eChapters

Abstract

Water scarce state Rajasthan is without efficient and effective management. Water, when at surface is cheaper and like free commodity to use. Most of it gets evaporated rapidly due to aridity. There is no water during summers and drought years. This is now critical time to rethink and review our planning and policies and make it ground water oriented instead of completely surface water based. Ground water management should be the thrust area and key issue. There is need to conserve andharvest each drop ofwater especially for recharge to ground water. Utilize the augmented ground water resources as crisis management during long dry spells. Also, enforcement of regulatory measures, creating awareness among masses and participatory approach ofmanagement are the key factors for ensuring sustainable availability of water resources.

Abstract

Seed technology deals with the various aspects of seed- right from production to make it readily and timely available to the end users. The advancement in seedtechnology was realizedlong back and itwas considered equally important to the development of new technology (varieties). Considering the importance of seed as well as variability among seed of different crop species or even in same crop species, the researchers initiated work and focused their direction of research accordingly which resultedinto worthy achievements. Brief overviews of the advancements made in seed technology are being discussed in this chapter. However, efforts are still on to get rid of problems of seed technology in order to strengthen the seed industry, which makes the highest contribution to rural development, probably among all industries.

Abstract

Plantbreeding is an ancientart practiced throughselection ofplants fordesirable traits. Over a period of time it has evolved into scientific discipline with various methodologiesbasedon theories and principles ofgenetics. Since the rediscovery of Mendel’s law, there has been accelerated increase in yield of various crop plants due to development of high yielding varieties. Conventional approaches of following phenotypic selection from a variable population in early generation followed by yield testing in later generations have been highly successful in most of the crop species. This coupled with hybrid varieties led to significant increase in food-grain production during later half of the 20^th century. At present manycrops are facing yield plateau asthey have reached their maximum genetic potential. The growing condition is also deteriorating due to changing climate. There is an urgent need among breeders to utilize full arsenal of techniques available to them to sustain crop productivity. Molecular markers and marker assisted selection has come as a boon to the breeders to increase the efficiency ofselection in early generation breeding especially for traits whose phenotypic evaluation is difficult. Further, transgenic technology has the potential to incorporate genes from diverse sources, thus enriching the gene pool from which breeders can search for specific traits. Although at present there is skepticism about transgenic crops among public but this may become a viable strategy in future.

Abstract

The genetic improvement of crop plants is possible only through employing an appropriate breeding technique. The use of plant breeding technique depends on mode of pollination and reproduction of plant species e.g. selection and hybridization are used in sexually reproduced species, while clonal selection in asexually propagated plant species. The plant species/ varieties are usually derived through conventional techniques (vi z. introduction, selection, hybridization etc.), which are commonly used in various breeding programmes, while some modern techniques viz. transgenic breeding and marker assisted selection etc. are also available which are equally effective for improvement of all crop species. Various techniques applied for development of new varieties and hybrids are briefly described in this section.

Plant breeding is an art, science and technology of improving genetic make-up of crop plants in relation to their economic usefulness for mankind. Various techniques/methods of breeding used for genetic improvement of crop plants are: introduction, selection, hybridization, mutation, transgenic breeding etc.

Classification of Breeding Techniques: Plant breeding techniques are classified as conventional and modern breeding techniques.

INTRODUCTION

Aquaculture had undergone rapid expansion and intensification in the recent past and has taken the shape of a full-fledged diversified industry. But the risk involved in aquaculture activity has also increased significantly due to the outbreak of diseases which has a devastating effect on the aquaculture crops. Fish are aquatic and poikilothermic, their existence and performance are dominated by the quality of their environment . The aquatic environment is a complex system subject to constant physical and chemical changes brought about by natural and manmade processes. Therefore, choosing the proper site to develop aquaculture facility is paramount to its success.

A disease is an abnormal condition of an organism caused by infection, inherent weakness or environmental stress; it prevents the organism from functioning normally which ultimately leads to death (Avault, 1998). In an aquatic environment, there is a profound balancing of relationship between host (fish), pathogen and the environment existing and this is the fundamental concept to disease susceptibility of fish (Snieszko, 1973). A disease organism may be present in the environment or host, but will not cause disease as long as the host has high natural resistant or the physical condition of the host is strong. Once the imbalance is created to any of the component, opportunistic pathogen invades the host resulting to the outbreak of disease.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important changes in the global environment which affects the existence of all living things , is the climate change. The climate change globally and locally also changes the aquatic habitat which, in turn directly and indirectly affects the environment. Anyway, the changes in climate are certain to occur and may be inevitable. The only possible way is to analyze the situation and find out the reasons for such changes and take immediate steps to minimize the impact of these climate changes. Global warming has eventually become synonymous with climate change because almost all the variables of the ecosystem are influenced directly or indirectly at different levels.

