eChapters

Introduction

Wheat is the most important cereal crop to the human kind. It is the main source of energy and nutrition in human diet. Wheat is consumed in the form of large number of end products as chapati, bread, biscuit, cakes, pretzels, noodles and pasta products. Millions of people are involved in milling, baking and pasta products industry with huge turnover per annum. However, each end-use product of wheat has it’s own specific requirement for example basically hard wheats along with strong gluten and high protein content are used for bead making. Soft wheat with weak gluten and low protein content are required for biscuit making Souza et al. (1994). Durum (tetraploid) wheat is used for pasta products as macaroni, vermicelli and spheghatti and Dicoccum for therapeautic purposes. Often chemical improvers are used to improve the dough properties for these products. Most of these chemicals have been banned because of their toxic effects. Therefore, only alternative is to develop varieties suited to meet the requirements of these end-use products. This needs better understanding of molecular basis of grain quality to accelerate breeding for producing wheat varieties for each end-use product separately. Storage proteins are the major component of grain which determines end-product quality. In this chapter detailed structure, genetics and functionality of gluten proteins are described.

Introduction

India is transforming from the phase of revolution to commercial mode of agriculture, a step ahead of self-sufficiency. It further evolves to reach a goal of self-reliant on agriculture and allied sector. The present phase demands several technological innovations, their application and implementation in the market. Meanwhile this phase needs due attention for handling the issues on conservation of natural resources, especially germplasm resource, biodiversity conservation, socio-cultural-economic values of our country, etc. The whole process requires good investment on research and development, various economic measures and implementation. It is only possible with vibrant governance and policy implementation of a Government. Already Government of India has taken several measures to transform agriculture. Recent analysis showed that Indian agriculture is the silent ever green revolution. Food production is kept pace with the growing population since independence. Further, it needs several innovations on technologies coupled with policy support to fill the demand. India is placed 49^th position in the world on innovations. Analysis suggested the huge potential for innovation due to its huge human capital, which perhaps need for the country like India to meet the food demand of 333 million tonnes by the year 2050. These innovations must be focussed for growth to efficiency, employment generation, food security to nutrition and health, shortage management to surplus management, input intensive to knowledge intensive agriculture, climate change and sustainability, production and producers, policy interventions, regulations and reforms. The Government emphasize usage of e-trading platforms to sell the farmers’ produce of their choice rather using mandis. This will enable contract farming and inter-state trade. However, major innovations and investment must be implemented on transportation, logistics, and digital access and payments to enable widespread prosperity. Thus, focus must be on the complete agricultural value chain. In fact, focus needed on value addition, rural infrastructure, logistics, warehousing, and quality certification of agriculture produce. India has greatest challenges to face in the future for food and nutritional security, adaptation and mitigation to climate change and sustainable use of essential and scared resources like water, land and energy.

The rapid adoption of Large Language Models requires organizations to manage not only model performance but also ethical, regulatory, operational and lifecycle risks. This chapter presents an integrated perspective on governance, optimization and lifecycle management of LLMs. It examines governance principles based on fairness, accountability, transparency, human-centered design and responsible AI. Regulatory developments and policy gaps are considered alongside the challenges of auditing opaque models, controlling hallucinations and establishing accountability across organizations and jurisdictions. The chapter also explores optimization methods such as pruning, quantization, model compression, instruction tuning, LoRA and QLoRA to improve efficiency while maintaining useful capabilities. Lifecycle management extends from data collection and model design through training, evaluation, deployment, monitoring, updating and eventual decommissioning. Real-world cases demonstrate the importance of continuous testing, feedback, security controls and governance throughout the model lifecycle. Emerging threats, including prompt injection, data poisoning, misinformation, privacy leakage and malicious use, further emphasize the need for coordinated oversight. The chapter ultimately advocates a lifecycle-based governance framework combining technical optimization, regulatory compliance, ethical safeguards and continuous monitoring

The successful transformation of agriculture through artificial intelligence and digital technologies requires supportive policies, institutions, infrastructure, and farmer-oriented programmes. This chapter examines the role of government policies and institutional support in promoting smart farming and digital agricultural innovation. Effective policies can facilitate investment in research and development, digital infrastructure, farmer training, technology access, rural connectivity, data governance, and sustainable agricultural practices. Institutional mechanisms are particularly important for overcoming barriers faced by smallholder farmers, including high technology costs, limited digital literacy, and inadequate infrastructure. The chapter emphasizes collaboration among governments, research institutions, universities, private enterprises, and farming communities to promote inclusive technology adoption, strengthen resilience, and achieve sustainable food security.

