eChapters

Abstract

Traditionally remote sensing technology has been widely used in the mapping and change detection of vegetation features. Of late research has shown that remote sensing technology can be successfully employed for retrieval of biophysical parameters of vegetation, either by statistical techniques or by employing radiative transfer models (RTMs). This paper gives an introduction to leaf and canopy RTMs, especially about PROSAIL, which is the most commonly used model. It reviews different techniques for inverting RTM models, their merits and performance comparison. The main techniques briefly described are iterative optimization, look-up table, artificial neural network, genetic algorithm and support vector machine. At the end, it gives examples of applications which use canopy biophysical parameters retrieved by inverting RTM.

Keywords: Radiative transfer, PROSAIL, Inversion, Vegetation

1.0 Introduction

Accurate quantitative estimation of vegetation biophysical variables is useful for a large variety of agricultural, ecological, and meteorological applications (Houborg et al., 2007). The spatial and temporal distribution of these variables are important inputs into models quantifying the exchange of energy and matter between the land surface and the atmosphere, developing better yield prediction models and detecting abiotic stresses at regional scales. Among the many vegetation characteristics leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf water content are of prime importance (Bacour et al., 2006; Houborg et al., 2007).

Capacity building represents a fundamental process through which individuals, organizations, and societies develop, strengthen, and maintain their abilities to perform functions, solve problems, and achieve objectives effectively over time. This multidimensional concept encompasses the enhancement of knowledge, skills, systems, and institutional arrangements that enable entities to fulfill their mandates and respond to emerging challenges. The United Nations Development Programme defines capacity building as the process by which individuals, organizations, and societies obtain, strengthen, and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives. This definition emphasizes the dynamic and sustainable nature of capacity building, highlighting its role not merely as a one-time intervention but as an ongoing process of organizational and individual growth. The conceptual foundation of capacity building rests on the understanding that sustainable development and organizational effectiveness require more than temporary fixes or external assistance. True capacity building involves creating endogenous capabilities that can be sustained and enhanced over time without continuous external support. This approach

The livelihoods of millions of rural households in the semi-arid areas depend mainly on natural resources such as soil, rainwater, vegetation, livestock and the like. The major source of livelihood in these areas solely depends on the arrival, distribution and cessation of monsoons, which are erratic and ill distributed. However, management of natural resources like soil and vegetation in a way that these are used to optimally to produce maximum output. This requires new knowledge, better skills and improved management strategies. In this context, building the capacity of the rural households particularly the youth holds key to improving productivity and profitability ot the enterprise. Keeping these in view, the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) sub project on “Sustainable Rural Livelihoods through Enhanced Farming Systems Productivity and Efficient Support Systems in Rainfed Areas” being implemented by a consortium led by CRIDA has introduced several interventions aimed at involving rural youth right from the beginning of the project.  The project is being implemented in eight backward districts (Adilabad, Anantapur, Kadapa, Khammam, Mahabubngar, Nalgonda, Rangareddy and Warangal) of Andhra Pradesh in selected clusters of villages.

Abstract

The Stree Shakthi Groups (SHGs) were launched in Karnataka during 2000-01 aimed at improving the overall development of rural women in Karnataka. A review of the progress achieved by these illeterate or less educated, hither to continued to be economically dependent with no voice in decision making, is nothing short of a miracle. With an enrollment of one and a half million in 5000 villages, their savings and borrowings run into hundreds of crores and employment opportunities are provided to lakhs of farm women. Apart from agriculture related activities, some of them have also involved in some unconventional, income generating activites. Economic empowerment has emboldened these beneficiaries to not only fight against social evils but also win their battles. Overall, SHGs have transformed the life of rural women treatmendously in a positive direction.

The concept of capacity development is defined in various ways. Broadly, it is defined as a process by which skills, and knowledge are built, utilized, retained and nurtured with a view to provide an entity responding to a development challenge. Two components that are vital in any plausible definition of the concept are human skills (the ability to perform a task) and institutions (effectiveness and efficiency of organizations, systems, processes and procedures).