Aquatic environment is extremely diverse and influenced by the climate changes to a large extent both locally and globally. The changes in the ocean and its life are well studied at different levels with all possible details compared to the freshwater habitats. Unlike agriculture and animal husbandry, the vast majority of the fish production still comes from the natural habitat or the wild collections. Agriculture and animal husbandry usually focus on few important species but for fisheries, all the species of fishes including most of the aquatic living organisms are commercially important. The media (water) in which the aquatic organisms dwell, is much more important to all living organisms of the earth and so the influence by climate changes on water becomes very much relevant in the present situation. Freshwater habitats are limited and are much more complex to investigate in respect of climate changes due to the variability and diverse micro and macro level interactions. A holistic approach to deal with all these problems has not got much attention both globally and locally even though , it is the need of the hour to address the issues of impact of climate changes in the aquatic environment.

INTRODUCTION

Prediction of helminthic infections is impractical. The aim of any control programme must therefore, ensure that parasite populations do not exceed levels compatible with economic production. The parasitological monitoring (e. g. faecal egg counts or pasture sampling) at intervals, forecasting on the basis of meteorological data and computer simulation may provide an alternate approach to control parasitic infection (Brunsdon, R. V. , 1980) in a given geographical area. The most common gastrointestinal parasite prevalent throughout the year in Meghalaya, India is Strongyle infection. This is because of the high rainfall and humidity prevalent in the North-Eastern region.

As the prevalence of this infection is mainly dependent on rainfall and humidity, study was being initiated to identify the relationship between rainfall/temperature and strongyle infection. The study would be also helpful in predicting/ forecasting the disease occurrence based on the prevailing pattern of rainfall in a particular location.

INTRODUCTION

Livestock plays a very important role in the mixed farming system of the country contributing about 25 per cent of Gross Domestic Products (GDP) from agricultural sector. India has the largest population of cattle and buffaloes and the highest producer of milk in the world. India has also the second largest population of goats and one of the leading countries in poultry sector. There has been a tremendous increase in milk, meat and egg production since independence. However, owing to various reasons viz. , low genetic potential, scarcity of feeds and fodders, diseases, poor management practices etc. , the productivity is quite low. Climatic conditions of a place have also an important bearing on livestock production and productivity. Climatic factors like ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation and wind velocity are the important ones which make up the physical environment of the animal having direct and indirect influences on animal’s responses towards climate. Temperature and humidity are the most crucial with the former being the most researched one. Extremes of hot and cold weather are creating stress to any animal and the effects are more severe under hot and humid climate. The varied effects of undesirable climate on animals are pertaining to feed and water intake, physiological, biochemical and endocrinological aspects, reproduction, health and productivity etc. Thus, the positive and negative effects of the environment on the livestock have been discussed in a way to undertake some protective measures.

INTRODUCTION

Edible mushrooms are higher fungi occurring seasonally all over the world in various habitats varying from sandy plains to thick forests. About 2000 fungal species in the world have been identified as edible, of which, only a few (20) are cultivated commercially (Chang and Miles, 1991). These mushrooms are generally considered as the good source of protein, vitamins and minerals in addition to their flavour and condiment value. About 3.

INTRODUCTION

India has varied agroclimatic conditions, which favour the cultivation of various horticultural crops. Based on the adaptability and system of cultivation, the horticulture can be grouped into four major class such as Temperate, Sub-tropical, Tropical and Arid. India has become the second largest producer of both fruits and vegetables with a total production of 46. 75 million tonnes of fruits from an area of 4. 56 million ha and 93. 16 million tonnes of vegetables from 6. 30 million ha (2003-2004). Besides, there is a tremendous scope for increasing the production of flowers, spices and condiments, plantation crops and medicinal and aromatic plants. Floriculture has emerged as a viable agribusiness. The commercial cultivation of flowers in open field conditions was much popular than protected cultivation in India. But, now- a-days, the protected cultivation has brought a great revolution in Indian floriculture and it helps for the quality production and export to earn sizeable amount of foreign exchange. India has approximately 350 ha under green house cultivation with export value of approximately Rs. 330 crores during 2003-04(APEDA). On the other hand, the prevailing climatic conditions in India are highly suitable for cultivation of the almost all spices from tropical black pepper to temperate saffron. The major spices are mainly grown in humid tropics like Western Ghats and NE States. Out of 21 agro-ecological sub regions in India, spices are grown in 14 different agro ecological sub regions. Fruits, vegetables, flowers spices and condiments, plantation crops and medicinal plants are widely distributed across the country, while plantation crops are restricted to a few regions.

