eChapters

Introduction

Although both maps and aerial photos present a “bird’s-eye” view of the earth, aerial photographs are NOT maps. Maps are orthogonal representations of the earth’s surface, meaning that they are directionally and geometrically accurate (at least within the limitations imposed by projecting a 3-dimensional object onto 2 dimensions). Aerial photos, on the other hand, display a high degree of radial distortion. That is, the topography is distorted, and until corrections are made for the distortion, measurements made from a photograph are not accurate. Nevertheless, aerial photographs are a powerful tool for studying the earth’s environment. 

Because most GISs can correct for radial distortion, aerial photographs are an excellent data source for many types of projects, especially those that require spatial data from the same location at periodic intervals over a length of time. Typical applications include land use surveys and habitat analysis. 

This unit discusses benefits of aerial photography, applications, the different types of photography, and the integration of aerial photographs into GISs.

9.1.AGMARK

‘Ag’ means agriculture and ‘mark’ means certification mark.

Certifying agency: Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Government of India

Effective region: India

Effective since: 1986

Product category: Agricultural products

12.1. Agribusiness

Concept was born in Harvard University in 1957.

John David and A. Goldberg wrote a book ‘A concept of Agri-business’.

In early 1966, University of Philippines offered an Agri-Business Management (ABM) UG program.

In 1969, first Advanced Agribusiness Management seminar held in Manila.

Principle of field drainage and methods of drainage, Benefits of drainage
Biological drainage
Importance of bio-drainage in water logged conditions
Bio-drainage and soil salinity
Agricultural Drainage
Excess water in the crop root zone soil is injurious to plant growth. Artificial drainage is essential on poorly drained agricultural fields to provide optimum air and salt environments in the root zone. Crop yields are drastically reduced on poorly drained soils, and, in cases of prolonged waterlogging, plants eventually die due to a lack of oxygen in the root zone. Waterlogging in irrigated regions may result in excess soil salinity, i.e., the accumulation of salts in the plant root zone.
Sources of excess soil water that result in high water tables include: high precipitation in humid regions; surplus irrigation water and canal seepage in the irrigated lands; and artesian pressure. Agricultural drainage is the removal of excess water from the soil surface and/or soil profile of cropland, by either gravity or artificial means. In some soils, the natural drainage processes are sufficient for growth and production of agricultural crops, but in many other soils, artificial drainage is needed for efficient agricultural production.
Agricultural drainage improvement can help reduce the year-to-year variability in crop yield, which helps reduce the risks associated with the production of abundant, high quality, affordable food. Improved access of farm equipment to the field provides more time for field activities, can help extend the crop production season, and helps reduce crop damage at harvest.
Agricultural drainage conditions around the world can be grouped according to three agro-climatic zones: the temperate zone, the arid and semi-arid zone and the humid and sub-humid zone.
In the temperate agro-climatic zone the major role of drainage is to prevent waterlogging, i.e., excess water in the root zone of crops from surplus rainfall.

1.1. Credit

Defined as a device for facilitating temporary transfer of purchasing power from those who have surpluses of it to those who are in need of it.

Precision agriculture depends on information collected through ground sensors, satellites, IoT systems and other connected devices. However, these data sources differ in spatial resolution, timing, quality and technical compatibility. This chapter introduces a computational framework for acquiring, harmonizing and analysing heterogeneous agricultural data. Preprocessing methods address noise, missing values and inconsistencies, while machine learning, deep learning and ensemble models identify useful environmental, spectral and temporal patterns. Applications include crop-health assessment, soil-moisture estimation, yield prediction and climate-resilience planning. Edge and cloud computing support scalability and real-time operation. Integrating multiple data sources can improve model accuracy, robustness and the practical usefulness of intelligent farming systems.

