eChapters

• Content approach

We can identify several different ‘traditional’ approaches to curriculum development. The most common approach until recently is the ‘content’ approach. This is where the curriculum is basically a list of knowledge – things that the agricultural graduating learners need to know. Usually this list is made by a curriculum development committee or group of experts identified at the national level.

To explain the main concepts and elements of a participatory curriculum development process

To present practical skills and knowledge leading to the effective design of teaching and learning

To build confidence of the learners in applying new methods and approaches to teaching and field extension work.

To demonstrate application of participatory approach in development of Extension curriculum

This Toolkit emphasizes an active learning approach, based on the process of experience, reflection and action. The key principle is that people do not learn simply by passive listening. They need to be involved from beginning of the training and designing of the program.

Real benefits are obtained when we use a participatory approach to curriculum development and reorientation. Primarily, the course contents we provide and the learning will become more effective. If students participate actively in the learning process, then they are more likely to learn and teaching is more likely to be effective. They will have more ownership in the teaching, because their needs will have been identified and hopefully they will also be involved in deciding how their needs can be met. This will increase their motivation, which will help them to learn more effectively.

In the present system of curriculum changes, participation of all the stakeholders are not actively involved in developing curriculum over the years.

The motive behind conducting the workshop on Capacity Need Assessment and Development is that the existing Extension Advisory Services (EAS) needs new capacities to respond effectively to the emerging challenges in agricultural development.

Participatory curriculum reorientation awareness-raising workshop for key stakeholders: In the present study focus group discussion and workshops were conducted to know the effectiveness of present curriculum of extension education with different stakeholders (Students UG, PG and Ph.D, Extension teachers, Field extension workers and farmers). Data were collected by using schedules regarding the important contents of present curriculum and most important for extension workers in the present situation to be included in curriculum

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).

Fundamentals of writing farm stories

1. Use of plain and simple language: A farm journalist would have translated technical terms into their plain language.

2. Presentation of novel ideas: People are open to new concepts that are logically explained and will increase their return on investment as a whole.

3. Keep the message brief and to the point so that farmers can recall it. The information should be focused on the benefits that can be attained without using an excessive amount of wording.

4. Use of visuals: Visuals add interest, are more memorable, and have deeper significance. A statement is more understandable and pleasing to the eye when there are more visuals present.

5. Farmers are very receptive to messages that are recent, reliable, realistic, and relevant (the “4Rs”).

6. The audience appreciates and accepts the message that is centred on their environment, locations, and selves.

Date:

Objective: To get acquainted with classmates.

Description: This is the first lab activity and has been designed to make the students feel comfortable in their new surroundings. The aim is also to help them get acquainted with their classmates as they are still new to each other. This short fun activity will help them mingle and set the tone for upcoming activities.

Date:

Objective: To understand communication process and its elements.

Description: Communication is the process by which a person shares knowledge, feelings, ideas, and information, etc. with another person(s) in such a way that each gains a common understanding about the meaning and intent of the message. Major functions of communication include sharing information, issuing instructions, persuasion and motivation. There are several elements in communication process. Anyone who takes the initiative and starts the communication process is called the source or communicator. The intended recipient of the communication content is called as the receiver. Any sign or symbol which has the same meaning for the source and the receiver is called is the message. Receiver is the intended recipient of the message and what the communicator hopes to accomplish is the objective of communication process.

Date:

Objective: To understand the significance of non-verbal communication.

Description: Non verbal communication refers to communication without the use of words. It can encompass a wide range of communication behaviour from body language to choice and use of architectural objects. It is used for repeating, substituting, complementing, regulating verbal messages and deceiving. Some of the common non verbal means of communication include: Gestures: Gestures are movement of body parts and kinesics refers to the study of body movement.

Date:

Objective: To understand the importance of paralanguage in verbal communication.

Description: Paralanguage is the variation in voice and includes vocal characteristics such as pitch, range, resonance, tempo, etc. Though it is an integral part of verbal communication, it is quite distinct from the actual signs and symbols that are used by the communicator.

Date:

Objective: To practice giving appropriate feedback.

