eChapters

4.1. Introduction

Many countries have set up a network of agrometeorological observatories to regularly record important weather parameters such as clouds, rainfall, surface temperature, humidity, wind and wind direction, solar radiation, soil moisture, temperature and humidity profile of the atmosphere, etc. The observation process is performed either manually or through Automatic Weather Stations (AWS).

This recorded information is used for weather forecasting, natural resources management and for tracking agricultural production. However, these networks, which handle data of high spatial climate variability, are typically less robust than they should be. Moreover, the agrometeorological data collected from different ground stations is not transmitted in real time to a central collection point which limits the use of information.

Satellite remote sensing technology is an alternative system that is gaining popularity in the recent times which has allowed us to obtain frequent and precise measurements of vital agrometeorological parameters such as rainfall, solar radiation, temperature, evapotranspiration, albedo etc. Satellite data has many advantages over traditional ground stations, such as high spatial resolution (50 m–5 km), wide spectral bandwidth range (0.4–3.75 um) and high temporal frequency (even half an hour) and the prospect of collecting data from remote areas. In addition to routine repeated observations, satellites often provide synoptic views of the earth’s surface from space on a wide scale and have archive of information to create baseline data.

The preparation, planning and use of agricultural technologies for agriculture, needs application of agricultural meteorology. The role of agrometeorology in the last three decades has increased in terms of increasing food and nutritional security for the burgeoning population and natural resource management particularly in the context of global climate change. Agrometeorology can help to minimize inputs, thus clarifying the contribution of ecosystems and agriculture to the carbon budget in the event of global change. Agrometeorological information needs to be disseminated to users in time and space quite accurately, as agricultural activities are linked to the very local situation where the outputs of modern tools such as local area models, climate models, and dynamic crop simulation models are reduced to finer grid resolution and combined using GIS to extract practical suggestions. This chapter describes the recent applications of remote sensing in Agrometeorology.

The word ‘remote sensing’ was coined by Evelyn L. Pruitt, an American Geographer in 1960. Remote sensing is defined as collection and interpretation of information about a target without being in physical contact with it. Remote sensing is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, area or phenomenon under investigation (Lillesand and Keifer, 1994).

The information needs a physical carrier to travel from the objects/events to the sensors through an intervening medium. Any force field such as gravity, magnetic or electromagnetic could be used for remote sensing. However, the electromagnetic radiation is conventionally used as an information carrier in remote sensing. Remotely sensed data may be gathered by different devices, including sensors, film cameras, digital cameras and video recorders. Instruments capable of measuring electromagnetic radiation are called sensors.

Remote sensing is nothing but opposite of astronomy. In astronomy, man looks from the earth to the sky to understand and gain more knowledge about the celestial objects. But remote sensing refers to going upward in the sky to look downwards to understand and gain more knowledge about terrestrial objects. In remote sensing, the aerial sensor technologies are used to detect and classify objects on earth by means of electromagnetic radiation.

Introduction

We use our five senses to perceive the world around us. Some senses, like touch and taste, need contact with the objects. But we get most of our information about the environment through sight and hearing, which do not need close contact with the external objects. In scientific terms, we are doing remote- sensing all the time. Remote- sensing is the process of recording/observing/ perceiving (sensing) objects or events from a distance. Remote- sensing is a way of monitoring and detecting the features, usually physical, of a specific area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation (usually from satellite or aircraft).

Nearly 70% of the world’s population will live in cities by the year 2050, and cities currently pump out 70% of greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings alone contribute nearly 40% of emissions. This is also true for Indian cities, which are responsible for 40% of the energy use, 30% of raw material use, and 20% of land use. The residential and commercial buildings account for 31 % of the electricity consumption and are rising at 10-12 % annually. As per estimates, approximately 75% of the building stock that India will see in the year 2047 is yet to be built. For all these issues, renewable energy is the major solution.

Abstract

The breeding potential of Ompok bimaculatus is declining day by day due to decrease of rainfall and increase of atmospheric temperature. As a result, the population of Ompok bimaculatus is significantly reducing in the fresh water bodies of Tripura.
 
