eChapters

Abstract

Paddy seeds of variety PR - 116 were obtained from the PAU seed farm. These seeds were cleaned with commonly used seed processing equipment. Samples were divided into 2 parts. One part was kept as such for taking the observations of feed (control) and the remaining part was passed through specific gravity separator for its refinement. The various fractions obtained were recovery, middlings, and rejections. These graded fractions as well as the feed were packed in 5-kg cloth bags and stored under ambient conditions. Different quality parameters viz. moisture content, physical purity, thousand grain weight, percent germination, root/shoot length, vigour index and speed of germination were recorded at 30 days interval. The physical purity, thousand grain weight, percent germination, root length, shoot length and vigour index were found to be higher in recovery and minimum for rejections while moisture content was highest for rejection as compared to all other fractions. Germination, root/ shoot length, vigour index and speed of germination increased with the duration of storage while moisture content, thousand-grain weight and physical purity followed a reversed trend. Compared to feed, the recovery had higher quality attributes after 4 months of storage viz. moisture content decreased by 0.3%; physical purity increased by 0.67%; thousand grain weight increased by 2.97 gm/ thousand grain, germination increased by 8%; vigour index increased by 481.1 points; speed of germination increased by 3.2 seedlings per day. The grading resulted in improvement in overall quality of sunflower seed.

Abstract

30 lines were selected from 864 germplasm lines for good biscuit making attributes on the basis of low protein content (<10.5%) and low sedimentation value (<40cc). These lines were further screened by actual baking test and alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC) test keeping the standard prescribed for biscuit making qualities viz., low protein content, low sedimentation value, low AWRC and larger diameter with larger spread ratio of biscuit. AWRC had significant negative correlation with biscuit spread ratio. Positive significant correlation was found between biscuit spread ratio and biscuit diameter. On the basis of above findings, it may be recommended that low protein content, low sedimentation value, low AWRC may be used as criteria for better biscuit making i.e. increase biscuit spread ratio and biscuit diameter. So wheat-breeding programme has opened up new opportunities for the end use quality product and wheat based food industry. Hence there is an urgent need for qualitative analysis of desired traits in wheat towards enhanced value addition and thereby an attempted has been made to identify suitable genotypes possessing good biscuit making attributes

Abstract

The control of micronutrient deficiency is a realizable goal, notwithstanding the magnitude of the task, challenges and constraints that need to be resolved. Since wheat products particularly maida and atta form the major raw material in widely consumed food items like chapati, bread and biscuit. Fortification of flour as followed in many other countries could be an important strategy to help realize this goal. The technology of flour fortification is effective and cost affordable. Effective flour fortification program would require collaboration between scientific community, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and industry and consumer groups.

Abstract

The constant improvement in automation of bakery industry has placed higher demands on wheat. As a consequence bakery industry requires wheat possessing specific quality attributes. In view of this, there is need to produce good quality wheat not only for good chapattis but also for better bakery products viz., bread, biscuit, noodles, pasta products. New technologies are emerging which could be exploited for determining the Indian wheats for their suitability for various value added products. In the current investigation, 50 genotypes possessing low protein content (<10.5%) selected from a vast amount of breeding material were analysed for their biscuit making attributes. These lines were screened by actual baking test and alkaline water retention capacity (AWRC) test keeping the standard prescribed for biscuit making qualities viz., low protein content, low sedimentation value, low AWRC and larger diameter with larger spread factor of biscuit. Further with the help of Stable Micro Systems TA.HDi Texture Analyser the biscuits were analysed for hardness and crispness. Correlation coefficient among 8 quality traits suggested highly significant and positive correlation between sedimentation value and AWRC, biscuit diameter and spread factor, and biscuit hardness and fracturability, and significant negative correlation between biscuit diameter and its thickness. On the basis of findings, genotypes identified for biscuit making qualities may be used as donor for developing varieties suitable for biscuit making.

Abstract

Pulses being nutritionally vital, is an important constituent of diet for a very large number of peoples. A part from being a relatively cheaper source of dietary protein, it is also an important source of calories, certain essential amino acid, minerals and vitamins. Post harvest scenario of pulse shows that 75 per cent of production was milled in pulses with as dehusked split i.e. dal. Traditionally green gram and black gram dal is dehulled manually after soaking in water. Present investigation was carried out to develop the wet type dehuller and study was carried out on water absorption characteristics of green gram and black gram. The result reveals that the dehulling efficiency of abrasion type mechanism was about 95 per cent and 92 per cent in case of shearing type mechanism. It has been observed that rate of water absorption was initially high and then gradually decreases i.e. 0.54 to 0.18 and 0.48 to 0.18 for black and green gram, respectively. 

