eBook Chapters

Food is the basic requirement for maintaining the life process. Plants supply the bulk of foods required for human and animal. With limited cultivable area and ever increasing pressure of human population, the demand for food is constantly rising which can not be alone met by conventional plant breeding technologies. Novel techniques like plant genetic engineering are gaining momentum for production of superior plants or yield enhancement of a species.  It has been observed that the most commercially successful application of recombinant DNA technology is in genetic engineering of plants, which led development of multinational seed companies deriving monetary benefit from genetically modified crop and food products. From production of herbicide resistant or insect pest tolerant plants to alter the inherent quality composition of human food, plant genetic engineering has established firmly the commercial viability of recombinant DNA technology.

A family of over 250 genera and 2,500 species, Acanthaceae are distributed mainly in tropics, but also in Mediterranean region, Australia and USA. Central America, Brazil, Africa and Indo-Malaysia are the 4 chief centres of
distribution. About 70 genera and over 340 species have been reported from India. Some of the largely represented genera along with the approximate number of their worldover reported species are Justicia (300), Strobilanthes
(250), Barleria (230), Thunbergia (200), Aphelandra (200), Decliptera (150), Blepharis (100), Staurogyne (80), Mendoncia (60), Crossandra (60) and Acanthus (50).
Selected Indian Genera
Acanthus, Adhatoda, Barleria, Eranthemum, Justicia, Peristrophe, Ruellia, Thunbergia.
Economic Importance
1. Ornamental plants include Aphelandra aurantiaca, Barleria cristata, B. gibsoni, Beloperone guttata (shrimp plant), Crossandra infundibuliformis, Eranthemum bicolor, E. nervosum, Fittonia gigantea, Jacobinia carnea, Justicia gendarussa, Ruellia brittoniana, Thunbergia coccinia, T. erecta, T. fragrans and T. grandiflora.

A family of about 236 genera and 7,200 species, Labiatae are cosmopolitan in their distribution and their chief centre is the Mediterranean region. About 65 genera and over 400 species have been reported from India, mainly distributed in North Western parts of India and southern parts of India. Some largely represented genera along with the approximate number of their worldover reported species and common names of some of them are Salvia (500-700, sage), Hyptis (400), Thymus (300-400, thyme), Teucrium (300, germander), Stachys (300), Scutellaria (200, skullcap), Coleus (200, Jacob’s coat), Ocimum (150, basil), Nepeta (150, catnip), Lavendula (28, lavender), Mentha (25, mint) and Rosmarinus (3, rosemary).
Salvia is a tender herbaceous annual or perennial plant and cultivated as bedding plant in many countries. Owing to its adaptability, self sowing ability and handsome appearance, it has been introduced and commanded all over the world. Salvia species have long history of utilization as medicinal herbs. The therapeutic value of this crop is widely recognized in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments. Some species are strongly aromatic having
horticultural, commercial and medicinal values.

Abstract
India’s agriculture, a foundational pillar of its economy, boasts a rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Despite employing 40% of the workforce and achieving global leadership in commodities like spices, pulses, and milk, agriculture’s GDP contribution has declined to 15-18%. Challenges such as price volatility, climate change, trade barriers, and infrastructure deficits hinder the sector’s global competitiveness. However, opportunities abound in agri-tech innovations, organic farming, and expanding exports of high-value products like basmati rice and Alphonso mangoes. Strategic policy reform, sustainable practices, and investment in infrastructure and technology can position India as a global agricultural powerhouse.
Keywords: Global Agriculture, India, Trade Barriers, Agri-Tech, Sustainable Practices, Climate Change

1. MATURITY INDICES
Maturity indices (right time of harvesting) are quality factors that give clues as to when a product should be harvested to allow marketing flexibility and ensure the attainment of minimum acceptable quality to the user. It also refers to the set of criteria used to determine the stage of maturity for harvesting the horticultural crops. Commodities harvested either pre-mature or too late are more susceptible to postharvest physiological disorders, diseases and have poor shelf life than harvested at right stage of maturity. The pickers/ handlers are trained in methods of identifying produce that is ready for harvest. However, optimum harvesting stages depends upon type of produce and their final use. Horticultural crops may be harvested at two main maturity levels i.e., physiological maturity and commercial or horticultural maturity. Therefore, the proper stage/maturity indices for harvesting of all horticultural crops should be identified for their implementation during harvesting. Horticultural maturity in relation to developmental stages of the plants is depicted in Fig 3.1.
Maturity indices are different for different horticultural crops and are employed to:
1. Ensure sensory quality (flavour, colour, aroma, and texture) and nutritional quality: Harvesting horticultural produce too early (under-developed or immature produce) will result

Jalshakti: It is a material (starch based polymer) which can absorb and hold 80-100 times its weight of water. It is a gel on which plant roots lock themselves and tap the water. It can be used on most soils and in all composts to promote vigorous growth and minimise plant stress. It is used by mixing with growing medium at the rate of 1-2% by weight. Plant roots attach themselves to hydrated granules of the chemical and tap their water store. Jalshakti reduces watering needs.

Jam: Concentrated fruit pulp with natural fruit flavour where pectin imparts a good set and high sugar concentration (68%) facilitates its preservation.
 
Jungle: The general Indian term for forest.

X₁, X₂, X₃ : The symbols used to designate the first, second and third generation of X-ray treated plants/seeds.

