmental assets and natural resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Under the right conditions and with supportive policies, family farmers particularly the youth and women have proven to be innovative, productive and resilient, especially if they are supported to use agroecological practices that are based on their own resources and priorities. This makes youth in family farming key players in tackling the pressing issues of our time, such as hunger, climate change and biodiversity loss. Family farming includes all family-based agricultural activities, and it is linked to several areas of rural development. Family farming is a means of organizing agricultural, forestry, fisheries, pastoral and aquaculture production which is managed and operated by a family and predominantly reliant on family labour, including both men and women. Rural youth, smallholder and family farmers face numerous challenges in the prevailing times such as climate change and climate variability; lack of tenure security in a context of increasing competition for land and water (population growth, urbanization) and inadequate governance of land tenure; limited access to financial resources, inputs, technology, training, research and advisory services, and education, price volatility and limited access to markets among a few. As an opportunity the availability of real income generating options in agriculture can offer rehabilitating young persons whose alternative options are neither socially acceptable nor responsible. Simultaneously, the vibrant and expanding market for primary and secondary agricultural commodities offers tremendous opportunities for young people to earn good income from agricultural activities.

Any kind of garden established on roof top of the building is known as ‘Roof Garden’. The concept of roof gardening is not new. There are references that in ancient Mesopotamia (600 BC) plants were grown on terraces. During Roman period also ‘Villa of the Mysteries’ in Pompeii had plants on elevated terraces. However, in 21^st century, scarcity of land has driven us again towards development roof gardens.

With the advancement of time, necessity and utility, the concept of roof gardening has also completely changed. In urban environment, development of ornamental roof garden or green roof top is a necessity as it helps in temperature reduction, minimizing environmental pollution and, above all, a source of unlimited enjoyment with greens and flowers. Therefore, building architects are now include roof gardens while planning new building. The environmental issues and aesthetic benefits of the cities by way of developing roof gardens are the prime consideration.

The North Eastern region stretches from 21°25' to 29° 28' N and 80° 4' to 97°25' E and covers a total geographical area of 2.55 lakh square kilometer sharing about 8 percent of the country’s geographical area. The NE states, otherwise known as eight jewels, which are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. This region is characterized by inaccessibility, marginality, fragility, cultural heterogeneity, ethnicity, rich bio-diversity, low livestock and crop productivity. These states are the reservoirs for genetic diversity of tuber crops like Colocasia, Xanthosoma, Alocasia, elephant foot yam, Dioscorea and other minor tuber crops. The annual precipitation in the region is about 2450mm and maximum rainfall is received from South West monsoon.

Root crops are cool season vegetables growing for its fleshy root developed from the tap root and hypocotyl region. They are grown during winter in tropical and subtropical condition, throughout the year in hills and spring-summer in high altitude hills. The major root crops growing in our country include carrot (Umbelliferae), radish (Brassicaceae), beet root (Chenopodiaceae) and turnip (Brassicaceae). Two distinct types viz., asiatic or tropical types and European types present in these root crops except beet root. In beet root, European or biennial types only exist. The tropical types are annuals that does not require chilling treatment for flowering. Therefore, seed production of these types is taken up in plains but European types are biennials and they require vernalization treatment after vegetative phase for flowering. Hence, the seed production of biennial types is possible in hills. The seed productions of Asiatic varieties of root crops are done in Punjab, Haryana, U.P. and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Whereas, the seed production of temperate varieties is done in Saproon valley, Kullu valley, Kalpa valley of H.P., Kashmir valley of J&K and selected location of Northeast region specially Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The seed production of beet root is being done in high altitude hills of J&K. All the crops belonging to this group are similar in the cultural practices though they come under different family. All root crops prefer well drained loose and friable soil. Ridge or bed planting is mainly following in all root crops. They are direct sown crops and does not respond to transplanting. They are highly cross pollinated.

