eChapters

Introduction

The process of agricultural modernization has produced three distinct types of agriculture. These are industrialized, green revolution and low-external input and unimproved (Chambers et al. 1989) . The industrialized and the green revolution agriculture have been able to respond to the technological package, producing high input, high output systems of agriculture. Most agricultural systems in the industrialized countries count as high external input systems save for the relatively small number of organic farmers (Pretty 1995) . In the countries of the Third World, high-external input systems are found in the large irrigated plains and deltas of South, Southeast and East Asia, and parts of Latin America and North America, but also in patches in other regions. In the industrialized countries farmers modernized by introducing machinery, replacing labour, specializing operations and changing practices to ensure greater production. In the green revolution areas the success lay in agricultural scientists breeding new varieties of stable cereals that matured quickly, and use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, credit and water regulation.

Introduction

India’s change in the economic environment and market-oriented economic reforms can be traced back to the 1990s which led to the growth of the country. There was a clear evident change from the condition it was in the 1970s when it was far behind the other Asian countries. The economic reforms brought by LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) model have affected not only international trade but also led to an increase in the competitiveness of the industries. But what triggered these economic reforms? Before 1990, India was in a severe economic crisis condition due to repeated policy failures. India was experiencing a huge fiscal and balance of payment deficit, a high inflation rate and a fall in foreign exchange reserves. This led to the sickening of the public sector units whose prime role was to bring a reduction in inequality and poverty. The self-reliance condition in India was not of much help as there was insignificant trade with the rest of the world. The crisis mainly depicted the mismanagement of the resources. In light of this, this chapter discusses the impact of the economic reforms on agri-enterprises.

Introduction

Pulses are the most important part of our diet, richest and cheap source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids besides high nutritional value. Hence, the economic value of these crops is very high. Pulses can be produced with a minimum use of resources and are mostly cultivated under rainfed conditions and do not require intensive irrigation (Sood et al. 2018). Keeping in view large benefits of pulses for human health; the United Nations has proclaimed 2016 as the International Year of Pulses. Thus, due attention is required to enhance the production of pulses not only to meet the dietary requirement of proteins but also to raise the awareness about pulses for achieving nutritional, food security and environmental sustainability. The Government of India through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a wide network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in all the rural districts of the country. These KVKs under the aegis of the National Agricultural Research and Education System are the real carriers of frontline technologies and impart knowledge and critical input support for the famers. The frontline demonstration programme (FLDs) in pulses is a unique programme by Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, conducted under close supervision of farm scientists. Main objective of FLDs in pulses is to demonstrate and popularize the improved agro-technology on farmers fields under varied farming situations for effective transfer of generated technology and f ill the gap between improved technology and adopted/indigenous technology to enhance pulse productivity and farms gains for sustaining the production systems especially under rainfed farming (Choudhary et al. 2009). The field demonstrations conducted under the close supervision of scientists of the National Agriculture Research System is called front-line demonstrations. The main objective of Frontline Demonstrations is to demonstrate newly released crop production and protection technologies and its management practices in the farmers’ field under different agro-climatic regions and farming situations.

Abstract

One of the major distinctive agriculture extension concepts is the Intensive Agricultural Development Village concept or Village Adoption System, where in the Extension Guides who are working at taluk level select a suitable village and disseminate the need based and innovative technologies released by the University. In this connection Extension Education Unit of University of Agricultural Sciences at Mangalore has adopted Irvathur and Renjala villages of Karkala taluk in Udupi district and several educational activities like Field Trials, Result Demonstration, FLD, Block Demonstration and Integrated Farming System Demonstrations were carried out. Training programmes were conducted on Vermiculture, Dairy farming, Paddy cultivation, Cashew demonstration, IPM on Areca nut, Coconut etc., Besides establishing Milk Producer’s Co-operative Societies in the villages, the key programme observed in the village was Vermiculture. To start with, Vermiculture was tried with one farm woman with 100 worms.

Abstract
Urban farming, encompassing practices like rooftop gardening, vertical farming, hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, involves cultivating, processing, and distributing food in urban areas. With global urbanization projected to reach 60% by 2030, urban farming addresses challenges like rural youth migration, farmland fragmentation, and declining agricultural engagement (currently 49% of India’s workforce). It offers sustainable solutions by producing fresh, pesticide-free food, reducing transportation needs, and combating urban heat island effects. Techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics enable high-yield, year-round crop production in controlled environments, minimizing resource use and environmental impact. Despite high initial costs and skill requirements, urban farming creates employment, enhances food security, and supports urban environmental management, making it a viable alternative to conventional farming in India’s rapidly growing cities.
Keywords: Urban Farming, Vertical Farming, Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security, Urbanization, Environmental Management, Agri-preneurship