Abstract

Consumers are now more conscious about quality and source of their foods. Attempts made to determine the quality of food materials are numerous, but most of them are destructive in nature. In recent years, nondestructive methods of quality evaluation have gained momentum and a considerable attempts have been made to develop them. This paper describes application of these non-emerging technologies: magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray computer tomography, near infrared spectroscopy and a few other important techniques for determination of different quality attributes with special emphasis on grain, and discusses their pros and cons for practical exploitation.

Abstract

Wheat gluten consists mainly of gliadin and glutenin polypeptides. During mixing gliadin and glutenin proteins interact to form a unique viscoelastic gluten network, which is envisaged as being necessary for holding the gases and for producing a light porous crumb textured bread. Recent work has confirmed that the elastic properties of gluten are due to the glutenin fraction, whilst the viscous properties are attributed to the gliadin fraction. Equal amount of these two major protein components of wheat gluten is required for achieving the desired bread quality, but variation in the composition and physical properties of the glutenin polypeptides appear to be largely responsible for the differences in the gluten viscoelasticity and breadmaking potential among wheat cultivars. Recently, associations of gliadin polypeptides with breadmaking quality have also been reported. Using improved protein separation and purification techniques, physical methods and genetic engineering, we are beginning to understand the structure-functional relationship of wheat gluten proteins, but much remains to be explored in the years to come. 

Abstract

Determination of quality of wheat is very important because quality requirement of an individual product vary from one another. Flour quality can be defined as the ability of the flour to produce a uniformly good end product. Flour quality factors can be divided into two basic groups: those that are inherent in the wheat as a result of the genetic make up and the changes brought about by growing conditions; secondly those factors that might be altered during the process of converting wheat into flour Wheat flour constituents play an important role in determining the quality of flour. The flour quality for baking could be assessed by measuring the physical, chemical and rheological characteristics.

Abstract

Adulteration refers to a process by which the quality or the nature of the given substance is reduced by the addition of foreign or an inferior substance, removal of vital component, packing and storage under harmful conditions, insect infestation, poisonous material, undesirable chemicals and unintentional contaminants. All these change in food whether intentional or unintentional are covered under food adulteration. In cereal grains adulteration results by incidental contamination during the period of growth, harvesting, processing, transport, and distribution and results in various health hazard, sand, marble chips, earth and filth are also adulterants in grains. Pest and pesticides residues are also hazardous.

Abstract

Majority of basic research in our country has foundations in Universities and various Institutions linked to them. This paves way for discovering wilder varieties of the present known cereals and other food crops. Such findings help in bioprospecting the required gene/genetic material for the improvement of the existing crops. As per the Biodiversity Act of 2002, it is the responsibility of these institutions to document the same. But, as research scientists are geared to meet the challenges? Being used to socialistic system from the days of Independence where knowledge generated was open to everyone or closed and kept under the mountains of files, the TRIPS agreement has come as a shock. But the true impact of it was realized in 1999-2000, when the patent amendments were taken up. The private institution/ companies went into the act immediately.  We in the University neither were slow to react nor were we prepared to take the shock.  In this paper some of the problems pertaining to IPR and scenario of Indian Universities and Institutions in this regard were highlighted.

Abstract

Mycotoxins are naturally occurring chemicals produced by fungi growing on grain, feed or food. The fungi that produce mycotoxins in grains commonly include Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium species. The toxins can accumulate in maturing corns, cereals, soybeans, sorghum, peanuts and other food and feed crops in the field and in grain during transportation. The toxins may occur in storage under conditions favorable for the growth of the toxin producing fungi. Diseases in animals and human beings resulting from the consumption of mycotoxins are called Mycotoxicoses. These fungal metabolites are detrimental to the health of both animals and human. Toxicity ranges from acute death to chronic diseases, cancer and reproductive malfunction. Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed grains is a serious economic problem for grain producers and processors because grain contamination impacts market 

Abstract

There are enormous food processing industries comprising of grains and oilseeds milling, fruits and vegetables processing, spice grinding and other food processing units in India. Also, there are many seed processing companies in the country, which are engaged in the processing and production of good quality seeds of different crops besides National Seeds Corporation and State Seed Corporations. All industries are using different type of machinery and equipment like cleaner, grader, expeller, milling machines, polishers, dehusking machines, size reduction equipment, different type of grinders, separators, treatment machinery, mixers, pulverizes etc. Besides this equipment, material-handling equipment like conveyor (belt, chain or screw type), elevators, holding bins and other handling equipment are also frequently used in the processing plants. To meet the above requirement many firms are also involved in the manufacturing of these equipment and machinery. Since, most of the seed processing equipment, dhal milling plants, material handling equipment are manufactured by the unorganized sector and hence equipment and machinery fabricated by them are not of very good quality. However, Bureau of Indian Standards has formulated the codes of manufacturing for these equipment and machinery. Seed processing equipment manufactured in India are generally copy of imported processing equipment. The manufacturers do not use materials of good quality. Framework of the machines is very poor. These machines are not also tested for their efficiency, 