Description: Communication is a cyclic process. The message originates from the source and is reaches the receiver. The receiver then decodes the message (i.e; makes sense)and sends a message back to the sender to convey his/her understanding or agreement with the message that has been received. Feedback not only completes the communication cycle, but also takes the process forward.

Date:

Objective:To understand the concept of perception and its role in communication.

Description: Human body receives stimuli through various sensory organs and the brain processes these stimuli and assigns meanings leading to a reaction. This process of organizing, identifying and interpreting of sensory stimuli leading to an understanding of the environment is called perception.

Date:

Objective: To understand gap in communication process.

Description: Communication is never 100 percent efficient. In other words, even an ideal situation does not lead to complete and full understanding between the sender and receiver. Often, the receiver may understand the message differently or receive only a part of the message. This happens as every individual has a different frame of reference. Frame of reference is the set of experiences, beliefs and values which influence a person’s behaviour and acts as a benchmark against which all new stimuli are interpreted. Based on the frame of reference, every individual develops a perception. Perception is the process of receiving and interpreting stimuli.

Date:

Objective: To understand the characteristics and limitations of language.

Description: Language is the structured system of symbols, which are called as words. Semantics refers to the study of the relationship between symbols and their meaning. All languages are arbitrary as the word symbol is not the thing it represents (i.e. if all of us agree, we can refer to a “cat” as “donkey”, without turning it into one!). Words can be both abstract (things that cannot be sensed directly) and concrete (things that can be experienced through sensory organs).

Date:

Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio-visual aid (chart).

Description: Audio visual aids are media that can make communication more effective through use of sound and visuals. They are of two types – projected and non-projected aids. Non projected aids are visual materials that are used as it is by the instructor and do not need any device or equipment. Examples include charts, posters, leaflets, flash cards, etc. They are easy to prepare, carry and use. They can be prepared as and when needed and multiplied at low cost.

Date:

Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio-visual aid (folder).

Description: Folder is a single thick sheet of paper, which is usually folded once or twice. Folder contains essential information about a place, event, etc. which is printed on a good quality paper. A folder is prepared as and when needed and is distributed free of cost.

Date:

Objective: To prepare a non-projected audio visual aid (poster).

Description: Poster is a placard displayed in a public place to raise awareness. A well-made poster must attract attention of passers-by and motivate them to take action. Here are a few tips for making effective posters:

a) A good poster should rely on pictures rather than words. While there is no strict rule regarding the number of words, try to use no more than 10- 12 words.

b) The font size should be big enough to read from a distance as posters are displayed at public places. If there is a variation in font size, increase the size as you move from top to bottom. In addition, while choosing colours, keep the background against which the poster will be displayed in mind.

Date:

Objective: To practice group discussion and understand the do’s and don’ts of group discussion process.

Overview: Group discussion is a form of discourse, which occurs when more than two people recognize a common problem, exchange and evaluate information and ideas. Their efforts may be directed towards a better understanding of the topic or solving a problem. Group discussion occurs in a face-to-face or co-acting situation. It is a democratic method in which equal opportunity is given to every participant to express his/ her opinion. In formal settings, group discussion takes place under the direction of leader. Group discussion is often used by academic institutions or employers to assess certain traits and skills of the participants. The number of participants usually is around eight, but there is no hard and fast rule. When being used as a method of assessment/ evaluation, the group is given a topic.

Date:

Objective: To practice case-based group discussion.

Overview: A case is a detailed description of anything that has happened in real life. In a case, real names are often changed to ensure confidentiality and protect the privacy, but it is not a fictitious account. A case presents a situation, or a problem and the learner is expected to suggest a solution based on the information given in the case. Case based group discussion is often used to test the analytical and reasoning ability of the participants. While participating in a case-based group discussion, the students should start by recognising and defining the problem. This is followed by listing as many solutions as possible with contributions from all the group members. In the next step, each solution is evaluated critically by the group members keeping in mind the information/ data/ facts given in the case. Finally, the best possible solution is put forth by the group. It is important to remember that there are no right or wrong solution as any option is often a trade-off.

Date:

Objective: To practice group task.