The two methods of seed production following in root crops are seed-to-seed method and root-to-seed method. The first method is followed for the production of truthfully labelled seed or certified seed as the seed yield will be more, but quality remains inferior to the second method. The breeder seed as well as foundation seeds require utmost quality hence root-to-seed is preferred for its production. In this method, the matured roots are harvested and the roots are inspected for its trueness. Only true-to-type roots are selected for replanting in the field for seed production and undesirable ones are discarded. The selection and rouging in seed crop are done on the basis of foliage characters and external and internal root characters (colour, shape, size, flesh colour, core size, pungency, indistinct rings etc.). The roots after selection are prepared for replanting by cutting one-third top (shoot) portion and one-fourth to one-half root cut. the prepared stecklings are replanted to obtain good yield of quality seeds. In case of turnip and beet, after selection, the tap root and tops of the roots are trimmed without injuring the crown portion and is replanted.

Carrot

Genetic Resources

Wild carrot (Queen Anne’s Lace) grows in emperate region around the world but the extent of genetic variability in wild population has not yet been evaluated in Daucus carota or related species. Constance (1971), Heywood (1983) and Mathias (1971) have contributed much to our understanding of Umbelliferae systematics, but relatively little carrot germplasm has been collected for distribution. The cultivated carrot, Daucus carota L, intercrosses freely with almost all the wild forms. Although, no incompatibility has been observed but protandry is the main reason for cross-pollination. However, there is no barrier for selfing. Carrot variety Brasilia is resistant to nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, while species Daucus carota subsp. hispanicus has resistance to other nematode, M. hapla (Simon, 1993). The genetic material, resistant to disease and pest of carrot, which can be used for developing hybrids for abiotic stresses, are given in Table1.

Introduction Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a member of the Umbelliferae/Apiaceae family. Carrots is an important primitive cool season root vegetable crop cultivated in both tropical and temperate climatic conditions. Carrot is a significant winter root vegetable grown throughout India. Carrots are said to have originated in Afghanistan in western Asia, which is the principal source of variation. Carrots were grown in Asia Minor in the 10th and 11th centuries. It arrived in India from Persia in the 13th or 14th century. Its medicinal cultivation originated between 2000 and 3000 years ago. Carrots are a major root crop in European countries such as the United States, China, Japan, and India. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan are the main carrot-growing states in India. During 2020-21, India produces 1885 thousand metric tonnes of carrot from 108 thousand hectares of carrot production. During 2020-21, Haryana ranked top in both area (19.83 thousand hectares) and production (337.43 thousand metric tonnes) of carrot in India (Anonymous, 2020). Carrot possesses antidiabetic, cholesterol and cardiovascular disease decreasing, anti-hypertensive, hepatoprotective, Reno-protective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Carrot roots are rich in carotene, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, niacin, and sugar.

Radish, turnip, carrot and beet root are the major root crops grown in the country. In addition, root crops like rutabaga, parsnip, salsify, chervil and celeriac are grown in a limited scale in different areas. Though the crops belong to different families, their cultural requirements are uniform. The common features of root crops like radish, turnip, carrot and beet root are:

• In all root crops, the tap root and a portion of hypocotyl develop into fleshy root.
• All root crops are cool season crops and are the best grown during winter in plains and spring-summer in hills of North India
• All crops, except beet root, exhibit two distinct groups, viz., tropical or Asiatic or annual types and temperate or European or biennial types. In beet root, tropical annual types are not available.
• Seeds of annual types are produced in plains. Biennial types require a chilling temperature, after attaining or completion of vegetative phase, for transforming to reproductive phase. Since this chilling temperature is available during winter at high altitudes, seed production of biennial types are practiced only in hills of North India.
• All root crops require well drained loose and friable soil without any clods for raising a good crop. Seeds are sown on ridges or on raised beds for proper development of roots.

Radish, turnip, carrot and beet root are major root crops grown in the country.  In addition, root crops like rutabaga, parsnip, salsify, chervil and celeriac are grown in a limited scale in different areas. Though the crops belong to different families, their cultural requirements are uniform.  Common features of root crops like radish, turnip, carrot and beet root are:

Improved Varieties of Root Crops

A. RADISH

A. Asiatic/Tropical Varieties

Carrot, radish, turnip and beet root are major root crops grown in India. In addition, root crops like rutabaga, parsnip, parsley, chervil and celeriac are grown in a limited scale in different parts of the world. There are several other roots and modified underground plant parts that grow in forests and consumed by tribes, but they are not commercially cultivated. Carrot, radish, turnip and beet root are generally consumed as cooked vegetables or fresh salads or as pickled vegetables.

