eChapters

Introduction

Food is the most important requirement of every section of the society. But, mere availability of food sometimes is not enough and it does not mean that everybody is having access to a fair share of it or that every one has an adequate diet (Oshaug et al., 1994). Therefore, affordable food prices and adequate purchasing power with the people are equally important.

The need of food security was felt due to the gaps in food production and availability of sufficient food from domestic resources. Large proportion of the underfed population starves not because of general food shortage but due to the insufficient access to food supplies or insufficient income to purchase food.FAO (1999) estimated that there were 20.4 million undernourished people in India only).

Importance of maintaining food security over the world has been abundantly recognized since long. However, during 1974, FAO was called by the World Food Conference to establish a Committee on World Food Security so as to keep the world food situation under constant review and to suggest the strategies for rectifying the problems in problematic areas. Later, an International Undertaking on World Food Security was set up wherein member nations committed themselves to maintain food stocks for ensuring uninterrupted supply of foodgrains and to cope up with the problems of shortage in case of crop failure due to the natural calamities etc. Since then, the Committee on World Food Security monitors the implementation of the undertaking.

Scenario of Bioinputs reviews the broader market, production, consumption, and regulatory context surrounding bioinputs, with particular attention to biopesticides. The chapter discusses global availability and registration, major categories, market outlook, research needs, and industrial support. It then examines production infrastructure and consumption trends in India, including contributions from government organizations, agricultural institutions, private companies, and local laboratories. State-wise patterns and regulatory considerations are also addressed. By combining technical agriculture with market and institutional perspectives, the chapter helps readers understand the evolving bioinput sector, its production ecosystem, policy environment, commercialization potential, and opportunities for expanding sustainable crop-protection technologies. for stakeholders today.

Agriculture in India is not of recent origin, but has a long history dating back to Neolithic age (7500–6500 B.C). It changed the life style of early man from nomadic hunter of wild berries and roots to cultivator of land. Agriculture is benefited from the wisdom and teachings of great saints. The wisdom gained and practices adopted have been passed down through generations. The traditional farmers have developed the nature friendly farming systems and practices such as mixed farming, mixed cropping, crop rotation etc. The great epics of ancient India convey the depth of knowledge possessed by the older generations of the farmers of India. The modern society has lost sight of the importance of the traditional knowledge, which had been subjected to a process of refinement through generations of experience. The ecological considerations shown by the traditional farmers in their farming activities are now a days is reflected in the resurgence of organic agriculture.

Historical Perspective of Organic Farming

The available ancient literature includes the four Vedas, nine Brahnanas, Aranyakas, Sutra literature, Susruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, Upanishads, the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, eighteen Puranas, Buddhist and Jain literature, and texts such as Krishi-Parashara, Kautilya’s, Artha-sastra, Panini’s Ashtadhyahi, Sangam literature of Tamils, Manusmirit, Varahamihira’s Brahat Samhita, Amarkosha, Kashyapiya-Krishisukti and Surapala’s Vriskshayurveda. This literature was most likely to have been composed between 6000 B.C. and 1000 A.D. The information related to the biodiversity and agriculture (including animal husbandry) is available in these texts. Rig-Veda is the most ancient literary work of India. It believed that Gods were the foremost among agriculturists. According to ‘Amarakosha’, Aryans were agriculturists. Manu and Kautilya prescribed agriculture, cattle rearing and commerce as essential subjects, which the king must learn. According to Patanjali the economy of the country depended on agriculture and cattle-breeding. Plenty of information is available in ‘Puranas’, which reveals that ancient Indians had intimate knowledge on all agricultural operations. Some of the well known ancient classics of India are namely, Kautilya’s‘Arthashastra’; Panini’s ‘Astadhyayi’; Patanjali’s ‘Mahabhasya’; Varahamihira’s ‘Brahat Samhita’; Amarsimha’s ‘Amarkosha’ and Encyclopedic works of Manasollasa. These classics testify the knowledge and wisdom of the people of ancient period. Technical book dealing exclusively with agriculture was Sage Parashara’s ‘Krishiparashara’ in 1000 A.D. Other important texts are Agni Purana and Krishi Sukti attributed to Kashyap (500 A.D.).