Overview: Teamwork and good interpersonal relationships are of great importance in professional life. Hence, organizations often use various methods to test qualities such as communication/influencing/leadership skills. One commonly used method is assigning group task to the candidates. Group task requires striking a balance between team goals and individual success. The team members are expected to contribute to the overall goals while furthering their individual objectives. Additionally, the evaluator can observe leadership skills, team spirit, communication skills, analytical and decision-making skills of the group members without being intrusive. One can also judge the role for which a particular member is best suited. The time assigned for a task-based group discussion/ group task can range from 10 to 60 minutes depending upon the complexity of the task.

Date:

Objective: To make group presentation.

Description: Group presentation refers to presentation of subject matter by few or a group of people. Group presentations are fairly common in professional life and hence, one should have a mastery over how to prepare and make group presentations. If handled properly, group presentations have several advantages over individual presentations. They are more attention grabbing and interesting as the mere presence of more than one individual introduces variety into the process. Work can be shared among the team members and knowledge and resources can be pooled for better outcome.

Date:

Objective: To practice public speaking.

Description: Public speaking refers to communication with a large number of audience in a face-to-face situation. Public speaking differs from most other types of communication as the roles of sender and receiver are distinct and different. Also, in case of public speaking, the onus of taking the interaction forward primarily lies with the speaker. Consequently, many people find it daunting and stressful and try to avoid public speaking situations.

Date:

Objective: To practice giving an entertainment or special occasion speech.

Overview: Entertainment and/ or special occasion speeches are short, simple and often meant to be humorous and entertaining. Special occasion speeches include welcome address, award presentation/ acceptance speech, after dinner speech, farewell speech, eulogy, etc. Entertainment or special occasion speech is often an impromptu speech i.e. they are usually given without any preparation.

Date:

Objective: To write a radio script for infotainment program.

Overview: Radio is an electronic audio medium that can broadcast messages to a large number of dispersed audience. Radio has several advantages as a medium of communication, especially in rural areas:

a) Radio can be carried around.

b) Low cost of production and ownership.

c) Usage is not limited by literacy and technical know-how.

d) It can be used by the listener while doing other tasks.

e) Usage is not limited by power supply.

f) Easy to operate.

Date:

Objective: To understand basics of photography and practice taking good quality photographs.

Overview: Photograph refers to any image which is created when light falls on a photosensitive surface. With the advent of mobile phones and decreasing cost of technology, many people are taking up photography as a hobby or profession. Photographs are very useful in communication, extension and education, as they arouse interest, simplify complex ideas/ things, can be used to convey messages to illiterate people, and enhance credibility of the information. Apart from technical expertise, it is important to know the basics of composition to take good photographs.

Date:

Objective: To visit a video production facility to understand the process and set up.

Overview: Video programs are often produced in a studio environment as it is convenient, easy to manage and there are very few disruptions. A typical video production facility comprises of two areas – control room and the studio floor. Director, assistant director, video and audio technicians sit in the control room. The control room has a series of monitors that display the final and camera outputs. It may also have “on air” and “preview” monitors which display images being broadcast and to check the image before recording, respectively. The control room also has a production console, which is used to select the video and audio output.

Date:

Objective: To understand shot sizes in a video production.

Overview: Shot, in video production refers to one continuous recording by the camera. It comprises of a series of frames (still images) and There are 24 frames in one second. A shot includes eeverything recorded between switching on and switching off the record button on the camera. It can contain movement of both camera and talent.

Date:

Objective: To write a script for a short video production.

Overview: A script is a written document that contains description of the setting, characters, dialogue, and stage directions for an audio-visual production. It is used to communicate information about actors, costumes, sets, and other aspects of production to those who will be involved in program production. While screenplay tells a story, a script (especially shooting script) mainly helps in production. Another difference between a screenplay and a script is that the former conveys what the audience will see on the screen, whereas the script guides the production team. A storyboard refers to pictorial representation of shots in a sequential order. It is very handy during shooting short videos like commercial or public service messages.

Date:

Objective: To write an article for a farm publication.

Description: Print media can be used at the receivers’ convenience and can be preserved for future reference. It can also be used to reach the readers at a relatively low cost and the information can be verified by the reader. Due to these advantages, print media is an important form of communication, especially for development purpose. The term “farm publication” is used to refer to any publication that is prepared by an extension agency/ development department and contains information related to improvement of farming practices. Farm publications can be of various types such as leaflet, folder, magazine, newsletter, etc. Farm publications are very useful for literate farmers and can also be used by illiterate farmers with the help of others.