Abstract

Wheat is unique among cereals because of its ability to form viscoelastic dough. Variety of products such as leavened and unleavened breads, pasta, cookies, and breakfast cereals are prepared using wheat. The viscoelastic property of dough is mainly due to the presence of gluten proteins viz., gliadins and glutenins. Variations among these proteins play a significant role in determining the quality of wheat. Although considerable studies have been carried out on quantity and quality of protein and their relation to bread quality, very little work has been reported on their relation with quality of Indian traditional products like chapati and tandoori roti. Results indicate that ratio between gliadins and glutenins are important in determining the chapati quality. It has been found that varieties having 5+10 HMW glutenin subunits with IBL/ IRS chromosomes are more suitable for the preparation of chapati and roti. This article is focused on the relation between protein and its subunit composition and the quality of chapatti and roti quality.

Abstract
 
The definition of quality is described from a very simpler one “fitness for purpose or use” to a comprehensive “the totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs”. The concept of total quality management in food industry is adopted recently and it is the “integrated organization approach in delighting customer (both external and internal) by meeting their expectations on a continuous basis through everyone involved with the organization working on continuous improvement in all products/processes along with proper problem solving methodology”. TQM is concerned with the integration of all the efforts in organization towards quality improvement, quality development and quality maintenance to meet full customer satisfaction at economic levels. TQM enhances the work culture and employee’s satisfaction through participation and involvement and consequently the image of the organization.

Abstract

Human Resource Management (HRM) is an essential function of every organization. Information Technology (IT) application has made such ‘human resource management’ function easy, to a great extent. Now a day, IT has been used widely across the organizations to perform different functions like, Recruitment, training, maintenance and development etc. Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is one of the latest contributions of IT to the area of human resource management, which is going to revolutionise management in 21st Century. Technology has brought changes in the existing working styles of organisations. By the introduction of HRIS, it enhances the efficiency of the organisation by changing the traditional way of working. In Human Resource Information Systems, many organizations use employee data in traditional ways. These can create conflict with the rights and interests of employees, with external stakeholders, and with society at large. The present paper discusses such issues. Other soft issues like, challenges and possible solutions are also discussed.

Abstract

Training is essential but expensive. Hence, training impact is a crucial measure. National Agricultural Research System (NARS), India employs about 30000 scientists. To effectively manage such huge scientific-capital, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) establishedCentres for Advanced Faculty Training (CAFT) and National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM). CAFT train faculty of State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), while NAARM trains scientists of ICAR institutes and SAUs. Assessing impact of these training programmes becomes essential. Application of knowledge, skills and attitude (KSA) acquired during training back at job environment is training-transfer that addresses learning, behaviour and results levels of training impact. This chapter critically analyses training-transfer of NAARM and CAFT programmes, suggests empirical framework to enhance impact of NAARM and CAFT programmes and thus contributes to literature. Policy strategies suggested in this paper hold wider applicability.

Introduction

Training is the crucial and expensive component of HRD, intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of performance of the members of organization through planned learning efforts, transfer of such learning at work place and in turn improvement of the organizational performance. Given such objectives, most of the training programmes fail to inculcate the transfer component in trainees (Subedi 2004). Hence, there is an increasing concern over training transfer at work place and the resultant improved organizational performance in terms of productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and turn over etc (Howard 1995, Huselid 1995, Martocchio and Baldwin 1997 and Salas et al.. 2000, Thayer1997).

Improving the skill set of individuals is an important agenda of any development organization. The individuals may be anyone in the system who is directly or indirectly connected to the system.  Agriculture System is a complex and multi-stakeholder system with farmers as the axis of the wheel with other stakeholders’ forms part of spokes of the wheel. The scope for capacity building or training of every stakeholder has been peaking tremendously given the ever changing nature of the profession. The public and private training Institutions are vying with each other for conducting trainings in order to sustain the existence of the Institutions. Though a few institutions are really trying hard to take the technologies in real terms to the farming community, the following observations are very difficult to be masked.