The Government of India has launched several schemes and programs aimed at promoting farming-based livelihood opportunities, enhancing agricultural productivity, and supporting rural development. Here are some of the key schemes and initiatives:
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
• Objective: Direct income support to small and marginal farmers.
• Features: Provides ?6,000 annually, payable in three installments, to help farmers purchase inputs and sustain their livelihoods.
2. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• Objective: To provide risk coverage to farmers for crop loss.
• Features: Insurance for crops against natural calamities, pests, and diseases to ensure financial stability.
3. Soil Health Card Scheme
• Objective: To promote balanced use of fertilizers.
• Features: Issuance of soil health cards to farmers every 2 years, providing information on nutrient status and recommendations for fertilizers.
4. National Agricultural Market (eNAM)
• Objective: To facilitate online trading of agricultural products.
• Features: A unified platform for farmers, traders, and buyers to sell and purchase agricultural produce via online auctions.

There are numerous private organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world that are dedicated to promoting farming-based livelihood opportunities. These organizations often implement a variety of schemes and programs aimed at improving agricultural productivity, enhancing income, and providing support to farmers. Here are some common types of schemes and programs that such NGOs might engage in:
1. Training and Capacity Building
• Workshops and Training Programs: NGOs often organize training sessions for farmers on modern agricultural practices, sustainable farming techniques, pest management, organic farming, and efficient
water management.
• Farmer Field Schools: Practical learning environments where farmers can learn through hands-on experience and observation.
2. Access to Credit and Financial Services
• Microfinance and Cooperative Societies: NGOs may provide microloans or form cooperatives to give farmers access to credit and financial services without exorbitant interest rates.
• Savings Groups: Encouraging farmers to form savings groups to manage their finances better and prepare for lean seasons.

State governments and public organizations in various regions implement a multitude of schemes and programs to promote farming-based livelihood opportunities. These initiatives often aim to enhance agricultural productivity, improve rural livelihoods, provide financial assistance, and support sustainable farming practices. Here are some common types of schemes and examples that can be found in different Indian states:
1. Financial Assistance Programs
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme: Provides farmers with timely and adequate credit for agricultural activities, helping them meet their cash flow needs during the farming season.
• Interest Subsidy Schemes: Certain states offer schemes that provide interest subsidies on agricultural loans to encourage borrowing for farming activities.
2. Crop Insurance Schemes
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A central scheme adopted by many states that provides insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in the event of crop failure due to natural calamities.
3. Skill Development and Training Programs
• Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS): Aimed at enhancing the skills of farmers and rural youth in various agricultural practices, including modern farming techniques, post-harvest management, and
value-added processing.

State governments in India implement various schemes and programs aimed at promoting farming-based livelihood opportunities. These initiatives often target different aspects of agriculture, including production, marketing, technology, and skill development. While the specific schemes can vary by state, here are some common types of programs and initiatives that state governments might implement:
1. Crop Support Schemes
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): Several state governments announce MSP for various crops to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce.
• Price Stabilization Funds: These are meant to support farmers during periods of low prices and ensure profitability.
2. Skill Development Programs
• Agricultural Skill Development Centers: Training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of farmers in modern agricultural practices, sustainable farming, and post-harvest management.
• Workshops and Seminars: Regular sessions are conducted for farmers to update them on new technologies and practices in agriculture.
3. Subsidies and Financial Assistance
• Seed and Fertilizer Subsidies: Financial help for farmers to purchase high-quality seeds and fertilizers.

