eChapters

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).

Reproductive development determines flowering, pollination, fruit set, fruit growth, maturation, and ultimately horticultural productivity. This chapter introduces the physiological processes controlling flowering and reproductive development and explains the influence of environmental factors and plant hormones. Major plant growth regulators such as auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, and abscisic acid are considered in relation to horticultural applications. PGRs can influence rooting, flowering, fruit set, fruit size, thinning, ripening, dormancy, and senescence when used appropriately. The chapter emphasizes crop-specific concentration, timing, method of application, and environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of responsible PGR use for improving yield, quality, and marketability.

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.

Introduction

Animal husbandry has been an integral component of Indian agriculture since time immemorial. It is still continuing as one of the major avocations in India contributing nearly 4.9% to the national GDP and 28.4% of the agricultural GDP. Livestock population in the country as per Livestock Census 2019 is 535.78 million which is an increase of 4.6% over Livestock Census 2012 (BAHS, 2019; DAHD, 2019). Cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats are the major livestock in the country. Today, India is the global leader in milk and milk products with a production of 187.7 million tonnes (MT) and the availability of 394 ml milk per capita per day. The per capita availability of milk has increased substantially during last four decades. The anticipated milk demand is expected to be 266.5 MT by 2030 based on per capita consumption of 468 ml/day (Table 1). It has been made possible with the active involvement of farming community and by creating awareness about high yielding breeds of livestock, improved rearing methods and milking, management of pests and diseases and most importantly, the feeding of the animal. The crop residue constitutes a major chunk of fodder to the livestock in many parts of the country. However due to their low nutritive values and poor palatability, it is not helping to realize the full milking potential of animals. A huge opportunity exists in livestock sector as there is a growing demand for animal products particularly milk and meat (NDDB, 2019). In addition, for promoting organic farming particularly the need of farm yard manure has necessitated the farming community to keep livestock as a complementary component of his farming. It provides draught power and organic manure to crop sector and hides, skin, bones, blood and fibers to the industrial sector. Therefore, the importance of livestock goes beyond its food production function, and has become even more significant (Birthal et al., 2002).

Research methodology is a way of explaining how a researcher intends to carry out their research. It’s a logical, systematic plan to resolve a research problem. A methodology details a researcher’s approach to the research to ensure reliable, valid results that address their aims and objectives. It encompasses what data they’re going to collect and where from, as well as how it’s being collected and analyzed. The deliberation on the methodology has been made to understand the concept, methods and techniques which are utilized to design the study, collection of information, analysis of data and interpretation of the f indings for the revelation of truths and formulation of theories. This chapter deals with the method and procedure used in the study and consists of eight main parts

• Locale of research

• Pilot study.

• Sampling Design.

• Empirical measurement of the Independent and Dependent variable

• Preparation of interview Schedule.

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.

Local of the study: Migration, from very beginning of civilization, has been one of the most important phenomenons in population distribution across the world. As a result, it has been a major focus of both sociological as well as demographical studies around the world. Though migration theories get its root from the famous article of Ravenstein (1889) but most of the modern migration studies so far have centered around the conventional approach of migration as one of the cornerstones known as the Harris-Todaro Model of Migration Harris and Todaro (1970), which is considered as one of the cornerstones of migration studies. This model dealt with the migration decision of an individual of a family, keeping apart the role of family as a whole. The main approach of this model was some kind of cost-benefit type of assessment in undertaking migration decision. Here the potential migrant was to analyze the expected return that he/she may receive after migrating and the cost that to be borne in the process. If the net return is found to be positive then there is every chance that the concerned person will migrate and more from the place of origin to the place of destinations. The major attack that this approach received is that it gave individual the highest importance in migration decision ignoring the role of ‘family’ and thus the migration studies until recently were partial in nature.

Research methodology is a systematic approach to solve any research problem and arrive at a conclusion that adds to the already existing fund of knowledge. The research methodology seeks to define the solution by adopting appropriate research techniques. They are generally applied during the initial stage of the study to delineate and outline the rationale for the chosen methods and their functionality and effectiveness towards achieving a decided objective. Research methodologies are an organized approach to accomplish the selected objectives. The research methodology comprises different techniques used during the experiment with surveys, tests, etc.

This chapter “Research Methodology” deals with methods and procedures followed in conducting the study. The chapter contains three parts. The first part deals with the sampling technique and the second part covers the empirical measures of different variables and last part describes details of data collection and statistical measures used in the 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

The research setting is an important component of the research methodology. Research setting refers to the detailed information of an area where the study was conducted. The research setting can be seen as the physical, social, and cultural site in which the researcher conducts the study. In qualitative research, the participants are observed in their natural environments with a primary focus on meaning-making. The study area generally consists of a particular geographical area viz. a state, district, block, or gram panchayat area selected according to the benefit of the investigator who possesses adequate knowledge regarding the location, communication facility, the period of study, the availability of resources, etc. of the locality so that he can easily approach every corner of the area for data collection. Additionally, to comprehend people’s knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour more easily, investigators must have a fundamental understanding of their socio-demographic backgrounds. It is the environment within which studies are run that has important consequences for experimental design, the type of data that can be collected and the interpretation of results.

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.

4.1 Research Setting

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.

1.1. Introduction

Research in simple terms refers to search for knowledge. It is a scientific and systematic search for information on a particular topic or issue. It is also known as the art of scientific investigation. Several social scientists have defined research in different ways.

In the Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences, D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson (1930) defined research as “the manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in the construction of theory or in the practice of an art”. According to Redman and Mory (1923), research is a “systematized effort to gain new knowledge”. It is an academic activity and therefore the term should be used in a technical sense. According to Clifford Woody (Kothari, 1988), research comprises “defining and redefining problems, formulating hypotheses or suggested solutions; collecting, organizing and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and finally, carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulated hypotheses”

The extension/research work organization consisted of seven distinct steps namely,

Situation analysis

Identification of problems and setting up of objectives

Designing of interventions

Preparing plan of work & implementation of project interventions

Monitoring of implementation process

Impact assessment

Project reconsideration

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