1. Introduction

With the advent of globalization and subsequent economic liberalization, the focus of Indian agriculture is shifting from “subsistence” to “commercial” mode, where farming is viewed as a “business” rather than “life-support” system of poor farmers. Enabling farmers “decision-making” capacity is a primary driver of success in the market-oriented agriculture. This “commercial focus” has brought tremendous changes in the “nature” and “mode” of extension work. On the other hand, extension work organizations in developing countries like India, are being impacted by sharp decline in public sector funding, rapid technological innovations especially in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and the shift to a knowledge-based workforce. These developments created new opportunities for the extension workers to perform the information dissemination, capacity building and technology application more effectively. 

Agricultural colleges and universities were first formed in the belief that farm production could be increased as a result of the systematic application of current technology and agricultural research findings. The mission of these early educational institutions was to scientifically study agriculture with the participation of the farming community; to carry the results to a broad range of farmers who could use them; and to train farmers, extension workers, agricultural teachers and researchers so that agricultural production could continue to be increased on a sustained basis. In many of the developing countries, agricultural education and training have failed to adapt and respond to the realities of rural societies. In response to the urgent need to review and adjust teaching and training in agriculture at all levels. The training is an important tool to overcome the problem faced by the rural people all over the world. The availability of the resource is the crucial determining factors to strengthen the training Programme for the needy people.

In India’s National Extension Programme, professional workers constitute the link between the people and the institute created to advance economic and social change upon the character philosophy, technical knowledge and compliance of these workers largely rests for the success of the programme. Hence the quality of these workers and their training is the important element to be dealt with properly and guided wisely.

In early fifties, the Gramsevak / Village Level Workers (VLW’s) served as a key-man in Community Development Programme and therefore, the Government of India aimed at imparting him by better training and supervisory assistance. As a step in this direction, Gramsevak Training Centers were started to impart training to GramSevaks / VLW’s and Extension Officers were appointed in block for better supervisory assistance.

Training helps people to become qualified and proficient in doing some jobs (Dahama, 1979). Usually an organization facilitates the employees’ learning through training so that their modified behaviour contributes to the attainment of the organization’s goals and objectives.
 
Training needs refer to the gaps between desired and expected levels of performance. Needs may be numerous. Besides they also need group, affection, recognition and fulfilment of their talents.

Training need may be defined as difference between existing and desired performance of person(s). In other words it is a gap between job requirement and job performance. That means it is gap between the existing and desired level of competency. Thus, the attitude, knowledge and skills of a person are lower than desired if the gap is significant there is a need for training.

Introduction

Today we are part of a highly complex and dynamic society. The complexity and dynamism are primarily due to the chain of changes induced by the scientific and industrial developments. The impetus provided by the information explosion coupled with scientific and technological developments to human life has triggered several unimaginable developments in the number, structure and functions of formal organizations. Realization of the supremacy of human mind over the tangible and exhaustible organizational resources like money, material and machine has led to the concept of ‘human capital’, which is now being considered as the most critical organizational resource to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Analogously huge investments are going in towards servicing and developing this critical resource of human capital in organizations. In this context, the concepts of human resource development (HRD) and training assume greater significance. In fact, training has been considered as a potential tool for HRD since ages. However, as a distinct profession, and also as a critical management tool, training is still in its early years. At the same time, there have been significant changes in the way training is conceived, understood and practiced.

Abstract

The paper presents an approach of selecting suitable areas for artificial groundwater recharge structures through remote sensing and integrated terrain analysis by statistical method. The study area “Ayyar basin” is an aquifer system of gneisses and charnockite litho-units in Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu. The area has witnessed a steady decline in groundwater table. Hence, the scope for artificial groundwater recharge was studied in this area with the help of Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCS&T).

Abstract

Water has become a scarce resource all over the World. Water resources of Earth can be classified as surface water and groundwater in which groundwater is the main source for the drinking, domestic and agriculture. The Pudukkottai district is one of the chronic drought prone areas in Tamil Nadu. But, at the same time, the district is pitted with over 5,400 tanks/water bodies widely distributed throughout in general and clustered more in Vellar delta in particular, as the interlobel depressions have provided basic depressions for the surface water to accumulate. However, these surface water bodies are heavily silted. In Pudukkottai district, there are three divergent aquifer systems, hard rock aquifer system in the western, sedimentary aquifer system constituted by the Tertiary Sandstone (Cuddalore Sandstone) in the central and Quaternary aquifer system constituted by fluvial, fluvio-marine and marine systems in the eastern parts of the district.

