eChapters

In the world of academic publishing, Article Processing Charges (APCs) have emerged as a significant barrier, particularly for researchers from countries with limited resources like India. These charges, often levied by open-access journals to cover the costs of peer review, editing, and dissemination, have created a financial divide that impedes equitable access to scholarly communication. This chapter delves into the multifaceted challenges posed by APCs and outlines potential solutions to address the inequities they perpetuate (Fig. 6.1).
6.1. The Burden of Article Processing Charges
The financial burden of APCs is disproportionately felt by researchers in developing nations. Many prestigious open-access journals charge APCs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 or more per article. For researchers in high-income countries, these charges might be manageable, supported by robust institutional funding or grants. However, for their counterparts in countries like India, where research funding is limited and often tied to modest institutional budgets, such costs are prohibitive. The disparity in income and currency exchange rates further amplifies this challenge. A charge of $2,000, for instance, could equate to several months’ salary for a researcher in India, compared to a fraction of that amount for a researcher in the United States or Europe.

Setting price is a critical component of successful marketing. Vegetable growers have a greater level of control than most other growers over marketable yields, input costs and price. The closer a grower is to the consumer, the more control over price the grower has. Buyers perceive price to represent value of the product. Underpricing, or pricing too low, gives the perception that the product is inferior, while setting the price too high often drives customers away. Many growers make the mistake of setting the price too low at the beginning of the marketing season when competition is less and demand is strong and then find it difficult to increase price later in the season. Before setting price, gauge the level of competition and the consumer demand for your product. For example, organic produce may have a stronger demand in urban areas, so prices can be set at a higher level. Also, early-season produce, such as tomatoes, has high demand with little competition in most markets, resulting in a higher price range.

Introduction

The term "artificial intelligence" was originally coined in 1956 at a conference hosted by Dartmouth College. While the aspirations and dreams of the attendees were sky-high, the reality was sobering. The thought of citizens in space or self-driving cars within a decade was ancient science fiction. The building blocks of the required computing infrastructure, as well as AI, notably deep learning and statistical machine learning methods, were not even in the distant future. The aim was to create an artificial brain for a machine, where the "brain" is the so-called "expert system", a software program that can integrate a large knowledge base and use it to solve problems in the same manner that a human expert could. The intellectual merits and achievements of a few AI systems designed solely to narrowly excel in a specific problem became the actual problem of the nascent field.

What is Artificial Intelligence

‘Artificial’ is taken to mean a property of a human-made machine. ‘Intelligence’ will be that when something is able to perform a new action or change its state to achieve the optimal response it could perform given external inputs. This term is coined by- John McCarthy (American computer and cognitive scientist) during 1956 So, AI is basically a machine able to mimic human intelligence by having the ability to predict, classify, learn, plan, reason and perceive.

AI is an emerging technology in the field of agriculture. AI-based equipment and machines, has taken today’s agriculture system to a different level. This technology has enhanced crop production and improved real-time monitoring, harvesting, processing and marketing . The latest technologies of automated systems using agricultural robots and drones have made a tremendous contribution in the agro-based sector. Various hi-tech computer-based systems are designed to determine various important parameters like weed detection, yield detection and crop quality and many other techniques.

Introduction

Mushrooms are very nutritious products that can be generated from lignocellulosic waste materials; and are in rich in crude fibrend protein. In fact, mushrooms also contain low fat, low calories and good vitamins. In addition, many mushrooms possess multi-functional medicinal properties. Edible mushrooms once called the “food of the gods” and still treated as a garnish or delicacy can be taken regularly as part of the human diet or be treated as healthy food or as functional food. The extractable products from medicinal mushrooms, designed to supplement the human diet not as regular food, but as the enhancement of health and fitness, can be classified into the category of dietary supplements/mushroom nutriceuticals (Chang and Buswell, 1996).

Introduction

The success of green revolution strategies for raising agricultural productivity and production has depended on the development of crop varieties that are more responsive to increased applications of water, manure, fertilizer, and agrochemical means of protection against pests. For farmers to benefit from this process whereby investing in more inputs can lead to production of more outputs, they had to begin by buying and using improved seeds. The green revolution was clearly seed dependent. The system of rice intensification (SRI) and other agro ecological approaches follow a different strategy, on the other hand. They work with whatever crop varieties the farmer already has or prefers to use (recognizing that it is always most productive to start with whatever genotype is best suited to the farmers’ circumstances and goals). Agro ecological methods are more likely to reduce the use of external input than to increase this as they mobilize and capitalize upon potentials that already within plants and upon the interactions between plants and their biotic and abiotic environments, i.e., mutual influences among plants, other organisms, climate, soil and other inanimate factors (Altieri, 1995; Gliessman, 1998; Uphoff, 2002). This is a very different envisioning of the agricultural domain.