Agriculture addresses the essential food wellspring of the world, and it has been confronting serious difficulties because of the rising interest for food items, sanitation, and security worries as well as calls for ecological insurance, water conservation, and maintainability. This improvement is anticipated to go on since the total populace is assessed to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. Since farming comprises the most noticeable illustration of water utilization around the world, it is normal that food interest and water utilization will decisively increment within a reasonable timeframe. Moreover, the rising utilization of composts and pesticides combined with the increase of cultivating exercises could prompt future ecological difficulties. Essentially, arable land is restricted, and the quantity of farmers is diminishing around the world. These difficulties highlight the requirement for imaginative and practical cultivating arrangements.
Consolidating novel innovations has been distinguished as a promising answer for address these difficulties. Brilliant cultivating and Precision farming have arisen because of such discussions. The previous is an overall idea for information communication technologies (ICT) and other state of the art developments in cultivating exercises to build productivity and viability. The last option centers around site-explicit administration in which the land is separated into homogeneous parts, and each part gets the specific measure of agricultural contribution for crop yield enhancement through original advances. Unmistakable advances that certainly stand out in this field incorporate Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, including machine learning and deep learning.
Notwithstanding the previously mentioned innovations, remote detecting has been viewed as a mechanical device with high potential to work on savvy and Precision farming. Satellites, human-maintained airplane, and robots are well known remote-detecting advances. Drones, popularly known as Unmanned

5.1. Farm machinery implements

5.1.1. Tillage

9.1. Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited (AIC)

Formed 1 April 2003 took over implementation of National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) from General Insurance Corporation of India.

Also transacts other insurance businesses directly or indirectly concerning agriculture and its allied activities.

14.1. Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)

Set up in January, 1965 in name of Agricultural Prices Commission (APC) on recommendations of Food grains Prices Committee headed by Shri L.K.Jha.

Prices for different agricultural crops by GOI on the recommendations of CACP are announced as minimum support prices, statutory minimum prices, procurement prices and issue prices.

The recent earthquake in Nepal brings back memories of 26th January 2001. While the nation was busy in celebrating Republic Day, an earthquake shattered Gujarat especially Kutch and Saurashtra regions. A large number of buildings and houses collapsed within moments. Thousands were injured and many lost their lives and many more became homeless.

Kutch received quick responses from all over the world and a large number of individuals, institutions, government and semi-government bodies, professional experts, religious and social organizations etc. sprang into action to bring back some normalcy in the lives. However, long-term rehabilitation program based on scientific planning is most vital after such disasters.

Introduction

Agriculture contributes to 29.93% of India's GDP with a share of 27% of the world's agriculture production. India is ranked 6th in the world. In Rajasthan significant portion of economy of is agrarian. The agriculture sector of the state accounts for 22.5% share of agriculture in GSDP which is estimated to 18.39% in 2009-10. About 80% of the total population resides in rural area and largely dependent on agriculture as the source of their livelihood. The hot arid region of western Rajasthan occupies 61% of the total geographical area and 39.51% population of the state. During the last four decades the burgeoning human and livestock population and increased societal demands for land based products led to  significant expansion and intensification of agriculture by putting even marginal lands under plough, excessive exploitation  of ground water and importing of surface water for irrigation.

Agricultural robotics is transforming farming by introducing automated machinery capable of performing agricultural operations with greater precision and efficiency. This chapter explores the role of robotics in planting, irrigation, spraying, crop monitoring, weed management, harvesting, and other farm activities. Integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensors, cameras, and IoT enables robots to collect information, analyse field conditions, and perform tasks with limited human intervention. The chapter discusses the major applications, benefits, and limitations of agricultural robotics. Robotics can address labour shortages, improve resource-use efficiency, reduce operational time, and support sustainable farming. However, high investment costs, technical complexity, infrastructure requirements, and skill shortages remain important adoption barriers

Abstract

India ranks in the world’s five largest producers of over 80% of agricultural produce items. Processing of agricultural produce generates substantial amount of crop residues which can have tremendous value to farmers. However, a large portion of the residues is burned on farm primarily to clear the field from straw and stubble; which affects the environment, soil health and crop yield.The conversion of crop residues to eco-friendly and valuable product like biochar is need of the hour. Biochar is an organic amendment which slowly releases C in the soil, and is stable over the years. Various applications of biochar like reduction in greenhouse gases emission, sequestering C in the soil, increasing crop yield, used as combusting fuel and livestock feedmakes it a promising candidate for sustainable agriculture and environment.