Abstract

Grains in present context are food grains. The PFA Act includes cereals, millets, and pulses in food grains. At times, seeds of certain oilseeds like soybean are also referred to in the discussion of food grains. Grains have been cultivated for thousands of years. We have Grain Standards as established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which are considered as International Standards. Another source is Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) under the aegis of FAO (UN), which operates a Committee to formulate standards that are referred to as Codex Standards. Many countries have a National Standards Institution, which develops National Standards for their main grain crops and other commodities and issues specifications along with methods of testing and analysis. Several countries, which are in developing status, adopt or modify international standards into their national system. The Grain Standards have been evolved and established for a variety of purposes but primarily to grade produce in agricultural marketing largely to facilitate the movement of grain, provide both sellers and buyers with guidelines to support financial transactions, and ensure that the produce will meet up with end-use requirements, or, increasingly to protect the consumers.

Q. 1 While operating a combine harvester, the grain not collected by the
machine is called
(A) Field loss         (B) Shattering loss
(C) Gathering loss (D) Reel loss

Solution:

Steps used for plotting the bar graph are as:

Step 1: Open Excel sheet and feed the above data as given in figure. 9.1.

Step 2: Select data and go to insert menu and select column chart. (figure 9.2)

Step 3: Select 2-D column, option first from dialog Box (figure 9.3).

Step 4: The desired output will be as shown (figure 9.4).

Remark The data labels, axis name, title of the graph etc. can be inserted through selecting option formatting chart area and add data labels by right clicking on the graph output (figure 9.5).

The growing demand for sustainable materials has encouraged the development of green composites based on bio-based polymers and renewable reinforcements. This chapter explores advanced carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and carbon quantum dots, as functional reinforcements for green composites. It discusses their synthesis, functionalization, incorporation into biopolymer and bio-based matrices, and influence on mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties. Particular attention is given to green synthesis approaches using biomass-derived resources, surface modification, dispersion, environmental considerations, scalability, cost, and life-cycle assessment. The chapter also considers future opportunities for multifunctional and commercially viable sustainable nanocomposites.

Graphene and related carbon nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention as reinforcements for high-performance green composites. This chapter examines graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanoplatelets and their integration with bio-based polymers and natural fibres. It discusses synthesis and fabrication methods, characterization techniques, mechanical properties, electrical and thermal performance, barrier properties, and applications. The chapter also considers dispersion and compatibility challenges associated with incorporating nanomaterials into green matrices. Graphene-based composites are explored for energy storage, environmental treatment, biomedical applications, sensors, packaging, automotive, and aerospace uses. Emerging trends focus on multifunctionality, scalable production, cost reduction, and sustainable processing.

ABSTRACT

Green technologies are required in the field of food processing and production in order to achieve food security and to reduce adverse environmental impact. Application of nano technology in food processing and production can advance the food safety and quality, increase the bioavailability of nutrients and thereby improving human health. Nanotechnology can be applied to achieve green perspective like development of biodegradable packaging materials thereby reducing adverse environmental effect. Use of naturally occurring nanoparticles as additives can reduce the use of chemicals in food products. This chapter deals with the potential of nanotechnology to achieve green aspects in food processing and production.Main focusses are on achieving food security and environmental sustainability. Chapter also describes about the principles of nanotechnology and methods to achieve green aspectin food sector with the application of nanotechnology. Application of nanotechnology in food processing and production along with safety, regulations and accompanying laws are discussed in this chapter.

Green composites are emerging as promising alternatives to conventional synthetic composites in response to climate change, resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and increasing demand for sustainable materials. This chapter reviews the current landscape of green composites and examines the challenges associated with their broader adoption. It discusses technological innovations, smart sustainable materials, bio-based nanocomposites, hybrid systems, environmental and economic implications, and the relationship between green composites and sustainable development. Processing limitations, high costs, regulatory uncertainties, and commercialization challenges are considered alongside opportunities for technological advancement. Life-cycle assessment and supportive policies are important for evaluating environmental impacts and accelerating the transition toward circular and sustainable material systems.