Abstract

The development index and the developmental planning of a Country/Nation mostly depend on its natural resources potential including water resources. The fast emerging Remote Sensing and GIS technology has substantially reduced the problems of water resources management including groundwater. The groundwater is distinctly controlled by western crystallines, central Tertiary sandstone and eastern Quaternary sediments in Pudukkottai district. While the groundwater behavior in crystallines is dominantly controlled by secondary porosity, in Tertiary formations and Quaternary sediments, it is controlled primarily by the primary porosity and by secondary porosities also if these are structurally deformed.

Abstract

It is evident from the previous studies that, in the crystalline terrain, the Fractures / lineaments act as master conduits for the groundwater movements and also act as favorable loci for groundwater storage. Because of this, the mapping of fracture patterns has become very popular among geoscientists. However, after witnessing failures and the fractures turned out to be water barren at many instances, geoscientists have started concentrating more on understanding the origin and the morphology of the fractures for precise groundwater targeting. In this context, a study has been conducted in parts of Western Ghats in Madurai, Dindigul and Theni districts of Tamil Nadu, South India, using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS). In the said study, the maxima zones of transmissivity were studied in relation to fractures systems, which are normally reflected as lineaments in satellite images in the area. This study in general indicates that the transmissivity is controlled by the fractures, which are interestingly the active faults of the Quaternary period in the area.

Abstract

The groundwater targeting in hard rock aquifer systems is complex, because of the heterogeneity of the aquifer systems. The ground water mobility and stability in such aquifer systems varies because of the lithology, folded structures, fracture density, geomorphology, slope etc., These occur in various permutations and combinations and control the overall water holding and conducting capacity in different parts of the aquifer systems. Hence, one needs to analyse all the data so as to understand and bring out precise spatial models on the groundwater probability in hard rock aquifer systems. In the present study, the authors have carried out GIS based appraisals to understand the relation between the lithology and groundwater movement in hard rock aquifer systems of parts of Central Tamil Nadu covering 1300 sq.km. In the said study, GIS images were generated on the maxima zones of various aquifer parameters such as water level, width of aquifer depletion, transmissivity, permeability, specific capacity, storage co-efficient, optimum yield and recovery rate. These were overlaid with the lithology GIS image. Such an analysis has shown that, in general, the fissile hornblende biotite gneiss appears to have some control over the groundwater systems.

Abstract

The groundwater behaviour in hard rock aquifer systems has always remained enigmatic owing to the heterogeneity of the aquifer systems. This is the reason why there are a lot of failures in groundwater targeting and management in hard rock aquifer systems even after the employment of many modern technologies. For precise groundwater targeting in hard rock aquifer systems various parameters like lithology, the type and the degree of structural deformation, the degree of weathering, geomorphology, etc., will have to be analysed which involves spatial analysis of voluminous data. In the sphere of spatial modelling, GIS plays an important role. Hence, a newer study has been carried out in parts of Madurai, Dindigul and Theni districts, Tamil Nadu, to identify the groundwater provinces and their functions using GIS. In the said study, GIS images were generated on the groundwater targets through GIS integration of transmissivity, permeability, storage co-efficient and water level. Such GIS image showing groundwater maxima was overlaid with GIS image of fracture maxima, subsurface geology maxima and the geomorphology maxima and thus by various GIS based spatial manipulations, aquifers controlled by structure, geomorphology, subsurface geology, and combinations of the above various variables were brought out. This has provided potential method for precise targeting of groundwater.

Abstract

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) have emerged as potential tools for competent planning and administration of water resources. In this study, a new methodology is proposed to delineate groundwater target zones using integrated RS, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. The developed methodology is confirmed by a case study in Karur district of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Seven thematic layers, viz., Lithology, Lineament Density, Geomorphology, Slope, Post– Monsoon Water Level, Drainage Density and Land use / Land cover were considered in this study. Selected seven thematic layers and their features were assigned suitable weights on the Saaty’s scale according to their virtual significance in groundwater incidence. The assigned weights of the thematic layers and their features were then normalized by using AHP. Finally, the selected seven thematic maps were incorporated by weighted linear combination method in a GIS environment to produce a groundwater target map.

Abstract

As the available surface water is too inadequate to fulfill the man’s requirements he was forced to locate newer groundwater reservoirs on one side and to control the fast depleting water table on the other side. As the ancient techniques have failed to give precise models on groundwater targeting, he was to invent and employ newer technologies. Under this scenario the recently invented spatial technology has emerged as a very powerful tool in groundwater targeting and management. The vistas and virtues of such spatial technology in groundwater management have been discussed in this overview paper by citing some case studies from Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