INTRODUCTION

It is well accepted that the climatic changes also influence the geomorphic process efficiency and landform development (Ahamad, 1985). Glaciation, sea level changes, flooding and many other geo- environmental events are related with global and regional climatic changes along with tectonic and other non-tectonic factors like natural vegetation, soil, organic development etc. Considering the role of climate on landform development and dynamics of the Late Quaternary climate, a climato-geomorphic study was conducted on the coastal and paleo-coastal areas of the Bengal Basin namely-lower Western (West Bengal coast) and Eastern (Tripura Paleo-coastal Fold Belt Province) Geo-provences. The main objectives of the study were to investigate (i) Development of the landforms during Late Quaternary period with sea level changes and (ii) Climatological influences on the landform modifications.

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.

INTRODUCTION

Several biophysical factors govern the agricultural productivity of a region. Among the key biophysical factors, weather and more particularly rainfall has the over riding impact on agricultural productivity since rainfall is a primary source of water and the first requirement for raising any crop. This element influences various dynamics of crop growth and development and accounts from nearly two thirds of variation in agricultural productivity. The amount of rainfall at a particular place is important; an equal important factor is its temporal distribution, which is uneven, uncertain and erratic in most part of the country. Breaks in monsoon are common phenomenon during the monsoon period. The analysis of rainfall characteristics such as occurrence and distribution of dry or wet spell is essentially required for successful crop planning, development of befitting agro techniques, recommendation of suitable crop variety, designing of water harvesting ponds, earthen dams and other soil conservation structures. It is also an established fact that the crop development will be affected if the dry spell coincides with sensitive phonological stage of the crop and sometimes beneficial if it coincides with the ripening stage. Hence for the purpose of crop planning and to carry out the agricultural practices, it is important to know the sequence of dry and wet periods. An attempt has been made in this paper to analyse the rainfall in standard meteorological week as well as monthly basis at different probability levels for Lembucherra by using computer based forecasting technique.

INTRODUCTION

Mizoram is a hilly terrain lying in the north eastern part of the country. The total geographical area of the state is 21, 087 sq. km and lies between 92º 15/ to 93º 29/ E longitude and 21º 58/ to 24º 35/ N latitude. Out of six agro climatic zones of the NEH region, Mizoram comes under sub tropical hill zone and posses a sub tropical and humid climate due to high rainfall (Fig. 1). These climatic conditions are very conducive for the cultivation of a large number of agri-horticultural crops. The physiography of the state is divided into hills and valley lands. About 90 % area of the state comes under hills and only 10 % area is under valley. The valley lands are sporadically distributed in small patches except in Champhai district. The slope of the hills in Mizoram is much steep as compared to the other states in the North Eastern region. The land use statistics of the state is presented in Table1.

INTRODUCTION

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has been defined as a “system that, in the context of the environment and the population dynamics of the pest species, utilizes all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible manner as possible that maintain the pest populations at levels below those causing economic injury” (Glass 1975). The Inter society Consortium for Plant Protection (ICPP) has defined integrated pest management as “the use of multiple tactics in a compatible manner to maintain pest population at levels below those causing economic injury while providing protection against hazards to humans, domestic animals, plants and the environment”. The term ’integrated’ means it is a broad interdisciplinary approach taken using scientific principles of plant protection of variety of management strategies and tactics to fuse into a single system. The terms ‘pest’ means all biotic agents which adversely affect plant production. This includes insects, mites, nematodes, weeds, bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasitic seed plants and vertebrates. The term ‘management’ indicates to keep the pest population below some level based on economic criteria. It does not mean complete eradication of entire pest population.