Introduction 
To fight climate change and lessen dependency on fossil fuels, the world urgently needs renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Hydrogen has become a promising energy carrier due to its versatility and capacity to generate energy from renewable resources without releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The world's demand for energy has been steadily increasing as a result of urbanization, economic expansion, and population rise. With an estimated 10 billion people on the earth by 2050, energy consumption is only expected to increase. Fossil fuels, which include oil, coal and gas have been widely used to generate energy and are predicted to do so at least until 2050 (see Fig.6.1) [1]. Figure 1. Global primary energy consumption is broken down by energy source [2, 3]. These fuels generate a large amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) during combustion, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), which is connected to climate change and global warming. In addition, burning fossil fuels releases particulate matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants that are harmful for human health. In addition, the unequal distribution of fossil fuel supply has led to increased instability globally and worries about energy security. Numerous nations started making investments in energy from renewable sources as concerns about the environment and energy security have grown. Because they emit little to no greenhouse emissions, renewable energy resources like hydroelectricity, wind, and solar power contribute to lowering the energy industry's overall environmental impact (see Fig.6.2) [4].

ABSTRACT

Green packaging is a technique used to develop sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials. In this review paper we have examined the data currently available on the use of plant by-products and plant extract in the development of green packaging. The use of plant fibres is especially beneficial because they often contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds. These compounds lend a preservative effect to the packaging material. Further we have also discussed the degradability of such packaging and the additives which need to be added in order to enhance their utility. Lastly, we have examined the possible applications of green packaging in the food industry.

Keywords:GreenPackaging,Plantby-products,Fruitfibres,Biodegradability, Bioactive compounds, Nanocomposites, Renewable resources, Biopolymers

Introduction 
Nanotechnology has become a highly influential field in science, showcasing diverse applications and promising trends over the past few years. Nanoscience has been a source of inspiration for material science researchers, encouraging the exploration of innovative methods to synthesise novel structures with significant properties and applications(Kolahalam et al. 2019). Nanoparticles are the core of nanotechnology, with “nano” denoting sizes smaller than a billionth of a hair, specifically below 100 nm (Volath et al. 2008).The focus on small-sized nanoparticles (1–100 nm) has become a global research priority attributable to their remarkable applications in physical, chemical, and biological sciences (Jeevanandam et al., 2018). The term “nanotechnology” was coined by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman in his renowned 1959 lecture titled “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom.”(Boverhof et al., 2015).Feynman proposed the advanceof smaller devices down to the molecular scale, asserting that it was not the laws of nature but rather the lack of appropriate equipment and approaches that limited progress in working at atomic and molecular scales(Clunan et al., 2014). In recent times, nanotechnology has transitioned into a mainstream and crucial innovation. When materials are manipulated at the nanoscale, their properties undergo significant transformations, leading to remarkable applications in physics, space science, chemistry, medicine, energy renewal, healthcare, environmental science, mechanics, electronics, civil engineering, optics, and more [Figure. 1](Mourdikoudis et al., 2018; Joshi et al., 2008; Suresh Kumar et al., 2019); AarthyePandian et al., 2019).

ABSTRACT

The global market for baked products has reached up to $495 billion in the year 2019. It is estimated that its value will reach up to $580 billion by the end of 2025 with a growth rate of 2.7 % between 2020 to 2025. Ovens are operated with the help of LPG/diesel/electricity. The hybrid ovens can give higher energy efficiency along with targeted quality parameters. The previous data such as oven temperature, heat supplied per unit time, the moisture content and variety of the raw material used can be provided to a specific computer programme. The heat recovering unit is a unit which captures the escaping hot air and the same may be reused by pumping the hot air to the front of the oven to preheat the incoming cold air. The biogas can be generated from the bakery waste. There will be 45 % or more methane production from bread and biscuit waste in the retention time of about 12 to 55 days in a biogas plant. To make the bakery fully operated on green technology, solar renewable energy can also be utilized.

8.1 Introduction

The management of greenhouse environments has become crucial in modern agriculture due to increasing concerns about climate change and the urgent need for sustainable farming practices. Greenhouses, also known as “controlled environment agriculture” facilities, have revolutionized the way we grow food by extending the growing season and allowing us to cultivate a wide range of plants in various climates. They achieve this by precisely regulating environmental elements such as temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide concentration, which are all crucial for optimizing plant growth and yield.

About 80% of the world population live in developing countries and are dependent on agriculture. Agricultural products, just after harvesting, are dried to the safe moisture level. Open solar drying for drying agricultural products is being practiced since ages throughout the world. Due to its several drawbacks as danger of (dust, rain, ultra-violet rays, birds, animals etc.), advance technique, i.e. greenhouse drying, is being adopted for drying crops to reduce the drying time and increase the quality of the food products.