harmony with nature is proving winner in the long run. If the past 60 years led to the Green Revolution in agriculture which often became Greed Revolution, the next 60 year should be the emergence of love for nature, diversity and Sustainable Green Revolution. The two goals – Sustainability and Productivity are inter-related. It is also said that the main difference between the past and today is that our problems are truly global. We are also aware that globally and nationally the rich-poor divide is growing and though world produces enough food, nearly 800 million people remain food insecure. Among 8 millennium goals, eradication of poverty and hunger and environmental sustainability are perhaps the most prominent and complimentary. In his book, “Remember your Humanity – Pathway to food Security”, M.S.Swaminathan has emphasized that a pro-nature, pro-woman and pro-livelihood orientation should be the bottom line of all technological development and delivery program for food security. Mainstreaming of environmental concern in agriculture to avoid exploitative agriculture and ecological consequence is therefore the call of the time.
COMPASSION
The great Tibetan scholar and close companion of HH Dalai Lama, Thupten Jinpa defines compassion as a mental state endowed with a sense of concern for the suffering of others and aspirations to see that suffering is relieved. One of the highest understanding underlined at the global level and in the preparation of sustainable development goals is for a hunger free world and for

It has been repeatedly proving that Science& Technology that is close and in harmony with nature is proving winner in the long run. If the past 60 years led to the Green Revolution in agriculture which often became Greed Revolution, the next 60 year should be the emergence of love for nature, diversity and Sustainable Green Revolution. The two goals – Sustainability and Productivity are inter-related.

It is also said that the main difference between the past and today is that our problems are truly global. We are also aware that globally and nationally the rich-poor divide is growing and though world produces enough food, nearly 800 million people remain food insecure. Among 8 millennium goals, eradication of poverty and hunger and environmental sustainability are perhaps the most prominent and complimentary.

Mahatma Gandhi mentioned to those who wanted to serve rural India that their most useful contribution would be in linking brain with brawn.  Only such a combination of intellect and labour can lead to sustainable advances in the productivity and profitability of agricultural holdings.  West Bengal’s Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (BCKV), almost four decades old, is a fitting example of such work.  It has helped the development of two more universities in the State, namely, West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences and the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya.  It is important that these three universities function like a consortium of educational institutions mandated to help in achieving agricultural advance, agrarian prosperity and rural transformation in the State.

Livestock and livelihoods are intimately related in our country.  The ownership of livestock is more egalitarian than that of land.  Similarly, West Bengal is full of fish ponds.  It is important that cultivation of crops like rice is done by adopting integrated pest management procedures, so that the water in which fish is cultivated does not get polluted with pesticides.

This chapter introduces the scientific, biological, chemical, and economic importance of medicinal and aromatic plants associated with forest and allied systems. It examines their classification and diversity, chemical constituents, harvesting practices, processing, value addition, and extraction techniques. The chapter highlights the potential of these plants as valuable biological resources and explores approaches for their productive utilization. Sustainable harvesting, appropriate processing, and value addition are important for improving their economic potential while supporting conservation and responsible management of plant resources.

Introduction

Lentil is one of the important Rabi pulses. It is one of the oldest pulses crops and the most nutritious of the pulses. It has the potential to cover the risk of dryland agriculture. It is also used as a cover crop to check the soil erosion in problem areas. It is mostly eaten as ‘dal’. Lentil can also be used as green fodder. Its straw is also used as cattle. Being a leguminous crop, it restores the soil fertility.

Area of cultivation

Lentil is mostly cultivated in the northern and central parts of India. The important lentil growing states are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and Assam. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh together contribute 78% towards total national area as well as production.

Climatic requirements: Lentil requires cold climate during growth and warm temperature at the time of maturity. It can tolerate cold and frost winter up to great extent. The optimum temperature for growth is 18-30 degree centigrade. Excessive drought and/or high temperatures during the flowering and pod-fill period also reduce yields.

Soil: Lentil can be grown on a variety of soils such as light loams; alluvial soils and black cotton soils. This crop is also suited to the poorer types of soils, low lying areas such as paddy fields. Lentil does not tolerate flooded or waterlogged soils. Good drainage is required, because even short periods of exposure to waterlogged or flooded field conditions kill plants. A soil pH near 7.0 is best for lentil production. Acidic soils are not fit for growing lentil.