In South India, tanks system is quiet ancient, meant for storing and supplying water towards multifunctional needs of the people. In Tamil Nadu, there are around 39,000 tanks with varying size and types. Over past few decades, irrigation rely on stable and reliable groundwater resources like dug and deep bore wells, consequently tanks lost their significance. Moreover, excessive siltation, improper maintenance and illegal encroachment further degraded the system. The deterioration factors are broadly categorised into problems in catchment, feeder channels and head works which eventually resulted in loss of storage capacity. The present study chiefly narrates an indirect method of estimating the loss in storage capacity of tanks and the catchment problem, especially soil erosion and its induced siltation of tanks in the downstream using geoinformatics technology. Using remotely sensed satellite data, by measuring surface area of tank loss in storage capacity was estimated through a linear model. Using Digital Elevation Model derived topographic wetness indices data, the catchment problem especially, soil erosion areas were identified and remedial measures were suggested. Under prevailing water crisis, it is essential to rehabilitate the tanks through which the surface water potential can be improved along with quality as well.

Abstract

Water is an essential and vital component for our life support system. Drought and floods are the extreme events of rainfall and the vagaries of monsoon and hydrogeological framework in the country are highly variable from place to place. The water resources available in the country are also not uniformly distributed. The changing Landuse pattern and population growth and the resultant water resources development has lead to water stress at many places. In such areas, the extraction of excessive quantities of groundwater has resulted in the drying up of wells, damages of ecosystems, land subsidence, salt-water intrusion and other related problems. Agricultural, urban & industrial wastes are increasingly threatening the groundwater quality, which is likely to become a more serious issue in the coming years. Considering the seriousness of the groundwater contamination, Central Ground Water Board has carried out detailed studies in few hot spots in the state of Tamil Nadu. The issues related to the water resources contamination and the findings of the studies in parts of Tamil Nadu are summarized in this paper.

Abstract

The Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states in groundwater development. Since the surface water resources have been fully exploited for irrigation, the groundwater is massively mined for agriculture, domestic and industrial purposes. The paper provides a synthesis of whole groundwater related issues including basin wise groundwater conditions, the aquifer types, geogenic water quality and quality deterioration due to anthropogenic activities, need for recharge, the utility of Remote Sensing & GIS etc. The paper has come out with set of recommendations as the concluding remarks.

Abstract

The state of Tamil Nadu has a low easterly gradient slope and there are number of rivers, big and small originate from the west flow towards east south easterly and confluence the Bay of Bengal. These were grouped into seventeen major and minor river basins, the Cauvery being the largest basin and the river is also a near perennial river. These river basins receive rainfall both from the southwest and northeast monsoons. The state has over 40,000 surface water bodies and number of major dams and reservoirs. Even then, since the rainfall of the north east monsoon, the major source of water source to these basins, occurs in short span of few days with high rainfall, neither adequate storage is there to store them nor the recharge possibility is available, thus all leading to flooding and wastage. The 40,000 and odd water bodies are heavily silted and polluted too. The paper provides an over view of all these, basin wise, and in addition, strongly advocates intra state river linkage and improvised irrigation management as the best option to save the state from its water deficiency.

Abstract

The Mesozoic sediments contribute around 54% of the oil and 44% of the gas reserves of the world (Bois et al. 1982). Indian Mesozoic basins occupy an area of about 400 x 103 sq. km and are characterized as frontier basins under category II - IV. These basins are mostly overlain by the Deccan Traps of Late Cretaceous age and are least explored. Deccan Syneclise is one of the largest Mesozoic basins in India, covering an area of ~ 273 x 103 sq. km. Geophysical studies have inferred hidden sub-trappean Mesozoic sediments with thickness up to 2.5 km. It is considered that requisite heat generation due to Deccan Trap volcanism soon after the Cretaceous sedimentation may have acted as a catalyst in hydrocarbon generation. Surface geochemical prospecting surveys along with carbon isotopic studies have been used to assess hydrocarbon generation potential of this part of the basin. The area adjoining Nandurbar beneath Narmada-Tapti region of Deccan Syneclise was selected for geochemical studies where geophysical studies have shown considerable sediment thickness. Surface geochemical studies indicate the generation of light gaseous hydrocarbons, C1 and SC2+ in the range of 3 to 1187 ppb and 1 to 1449 ppb, respectively. The carbon isotopic signatures of selected soil gas samples dC13 CH4 in the range of - 24 to -39.4‰ PDB) suggest thermogenic origin