5.1. Carrot

Carrots belong to the Umbelliferae family, named after the umbrella-like f lower clusters that plants in this family produce. As such, carrots are related to parsnips, fennel, parsley, anise, caraway, cumin and dill. Carrot, Daucus carota L. is believed have been primarily originated in Afghanistan, South western Asia and Mediterranean region. Daucus carota ssp. Carota is the most common wild form in Europe and South West Asia, and the present day cultivated carrots have most probably originated from this sub-species.

Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Assam are the major producers of carrot in India.

Cultivars/Varieties: Varieties with long, orange coloured and smooth roots are preferred in India. Both indigenous and exotic varieties having different root length, shape and colour are grown. Temperate or European type varieties are Nantes, Half long, Early Nantes, Chantenay, Chaman, Pusa Yamadagni and Ooty-1, which require low temperature of 4-8°C for flowering. Tropical or Asiatic type varieties do not require low temperature for flowering and can be grown in plains also. The varieties belonging to this group are Pusa Kesar, Pusa Meghali and Hisar Gairic. Some varieties like Gold King, Indian Kuroda and Super Kuroda are also marketed by private seed companies.

Roots: The main distinguishing characteristic of roots is their high moisture content, which may vary from 75 to 90 percent. Their CF content ranges from 4 to 13 percent. The organic substance of the root is highly digestible and mostly composed of sugars (50-70% DM). Glucose and sucrose is the primary sugar. Although the CP content of roots is often low, the rumen’s protein degradability is extremely high (80-85%). Mangles, swedes, turnips, carrots, sugar beets and fodder beets are among the most popular root crops used to feed farm animals. Although sugar beet is a significant root crop, it is typically not fed to animals as such because it is cultivated largely for its sugar content. Nonetheless, sugar beet pulp and molasses (from both sugar beet and sugarcane) are significant and nutrient-dense animal products that are by-products of the sugar extraction companies. Although pigs are fed roots with higher DM concentrations, like fodder beet, they are not a favourite diet for pigs or poultry due to their bulkiness.
1. Swedes and turnips: Turnips (Brassica campestris) & swedes (Brassica napus) share a lot of chemical similarities, but turnips typically have less DM than swedes. Glucose and fructose are the primary sugars found.
2. Turnip (Brassica rapa): Turnips are root vegetables of cruciferous family. They are usually grown in temperate climates. Humans like a smaller variety, while animals are provided a larger variety. It has 8–10% DM, 12–13% CP and 75–80% TDN. Cultivars with yellow flesh have higher protein content than those with white flesh. Instead of passing through the animal, the volatile material that taints milk is absorbed by the milk from the air. Both turnips and swedes can taint milk if they are offered to dairy cows during or just before milking time.

Rootstocks play a very important role in propagation of plants, It may modify form or stature and adopt a variety to a soil in an incompatible climatic condition and also build up the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and meanwhile increase the production and productivity.

Vagaries of climate and mismanagement of soil have resulted in abiotic stresses, which in turn have lowered yield and quality production of fruits. In the course of its phylogenetic development, several fruit crops have developed various physiological and morphological mechanisms enabling plants to survive under adverse conditions. In case of fruit crops, one of the most important methods is to use rootstocks to overcome such stress conditions. However, over the years in fruit crops, the rootstocks that are present do not cater to the present day needs of pest and disease tolerance. Hence, there is an urgent need to widen the genetic base of rootstocks in different fruit crops by breeding and selecting rootstocks with desirable characteristics. It is acknowledged that the timing and intensity of the response of rootstocks to soil and atmospheric conditions are synergistically beneficial in evolving new cultivars.

Number of attempts has been made in rootstock improvement programmes all over the world. One of the methods that are being followed in perennial crops like mango is the development of large progeny population through half sib families. In this case, the female parent is common and open pollinated progeny population of varieties, in which improvement is sought, is used. Rootstocks were first used in European vineyards in the late 1800’s to combat devastating Phylloxera outbreak. Rootstock can be used to improve vigor, production and help to sustain the health and survival of fruit crops

Rootstocks play an important role in the propagation of plants. It may modify form or stature, adapt a variety of a soil, fit in an incompatible climate, impart or resist disease to the scion, increase production, hasten maturity of crop, change the colour of the fruit, effect the flavour of the fruit, shorten life of the tree, increase the size of the fruit, develop vigour, effect salt tolerance and influence storage capacity.