Rice is the most important cereal crop of India occupying about 44.0 million hectares land. It provides food and employment to millions of people in the country. Despite development of high yielding varieties and technological interventions the yield of rice is still low (3.20 tonnes/ha) in India. The reasons for low yield of rice are:

Lesser area under high yielding varieties

Limited availability of quality seed

Increased acidity/ sodicity in some parts of the country

Declined soil fertility

Unavailability of inputs, like fertilizers and seed, in time

Inefficient nutrient management including imbalanced use of nutrients

Improper crop rotations

Reduced availability of irrigation water

Inefficient management of weeds, diseases and insect-pests

1. The unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the Earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. - Soil Science Society of America

Lac insect is an insect of commercial importance like silk worm and honey bee. The silkworm produces silk, honeybee produces honey and wax whereas, lac insect produces three products namely resin, dye and wax of great commercial importance. The resin commonly called lac, is only one of animal origin and commercially available in the market as shellac or seed lac or as a button lac. The resin is in fact the hardened secretory product of lac insect secreted as a protective covering of an insect. Lac culture is one of the important sources of livelihood and rural economy for poor resource constraint people particularly inhabiting in forest and sub-forest areas. It is one of the important sources of livelihood security in many parts of the country in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, NE regions etc (Pal et al., 2007). It has also high potential for generating employment for both men and women in forest and sub-forest areas of the country. It is a very remunerative crop, paying high economic returns to the farmers and also foreign exchange for the country through its export.

10.1 Introduction

The objective of this chapter is to develop a data logger and indicator for fire detection in agriculture field. The data logger is designed with the help of Scilab. The system comprises of Ardiuini Nano, light sensor, MQ6, MQ135, IR sensor, temperature sensor, power supply. The system is designed to take sensory data on Scilab with serial communication. Fig.10.1 shows block diagram for a system. Table.10.1 shows the component list required to develop the system.

3.1 What is environment ?

The word environment is derived from a French word “environne” means to encircle or surround. Environment is defined as the circumstances or conditions that surround an organism or group of organisms. It is also defined as the complex of social or cultural conditions that affect an individual or community. Since humans inhabit the natural world and they build social, cultural and technological world, all constitute important parts of our environment.

Introduction

Attaining food and nutritional security for a growing population and reducing poverty while sustaining agricultural production under the current scenario of depleting natural resources, increasing cost of inputs and impending negative impacts of climatic change are the major challenges the country is currently facing (FAO, 2009). In addition to these challenges, decline in soil organic matter, consequent deterioration of soil health, large scale erosion of fertile top-soil are the other bottle-necks for increasing agricultural productivity from a finite land resource base. These constraints are evolving mainly due to: (1) intensive tillage induced soil organic matter decline, soil structural degradation, water and wind erosion, reduced water infiltration, surface sealing and crusting, soil compaction, (2) insufficient return of organic material to soil owing to prevalent crop residue removal and burning (Prasad et al., 1999) and (3) mono-cropping. Conservation agricultural (CA) is a panacea to address these challenges the farming community of this country is presently facing. The CA system incorporates a holistic approach to agriculture that results in improved soil health and water quality, lower water and nutrient consumption, reduced soil loss, strategic land use and healthy biodiversity. It involves minimum soil disturbance, permanent soil cover through crop residues or cover crops, and crop rotations for achieving higher productivity (Hobbs et al., 2008).

INTRODUCTION

The state of Manipur is located at the easternmost border of India and is characterized by flat valleys comprising of four valley districts (Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal) surrounded by five mild to steep slope hill districts (Chandel, Churachanpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul). The state is geographically bordered by Nagaland in the north, Burma in the east, Mizoram in the south and Assam in the west. The total geographical area of the state is 22, 327sq. km divided into 20, 089sq. km in the hills and 2, 238sq. km. in the valley. More than 98% of the population in the hill is in rural areas whereas around 60% of the population in the valley is in rural and around 40% are in the urban areas.

The AAS Unit, Imphal is located at 24045' N latitude, 93054' E longitude at an altitude of 774m above msl. The agro-climatic zone of the state covers sub tropical plain zone, sub tropical hill zone, temperate hill zone and sub temperate zone.