Abstract
Grain legumes, members of the Fabaceae family, are essential for global nutrition and sustainable agriculture. The legumes such as soybean, chickpea, lentil, pigeon pea, black gram, green gram, faba bean and field peas are renowned for their high protein and energy content. A core aspect of their significance lies in their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, enhancing soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This process, coupled with their role in carbon sequestration, positions legumes as crucial components of sustainable farming systems. Grain legumes, as C3 plants, rely on efficient carbon assimilation to convert atmospheric CO2 into biomass, supported by high nitrogen content for optimal photosynthesis. Additionally, the symbiotic nitrogen fixation within root nodules enables legumes to transform atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants, thereby contributing to soil nitrogen pools and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By integrating
legumes into crop rotations, farmers can enhance soil health, lower fossil energy inputs, and support ecological sustainability. This comprehensive analysis underscores the critical roles of carbon and nitrogen assimilation in maximizing the environmental and agronomic benefits of grain legumes.
Keywords: Carbon assimilation, Grain legumes, Nitrogen assimilation, Nitrogen fixation, Photosynthesis

15.1 Introduction

There is now adequate evidence about the impending global climate change and the consequences thereof. The fourth assessment report of IPCC observed that ‘warming of climate system is now unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increase in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global sea level’ (IPCC, 2007). Though climate change is global in its occurrence and consequences, it is the developing countries like India that are likely to face more adverse consequences. Globally, climate change is seen as a failure of market mechanisms wherein the polluters haven’t had to pay for the negative externalities (Stern, 2007) that their economic activities caused.

Soil microorganisms in true sense are one of natural safety valves that regulate biogeochemical transformations in soil ecosystem. They act as natural agents for the disposal of organic matter. The various essential biological elements such as C, N, S and P, apart from H and O, form the primary building blocks of cells and their constituent elements are recycled through tiny microorganisms present in soil. More they are in quality and quantity, better recycling is expected by them. The organically bound materials are converted to simpler inorganic forms to complete biological cycle initiated during photosynthesis and other anabolic processes.

Abstract

Cultivation of cash crops of good quality potent to give good economic returns depends largely upon adoption of modern practices in agriculture. The region under test consideration is completely irrigated and cultivates mostly the crops of grapes and sugarcane. A field testing that was carried out for the pumps used by local farmers, revealed glaring inefficiency in pump operation. This is attributed to numerous reasons, the standout of them-being improper pump selection and deviation from operating point. Survey of the farming pattern helped to establish nexus between the energy usages per acre for the two crops. Carbon Footprint was determined for the electricity utilized in these farms. Adoption of selection methodologies and efficient practices would lead to considerable saving in electrical power consumption. The impact of adoption of efficient practices was therefore quantified.

Keywords: Agriculture, Carbon Footprint, Pumps

10.1 Introduction

A single-walled carbon nanotube (SW-CNT) is a nano scale tube formed by a cylindrical shell of single atomic layer of carbon atoms. Nanotubes have diameter of a few nm and length up to 100 nm so that they form extremely thin wires. The atomic structure of SWCNT can be formed by wrapping a stripe of single atomic layer of graphite sheet al.,ong a certain direction, and this direction determines the diameter and chirality of the nanotubes. Experimental and theoretical studies have found that these nano-meter sized CNTs have novel electronic properties, which can be metallic or semiconducting, depending on their radius or chiralities (Mintmire 1992, Hamada 1992, Saito et. al., 1992, Rao 1997, Wildoer 1998 and Odom et al., 1998).

Introduction

Today, according to Global Assessment of Land Degradation and Improvement (GLADA), nearly one forth area of our world land has been degraded (Arora 2019). The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is leading the issues of soil or land degradation to restore valuable natural resources for achieving a land degradation neutral world by 2030 (Cowie et al., 2018; IPBES, 2018; Bhattacharya, 2020). Land degradation neutrality (LDN) can be achieved primarily through adoption of sustainable land management practices. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a multifunctional role and is sensitive to land management practices and a key indicator of soil quality, soil health and LDN. Soil is a major reservoir of terrestrial C in the biosphere and plays an important role in global C cycle. Therefore, a little change in SOC pool can significantly influence the atmospheric CO2 concentration. In general, 1 Pg of SOC stock is equivalent to about 0.47 ppm of CO2 in the atmosphere, and vice versa (Lal, 2018). Besides this it maintains overall soil sustainability and enhances food security.