INTRODUCTION

The weather conditions during the growing season of crops influences the onset and development of disease. The relationship between weather and plant disease development is the basis for meteopathological forecasting. On the basis of observed or forecast weather conditions, the incidence of plant disease is likely to be predicted.

Such predictions are designed to warn growers of expected significant developments in the manifestation of a particular plant disease. Such disease forecasts, if sufficiently accurate, permit efficient and competent counter measures to be adopted. A short range or medium range of disease forecast, issued at short intervals during the growing of crops, can give guidance to the farmers on the best remedial measures. Growers can decide whether a chemical control measure is needed or not, and if needed then optimum date on which to be applied and similar day to day decisions to fight against disease to minimize the losses to be caused.

The result, of adopting such a plan of weather based control measures, is to reduce the number of chemical sprays to a well timed few, thus giving an equal or even better protection at a lower cost in chemical and labour, and simultaneously reduces losses caused by phytotoxic and mechanical damage to the crop. The reduction in the use of potentially toxic chemical is a matter to be welcomed in the present world, considering the consequences of the widespread use of toxic chemicals.

INTRODUCTION

Rubber cultivation in regions extending from 10°N to 10°S latitude is known as the traditional region and the areas other than its natural climatic origin is termed as the non-traditional region. Northeast India comprises majority of the non-traditional areas in India with major climatic constraints like high seasonal rainfall, excessive precipitation and to some extent dry conditions. These areas extending from 22 to 29^°N latitude, holds promise in extending rubber cultivation because of its exceptional climatic make-up and abundant amount of annual precipitation (2000 mm) distributed over a fair period of time.

This perennial crop generally yields latex rubber at the 7th year after planting (with an economic life span of 20 years), although the period (immaturity period) it requires, is higher in the non-traditional region (Rubber Growers Companion, 2006). This immaturity period has also been shown to reduce with water availability in sub-humid climates (Vijayakumar et al. , 1998). Harvest of this crop is by tapping. Tapping is a process of controlled wounding during which thin shavings of bark are removed, thus opening the latex vessels which exude latex. Dry rubber yield is obtained after the latex is coagulated and rolled into sheets (about 500gm) which is then smoked and dried.

INTRODUCTION

Of an estimated 142 mha of net cultivated areas in India, about 67 % is rainfed and only 45 mha is irrigated. The NCA (1976) predicted that even when the full irrigation potential of the country is exploited by 2013 AD, over 50% of arable land would continue to remain rainfed in future. It is the rainfed belt where cultivation of 91 % coarse cereals (Sorghum, Pearl millet and Finger millet), 91% pulses (Chickpea and Pigeon pea), 80% oilseeds (Groundnut, Rapeseed, Mustard and Soybean) and 65% cotton have predominated. Even the crop that formed the backbone of green revolution such as rice and wheat, still have 50% and 19% area under rainfed condition, thus emphasing the importance of rainfed agriculture in India. Inadequate resource (soil and rain water) management coupled with traditional farming practices are responsible for subsistence farming. Monocropping, traditional crops and their varieties, low and imbalance nutrients and inadequate crop establishment, in past, had been the major cause for poor development of dryland agriculture in the eastern region.

INTRODUCTION

The agriculture in north eastern hill region of India is mainly rainfed in nature and shifting cultivation, known as jhuming, is the dominant farming system. The shifting cultivation is detrimental to both soil and vegetation as it is connected to heavy soil and nutrient losses when practised in steep slopes. The burning and slashing operations are responsible for reduced floral and faunal diversity in the region. It is a well known fact that climate is the main driving factor that governs the sustainability of other natural resources such as land, water and vegetation. So far the NE region gets abundant rainfall for survival of the crops at least during the kharif season. The rainfall starts early March and continues up to the late October. The jhum cultivators follow the rainfall trend and get their field ready for sowing of seeds by early March itself so that vegetative stage of crops gets plenty of rainwater for growth and development. Due to increased population pressure, the hills of NE region are over exploited and the jhum cycle has been reduced from 10-12 years to 4-5 years now-adays. Hence the soils do not get sufficient time to revitalize it and are subjected to more and more exploitation and get degraded permanently.