Audio-visual aids refer to devices that enable both visual and auditory sensory inputs, facilitating enhanced learning and retention compared to using these senses separately. As highlighted in the preceding section, the combination of sight and hearing captures 94% of the audience's attention, underscoring the efficacy of audio-visual aids in extension teaching.

Advantages

• Clarity and Conceptual Understanding: Audio-visual aids convey meaning succinctly and clarify ideas effectively.

• Enhancement of Oral Communication: They supplement spoken words by providing visual reinforcement.

• Stimulation of Conceptual Thinking: They provide a tangible basis for conceptual understanding.

• Engagement and Sustained Interest: These aids attract, arouse, and maintain audience interest.

• Enhanced Learning and Retention: They contribute to long-term retention of learning.

• Overcoming Constraints: They overcome limitations of space, time, and distance.

• Continuity of Thought: Motion pictures aid in the development of coherent thought processes.

• Stimulation of Self-Activity: They stimulate audience participation and motivate action.

ABSTRACT
India’s agricultural exports play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, enhancing rural livelihoods, and generating employment. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development (APEDA), establishedunder the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has significantly contributed to the augmentation of India’s agri-exports through strategic interventions. This chapter explores APEDA’s multifaceted initiatives, including quality control, infrastructure development, product diversification, and digital innovations such as paperless systesm, mobile apps, and virtual trade fairs. Notable efforts include the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) products, expansion of Agri-Export Zones (AEZs), and international marketing of millets during the International Year of Millets (IYOM 2023). APEDA’s Market Access Initiative (MAI) and Agri- Exchange portal have facilitated global trade linkages, while collaborations with institutions and FPOs have strengthened grassroots connections. Recent achievements include surpassing USD 19.69 billion in agri-export value in 2022- 23 and expanding to over 200 countries. This comprehensive engagement reflects APEDA’s central role in branding Indian agriculture on the global stage and positioning India as a reliable exporter of high-quality food products.
Keywords: APEDA, Geographical Indications (GI), Market Access Initiative (MAI), Virtual Trade Fair and International Year of Millets (IYOM)

5.1. Introduction

This chapter deals with the sample survey conducted on cotton, turmeric and castor seed farmers and RMC traders and Officials and recorded the awareness level about futures, user status, the reason for not using futures and perception about futures.

The research work was planned to understand the level of awareness of agri-commodity futures market among the farmers, RMC traders and Officials of Odisha. The methodology adopted for the awareness assessment was to collect related answers to the questions which helped to evaluate the level of awareness among the beneficiaries i.e. farmers, RMC traders and officials. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected from sample respondents. The study has been completed by collecting data from farmers, RMC traders and officials of Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts which are the highest producers of three sample commodities i.e. cotton, castor seed and turmeric in Odisha. The research was conducted with 150 farmers (50 each for cotton, turmeric and castor seed), 30 RMC traders and 30 RMC officials of Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts of Odisha. The profile of sample farmers is depicted below.

The transformation of global agriculture, especially in the context of liberalized markets and increasing corporate involvement, has placed contract farming at the forefront of rural development discourse. Over the past few decades, contract farming has emerged as a strategic approach to address key challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including market uncertainty, lack of inputs and limited access to extension services. Particularly in the post-World Trade Organization (WTO) era, developing nations have witnessed a surge in contract farming initiatives due to their potential to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality produce, stabilize farmers’ incomes and integrate stallholders into the commercial agri-food economy. The appeal of contract farming lies in its dual benefits. For agribusiness firms, it reduces procurement risks and ensures better control over quality and production processes. For farmers, it offers pre-agreed pricing, input support and reliable market access, thereby mitigating the common risks associated with price volatility, resource scarcity and technical gaps. However, for contract farming to function effectively and deliver on its promises, certain preconditions must be met. A profitable market is the foremost requirement, as sponsors will only invest in regions where long-term returns are feasible. The physical and social environment must also be conducive to agricultural productivity and farmer cooperation. This includes factors such as geography, soil fertility, access to irrigation, infrastructure quality (roads, communication, electricity), land availability and cultural compatibility between the stakeholders. Government support is another critical pillar, encompassing both legal backing to enforce contracts and policy incentives that promote investment and risk-sharing. Furthermore, well-designed contract specifications-covering pricing structures, input provisions, managerial responsibilities and land-use terms-are essential to ensure transparency, enforceability and mutual trust. Despite its transformative potential, contract farming is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its success hinges on a careful alignment of stakeholders’ interests, contextual understanding and supportive institutional frameworks. The

Banks and Banking

On account of multifarious activities of modern banks, the Bank and Banking has been defned by several economists as follows:

The defnition of a banker given by Dr. L. Herber and L. Hart is “one who, in the ordinary course of business, honours cheques made upon him by persons from and for whom he receives money on current accounts.”