The results of reproductive biology of O. bimaculatus were based on the fish samples collected from different locations of some rivers and Hurijala wetland of Tripura. Total weight of the sampled fish varied from 22 g to 171.50 g and the females had a greater weight and length than males. Total length of the males varied from 16.50 cm to 29.50 cm, while the females ranged from 17.0 cm to 33.0 cm. Female dominance over male was observed in the species. The ratio of males to females was 1:1.58. Significant correlation exists between fish length and weight in both males (R² = 0.943) and females (R² = 0.827).

Many times, users have to work with raster datasets of different spatial and radiometric resolutions. So, there is requirement of bringing their resolutions to the same resolution in order to facilitate their processing. Resampling is the process of deriving pixel values from the existing image to the new raster image of different pixel size. Resampling is most common pre-processing step in remote sensing. It is done both at spatial and radiometric scale. At spatial scale, resampling is done either to increase the spatial resolution i.e. decrease pixel size known as Upsampling or to decrease the spatial resolution i.e. increase pixel size known as Downsampling. Radiometric resampling is performed to increase or decrease the radiometric resolution of the image. In R, resampling of raster image is performed by raster package. The details of the resampling methods and their respective R – code with examples are discussed in this chapter.

First of all, we need to import the raster image on which we wish to perform resampling operations by using following R – code. In R, resampling is feasible on one band only. So, we will import single band raster image.

The deliberation on the methodology has been made to understand the concept, methods, and techniques which were utilized to design the study, collection of information, analysis of the data and interpretation of the findings for revelation of truths and formulation of theories. This chapter deals with the method and a procedure used in the study and consists of eight main parts-
• Locale of research
• Pilot study
• Sampling Design and Framework
• Empirical measurement of the variables
• Item analysis and experts rating for devising scoring technique on dependent variables
• Preparation of interview Schedule
• Pre testing of Interview Schedule
• Techniques of Data collection
• Statistical Tools used for Analysis of Data
5.1. Locale of Research
The present research has been carried out at Kasthodanga, Mollabalia, Madhpur, Baksha, and Mitrapur villages of Kasthodanga gram panchayat in Haringhata block; Rautari, Ghetu Gachhi, Maniktala para, Tentul Baria, Maheswarpur from gram panchayat in Chakdaha block of Nadia district; Boinchigram, Goara, Chau bera, Uttarkhanda, Champahati villages of Bantika- Boinchi gram panchayat in Pandua Block; Dhopapara, Beleswar, Ichhapura, Tiornai, Baksagari from Dhopapara gram panchayat in Balagarh block of Hooghly district from the Alluvial zone of West Bengal. From the Terai zone of West Bengal, Elejanerkuthi, Kalabarighat, Hourgari, Ghughumari, Gokuler Kuthi, Hirar kuthi from Coochbehar- 1 block; Pundibari, Kalarayerkuthi, Sukhdhanerkuthi, Khagribari, Singimari Paschimpar, Basdaha Natibari, villages of Coochbehar- 2 block; Mirer Kuthi, Kismat Dasagram, Bara Shakdal, Kochabari, Bamanhat-ii, Durganagar, villages of Dinhata 2 block

5.1 Locale of Research

Based on the All-India assessment report regarding Climate Vulnerability Assessment for Adaptation Planning in India Using a Common Framework which identifies the most vulnerable states and districts in India with respect to current climate risk and the main drivers of vulnerability, the present study has been conducted in two relatively highly vulnerable states of India namely West Bengal (Vulnerability Indices:0.592) and Jharkhand (Vulnerability Indices: 0.674). It specifically comes under Agro-climatic zone III (Lower Gangetic plain region) and Agro-climatic zone VII (Eastern plateau and hilly region) respectively.