Date:

Objective: To visit a newspaper organization to understand its structure and functions.

Description: A newspaper is a periodic publication containing written information about current events and other information that is of interest to the readers. A newspaper organization usually consists of the following departments:

a) Editorial department: The editorial department collects, processes and finalizes all content and images that are published in the newspaper. News/ information collected by the journalist or contributed by various writers is made readable, presentable and attractive to the readers through editing and proof reading by the editorial team.

Despite the meticulous methodology and extensive analysis employed throughout this research project, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the limitations that arose during the study. By recognizing these limitations, we not only ensure a transparent evaluation of the research process but also shed light on potential areas for future investigations to refine and expand upon the findings.

In this section of the chapter, the limitations encountered in this thesis are highlighted as follows:

As the present study draws to a close, it opens up a myriad of possibilities for future research and exploration in the field of the present study. The insights gained and the findings presented in this thesis may provide a foundation for building upon and extending the existing body of knowledge. By identifying key areas that require additional attention and offering suggestions for future studies, this section of the chapter aims to inspire and guide researchers in their pursuit of enhancing our understanding and driving progress in this dynamic and evolving field.

The present study leaves behind the following domains which may be researched out in future:

1) The present research can be replicated with varied geo-spatial situations viz., in different locations and settings, with different respondents, with spatio-temporal expansion and methodological innovation.

Communication is not merely the transfer of messages between a sender and a receiver. It involves the construction of meaning influenced by the social environment or domain in which it occurs. In both non-work and work domains, communication often has specific intents and purposes. In the workplace, the role of power significantly influences communication, creating opportunities for message distortion.

Power Dynamics in Workplace Communication

In work settings, power dynamics play a crucial role in shaping communication. This power is typically asymmetrically distributed, often leading to the distortion of messages. To distort a message means to alter its original shape, resulting in linguistic abnormalities or deviations from the proper meaning of a sign. Intentional distortion manipulates the perception of a message, facilitating pre-designed and purposive misrepresentations.

Impact of Distortions on Language

Distortions in communication impact the language used in the workplace. Management, which generally has greater access to communication channels and language use, is more likely to construct messages with intentional purposes. These purposes are usually aligned with organizational goals, primarily profit. In hierarchical work structures, management leverages its power to align communication with its objectives, making communication a tool for achieving instrumental purposes.

Language and Power in Workplace Communication

The language used in workplace communication often reflects the superior subordinate relationship. This dynamic is not limited to work-based relations but extends to non-work areas as well. Those with privileged access to media can achieve dominance over others, constructing meanings that subordinates must accept, even if those meanings are against their interests.

Audio-visual aids serve to complement extension and development workers rather than replace them. Not all aids are suitable for every occasion, but there are specific aids that should be carefully chosen and utilized for each particular situation. There is no universal rule for selecting and employing audio-visual aids to ensure effectiveness in all circumstances. To achieve the most effective outcomes, extension workers should:

• Choose the appropriate aids,

• Employ a suitable combination of selected aids,

• Utilize them in the correct sequence.

Audio-visual aids are employed individually or in combination, taking into account the following factors:

1. Size of Audience: Video presentations or whiteboards may not be effective when the audience exceeds 30 participants. Leaflets, bulletins, or handouts are suitable for one reader at a time, while public address systems or internet messages are suitable for large audiences.

2. Nature of Audience: Printed media are suitable for literate individuals, while exhibits, pictures, and symbols are more appropriate for those with lower literacy levels.

3. Teaching Objective / Expected Nature of Change: Audio-visual aids should be selected based on the objective of extension teaching, whether it aims to change:

• Thinking or knowledge,

• Attitude or feeling,

• Actions or skills.

Recommendations

Based on the empirical research, following recommendations can be made for this specific area of research:

(i) Land size based planning for business communication can help the growth and success of farm enterprise.

(ii) Rice based farming system, supported by irrigation is offering a unique opportunity for capacity building of the farmers of West Bengal.