INTRODUCTION

Any crop has its own optimal requirements or selective response to the environmental factors such as rainfall/ soil moisture supply, day/night air temperature, soil temperature, duration of sunshine and its intensity. The growth and development of a plant which ultimately governs the agricultural productivity of a region, is closely related with climatic factors. Weather phenomenon has a profound influence on crop growth stage. A moderate wind or a light rain, when the crop growth is near to harvest, may do more damage than even heavy rain and high wind in the vegetative phase. So land use planning by matching crop growth with weather parameters forms a basis for successful agriculture (Samra, 2003) in a particular region. In order to achieve sustainable agricultural productivity in the 21^st century, the climate and weather systems are being recognized as critical agenda and input.

INTRODUCTION

India is endowed with a vast and rich diversity of natural resources particularly soil, water, climate and agro-biodiversity. To realize the optimum potential of the agricultural production system on a sustainable basis, there is a need to bestow a paramount importance in the arena of efficient management of natural resources. India with a geographical area of 329 M ha presently supports 17% of the world’s population on merely 2. 5% of world’s land area and 4% of world’s freshwater resources. India’s economy is predominantly agrarian in nature with about 72. 2% of its 1028 million population (census 2001) living in villages and about 54. 4% people (cultivators) directly depending on agriculture.

INTRODUCTION

The discipline of Agrometeorology, an applied science is less than fifty years old. Its services are operationally used by individual farmers in developed countries, and by agricultural or development services in more than half of the countries of the world. Its contribution to agricultural production by examining forecast is sought in virtually all countries. In many countries, the respective governments have expressed the desire to use meteorological information to a much larger extent in day-to-day farm planning and operations. The climate database is used for the development of practical criteria in planning and management of irrigated and rainfed crop production system (Martin Smith, 2000).

Though a huge set of Agromet data exists in India, its utility has not been effective due to the scattered location of these data sources and the impediments for free flow of data to the users to analyze and interpret for real-time decision making in agriculture. There is also a considerable time lag between the actual observation and data availability. In view of the importance and the immediate exigency to centralize the database system for helping the researchers and planners, a central agrometeorological databank facility funded by DST from 1998 to 2003 and later by ICAR with the following objectives was established at Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR), Hyderabad.

INTRODUCTION

In spite of technological developments for the last few decades, Indian agriculture is still rain dependent. Extreme weather events such as drought in 2002, cold wave during 2002-03, heat wave in the year 2003, increased temperatures during rabi 2003-04 and 2004-05, deficit rainfall in many parts of the country during 2004 and excess rains in 2005 (100cm in Mumbai, floods in MP, Gujarat, Orissa, AP, Tamilnadu and Karnataka) could affect the food grain production considerably. The spatial and temporal changes in important weather parameters such as rainfall, temperature, wind, cloud cover, humidity, etc. would influence crop yields by affecting farmers’ decision in selection of cultivar, use of inputs, crop management practices, etc. These decisions significantly influence the aggregate agricultural output, which , in succession has an impact on the economy of the country as a whole. Thus, the timely and accurate weather based agro -advisories is the need of the hour for sustainable agricultural production.

Further, the quality of utility of agro-advisories can be improved through value addition to the agromet information including forecast and demonstration of economic benefits accrued due to the following of the advisories. Thus making farmers to adapt weather-based advisories for (i) Increasing the quality and quantity of produce, (ii) Efficient utilization of resources, (iii) Minimizing losses due to adverse weather, (iv) Effective utilization of favourable weather events, and (v) Reducing cost of cultivation to enhance profits.

INTRODUCTION

Inspite of recent technological developments which have helped to increase agricultural production in many countries, growth of plants and animals continue to depend to a large extent on the weather conditions. Each plant has its own climatic requirements for growth and development and any large scale deviation from it exert negative influence.

Growth of plants is most sensitive to temperature just above a threshold value and near the maximum value, where growth normally stops. Therefore, periods of extreme temperature i. e. low temperatures below the threshold value and high temperatures above the maxima are hazardous to plant development and growth. Extreme temperature conditions during cold spells cause stress and frost; high temperatures lead to heat stress, and both affect agricultural production. Snow and ice storms in late spring or early autumn are very hazardous to many temperate crops.

Similarly extremes of moisture conditions namely dry desiccating winds, drought episodes and low moisture conditions as well as very humid atmospheric conditions including wet spells tend to affect agriculture. High soil moisture situations of water logging and flooding associated with heavy rainfall and tropical storms have adverse effect on plant growth and development since they influence the rate of transpiration, leaf area expansion and ultimately plant productivity. Drastic changes in rainfall variability can have very significant impact, particularly in climatically marginal zones such as arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas where incidence of widespread drought is frequent. Dry desiccating and strong winds reduce agricultural production as a result of very high evapotranspiration rates. It also causes mechanical damage to plant with weak stems by lodging such as the sugarcane and the banana.