On the basis of Vulnerability Indices (Vis) different district of West Bengal classified into three categories i.e. relatively high vulnerability (0.59-0.69), moderate vulnerability (0.49 -0.59), and relatively low vulnerability (0.38- 0.49). Two districts, Malda (VIs:0.690) and Jalpaiguri (VIs:0.627) from highly vulnerable and three district Murshidabad (VIs:0.524), Dakshin Dinajpur (VIs:0.523) and Burdwan (VIs:0.497) from moderate vulnerable category were selected purposively for the present study. For satisfying the purposes three agroclimatic zones of the West Bengal, viz. Terai Zone (Jalpaigudi), Old Alluvial Zone (Murshidabad and Dakshin Dinajpur) and New Alluvial Zone (Burdwan) districts were taken into account for the assessment. Twenty respondents of two Villages from each Block i.e., Alipurduar-I of Jalpaigudi, Hilli and Gangarampur of Dakshin Dinajpur, Old Malda of Murshidabad and Barabani of East Burdwan were purposively picked for the research study.

Agriculture is the backbone of many economies worldwide, particularly in developing countries where it is a significant source of livelihood for millions of people. However, agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on weather and climate conditions, making it one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate variability and change. The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves further exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers, impacting crop yields, food security, and the overall sustainability of agricultural systems. To mitigate these impacts, operational agrometeorological advisories have become essential tools for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. These advisories provide critical information on weather and climate conditions, helping farmers make informed decisions on planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest management, and other agricultural practices. Traditionally, farmers have relied on indigenous knowledge and observations of natural phenomena to predict weather patterns and plan their agricultural activities. While this traditional knowledge is valuable, its limitations in the face of rapid climate change and the increasing complexity of agricultural systems necessitate the integration of modern approaches. Modern agrometeorological advisories leverage advances in meteorology, remote sensing, and information and communication technologies (ICTs) to provide more accurate and timely weather and climate information. These technologies enable the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on various meteorological parameters, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. Furthermore, the development of crop models and decision support systems (DSS) allows for the simulation of crop growth and development under different weather and climate scenarios, facilitating more precise agricultural planning and management. Despite these advancements, there remains a significant gap in effectively integrating traditional and modern approaches to agrometeorological advisories. Many modern systems overlook the value of traditional knowledge, while indigenous practices may not fully incorporate the benefits of modern technology. This disconnect can lead to advisories that are not fully tailored to the needs and contexts of local farming communities, limiting their adoption and effectiveness. This chapter outlines a research agenda aimed at bridging this gap by exploring how traditional and modern approaches can be integrated to enhance

4. Research Setting
Research setting presents the set of an ecosystem, here social-ecological systems, where the variables and characters are created, evolved, characterized and interact with others. Research setting is not a stale or lentic ecosystem rather it is agile, evolving and dynamic, so in this present work, we have perceived research setting as the performing social-ecology which sustains and keeps constantly characterizing the behaviour and dynamics of the variables under study, e.g. a settlement in close proximity to natural water body is expected to have interaction with ethiophonal diversity and performing economy therewith similarly, another set of respondents with the same set of variables but living in a forest ecosystem. The interaction and exposition of the variables will follow a different expression and pathway. So, while we will go for modelling, with the same set of variables but in different ecological set up, it is expected that the nature of interaction and expression will follow the unique characters of the concerned ecosystem.
4.1. Area of Study
The area of investigation of this study is situated in the state of West Bengal located in the eastern part of India. The state of West Bengal in eastern India has unique social and ecological backgrounds which influence the living standard and behavioural patterns of the people in many ways. The present research design has accommodated two agro- ecological set ups in West Bengal, India, and these are New Alluvial and Terai zone.

In any social science research, it is hardly possible to conceptualize and perceive the data and interpret the data more accurately until and unless a clear understanding of the characteristics in the area and attitude or the behavior of people is at commend of the interpreter who intends to unveil an understanding of the implication and behavioral complexes of the individual who live in the area under reference and form a representative part of the larger community. The socio-demographic background of the local people in a rural setting has been critically administered in this section. A research setting is a surrounding in which input and elements of research are contextually imbibed, interactive and mutually contributive to the system performance. Research setting is immensely important in the sense because it is characterizing and influencing the interplays of different factors and components. Besides the investigators must also have the basic knowledge about the socio demographic background of the people so as to have an easy understanding of their knowledge, attitude and behavior.