Abstract

Sabatayn basin is one of the two mature basins producing oil and gas in Yemen. Due to the recent decline in oil production, the exploration activities have been extensively concentrated mainly on these two basins (Sabatayn and Sayun-Masilah). So, this present study has been conducted to evaluate the exploration potential of the remaining trap areas within these mature basins. Fractured basement of reservoir becomes very attractive exploration target in Yemen recently, after the recent discoveries of basement fractured oil fields. As the evaluation of basement traps needs time and fund, to reduce the same, this research study uses a new technique which was devised with the help of Geoinformatics by analyzing the surface and subsurface lineaments effectively. In this study, a satellite image Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+7) based analysis was conducted for extracting surface lineaments, and for the subsurface lineaments, the basement lineaments were extracted from seismic, magnetic and gravity data. An orientation analysis of these surface and subsurface linear features was performed to detect the basic structural grains of the study area. The correlation between these structural grains and subsurface oil and gas traps was performed to understand the connectivity to the reservoirs. This paper discusses in detail about the same and the importance of using surface and subsurface lineament analysis for delineating hydrocarbon reservoirs in the study area.

Abstract

The Pudukkottai district located in the southeastern tip of Tamil Nadu, India provides a complex geological setting with three litho-tectonic blocks membered by the hard Crystalline rocks of Archaeozoic-Proterozoic Era in the west,Mio-Pliocene Sandstone/Cuddalore Sandstone in the centre and Quaternary sediments in the east. While the western and central blocks are separated by a well-defined NNE-SSW trending fault, the central Mio-Pliocene Sandstone block is cut into two parts by a N-S fault with western static block and the eastern uplifted counterpart. Besides the above, the various drainage anomalies viz; Annular, Deflected and Eyed drainages and compressed meanders interpreted using the raw and digitally enhanced satellite multispectral data show that the N-S oriented faults with oscillations from NNW-SSE to NNE-SSW, NE-SW and E-W orientations are tectonically active in the area. The integration of these active faults with known geothermal springs and the maxima axes drawn from the contours deducted from the temperature of groundwater measured during the predawn hours from the wells revealed that the N-S and NE-SW faults are the probable locales for geothermal resources in the study area. Thus the study demonstrates a newer methodology for locating the geothermal prospects.

Abstract

The emergence of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies has substantially eased the problems of groundwater targeting in hard rock aquifer systems. Proper utilization of these can provide more vital information in managing such scarce resource. In this context, a new technique of GIS based visualization of groundwater levels of different periods (1985- 1990 -1995) was attempted for a part of Western Ghats hill-plain region of Tamil Nadu and various groundwater features viz: ridges, valleys, domes and basins were interpreted. The integration of such groundwater features of different periods and their analysis with structural features provided some newer information on geosystem processes and their interface dynamics with hydrosystems, from which, certain strategies were suggested for better groundwater management in hard rock areas.

Abstract

The study area falls in the southern part of the Indian Peninsular comprising hard crystalline rocks of Archaeozoic and Proterozoic Era. In the present study, the GIS based 3D visualizations of gravity, magnetic, resistivity and topographic datasets were made and therefrom the basement lineaments, shallow subsurface lineaments and surface lineaments/faults were interpreted. These lineaments were classified as category-1 i.e. exclusively surface lineaments, category-2 i.e. surface lineaments having connectivity with shallow subsurface lineaments and category-3 i.e. surface lineaments having connectivity with shallow subsurface lineaments and basement lineaments. These three classified lineaments were analyzed in conjunction with known mineral occurrences and historical seismicity of the study area in GIS environment. The study revealed that the category-3 NNE-SSW to NE-SW lineaments have greater control over the mineral occurrences and the N-S, NNE-SSW and NE-SW faults/lineaments control the seismicities in the study area.

Abstract

The strenuous field trekking, inaccessibility, perception of geology only within the visibility range of the eyes etc. have remained matters of major constraints in the past in field based geological mapping. The remote sensing technology not only eradicated these but also provided lot many newer vistas in the field of geology. In addition, the application of such unique technology has brought out a hierarchy of newer concepts in the field of geology. The paper narrates the newer knowledge gathered on the geology of South India in the post remote sensing Era.

R is a software package / language / environment for statistical analysis and graphics.

It Reads Any Type of Data *.txt, .csv, .dat, etc.), You can also scrape (collect) data from websites and execute SQL queries It Supports Large Data Sets. Reproducibility.  R allows you to add comments to your scripts to make it clear to you and others on what you’re doing as data and analysis are separated in R. As R is fully free you can use the latest version on any / as many computers so you and your student can work on the same version. You can use R on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix. Anyone (Including You) Can Contribute Packages to the Community to Improve its Functionality.

You can download R from : http://cran.r-project.org. R has a command line interface and that is a huge hurdle for many users, but believe us you will find that using a command line is also easy. However we strongly recommend the R Studio text editor for working with R scripts (http://www.rstudio.com/ide/download).

