eChapters

Volumetric analysis, also known as titrimetric analysis, is an analytical method of estimating the concentration of a known solute (analyte) in a solution by measuring the volume of a second known solution of known concentration (standard solution), that reacts completely with the known solute of unknown concentration. The prerequisite of titration is that the two different analytes, present in solution form, must involve in a fast chemical reaction. The standard solution is more commonly known as ‘titrant’ and the solution whose concentration needs to be determined is frequently called ‘titrand’.

Water lily is an important aquatic ornamental flower crop valued for its attractive flowers, cultural significance and use in water gardens, ponds and decorative landscapes. Different flower colours and forms provide considerable ornamental diversity, while flowers also have importance in religious and ceremonial activities. The chapter introduces water lily through its botanical characteristics, origin, distribution, genetics and important varieties. It discusses the environmental conditions required for successful cultivation, including suitable water bodies, soil and temperature conditions. Propagation, planting, nutrient management, irrigation and routine cultural operations are described. The chapter also covers pest and disease management, flower harvesting, postharvest handling, yield and commercial possibilities associated with water-lily production.

Agricultural water consumes about 85% of the available water. The future hopes to solve world’s food problem lies in irrigation development. Considering the need of efficient management of water, which is crucial at this point understanding of different efficiencies of the irrigation related experiments or projects, is necessary. Irrigation efficiency is used to evaluate how effectively the available water is used in crop production. Water is conveyed through canal system, watercourses and channels to crop fields. Irrigation is applied to store water in the effective root zone of soil for use of crops. A considerable loss occurs after its diversion from sources to its actual use by crops. The extent of water loss in the process decides the irrigation efficiency. Irrigation efficiency declines as the water loss increases. A high efficiency of an irrigation project is always desirable. The efficiency may be estimated for various operations beginning from diversion of water to its actual use by crops, uniformity in its distribution in the root zone, its use for crop productivity, economics and so on.

Introduction

The eastern states of India comprising of Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Assam and eastern Uttar Pradesh occupy about 21.85% geographical area and supports 34% human and 31% livestock population of the country. Agriculture is the mainstay of economy in these states, since 83% population living in rural areas depends on it for their sustenance. The region has about 2.73 M ha of total area under reservoirs, ponds, tanks, lakes, brackish water, etc. besides 15046 km length of rivers and canals constituting about 18 percent of country’s utilizable water resources. The average rainfall in eastern region varies from 1091 to 2477 mm with a regional average of 1526 mm, which is sufficient and substantial for growing a variety of crops. However, the irrigated area in the region is 39% as against 45%, the national average.

Weed management practices are evaluated for its efficiency in terms of effective control of weeds and economics of control measures through various indices under sole crop situation as well as intercrop situation.

6.1. Indices for Sole Crop Situation

The absolute effect of particular method or a chemical in reducing the weed competitions and increasing the crop productivity are measured effectively by various indices. The comparisons of weed control methods are usually based on the yield, weed population and weed dry matter from the control as well as treated plots.

Policies provide the institutional structure, direction, financial support and operational framework required for effective agricultural extension. Without clear policies, extension programmes may suffer from inconsistent decisions, fragmented implementation and unclear responsibilities. This chapter introduces the meaning, characteristics, sources and different types of policies and explains their importance to extension organizations. It examines how policies guide decision-making, establish limits, allocate resources and connect organizational goals with field activities. The chapter also introduces policy advocacy, analytical approaches and the policy-development process. Together, these concepts enable extension professionals to understand policy environments, participate constructively in decision-making and improve the responsiveness, accountability and effectiveness of extension services.

Writing funded project proposals involves crafting detailed documents tailored to specific purposes, such as consulting project proposals or sponsored research projects. For instance, a consulting project proposal emphasizes understanding a client's needs, offering solutions, and outlining services to address those needs effectively. On the other hand, sponsored research proposals focus on academic or scientific exploration, detailing methodologies, expected outcomes, and potential impacts within a scholarly context.

ABSTRACT

India is a developing country and agriculture is at the core of this development. Youth participation in agriculture for its sustained contribution to a nation’s development is crucial but this is not ascertained. FAO has declared year 2014 as the International Year of Family Farming (IYFF). Today’s youth are tomorrow’s family farmers, and maintaining interest in farming as a profession is vital to future food security. The number of young people of working age is increasing while the same group is typically rejecting careers in agriculture and food system. This scenario can be changed by cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders—not just as farmers but as food entrepreneurs, scientists, agronomists, extension agents, union and government leaders etc. Governments, particularly in developing countries, need to invest in policies and practices that provide access to land, credit and banking services, education and knowledge, and technical skills for young farmers. And these governments need to ensure that young people have access to markets, goods and service, employment opportunities, and leisure so that they prefer to stay on the farm.