Research setting refers to the detail information of an area where the study has been conducted. The study area, generally comprises of a particular geographical area viz. a state, district, block, or gram panchayat area selected according to the convenience of the investigator who possess adequate knowledge regarding the location, communication facility etc. of the locality so that he/she can easily approach each and every corner of the area for data collection. Here. in this study the data collection was done mostly over telephone based on the interview schedule due to Covid-19 pandemic situation.

A reservoir stores water behind a dam and can reduce downstream flooding by temporarily retaining part of the incoming flood volume. Its effectiveness depends on available storage, inflow characteristics, outlet capacity, operating rules, forecasting information, and the timing of releases. Reservoirs may also serve irrigation, municipal supply, hydropower, navigation, recreation, and environmental purposes, making their planning a multipurpose undertaking. This chapter introduces reservoir terminology, classifications, storage zones, capacity determination, site selection, sedimentation, and operating principles. It explains how flood-storage space modifies peak discharge and discusses reservoir routing, release regulation, design limitations, safety considerations, and the role of coordinated reservoir systems in basin-wide flood management.

Introduction
The lives of the local population are disrupted by large-scale projects such as dam construction, mining, highway construction, or the designation of a national park, and they are frequently forced to relocate to a new location. Relocating individuals is a significant challenge as it diminishes their capacity to survive solely on their customary natural resource base and intensifies psychological strain. 33 to 56 million people have been displaced by 54 projects in India over the past 50 years.
Resettlement and Rehabilitation of People
Major projects like dams, mines, expressways, and other industrialization-related projects, as well as some conservation strategies like the creation of national parks, can cause disruptions to people’s lives and force them to relocate to an alternate location. Relocating individuals from their birthplace is a grave concern as it diminishes their capacity to survive only on their customary natural resource base, so adding to their psychological strain. It is difficult for the displaced individuals to adjust to a new lifestyle in a new location. Due to the indirect effects of the Green Revolution—the building of thousands of dams since India’s independence—thousands of people havebeen displaced. These impoverished locals have essentially paid for the construction of the dams. Even if the government has set enough time to relocate these displaced individuals and offer them a sufficient package for rehabilitation, this rarely happens.

Abstract

Climate change and its various forms of variability are  a global phenomenon and are definitely a threat to our civilization. The change in climatic variables, being  uncertain in nature  has an impact on productivity of agriculture and other allied sectors thus producing a detrimental  effect on the fragile ecosystem prevailed in the North East India. Low or high atmospheric CO2  concentration, temperture fluctuations , rainfall and soil moisture variations, sunshine hours , soil temperature variability ,altogether considered as climatic complex could have impact on field crops, vegetables, fruit crops, animal and aquaculture productivity in a diversified way.Technological modalities in the domain of resilience in agriculture pertainining to natural resource management , crop production and livestock /fisheries  need to implemented in a holistic  manner so as to have institutional interventions to take the resilient measures in the doorstep of the farming community and such measures will be the  weapon for the people to face the challenges of climatic uncertaintity

Introduction
Food is a basic human need that is necessary for survival. The three main sources of our food are fishing, farming, and animal husbandry. Modern agricultural practices are unsustainable and employ enormous amounts of pesticides and fertilizers, which pollute the environment. October 16th has been designated as World Food Day.
Global Food Issues
• The rate of food production is not keeping up with the increasing demand.
• There are significant differences in the accessibility of wholesome food. Malnutrition is still a major issue for several tribes, particularly for women and children.
• Our rich soils are being depleted more quickly than they can replenish themselves.
• The conversion of wetlands, meadows, and forests to agricultural usage has resulted in significant ecological issues.
• There is an indication of exhaustion in our upland and marine fish resources.