Xanthophyll : A carotenoid plant pigment (carotene), yellowish in colour, present in chloroplasts and other plants parts where chlorophyll is absent, It assists in photosynthesis.

Xenia: i) The direct influence of foreign pollen on the endosperm due to phenomenon of double fertiliztion which may allow the male parent to affect the appearance of seed. ii) Changes due to effect of foreign pollen in visible characters of endosporem, e.g. Maize- when variety with white endosperm is pollinated by one with deep yellow endosperm, endosperm of resulting seed is pale yellow.

Yaw: Aircraft rotation around the vertical axis (NCRST).

Yeasts : Unicellular micro-organisms, (fungi) producing zymase (enzyme), which converts sugars into alchohol and CO₂. A single-celled ascomycete fungus, economically important in capable of fermentation and an important source of vitamins.

Yield: Plant part harvested and the quantity of it. In agriculture, necessarily related to a specified crop or crops or to a group of animals or to an area, and to a period of time. For multipurpose trees, the amount of each specified part harvested. See also Production.

The method described here gives an approximate thioglucoside and isothiocyanates contents in rapeseed meal.

Reagents and Apparatus
    1.    Barium chloride (5% solution)
    2.    Volumetric flask, 600 ml
    3.    Steam bath

Method

To 10 g meal (defatted by soxhlet extraction) add 250 ml distilled water, hydrolyse at 54ºC for one hour and then boil for two hours, keeping volume constant. Filter, retaining filtrate and wash residue three times with 50 ml hot water. Add washings to initial filtrate and make up volume to 600 ml. Precipitate barium sulphate by heating and adding excess barium chloride solution. Leave on a steam bath for a few hours and then filter. Ash in muffle furnace and then weigh precipitate.

Complete fracture- It is a fracture in which there is complete loss of bone continuity and the bone is divided into two or more fragments (Fig.1).

Green stick fracture- It is the fracture in which, the cortex opposite to the bending force fractures completely, while the cortex under the force remains in tact, commonly seen in immature animals, (Fig-2)

Overriding fracture-A fracture in which the fragments lie side by side, causing shortening of limb (Fig-3)

Transverse fracture-The fracture line here runs transverse to the long axis of bone. Such type of fracture is caused by bending forces (Fig-4).

Oblique fracture- In this the fracture line runs oblique to the long axis of the bone. Such type of fracture is caused by bending with axial compression (Fig-5).

Spiral fracture-Here the fracture line spirals along the long axis of bone. Such type of fracture is caused by torsion, twisting or rotational forces e.g. in humorous (Fig-6)

Comminuted fracture- In this fracture, at least three fracture lines inter connect each other at one point (Fig-7).

Definition : These are the splints made out of light metal rods or bamboo for correction and immobilization of middle and higher level fracture in animals.

Large animal orthopedic patients are often managed with modified Thomas splints and to achieve an acceptable outcome with this device the following points should be kept in mind.

Animals initially find discomfort with the splint and try to reject it by kicking and often show violent movements. Hence initial acclimatization with the device by close observation and supervision of the patient is essential.

Recumbent animals should be supported in standing position by a sling and they should be managed with the principle “12 hrs on sling and 12 hours on floor”.

Movement of the animal should be restricted.

Definition

Wound with infection with 6 hours of occurrence can be brought to non infected stage by flushing.

Procedure

The infected wound at fracture site is cleaned / flushed thoroughly using sufficient quantity with antiseptic solution.

The site is applied with topical antiseptic / antibiotic and the size of the wound is reduced by placing interrupted stitches for skin closure.

For drainage of inflammatory fluid, the counter opening is made as the distal part of the swelling of the dependent part of flushing catheter is placed inside to carry out regular flushing of the wound without removing the immobilizer.

The fracture site is immobilized as per the conventional procedure using POP cast leaving two window over the opening of counter opening site.

Indicaton: Irreversible damage of both the bovine digits & to provide a foot pad for comfortable walking of animal

Indication: Irreparable damage of metacarpal bone.

Definition : It is a technique in which foreiirnb is amputed from elbow joint. Indication : Incurable damage of radius ulna.

Aim of Rehabilitation

To assist the animal to stand.

To facilitate normal respiration in animal.

To ensure normal feed and water Intake.

To ensure that rumination,defaecation and urination are normal.

Family : Euphorbiaceae

Flowering: July-September

Fruiting: September-December

Botanical description: The plant is a small erect herb, growing up to 60 cm or more. The ascending branches are angled and velvet-hairy. Leaves are broadly ovate, nearly triangular, rather coarsely toothed. Leaf stalks are as long as or longer than the 3-5 cm long blades. Flowers are stalkless, borne on erect axillary spikes longer than the leaves. Male flowers are minute, crowded distally. Female flowers are scattered along the inflorescence axis, each subtended by a conspicuous semicupular leaf-like toothed green bract nearly 7 mm long. Capsule is bristly and1 mm broad.

Ecology: It is mostly found in hot, low to medium altitude, sandy margins of rivers, seasonal water courses and pans, usually in shade of thickets, on rocky hillsides and often in disturbed ground and as a weed of cultivation.

The sense organs are the organs of the body that respond to external stimuli by conveying impulses to the nervous system. The sense organs allow animals to sense changes in the environment around them and in their bodies so that they can respond properly. Animals can sense a wide range of stimuli that include the sense of vision, the sense of hearing, the sense of olfaction (smell), the sense of taste and the sense of touch including pain and pressure. In animals, there are two major groups of senses, the general senses and the special senses.