Chamber’s Twentieth century Dictionary defnes a bank as an, “institution for the keeping, lending and exchanging etc. of money”.

The purpose of a banker, in Crowther’s words, is to produce money by accepting other people’s loans in exchange for his own.

A bank, according to Professor Kent, is “an entity whose main activities entail the collection of the momentarily idle money of the general public for the purpose of advancing to others for consumption.”

Introduction

The backbone of economic growth are financial systems, which act as the channels for managing risks, facilitating investments, and allocating resources within an economy. Financial systems, which consist of a wide range of organizations, markets, and tools, are essential for coordinating the movement of capital between surplus (savers) and deficit (borrowers) units. They basically provide risk management, resource allocation, payment facilitation, and intermediation, among other crucial responsibilities. This complex network of interconnected roles makes sure that money is effectively allocated to its most profitable uses and offers safeguards against risk and smooth transactions. It supports sustainable growth and development by acting as the lifeblood of the economy.

A wide range of elements, such as macroeconomic conditions, regulatory frameworks, and technological breakthroughs, influence the evolution and dynamics of financial systems. Financial systems have changed significantly over time because of new difficulties and shifting environments. Resilience, creativity, and adaptation have been characteristics of the growth of finance, from the rise of modern banking institutions to the introduction of modern f inancial technology solutions. It is essential to solving urgent global issues including climate change, inequality, and sustainable development in addition to fostering economic growth and societal improvement. Financial institutions and stakeholders are using their resources to leverage sustainable finance practices, impact investment, and green finance efforts to create positive social and environmental consequences. It can be a strong tool for bringing about positive change and creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

The psychological sets that can be barriers to communication can be characterized into several basic categories. These sets can occur in the sender or in the receiver in the communication process. The sender has the ability to recognize these barrier categories when they occur and to transform communication to overcome them. However, the receiver is a different story. If the receiver is interested in communication, he or she can recognize when these barriers arise and can consciously overcome them. On the other hand, when a receiver is passive in the communication process, he or she does not recognize the barriers and the sender can do little to overcome the blockage.

Fact Inference Confusion

The Fact-Inference confusion has three basic components:

• Making an inference for fact

• Failing to recognize

• Acting on the inference as if it were fact

Until the third component occurs, the inference for fact does not really become a barrier to communication. When we act on the inference as if it were a fact is when this barrier becomes a major stumbling block to communication.

Static Viewpoint

Of the barriers to communication, static viewpoint, sometimes called frozen evaluation, is the one that sometimes infects faculty members at colleges and universities. It is a failure to recognize change over time. It may also be a major affliction of our parents who make judgments about your activities based on their experiences as teenagers or young adults without realizing that the mores and standards of society have changed in the intervening twenty or thirty years.

Goods can be classified as follows

1. Free goods: Goods which are not scarce and available at free of cost are called free goods. Eg: air.
2. Economic goods: Economic goods are scarce and one has to pay a price for it : eg: Rice, pen, cloth etc.
3. Visible and Invisible goods: Things which can be seen and felt can be called as visible goods. Such goods are also called as tangible good. Eg. Rice, bicycle.

   Invisible goods are also called as services or intangible goods. We cannot see or feel those goods. Eg. Copyright of a book, service of a doctor.

4. Consumer goods and capital goods (Producer goods): Consumer goods satisfy our wants directly. Eg. Rice, Pen, etc.

   Goods like machinery, equipments will not satisfy our want directly but used for further production

3.1 Introduction
Since the dawn of humanity, the expansion of invention and technological innovation has made it possible to make a variety of goods to meet its needs. To get a competitive edge in the market, the manufacture of a product has three main goals, viz. efficient product planning, efficient manufacturing, and effective cost control.
These can be achieved through a random thinking, if the designer is fortunate to have the best design of a product of interest, which satisfies the needs of its customers. But it will rarely happen. Design thinking maximizes the possibility of happening of the best design in the journey of design a product in shorter possible time.
Design thinking, an emerging field in this direction, tries to create a product by utilizing the following steps.
i. Empathize
ii. Define
iii. Ideate
iv. Prototype
v. Test
3.2 Definition of Design Thinking
A design methodology called “Design Thinking” offers a problem-based approach to problem solving. By understanding the human needs which changes quickly, re-framing the issue in human-centric ways, generating a lot of ideas during brainstorming sessions, and taking a hands-on approach during prototyping and testing, design thinking is incredibly helpful in handling complicated challenges that are ill-defined or unknown. Anyone can use the Design Thinking approach to tackle complex problems that arise in our society, such as those in our businesses, governments, and other spheres of influence, if they have an understanding of these five steps of the process.