INTRODUCTION

Research in agriculture and allied activities and the subsequent technological innovations are important requisites for enhanced productivity and generating income for the farmers. In India, farming is a way of livelihood to 65 per cent of nearly 1. 1 billion population. Our farm population is increasing annually by 1. 84 per cent. The average farm size is becoming smaller each year and the cost-riskreturn structure of farming is becoming adverse with the result that farmers are getting increasingly indebted. There is no option except to produce more food and other commodities under conditions of diminishing per capita arable land and irrigation water resource. Hence, we must harness the best in frontier technologies, thus integrate them with traditional wisdom and thereby launch an eco-technology movement.

The productivity in agricultural sectors is dependent on several bio physical and socio-economic factors. The significant biophysical factors are weather parameters, soil health, water resources, crops/ varieties and pest environments. In order to monitor the impact of weather parameters, we need to have weather forecasts and the accuracy of which to harvest the economic benefits should be given top priority. Only fifty years ago, weather forecasting was an art which was derived after interpretation of data received from land based observing stations, balloons and aircraft etc. Now, modern technology particularly computers / weather satellites / radars has resulted in enormous improvements in the accuracy of weather forecasting with the help of various coordinated meteorological observing networks.

INTRODUCTION

The debate on climate change is going on. From the report of the Inter Governmental Panel on climate change (IPCC), a premier organization set up in 1998 by the World Meteorological Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme, it is known that the average surface temperature has increased over the 20th century by about 0. 6ºC. The number may seem insignificant but it is an unprecedented rise. In the past 150 years, the 11 hottest years were witnessed. It says that 1990s was the warmest decade and 1998 the warmest year since 1861. Worse, the Artic is warming twice as rapidly as the rest of the world and there is a distinct possibility of the Greenland Ice Sheet collapsing altogether and pushing up sea levels by several metres. It is predicted that 2035 is the year when Himalayan glaciers may totally disappear causing catastrophic disruptions. Unfortunately, India is among the countries that will suffer the most serious consequences as a result of global warming. Following is the probable effect of global warming.

Introduction

The dairy sector is one of the most important food sectors, which introduced the physical, chemical, microbiological and sensorial criteria duringprocessing steps and in the final dairy products. Several agents/ingredients of non-dairy origin are commonly used to maintain the quality of milk and milk products during processing, transportation and storage. In general, such ingredients are known as food additives and it can be antioxidants, coloring agents, flavoring compounds, preservatives(naturals and synthetic),artificialsweeteners, vitamins, minerals, stabilizers, emulsifiers and curing agents. From the safety point of view, some toxic agents can come into contact of dairy products duringmilking, storage or processing; such as fungal toxins, heavy metals, antibiotics or radionuclide’s, etc., which need to be identified and processed accordingly. Although addition of food additives in food/dairy product is controlled under country specific food laws or Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), few dairyproducts such as butter and unflavored fermented milk products are highly restricted for food additives.

Introduction

Spectacular accomplishment in every sector has enabled India to be amongtop achieving nations. However, every section of the society is not benefited by these achievements and problem of malnutrition still remains unresolved. Malnutrition is a common problem faced by underdeveloped and developing countries suchas Philippines, Nepal, Sudan,Tanzaniaand Indiasincelongback. Malnutrition includes undernutrition(wasting,stunting,underweight),inadequate vitamins or minerals as well as overweight, obesity and resulting diet-related non communicable diseases(NCDs). As per the latest report of World Health Organization, 52 million children under 5 years of ageare wasted, 17 million are severely wasted and 155 million are stunted, while 41 million are overweight or obese (WHO, 2018). More than 50% women of marriage age are suffering from anemia. If women are malnourished at the time of pregnancyand delivery, the babybornface theproblems such asphysical retardation,sensitive tocommon infections, reduced cognitive abilities, reducedmental development, etc. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, starting from the date of conceiving a child, the first 1000 days are a critical window from nutrition point ofview.Unfortunately, inseveral regions of developingcountries includingIndia, neither the mother nor the babyis provided with the right quantity and qualityof food during this window period. Therefore, it is important for the policymakers to identifymalnutrition at an earlystage for timelyplanningand implementation of various intervention strategies at the community, village, and district level. NitiAyog, Government of India (GoI) (previously known as Planning Commission), in an effort to eliminate malnutrition,regularlyplans several short and longtermnutritionalprogrammesand policies.In thischapter,we willdiscuss some of these policies launched since independence and their impact in combatingmalnutrition.