Introduction 
Chapter 13 delves into the field of agriculture extension and communication, emphasizing its role in disseminating knowledge and fostering rural development. This chapter explores how effective extension education and communication strategies contribute to advancing agricultural practices, improving food security, and addressing global warming challenges. The chapter begins with an examination of extension education and rural development, focusing on how extension services bridge the gap between research and practice. It highlights the role of extension services in providing farmers with access to new technologies, best practices, and resources that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Communication and technology transfer are crucial for effective extension work. This section discusses various communication methods and technologies used to transfer knowledge to farmers. It includes the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in facilitating access to agricultural information and supporting the adoption of innovative practices. Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and capacity building are explored as practical approaches to extension education. The chapter outlines how FFS provides handson training and experiential learning opportunities for farmers, enabling them to develop practical skills and knowledge that improve their farming practices. The importance of agriculture extension and communication in food security is emphasized, highlighting how these efforts contribute to increasing agricultural productivity, improving food quality, and ensuring a stable food supply. The chapter discusses how effective extension services can help address food security challenges by promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting farmers in adapting to changing conditions. The impact of agriculture extension and communication on global warming is also considered. This section examines how extension services can contribute to mitigating climate change by promoting practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. Modern concepts in agriculture extension and communication are reviewed, showcasing recent advancements and innovative approaches in the field. The chapter discusses how new technologies and methodologies are transforming

Abstract

Customized application development can deliver/fulfill the specialized and specific needs of the users as well as it provides user- friendly environment to the users. There have been applications developed in the past but now applications developed and coupled with the advantage of GIS technologies for various data-handling, spatial analyses and visualization under variable inputs and spatial scales is an innovative approach developed during recent years.The present work encompasses Spatial Agricultural Information and Decision Support System having five modules - Agro-socio-economic-information, Bio- Physical Information, Crop’s Information & Management, and Agriculture DSS Module. This system, developed in a GIS framework, allows managers and planners to rapidly assess land attributes and link these attributes with maps and related infrastructure. Hence, it can facilitate efficient use of existing resource information. The primary database of the software has a Database Update feature which can be utilized by the user using the software to integrate own data into the primary database of the software. With this integration, the software adapts to new data entered and will enable this data to be visualized in GIS platform. The software has been designed keeping in view the requirements of the departments like Department of Agriculture, Department of Land Records etc. In comparison with the commercial GIS applications, the commercial applications are not cost effective if the primary requirement is visualization enabling decision making and basic spatial analysis. The most features available on such software remain un-utilized or they cannot be used without having GIS knowledge. This application is suitable in such scenarios, providing a simple customizable platform for GIS visualization. This software application fits in and serves the line departments and in a way promoting the GIS in the mountainous terrain as it requires very basic or no GIS skill set to operate.

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most fundamental activities of human civilization, serving as the bedrock upon which societies and economies have been built. In its simplest definition, agriculture is the science and practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising livestock. However, its significance extends far beyond mere food production; it is integral to the economic, social, and environmental fabric of nations. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of agriculture, beginning with its basic definition and expanding to cover its critical role in human civilization. It delves into the diverse agricultural practices observed in Pakistan, a country where agriculture is not only a tradition but also a cornerstone of the economy. The discussion covers how climate, geography, and government policies influence these practices and shape the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Moreover, this chapter explores the economic impact of agriculture on Pakistan, particularly in terms of employment, poverty alleviation, and rural development. It also addresses the role of agriculture in ensuring food security, the environmental implications of farming practices, and the need for sustainable methods to secure the future of this vital industry. Finally, the chapter touches on the technological advancements and innovations that are driving modern agricultural practices and the broader implications of these changes for the future of farming. In the heartlands of progress and sustenance, where the earth meets the sky, lies a discipline that stands as the foundation of civilizations throughout history – agriculture. More than just a vocation, agriculture is an intricate science that has shaped societies, provided nourishment, and propelled the evolution of humanity. It intertwines the art of nurturing the land with the precision of scientific inquiry, producing a symphony of growth and harvest that sustains life itself. At its core, agriculture is the embodiment of a delicate balance between nature’s offerings and human ingenuity. It’s the art of coaxing the earth’s potential, and the science of unraveling its secrets. From the rhythmic dance of seasons to the intricacies of soil composition, every facet of agriculture is woven into the tapestry of life on Earth. And as we stride into an era where global challenges like population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity loom, the importance of understanding the science behind farming has never been more crucial.

1.1. Agriculture

Derived from Latin word; Ager-soil and culture-Cultivation.

An art: Governs the knowledge to perform the operations of the farm in a skillful ways.

A science: Uses technologies including breeding, production technologies, crop protection, economics etc., to maximize the yield and profitability of the farmer.

A business: Way of life for a rural population.

Involves management of labour, water and capital, and employing technologies for production of food, fibre, feed and fuel through mechanization to achieve maximum returns.

As per Agricultural act 1947, agriculture includes horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, livestock breeding, grazing land, meadow land, market gardens and nursery gardens.