Drying involves a heat and mass transfer phenomenon in which heat energy supplied to the product surface is utilized in two ways: (i) to increase the product surface temperature in the form of sensible heat and (ii) to vaporize the moisture present in product through the provision of the latent heat of vaporization. The removal of moisture from the interior of the product takes place due to induced vapour pressure difference between the product and surrounding medium. The moisture from the interior diffuses to the product surface to replenish the evaporated surrounding moisture.

The working principle of greenhouse drying is in which the product is placed in trays receiving the solar radiations through the plastic cover and moisture is removed by natural convection or forced convection.

Greenhouse drying are being adopted to reduce the losses and to increase the quality of the dried products. Solar energy is the most promising power source of energy for drying of agricultural products. Most of the farmers adopt open sun drying because it is abundant and inexpensive. But the open sun dried products are also subjected to remarkable losses due to environment. Losses of fruits and vegetables are estimated to be 30%-40% during drying under open sunlight. The post-harvest losses can be reduced by adopting advanced means of drying, i.e. greenhouse drying. The greenhouse dryer can be operated in natural and forced mode as required. Studies reveal that the greenhouse dried products are of superior quality and better colour retention as compared to open sun drying.

The variety of greenhouses and greenhouse material, equipment and accessories are so many. However, there are certain basic materials that essential in almost all types of green houses. These are

Structural framing materials

Such materialsinclude low maintenance non-heat conducting timber; strong and durable galvanized steel; or light, low-maintenance and sturdy aluminium alloys. Though plastic pipe frames are usable, they are not very strong to withstand snow load or strong wind sheering forces. What one should choose as the framing material would be determined by the material one wishes to use as glazing, his budget and the permanence of the structure one desires. Aluminium is a popular material for greenhouse framework because it is relatively lightweight, rustproof, affordable and easy to assemble. The downside is that it is not a good insulating material and in very cold weather, heat loss from the metal frame could inflate your heating bill. Also, you would need to look for sturdy frames if your greenhouse is located in an area that experiences high winds. Condensation could also occur on an aluminium frame. Wooden structural frameworks for garden greenhouses are also a popular choice for its aesthetic value, natural feel and the ’warmth’ it exudes. It is an easy material to work with especially if you are not using a greenhouse kit for building. Some greenhouse owners would settle for nothing else as they believe it is the only material that complements the natural beauty of plants inside the greenhouse! Wood is a good insulating material so it will not allow heat loss in cold weather. Reinforced wood has superior strength and has an excellent load bearing capacity. Being a natural material, it has the potential to develop mildew or disease and offer a haven to tiny pests. So, when you choose wood to build the framework of your greenhouse, be sure that you pick a high quality hardy wood such as redwood, cypress or cedar. Also, treat wood with non-hazardous chemicals so that your plants are not adversely affected. The preservatives used for wooden greenhouse frames should be pressure treated, salt type or copper naphthenate. Copper naphthenate is a general use preservative used for pressure treating utility poles and timber. It is known to be very effective in preventing mould, mildew and dry rot. It works very well against wood-damaging fungi and insect pests. Pentachlorophenol is a restricted use wood preservative and is toxic to plants and humans. It is not available to the general public and poles or timber treated with it are not suitable for use in a greenhouse. PVC pipe can also be used as support for small greenhouses that are to be covered with polyethylene, but PVC requires additional support to withstand strong winds. Being flexible, PVC can be used particularly well in hoop houses. Though it has the advantage of offering insulation and, if UV treated, are long-lasting, they are not good at bearing the load of hanging baskets and shelving to any appreciable degree. PVC that is treated to be resistant to ultraviolet radiation is also known as UPVC.

1.1 Introduction

Increased emission of greenhouse gases results in climate change which becomes one of the most prominent environmental issues to the world today. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major greenhouse gas whereas nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) are other substantial contributors to climate change (IPCC, 2014, Tongwane et al., 2016). However, these gases are emitted in minimal quantities in comparison to carbon dioxide but impart more global warming effect by absorbing more infrared radiations (Oertel et al., 2016). The warming potential of one kg of CH4 is 23 times more than one kg of CO2 while  in the case of N2O, it was nearly 300 times more than CO2 (Ramaswamy et al., 2001, Bharti et al., 2019; Biswas et al., 2010). Around one-third of methane and two –thirds of nitrous oxide come from soil (Prather et al., 1995, Tubiello et al., 2015, Smith, 2016).