Introduction

There are manypeople all over the world who have a certain level of sensitivity or intolerance towards milk and milk products. The reactions to milk which involve the immune systemare termed as milkallergy, whereas, difficulty in the digestion of the milk and milk products is known as milk intolerance. Milk intolerance occurs due to malabsorption of milk sugar (lactose) in intestine, a condition in which lactose is not digested into its monomers (galactose and glucose) due to lower activity or insufficiency of lactase enzyme. Inability to digest lactose, which is a disaccharide present only in milk, is specifically known as lactose intolerance. However, hypersensitivity involves the adverse immune reaction(allergic reaction) inthe body causeddue to the ingestion of milk proteins. Milk and milk products are major source of basic as well as essential nutrients and cannot be skipped from the diet of the individual. It is a rich source of calcium,which is essential for the growth and reformationof bones. The decline in calcium may lead to thin, fragile bones that break easily, a condition called osteomalacia or osteoporosis in women. Thus, it is a matter of concern for both children andadults whoare allergic or intolerant towards milk and milk products and not getting enough calcium and other nutrients in diet. This chapter would provide more insight about milk intolerance and milk allergy/hypersensitivity and how to deal with it.

Introduction

Digestion may be defined as the hydrolytic process carried out by various enzymes for breaking down complex food components such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates into simpler molecules like amino acids, fatty acids and monosaccharides, respectively. Whereas, absorption may be defined as the movement ofthese simple soluble digested food componentsalongwithvitamins, minerals and water from gastrointestinal track into the circulatory system.

The process of digestion starts from oral cavity (mouth) and ends at large intestineincluding tongue, teeth, jaws,secretions from salivaryglands (parotids, sub maxillary or submandibular and sublingual glands), pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine and digestive enzymes secreted from pancreas and liver.

Introduction

Nutritive value of any food indicates the calories content as well as quality attributes. Macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins provide energy by4-9-4 rule. It meanstheyprovide 4,9 and 4 kcal/genergy, respectively, when oxidized completely. Though micronutrientssuch as vitaminsandminerals do not provide any calories, they are essential for the enzymatic activity and metabolic reactions.

ATP or energy is measured in terms of ‘calories’ or ‘joule’. One calorie is the amount of heat required by 1g of water to increase its temperature from 14.5 to 15.5°C under standard conditions. Nutritive value of any food can be measured on shelf usingcalorimeter, in which food is completelyoxidized under specified conditions and converted into CO₂ and water.

Introduction

Nutrition is the fundamental pillar of life and an essential foundation of human and national development. Rightfrom the earliest stage of human development, the fetal stage, at birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age, nutrition forms the basis for survival, performance, mental and physical development & economic and social development.Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy, fetal and early postnatal life can have a negative impact not only on the subsequent growth and development but can also lead to changes in metabolic regulation and homeostasis.

Introduction

Nutrition, a basic human need, is a critical part of health and development. Nutrition can be defined as the intake of food, deliberated in relation to the body’s dietary needs. On one hand, good nutrition – an adequate, well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a foundation of good health, whereas,poor nutritionleads toreducedproductivity,impairedmental andphysical development, increased susceptibility to disease, and reducedimmunity. According to WHO, under-nutrition, together with vitamin and mineral deficiencies accounts for one-third of all child deaths and impairs healthy development and lifelong productivity. At the same time, sedentary lifestyles, demographic shifts, urbanization and the liberalization of markets have steered the world population to being overweight along with risk of chronic diseases like hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, coronaryheart disease, stroke, etc.; thus, resulting in a double burden of malnutrition.

To address this dual burden of malnutrition, individuals needaccess to sufficient and good quality food; but focussing solely on food security is unlikely to solve the problem of global malnutrition. The challenges of malnutrition cannot be solvedjustbyincreasingfoodproductioninordertoimprove healthand nutritional status of the population. To resolve such challenges, awareness about food choices for optimal health plays a pivotal role among population.