Objectives
• To understand the critical role of language and communication skills in engineering.
• To explore how communication impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of engineering work.
• To examine the types of communication skills necessary for engineers
• To highlight the significance of these skills in teamwork, leadership, and project management.
• To discuss the challenges engineers face in communication and how to overcome them.
• To encourage students to develop and enhance their communication skills for better academic and professional outcomes.
Introduction
Language and communication skills are integral to the engineering profession, often determining the success or failure of projects. Engineers are required not only to excel in their technical expertise but also to effectively convey their ideas, collaborate with diverse teams, and manage complex projects. This necessitates a high level of proficiency in both language and communication skills.

Introduction

Food safety and quality is the most important issue in the global food supply chain. Quality and safety of fresh as well as processed foods have an important role in the export of these commodities. Increasingly stringent food safety and agricultural health standards in industrialized countries pose major challenges for developing countries to establish in the international markets for high-value food products, such as fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, nuts and spices. Yet, in many cases, such standards have played a positive role, providing the catalyst and incentives for the modernization of export supply and regulatory systems and the adoption of safer and more sustainable production and processing practices. This has created an increased need for updated research and development to demonstrate and provide adequate evidences for their ability to identify and control food safety hazards, and deal specifically with food quality and safety.

Food quality is an increasingly important factor in the production and marketing of biological products. Consumers are becoming more discerning as their affluence increases, and hence the food industry/suppliers of products must meet these demands if they are to maintain or increase market share. The term ‘quality’ is one of the most defined terms used in food industry today. Quality may be defined as ‘the totality of features and characteristics of a product that bear on its ability to satisfy a given need’. The first part, ‘the totality of features and characteristics of a product…..’ concerns objective factors related to the product. The second part, ‘…… to satisfy a given need’, concerns subjective factors related to user or consumer of goods.

Abstract

Vegetable crops are inherently rich sources of various health-promoting nutrients and thus they play an important role in balancing our daily diet. Being excellent source of vitamins and minerals, vegetables have a relatively variable nutrient content per unit of energy. These nutrients can be increased by proper selection of vegetables in our diet. Whereas their intrinsic quality maintains human health, the extrinsic quality has significance in determining acceptability by the consumer. Vegetables also have medicinal properties. These diversified and highly nutritive crops are of great importance in alleviating hunger and malnutrition. The present production of vegetable crops is, however, not enough to meet per capita daily dietary requirement as per dietitians’ recommendations. The vegetable production, therefore, need to be almost doubled by 2025 to meet requirement of ever increasing population from diminishing land, water and other natural resources. Although, there has been a trend of increase in production and productivity of vegetable crops since liberalization of seed trade in 1988 by Government of India, yet it has not been commensurate with the requirements. Compared globally, we are far behind in productivity of vegetable crops in spite of being second largest producer after China.

ABSTRACT

Income generating activities are considered as those initiatives that affect the economic aspects of rural youth’s lives through the use of economic tools such as credit and subsidy. If the youth in farming is not economically free and self-earning, he has to depend on others or migrate to the urban cities in search of jobs. Agriculture, self-employment and wage employment are the basic tools to fulfill the desire of economic independence. In the past, agriculture was placed on the top position as an income generation option and self-employment and wage employment to rural youth was the 2^nd and 3^rd priority respectively. Income generating activities such as dairy activities, goat and sheep rearing, poultry unit, bamboo products making, pickle making, leaf plate making, keeping powertiller, husking mill cum wheat grinding machine, tractor etc. Further, there are various self employment and wage employment opportunities through rural development programmes like Prime Minister Rojgar Yojana (PMRY), Swarnajayanthi Gram Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY), Pradhan Manthri Gram SadakYojana(PMGSY), Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), Training of Rural Youth for Self -Employment (TRYSEM) etc. These are the best programmes especially for the upliftment of the rural youth to enhancing their income level. Some of these programmes are now helping rural youths to become more and more independent and free from economic dependence.

Abstract

Major occupation of women in Bijapur area is agriculture with an average land holding of 1-2 ha. Most of them are unaware of advantages of vermicompost. In recent times, dependence on agriculture is becoming very difficult for them. Majority of the women population in these areas are below poverty line (BPL), because of increased cost of production, and fluctuations in market prices of major crops grown by them. Erratic and ill distributed rain fall pattern makes life hard for them. The ill effects of chemical fertilizers have lead to interest in organic farming through vermiculturing using farm and urban wastes in order to produce risk free crop at reduced cost of cultivation.