15.1 Silkworm Bed Cleaning
Bed cleaning is an important silkworm rearing process to ensure the hygiene in the immediate vicinity of silkworms in order to protect from disease infection and to ensure them good feeding appetite. Hence, timely bed cleaning is critical to maintain the worm
In a study observation on larval mortality, larval period, single cocoon weight, shell weight, length of silk thread and silk ratio were carefully noted for each treatment and replication. Three replications were used for each treatment of different eri silkworm races. Treatments were once bed cleaning frequency per day, twice bed cleaning frequency per day, and three times bed cleaning frequency per instar of Vietnamese eri-silkworm races, Indian eri silkworm races, Kenyan bivoltine silkworm races, Korean bivoltine silkworm races, and Vietnamese multivoltine silkworm races. Long spinning silk thread, robust silk cocoon and shell weight and higher percentage of silk ratio of silkworm races were registered from one time bed cleaning frequency per day and two times bed cleaning frequency per day. The rearing tray of silkworms accumulates some unconsumed leaves after each feeding, exuviae after moulting, excreta, dead or diseased larvae, etc. All these if not cleaned, combine to form a thick and damp litter which promotes the growth of different micro-organisms, generation of heat and injurious gases and depletion of oxygen. Hence, it is very necessary to remove the litter periodically and the process of its removal is called bed cleaning.

Introduction

The achievements in agriculture and its allied areas has made our country self sufficient economically. Our country has many landmarks in production of the grains, milk, meat, flower, vegetable etc which not only fulfill our own demands but even earning a lot of foreign exchange from export. Unemployment is a major problem effecting the growth of our country. The reasons for higher state of unemployment in rural areas can be attributed to poverty, law education and lack of job appointment. Alternatively, if the youths are self employed in the agrobased enterprises, then the problem of unemployment could be reduced to a certain limit, especially in the villages. There are so many vocations in which youth could be engaged such as dairy farming, poultry, piggery, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, flower cultivation etc.

It is the most significant international convention in the field of protecting copyright. The Berne Convention deals with the protection of works and the rights of their authors. It is based on three basic principles and contains a series of provisions determining the minimum protection to be granted, as well as special provisions available to developing countries that want to make use of them. The Berne Convention, signed on 9 September, 1886, was revised at Paris in 1896 and at Berlin in 1908, completed at Berne (Switzerland) in 1914, revised at Rome in 1928, at Brussels in 1948, at Stockholm in 1967 and at Paris in 1971, and was amended in 1979.

Revolutionizing skin cancer detection
The diagnostic process for skin cancer is evolving. Physicians have in the past relied upon physical exams to be followed by scanning and biopsies taking anywhere between 15 days to return results. Although most abnormalities turn out to be non-cancerous, this is distressing to patients and contributes to healthcare costs. Additionally, certain growths that turn out to be cancerous remain undiagnosed since they have not been visible.
Breakthrough startup Damae Medical is set to reverse this process. The startup has developed an advanced probe that is able to take 3D images of the skin to unveil the full extent of abnormalities in real time. This enables doctors to diagnose in an instant, enabling improved personalized treatment. When an operation is required only diseased tissue is removed to prevent unnecessary treatments and improved outcomes in patients.
The Origins in the Institut d’Optique
The beginnings of Damae Medical can be traced to Palaiseau-based Institut d’Optique where in 2013 two photonics students envisaged potential in an emerging imaging tech. Together with the inventor himself in 2014, they cofounded Damae Medical by taking an exclusive license to the core family of patents held by three partner institutions. While this contract was beneficial in launching the company to an early growth spurt, in the long run created difficulty in exercising control. This was resolved by taking an equity-forcontrol purchase in 2019 by Damae to acquire the foundational patent

Introduction

Agri-entrepreneurship stands as a vital driver of socio-economic upliftment within society, offering a range of benefits that span from poverty reduction to rural development. In economies, where agriculture remains a cornerstone (Welter, 2011), fostering entrepreneurship in this sector can lead to substantial improvements in livelihoods, income generation, and overall economic growth (Watson, 2013). With support from relevant statistics and references, this article discusses the importance of agri-entrepreneurship.

Economic Growth and Job Creation: Agri-entrepreneurship contributes significantly to economic growth. According to the World Bank, agriculture employs over 25% of the world's labour force and accounts for a substantial portion of GDP in many developing countries. Encouraging agri-entrepreneurs to innovate and invest can lead to the creation of diverse agricultural enterprises, generating employment opportunities both on and off the farm. This, in turn, reduces unemployment rates and drives local economic development (Stam, 2016; Welter & Gartner, 2016).

Poverty Alleviation: Rural poverty remains a significant challenge in many developing nations, where a substantial portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. Agri-entrepreneurship empowers individuals to break free from subsistence farming and embrace value-added activities. By fostering innovation, diversification, and access to markets, agri entrepreneurship enables farmers to increase their income and improve their quality of life (Shane, 2007). According to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), smallholder farmers, when equipped with entrepreneurial skills, are better positioned to escape poverty cycles.