Achieving carbon neutrality in Indian soils is a major challenge. Because, productive land goes out of cultivation and marginal or degraded land comes under cultivation due to urbanization, industrialization and various development activities. Also, it is very difficult to increase SOC because climatic condition prevails with a high rate of decomposition. According to an UN report, India will be the most populated country in the world and expected to add 273 million people between 2019 and 2050 which will exert huge pressure on natural resources, particularly soil and water to fulfil the increasing food demands of such ever-growing population. The extensive use of natural resources along with intensive cultivation will enhance greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, slow down agricultural productivity, enhance land degradation, and decline factor productivity of major production systems. Due to change in distribution of rainfall and concurrent rise in temperature owing to climate change, the fertile top soil becomes more prone to degradation.

14.1 Introduction

Atmospheric concentration of CO₂ has increased from 280 ppm in pre-industrial era to 385 ppm in 2008 (+ 37.5%) and is presently increasing at the rate of 2 ppm yr^-1 or 3.5 Pg yr^-1 (1 Pg or petagram = 1 Gt = 1 gigaton = 1 billion metric ton). The increase in CO₂ emission by human activity is attributed to fossil fuel combustion, deforestation and biomass burning, soil cultivation and drainage of wetlands or peat soils. Increase in fossil fuel combustion is caused by high global energy demand of 475 Quads (1 quad = 1015 BTU) and increasing at the rate of 2.5 % yr^-1, especially in emerging economies including China, India, Mexico, Brazil, etc. The world population of 6.7 billion in 2008 is increasing at the rate of 1.3 % yr^-1 and is projected to be 9.5 billion by 2050 before stabilizing at 10 billion towards the end of the 21^st century. There exists a strong positive correlation between population growth on the one hand and CO₂ emission or the energy demand on the other. The People’s Republic of China accounted for 13% of the world’s C emissions in 2002 and that share is projected to rise to 18% by 2025 (Lal, 2004a).

All life on planet Earth is carbon centered; hereditary characters are controlled by DNA and RNA, growth by proteins and activities by energy from carbohydrates and fats – all these are carbon compounds. Not only this, but the life also ends as carbon compounds CO₂ or CH₄, depending on aerobic or anaerobic decomposition. Incidentally soil fertility also depends very much on soil organic carbon (SOC). In ancient days, farmers used to apply manure to maintain soil fertility and even now, urea, the nitrogen fertilizer used in the largest amounts, is a carbon compound. All living forms on the Earth including all plant and animal species and their activities are a part of global carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the earth.

4.1 Introduction

Biomass is referred to as an indirect source of solar energy and considered a source of stored chemical energy. Biomass is renewable organic material derived from plants and animals serving as sources of energy. Biomass produced from agricultural sector is big challenges for all over the world due to its improver disposal. Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring adequate global food supplies represent two of the last decade’s mostdifficult challenges.Although global food production has benefitted from chemical fertilizers, environmental problems have emerged as a result of their use. Additionally, overuse of fertilizers can result in hardened soil, decreased soil fertility, polluted air and water, and the release of greenhouse gases. There is an urgent need to find an alternative to chemical fertilizers that, ideally, can be sourced in abundant amounts, promotes global food production, enhances CO₂ capture , and does not affect soil health or damage the environment¹. To sustain agricultural productivity, it is crucial to maintain adequate levels of organic matter in the soil to preserve its physical, chemical, and biological integrity. Biochar, a pyrogenic black carbon, may play an important role in improving soil health, resulting in higher crop yield and absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Biochar is the most auspicious straw management measures and have highest carbon abatement and economic profit².

Biochar is produced by heating biomass at high temperatures (300 – 600 °C) in a closed reactor containing no to partial levels of air. Under these conditions, biomass undergoes thermo-chemical conversion into biochar. Because of its numerous potentials uses in agriculture, energy, and the environment, much attention has been given to biochar in both political and academic areas. Biochar can be used in a variety of applications such as energy production, agriculture, carbon sequestration, waste water treatment, and bio-refinery; additionally, biochar provides an alternative strategy for managing organic waste. These advantages have renewed the interest of agricultural researchers in producing biochar from bio-residues and using the product as a soil amendment.