Abstract

The hilly regions of western Himalayas comprise of three states namely Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal which are divided into High Altitude Temperate, High Hill Temperate and Valley Temperate zones. Through observations, trial and error, man has developed skills related to cultivation, utilization and livelihood. These were transmitted through generations and in this way, a system of traditional knowledge developed and moved forward for the benefit of the society. Food is the basic necessity for the survival of human beings. Since ancient times, various methods have been used to process and preserve foods especially in the Himalayan regions. The food habits and preparation of various dishes depend upon the availability of crops and surrounding vegetation. On the basis of the substrate used, traditional foods and beverages of Himalayan region are broadly classified as Cereal and Legume based, Milk based, Fruits and Vegetables, and others. Some of the popular traditional foods of Himalayan region are Aenkadu/Askalu, Bagpinni/ pinni, Chhangpa, Chaulai ka bhat, Kutu ki roti, Lesuwa roti, Tilkuta, Kaddu ke khwaire, Mooli ke khwaire, Sarson ki dhusi, Arbi ke sukhe danthal, Chaulai ki kheer, Ogal ka halwa. Traditional fermented foods and beverages are very popular in the tribal and rural areas of western Himalayas. Besides being source of nutrition, these fermented foods constitute staple food (Bhaturu) in larger part of western Himalayas while others are consumed during local festivals, marriages and special occasions. A variety of indigenous fermented foods and beverages available are; Kinema, Marcha, Phab, Bekanthu, Gundruk, Sinki, Soibun, Sura, Chhang, Daru, Angoori/ Kinnauri etc.Due to lack of proper scientific technology the quality of such foods especially beverages (many- a- times) is uncertain and their consumption leads to a higher incidence of fatal diseases among the consumers. This chapter briefly reviews the preparation, significance and quality of indigenous foods of Western Himalayas which offer tremendous opportunity for sustaining livelihood of the people of Himalayan region and stimulating agro-industrial development even in the developing countries, after upgrading and sustaining their quality.

Abstract

Indigenous water saving technologies in arid and semi-arid environment is a local traditional practice for effective use of the limited water supply. These technologies can be used as a base for future development that can be made on these technologies through incorporating the current industry tools. The importance of studying the indigenous knowledge and practices is that it can help to develop enhanced versions of these technologies, and to understand the ability of local communities to adopt the newly developed technology. In Sudan, several indigenous water saving approaches has been used by local societies at various scales. An insight for these technologies, their strength and weaknesses are given here. On “Haffir” (water ponds), Wadi control, and water diversion methods were used for a long time of history for water collection and conservation. At farm scale, terraces, mulching, intercropping, low tillage, fallow, low-water consumption crops and fast maturing crops are common indigenous water saving technologies. Traditional water storage in trees such as Baobab and water-melon is an indigenous proactive along the history in western Sudan to store rain water for long dry season.

Introduction

Digitalization is transforming the digital economy, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses, and transforming production and trade. The rapid advancement of technology and information systems has led to significant changes in both individuals and companies, particularly in the realm of digitalization in commerce (BarNir et al., 2003). Digitalization uses digital technologies to revolutionize business models, simplify transactions, and enhance value-producing opportunities in processes like customer service, shipping, buying, and selling (Zhang et al., 2013). All over the world, businesses are transitioning from manual to e-commerce for benefits such as efficiency, productivity, security, competitiveness, cost reduction, marketing, promotion, and information distribution (Daniel & Wilson, 2002; Gefen, 2000). E-commerce, a key feature, is reshaping global production and trade (Koh et al., 2017; Scalco, 2017). Moreover, the e-commerce industry has seen a substantial transition over the last few decades, due to rapid technical improvements and shifting customer behaviors.

Organizations operating in an interconnected global economy must consistently deliver reliable products and services while satisfying demanding customer and regulatory expectations. Internationally recognized standards and industry best practices provide structured frameworks for preventing defects, measuring performance and achieving continual improvement. They strengthen customer confidence, regulatory compliance, operational effectiveness and global competitiveness. This chapter introduces major quality-management systems and demonstrates their practical application across different industries. Particular attention is given to the ISO 9000 family and ISO 9001, which establish principles and requirements for formal quality-management systems. Important practices include risk-based thinking, process management, documentation, customer focus, evidence-based decisions and the continual improvement of organizational processes

s per the advancement in technology, our society is steadily moving towards adapting the new ordinary technologies for their normal affirms of life. While many’s daily lives are far from ordinary, one critical enabler for humans to survive and sustain their livelihood has been the accelerated adoption of digital technologies, especially in the last two years. We have witnessed how things happened because of the emerging technology in various sectors: education, business, communication, interaction, socialization, professional work, agriculture, etc. This will be the norm for the new normal and the “Gig Economy” evolution. Technology disruption has helped almost everyone in their many walks of life. When we consider the rural women at large, technology has, directly and indirectly, helped each procure food and other commodities to manage their livelihood. 