Abstract

This paper sets out to describe key results and experiences obtained during the assessment of the crop response to water which varies strongly from crop to crop depending on its specific genetic characteristics and adaptation to ecological conditions. The specific crop water information for the different crops is compiled in a crop-based data base. This includes crop water parameters, yield response to water, as well as selection of economy crops. Existing natural water resources can sustain the crop production with high yield as well as economic value with minimal environment impact. Most of the crop varieties get all of its required water from rainfall- water but due to climate change there is always a demand of irrigation water from the ground water resources. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the crop water information in relation to ground water extraction as a source of irrigation.

Abstract

Groundwater flow modeling in hydrological sciences is one of the main tools used to assess the resource potential in terms of quantity and to predict the future impacts under different stresses/scenarios. This case study is prepared to present the  groundwater flow model for the Osian-Mandore pilot area with 12 villages of Mandore Block and 21 village of Osian Block in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. The spatial model parameters and spatio-temporal fluxes were acquired and processed using remote sensing, GIS and Groundwater flow modeling interfaces. MODFLOW software was used to model the groundwater flow system in three interfaces PMWIN 5.3.0, Groundwater Modeling System and Visual MODFLOW. 

Abstract

Conversion of an already arid land into a desert through indiscriminate human actions magnified by droughts. Such actions include overgrazing, repeated burning, intensive farming, and stripping of vegetation for firewood. One quarter of the earth’s surface is threatened by desertification - an area of over 3.6 billion hectares. Since 1990, Six million hectares of productive land are lost every year due to land degradation. Desertification threatens the liveihoods of more than one billion people and has already made over 135 million people homeless. Desertification does not occur in linear, easily mappable patterns. Deserts advance erratically, forming patches on their borders. Areas far from natural deserts can degrade quickly to barren soil, rock, or sand through poor land management.

Abstract

This paper is the result of strong belief that if earth observation and geospatial techniques could be applied to a village to plan its natural resources in sustainable manner, the potential of this technique for common man is harnessed maximum. So analysis of one village natural environment, predicting its impact on humans, identifying certain possible inhabitable conditions due to existing nature & suggesting ways to utilize these conditions for sustainable human's and nature's existence  is the motive behind this work.

Abstract
 
The definition of what drought is and what drought is not, has profound implications for the environment and all segments of society, yet it may be different for each. Many attempts have been made to develop a comprehensive and meaningful definition. A generic definition provides a starting point:  Drought is a persistent and abnormal moisture deficiency having adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and people. The public perceives “drought” as a serious departure from normal water conditions, a departure that requires a public response to reduce negative impacts. About two thirds of the geographic area of India receives low rainfall (less than 1000 mm), which is also characterized by uneven and erratic distributions.

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the major sources of exploitation in arid and semi -arid regions of Rajasthan. To protect groundwater, its data on spatial distribution are important along with quantity. Analysis of quality of groundwater is also very important, because the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwater determine its suitability for agricultural, industrial and domestic usages. The importance ground water increases many fold for arid tracts like Western Rajasthan. Here quality of water is also matter of serious concern. Geostatistics methods are most advanced techniques for interpolation of Groundwater quality. The present study appraises the groundwater quality of western Rajasthan for agricultural purpose with GIS technology. Kriging Raster Interpolation technique of spatial analyst module in Arc GIS software has been used to generate the spatial distribution map of ground water for agricultural purpose. In western Rajasthan only 28% (58109 km2) of ground water falls under the category of good and is suitable for agricultural use. 

Abstract

This study evaluates the potential of remote sensing techniques for assessing the relationship between land degradation and poverty in Pali development block of Rajasthan. Due to climatic conditions that prevail in this area of the country, less facilities and management practices to conserve land and its fertility becomes an important factor for intensifying poverty. The other countenance of this is that it is poverty which leads to land degradation. This paper assesses the impact of poverty and land degradation on each other. The desertification intensity and BPL density is calculated and relation is seen using Chi square test. The goodness of fit is seen up to 5 per cent level of significance for land degradation and demographic data.  The desertification in agricultural area is also considered. The total degradation in the block calculated is 8.39 per cent. It is found that village with highest BPL density has more degradation intensity particularly in agricultural area, proving the agricultural based economy of the dry lands in Rajasthan. An example study is also done at village level.  Using cadastral map and satellite image classification, fields that require immediate attention have been identified. Demographic and degradation maps are also prepared.

1.0 Introduction

Population in dry lands of the world is increasing; more fresh water is required in order to meet the growing demands. To meet this challenging situation developing new technologies for identification of potential sites for rainwater harvesting (RWH) is an important step towards maximizing water availability in semi-arid areas.