(iii) Training, focusing on business communication, handling ICT tools and mobile telephony, can go a long way for making communication behavior more adaptive to present social ecology of agriculture and allied sectors of West Bengal.

(iv) Social capitals like, Schools, Panchayat, Credit organizations, Market linked institutions, are to be integrated for shaping up a new form of Entrepreneurial communication behavior.

Limitations: The most important limitations which have been observed in this research are as follows:

Future Scope of the Research

The present study has been conducted by driving the insights deeper into the nature, intensity and character of the problems creating barrier against the Entrepreneurial communication. Entrepreneurial communication nowadays is a need in these days of unemployment and stands to be both the means and method of sustaining life process in terms both assets and capital, it needs more comprehensive study. Attaining Entrepreneurial communication among the upcoming and motivating entrepreneurs, anywhere is an endless process by itself. The present study thus leaves behind the following domains to be researched out in future:

The study can be extrapolated to other domains of entrepreneurship.

1) Modeling of Entrepreneurial communication including the positive motivation, can be achieved through further studies.

2) The future study of this particular topic has a scope to include several contextual and realistic variables other than the variables included in this study.

3) The structure and the function of Entrepreneurial communication behavior and process, can well be understood from further study of the similar topic.

4) There is a scope of methodological innovation in future and application of artificial intelligence in this study

5) Policy research on Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial communication as to monitor or rationalize the magnitude of rural entrepreneurship, for keeping the pace of growth unabated can be achieved.

Indian agriculture now stands at a cross road. By 2050, Indian population will overtake that of China’s. The world population in the same year will be close to 9.5 billion. And to feed the human population of this planet, the agricultural production needs to be increased 60% over the present one by 2050. For India the target is 450 million tons by 2050.

This is a humongous task. This mammoth escalation of targeted food production has to be carried out with the constraints and barrier created by climate change, erosion of soil, bio-diversity, ecological disruption due to mindless anthropogenic action and wrong planning.

The production, productivity, income, livelihood, and ecological resilience in agriculture are not performing in perfect orchestration. They are in apparent contradiction. To produce 1 kilogram of rice, the equivalent water foot print is about 4000 litres. It is obvious that enhancing food productivity, there could be more disruption and stress on soil, water and bio-diversity. The ecological resilience is a subject of musical chaos and symphony amidst ecological function-stress-conservation-extraction-. Without depletion and disruption, it is simply impossible to initiate and foster agriculture production as well as productivity. But the question is what could be level of endurance? Wherein restoration and retention, ecological resilience will move in resonance and complementary manner.

1. The selection of more number of relevance variables could have added better understanding and comprehensive of the research.

2. Mathematical optimization and simulations could have been much effective in integrating as well as co-integrates the apparently different aspect of yield, income, livelihood and ecological resilience in the form of a common valley of management of a land.

3. Application of ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving average) and SEM (structural equation modeling) as instruments of interpretation and analysis can be more effective.

4. Ecological resilience metritis more active and dummy variable including outliers can be future research towards modelling with hard evidences

5. A pull of chronological data distribution over 30 years can undergo simulation and decision ecology for promulgating micro sociological policy and application.

6. Social resilience has been the predicament for perceiving ecology resilience and organic diode can help to make the entire thing strongly place on the foundation of ecological research at least.

8.1 Limitations

1. The research was limited to a specific geographic area.

2. The study was constrained by limitations in time and reSources.

3. The study relies on the subjective opinions of the participants, which may be influenced by their individual perspectives and biases, despite the researcher’s efforts to gather them as objectively as possible.

4. It would have been advantageous to include a broader range of relevant variables in the study.

5. A suitable statistical model could have been employed to provide thematic support for the behavior and functioning of the system.

6. The selection of variables could have been expanded by incorporating additional variables that would have demonstrated resilience in domain interactions.

The study, which was conducted for nature and dynamics of farm ecology in occupational migration in some areas of West Bengal with the stipulated objectives, the following course of action can be considered in future while conduction repeating study.

• Gender dimensions on occupational migration is the future research area.

• Educational issues for families on transit could have been a very interesting area of research.

• Climate refuge; that is migration due to climate change can be an important area of research.

• Application of data analytics could be effective for modelling and simulation on occupational migration.