ABSTRACT

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become one of the basic building blocks of modern society. Young people are the world’s largest resource in development. Forty percent of the world’s population is under 20 years of age while 66 per cent of the total population in the country is below the age of 35 and this youth play very important role in adoption of ICTs. Present study is concerning with Information and Communication Technology, importance of ICTs on youth and rural peoples of our country, the importance of ICTs is not the technology as such, but its enabling function in facilitating enhanced access to information and communication across large distances. It involved development and need of Information and Communication Technology. It also focused on strategies for sustained ICTs growth in India and development ranking of some selected countries. India has been ranked 121^st among 157 countries in terms of progress in the realm of information and communication technology.

ABSTRACT

Information is the data that have been put into a meaningful and useful context and communicated to a recipient who uses it to make decisions. Information is needed because of it affects individuals living activities. The present age has rightly termed as an ‘information age’. Information cannot provide finance, inputs or infrastructure. But, it can help in creating awareness about technologies and mobilise people to use them. It also helps in imparting training to people, organising community and ultimately the development of the whole nation.

The present study was undertaken to assess the information needs of young farm women (18-35 age group) with respect to kharif paddy cultivation. The study was conducted in Bolpur sub-division of Birbhum district, West Bengal. Results of this empirical study indicated that farm women wanted to know more about selling of product, pest control, nursery raising and disease management. The study also revealed that most preferred sources of information for the young farm women personal localite sources.

Key words: Young farm women, information needs, personal localite, personal cosmopolite, kharif paddy

India is one of the countries where 90% of the small, marginal and medium land holding farm families are depending on agriculture. The average annual income of the each farm family isvery less from the agril sector. At present farmwomen play an important role in managing different kinds of farm and home activities. The entrepreneurial behaviour development among the farm family is very essential to earn the additional income to manage their family. Farmwomen not only are involved in home activities but also play a significant role in farm production. In India farmwomen take decisions in their day-to-day life in agricultural sector. However, farmwomen are greatly aided by the amount of information available to them about their felt needs.  The World Bank Report(1992) states that keeping the role of farmwomen in mind, there is a need for training of farmwomen regarding necessary dairy technologies, so that they can perform these activities with more competence.
 
The advances in information technology have brought an explosion in information flow like Radio, T.V, Internet etc in agriculture.  There is large quantity of information through various sources, channels and Website on the Internet, but the information tends to be one sided, as it is gathered from Research stations. Farmwomen seek information sources.  Therefore, a study was conducted to understand the information seeking behaviour of dairy farmwomen.
 
The study was conducted in Manvi and Deodurga taluks of Raicur district in Karnataka state to know the information seeking behaviour of farmwomen regarding dairy farming and allied sector.

ABSTRACT

Marketers make consistent attempts to innovate tools and strategies to overcome the challenges they face in the business arena. Business innovations are broadly classified under two heads, namely Product / Service innovation. Marketers need to design creative solutions to overcome challenges typical of the rural environment such as physical distribution, channel management, promotion and communication. India’s rural markets offer a sea of opportunity. The urban rural split in consumer spending stands at 9: 11, with rural India accounting for 55 percent of private retail consumption. Indeed the market can be tapped with focused attention and strategy. Currently the Indian retail market is estimated at Rs. 13,30,000 crore and almost half of this growing retail market at present lies in rural India, which is a tremendous growth sector that needs to be tapped with care. This paper examines how the corporate sectors with their innovation and creativity tapping the Indian rural market with their retail marketing.

Key words: Innovation, retailing, rural retailing, rural India, creativity

Objectives
• To explore creative and interactive techniques for effective vocabulary expansion.
• To enhance understanding and retention of new words through contextbased learning.
• To encourage the use of digital tools and apps for engaging vocabulary building.
• To promote collaborative learning strategies for vocabulary enhancement
• To develop critical thinking by applying new vocabulary in diverse contexts.
Contextual Learning
One of the most effective ways to learn new words is through contextual learning. This involves understanding words through the context in which they are used, rather than learning definitions in isolation.
Steps to Implement Contextual Learning
• Reading Widely: Expose yourself to a variety of texts (books, articles, blogs) to encounter new words in different contexts.
• Word Journals: Maintain a journal of new words with examples of how they are used in sentences.
• Context Clues: When encountering an unfamiliar word, try to deduce its meaning based on the surrounding words and context before looking it up.