One of the most significant natural resources is water. The water cycle sustains hydrological systems, which give rise to rivers and lakes and a range of aquatic habitats, through evaporation and precipitation. Only 3% of the water on Earth is freshwater, although making up 70% of the planet’s surface. Just 1% of this is useable water found in rivers, lakes, and subsurface aquifers, while 2% of it is represented by polar ice caps. Approximately 25% of water is used for industry globally, 70% of it for agriculture, and only 5% for residential consumption. In India, 7% is used for industry, 90% is used for agriculture, and 3% is used for household use. World Water Day is on March 22nd.
There are five oceans on Earth. oceans: the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic, Arctic, and Southern. One of the main saltwater bodies in the hydrosphere is called an ocean. The average salinity of the ocean is around 35 parts per thousand (ppt), or 3.5%. A river is a naturally occurring waterway that is longer than 18 meters (60 feet), usually freshwater, that flows toward one or more rivers, lakes, seas, or oceans. A component of the hydrological cycle are rivers.
A steam is a current-filled body of water that is contained between the banks of a stream and a bed. Typically, the watercourse’s width is under eighteen meters. It reunites disparate environments. Creeks are tributaries of streams that join rivers or other streams but do not flow into the ocean.
A lake, derived from the Latin lacus, is an inland body of water that receives waterfrom a river and is deeper and larger than a pond.

Climate change produces long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind and atmospheric carbon dioxide. Because insects are ectothermic organisms, these environmental changes strongly influence their physiology, ecology and behaviour. Rising temperatures can modify development, movement, feeding, mating, reproduction, diapause, migration and survival. Altered rainfall and extreme weather may affect habitat suitability, host availability and interactions with natural enemies. Climate-related behavioural changes can influence pest abundance, crop damage, geographical distribution and the timing of infestations. This chapter examines how insects respond behaviourally to changing environmental conditions and explains why understanding these responses is essential for forecasting pest outbreaks and developing effective climate-resilient crop-protection strategies.

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.

First Part: Multivariate Statistical Analysis
6.1. Results
The chapter deals with the result and discussion of the study using multivariate statistical analysis and participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques with the purpose to provide sufficient information so as to arrive at valid conclusion. Tables and models are commonly used in this chapter to support and supplement the textual materials. Discussion helps to interpret the results of the study in proper perspective and to relate them with other relevant studies.
Axiomatic statement on the variable interactions and behaviour selected for the study
Research setting in the present study presents a dynamic social-ecology which is evolving along and across the undulation of social process. Both the structural and functional dimensions and behaviour are in constant interaction and response with the subject respondents in terms of innumerable variables. For the present research only some selected characters have been selected for empirical titration. There is no wonder these variables can be catalogued in terms of dependent or independent variables rather should not be distributed in a binary mode. Rather these variables are with seamless transformations like the algorithm of quantum physics. That is how whenever a set of x variables are supposed to behave with a contributor characters the same can be responsive with a recipient behaviour, e.g. in stepwise regression, set of ‘x variables’ are not considered as the only source of causal variables along with the couple of ‘y variables’ which are promoting rest other y variables have also been considered as causal variables. Hence, in case of y1, the rest of the y variables have to be treated like: y2 = y2' ; y3' = y3; y4 = y4' and so on.

This chapter is an extensive survey of all past studies relevant to the field of investigation which gives a knowledge of what others have found out in the related f ield of study. In any scientific investigation or research a comprehensive presentation of review of literature is a statutory requirement. Its main functions are to develop a better understanding of the problem to be investigated, delineate a new area of study and avoid unnecessary duplication, decide on the tools and techniques to be adopted including developing some new ones, also to relate the present study with the previous ones by finding out the areas of agreement and disagreement.

The review of literature of the present study is based on the major concepts related to the f ield of investigation. As direct references on all the item are not in abundance, certain specific references along with some indirect references have been incorporated in this chapter for the purpose of meaningful use.

Review of literature has been organized with a view to provide hard evidences as to clinically justify the reasons, logic, and contemplation leading to heuristically infer the different echelons of resilience issues.This is also catered to isolate the apparently less attempted genre of resilience study and analysis. Climate change, uncertainty, decline of soil organic carbon, fatigued genes on land, loss of biodiversity and fragile ecology of society have only been some of myriad of factors causing the loss of resilience, from ecology and from society as well.