• The social ecology of migration itself, is a zone of future research.

India is considered a pioneer in software development and a favourite destination for IT-enabled services. West Bengal is predominantly an agrarian State. Comprising only 2.7% of India’s geographical area, it supports nearly 8% of its population. There are 71.23 lakh farm families, of whom 96% are small and marginal farmers. The average size of land holding is only 0.77 ha. However, the State is bestowed with diverse natural resources and varied agro climatic conditions that support the cultivation of a wide range of crops.

The net cropped area is 52.05 lakh ha, comprising 68% of the geographical area and 92% of arable land. The cropping intensity is 184%. However, as the State is in the humid tropic and the Bay of Bengal is close by, it often must face natural vagaries like floods, cyclones, hailstorms, etc. Though the State has a surplus production of rice, vegetables and potatoes, a huge gap exists between the requirement and production of pulses, oilseeds, and maize. The deterioration of soil health due to imbalances in chemical fertilizers, the paucity of suitable improved seed varieties, inadequate farm mechanization, unorganized marketing structure, etc., is a major challenge to agricultural growth.

A student investigator confronted time constraints, such as course credit pressure, and resource constraints, such as physical, budgetary, and managerial constraints, in the current investigation. However, every effort and consideration made the study as objective and scientific as feasible. Despite the researcher’s best efforts, the study depends on the respondents’ opinions, which may or may not be devoid of their perceptions and biases.

As a result, it is a modest piece of labour that may be completed over a more extended period.

Suggestions for Future Research

• The findings of the present study warrant the need for further investigations in several directions. The following suggestions are made for further research in the following areas.

• The study was confined to one state; therefore, the results cannot be generalised to the whole country. Similar analyses can be taken up in other states to generalise the results.

Black Pepper and Pearl Millet Flour for Disease Control in Chickens: To treat a disease in chickens characterized by frothing at the mouth, frequent cackling, restlessness, and reduced food intake, 10-15 black pepper corns are ground and mixed with pearl millet flour and water to form small pellets. These pellets are fed to the chickens to increase body heat and help eliminate the disease (Sabarkantha, Gujarat) (Parmar, 1992a).

Use of Garlic Against Pulorum in Poultry Birds: To cure chicks affected by Salmonella pulorum, one or two peeled cloves of garlic (Allium sativa) are soaked in a cup of water for 12 hours. The water is then given to the chicks to drink, curing them in two days (Dahod, Gujarat) (Khant, 1999).

Poultry Disease Management: For treating an unidentified disease in poultry birds that kills them within a few days, tribals use various plant-based remedies:

1. Bark of ‘beda’

2. Small pieces of onion

3. Grains of paddy smeared with kerosene

4. Tuber of ‘dev-alad’ (Curcuma spp)

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly the rural areas within CMCs, faces severe climate change impacts, including frequent natural disasters, rising temperatures, and sea-level rise, which threaten agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Climate- resilient rural development (CRRD) is crucial for mitigating these vulnerabilities, addressing challenges such as agricultural dependency, limited infrastructure, governance gaps, financial constraints, and socio-cultural barriers. Key approaches like climate-smart agriculture, strengthened infrastructure, innovative start-up ecosystems, enhanced access to climate information, and inclusive policies empower rural communities to adapt and thrive. Stakeholders—governments, international organizations, the private sector, and local communities—play complementary roles in driving resilience through policy, funding, technology, and grassroots innovation. Sensitising all stakeholders across countries to mainstream climate change aspects and its impact on livelihoods, among all departments and the information dissemination by these departments to the public and relevant stakeholders regarding the climate change effects needs to be a continuous process. Success stories from Bangladesh