Crop performance depends on how closely environmental conditions match genetic requirements. Cardinal temperatures define the minimum, optimum and maximum thresholds within which germination, growth and development occur. This chapter explains these thresholds and presents their relevance to major crops. It also examines rainfall, sunshine, humidity, photoperiod and other agroclimatic requirements determining where and when crops can be cultivated successfully. Knowledge of crop-specific requirements supports agroclimatic zoning, variety selection, sowing-date adjustment and assessment of climate-change impacts. Matching crops and cultivars to suitable environmental conditions reduces weather-related risk, improves resource efficiency and helps realize crop-yield potential under present and changing climatic conditions.

Study of Carpentry Hand Tool

Introduction

The process of making the wooden components is called carpentry. Carpentry deals with the mechanical work of making wood components such as making beds, roofs, wardrobes, tables, cases, utensils, floors, etc. It manages the structure work, furniture, cabinet making and so on joinery, i.e., preparation of joints is one of the significant activities in all wood works.

The products produced are used in making furniture, musical instruments, and building constructions like doors, windows, desks, chairs, cupboards, etc., of a place utilizing a specific kind of wood with the help of tools known as carpentry tools. Different wooden pieces are connected to make a useful product. Wood is used to make furniture, boxes, doors, windows, industrial floors, stairs, pencils etc.

Cartography has much back history than what we seen in portable form by its name or definition. Many prehistoric painting of caves had their own time frame record of maps, artifacts and design have been preserved hoping that they are sufficient to the era of forgotten habit and culture, and treasure explicit ancient world. The ancient wall painting of seventh millenium BC, might have indication of oldest maps in the world and the painting is assumed to be the location of ancient city Antolia as Mellaart, depicted 1967. Onward 600 BC, the modern form of cartography started to develop map. The pioneer contribution in map designing and development, old Greek and Roman were main contributor in this direction. One Greek Philoshopher Ptolemmy, multi-talented genius are recalled in this context, who later credited with first documented map of world during production of Geographica, is a treatise on cartography, very soon one Arabian Scholar Muhammad Al-Idrisi prepared a medieval Atlas involving knowledge of world collected by Arabic merchants in 1154.

Climate-resilient rural development is a critical priority for CMCs, given their vulnerability to climate change impacts such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and rising temperatures. This note explores case studies and success stories from some of the CMCs, highlighting innovative approaches, community- driven initiatives, and policy interventions that enhance climate resilience in rural areas. The examples draw from documented projects, emphasizing practical outcomes and lessons learned. Case studies of specific CMCs 1. Bangladesh: Saemaul Zero Hunger Communities (SZHC) Project In central Bangladesh, the Saemaul Zero Hunger Communities (SZHC) project (2014-2017) focused on 19 flood-prone villages to strengthen resilience to climate shocks and improve food security (UNDP, 2018). Implemented in collaboration with local communities

6.1 Introduction
The success of design thinking depends on its applicability in industries and service organization. The applications of design thinking applied to product development should focus on the needs of users. The design thinking can also be applied to design new processes as well as improve an existing process.
6.2 Case Studies
The section presents several case studies of applying design thinking in realities as listed below.
1. Design thinking in eye care
2. Design thinking in foundry
3. Design thinking in FMG company
4. Design thinking in auto industry
5. Design thinking at retail outlet
6. Design Thinking in Flight Reservation System
7. Design thinking in winding fabric on roller in textile mill
6.2.1 Case study: Design Thinking in Eye Care
Eye care is a crucial part of health care system. There are many factors that are responsible for poor eye vision. Normally in the early stages, viz. children and adults up to 40 or 45 years of age may have eye power issues, which are managed

Livelihood enterprises associated with farming encompass a diverse range of activities that support agricultural income, enhance food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods for farming communities. Below are several case studies from different regions and types of farming-related enterprises:
1. Organic Vegetable Farming in India
• Location: Karnataka, India
• Enterprise Type: Organic farming
• Synopsis: A group of farmers transitioned from conventional agriculture to organic farming, focusing on high-value crops like tomatoes, bell peppers, and leafy greens. They formed a cooperative to share resources,
equipment, and knowledge.
• Impact: By adopting organic practices, farmers increased their income by 30-50% due to higher market prices for organic vegetables. The cooperative also created a direct supply chain to urban markets, reducing dependence on middlemen.
2. Beekeeping as a Supplementary Enterprise in East Africa
• Location: Kenya
• Enterprise Type: Beekeeping