The phases of green revolution and post green revolution of Indian agriculture have assured us of security. We are now producing 354 million tons of food grains and our target is to produce 550 million tons before 2050. This is really an incredible progress for any country dominating with rural and agrarian economy. As on date, the contribution of Indian agriculture to national GDP is 14.7 % but it has to support around 60% of population. While food security has been ensured for 1480 million of population, the issues of malnutrition are standing paramount. It sounds melancholic that India is also sustaining world’s highest count of hungry population close to 51% newborn babies are underweight, 60% of rural women are anaemic, millions are deprived of dedicated safe drinking water. According to FAO, between 702 and 828 million people in the world faced hunger in 2021. Health, hygiene and nutrition are organically linked to each other, in terms of calorie intake of rural women. We are still far below of international standard. Alongside, the hemoglobin level runs below the expected level to indicate that women are runningin a moderate to acute anaemic condition. Around 840 million people are malnourished from insufficient calories. According to Black et al., (2008) nutrition related factors were found to be jointly responsible for around 35% of the child fatalities and 11% of the overall global illness burden in an analysis that took into account co-exposure. Due to poor quality of drinking water, whatever available, the propagation of water born diseases has been endemic and robust. The geo-spatial distribution of hunger and malnutrition indicates that there is location to location variation, gender discrimination, and seasonal variability across the terrain of social-cultural distribution. To make India stronger and swashbuckling we need to refocus on women health, child care and removal of economic discrimination. With acute hunger, mapping, problem of chronic hunger as well, chronic hunger hasbeen reflected through seasonal sickness, broken health and psycho-somatic downfall. Sometimes, poverty has not been the only factor for malnutrition. The other factors for malnutrition can be our wrong belief system, superstition, wrong food habit, and unscientific cooking process. With this background the objectives of the studyhave been spelt out.

7.1. Summary and Conclusion
In its recent move to attaining sustainable development goals through revamping agriculture, ICAR has focused on achieving health and nutritional status through agriculture. In doing this a database and quality information on health, hygiene and nutrition of rural women have become an imperative. Health, hygiene and nutrition are organically connected to each other. One cannot be achieved without the others. The present study has delved into the complex interactions and interrelationship between a set of 13 exogenous variables and another set of 5 consequent variables. A score of 70 rural women have been selected from Bilkumari village of Nadia district by following both random and non-random sampling methods. The stepwise regression analysis analyses for different dependent variables depict that the variables family size (x3), income per year (x4), distance from work place (x6), height (x7), weight (x8), BMI (x9), hip circumference (x12), waist to hip ratio (x13) have been recorded as to exert substantive functional impact on health, hygiene and nutrition of rural women. The factor analysis elicits the fact that instead of 18 exogenous and consequent variables together there have been 4 factors as extracted by calculating the factor loading. These factors are- health ecology, physical status, family ecology and strategic location. Sometimes we are moving in a wrong direction by concluding that if food and calorie are made available for the rural women, the health and nutrition will be achieved. The study has identified that unless proper understanding of health, hygiene, nutrition and health hazards is being build up, no external supply and services can solve the problem of malnutrition and health hazards. Thus, the study has generated huge pool of policy implications after being supported by plethora of far evidences, the output of this empirical research.

• What is Agroinformatics?
• Agroinformatics
• Definitions 
• Objectives of Agroinformatics
• Information Systems Terminology
• Agroinformatics Tools

A sustainable and healthy food system is one which can provide food and nutrition security for all, in an economical way which is socially and environmentally sound for future generations. Underutilized indigenous and traditional crops can support and strengthen the existing food system, as they are in particular economical and friendly with the environment. Several underutilized indigenous and traditional crops are nutrient dense and adapted to marginal conditions, suggesting that they could be used to champion sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems for smallholder farmers residing in these environments. The mainstreaming of underutilized indigenous and traditional crops and foods should be recognized for their attributes to make them desirable and to conserve them. In this regard, the fact that value chains for underutilized indigenous and traditional crops are poorly developed at present has created many opportunities to diversify the current food systems. This will create a new employment, market and distribution opportunities.It will also help to combat poverty. It will be if the smallholder farmers and women in rural areas are given the opportunity to utilize underutilized indigenous and traditional crops and re-enter the manistream system. A significant role which is played by the women for the production and conservation of underutilized indigenous and traditional crops offers opportunities for women empowerment through their inclusion in the food system. Promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women is directly linked for strengthening the sustainable food systems that can fight hunger and malnutrition and improve the lives and livelihoods of rural populations. The mainstreaming of underutilized indigenous and traditional crops into the food system would support women to diversify in a sustainable way, feed their own households and to provide nutritious food into the local markets. This will also help in addressing, the Sustainable