Human nutrition is the science of understanding food; its component; intake; and how it is related to health, growth, development and diseases. Human nutrition involves the study of ingestion, digestion, absorption and assimilation of the nutrients; their metabolic functions, deficiency or excess disease as well as their regulation through several factors such as choosing particular food components/nutraceuticals or physical activity.

Introduction

The basic physiological structures of mammary glands in all species are almost same and are located externally in order to fulfill the milk requirement of neonates after parturition. The process of secretion of milk from the mammary glands is known as lacto genesis. Milk provides an almost complete nutrition to neonates from birth till weaning period. It is a complex mixture of various constituents like:

Lipids such a striacyl glycerols(TAG),phospholipids,cholesterols and other sterols, free fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins

Carbohydrates such as lactose, oligosaccharides

Proteins such a scaseins, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, immunoglobulin’s, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, enzymes, hormones and growth factors

Non-protein nitrogenous compounds like urea, creatine, creatinine, uric acid and amino acids

Major and minor minerals, water-soluble vitamins and cells (leucocytes, macrophages, and epithelial cells).

Introduction

Proteins are the most abundant organic compounds constituting major part of the body. Chemically, proteins are nitrogen containing macromolecules and polymers of L α-amino acids, which serve a wide range of structural and biological functions in animal body. For example, connective tissue made up of collagen, metabolicenzymes, neuro transmitters,signal in gmolecules, structural components of cell membranes and cell organelles, etc. all are chemically proteins.

Before goinginto the details of protein metabolism, first, we need to understand that there are majorly two sources of proteins in our body: dietary protein and body protein. Dietary protein is taken in diet, while body protein indicates the protein and amino acids synthesized in animal body to fulfill the requirements for growth and development. The digestion of proteins will not be discussed here as it has been described in detail in chapter 12. Dietary protein is digested in presence of several enzymes such as trypsin, pepsin, chymotrypsin, aminopeptidases and carboxypeptidases and is converted into mono-, di- and oligopeptides in stomach and small intestine; and finally converted into amino acids. These amino acids are transported to the systemthrough intestinal mucosa via active transport, from where they enter into the cells for further metabolism. Therefore, ‘metabolismof proteins’ is more appropriatelylearnt as ‘metabolism of amino acids’.

Introduction

The diverse cluster of naturally occurring organic compounds including fats, oils, fatty acids, waxes, phospholipids, eicosanoids, terpenes, steroids and fat soluble vitamins that do not prefer to interact with water but soluble in non-polar organic solvents like ether, chloroform, benzene, acetone, are called as lipids. The main functions of lipids in biological system include storage and transport of metabolic fuel, structural component of cell membranes, insulation & protection of vital organs from shock and carrier of fat soluble vitamins. Contradictory to proteins,lipids are not polymers in nature and are hydrophobic due to presence of a long hydrophobic chain. Apart from this, lipids also act as precursor molecules for several pigments, hormones and signaling molecules.

Introduction

Carbohydrates are the most common source of energy for all living cells, which, in presence of light, are formed by the green plants from CO₂ and water during photosynthesis. It canbe said that ‘light’ is theultimatesourceof energyrequired for all livingcells.Glucose,a monosaccharide,plays a centralroleincarbohydrate metabolismin all plants, animals and manymicroorganisms. Glucose is derived from the polysaccharides (starch, glycogen) and non-carbohydrate sources (amino acids, glycerols, etc.) during metabolism and ultimately converted either into carbondioxide and water orotherintermediateproducts.Complete oxidation of glucose to CO₂ and water provides ~2,840 kJ/mol energy. The other monosaccharides such as fructose, galactose, mannose, etc. are also important molecules in carbohydrate metabolism.

Introduction

Hormones may be defined as specific chemical molecules produced in certain specific organs called specialized cells or endocrine glands. They are delivered into the blood stream or some other body fluid in minute amounts by the circulatory system of the body and their they exerts a physiological effect at a site of action remote from its origin, regulating numerous biological activities including growth, development, reproduction, water & electrolyte balance, storage & usage of energy etc.

Introduction

The basic components of diet include carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are the essential nutrients which are not formed in our body and required in minute amount from the diet. Vitamins are crucial for the optimal functions of several enzymes; thus important for optimal growth and development. Vitamins perform various functions that help in regulation of metabolism, prevent chronic diseases, maintain natural appetite, mental health and immunity.

In 1912, Polish biochemist Kazimierz Funk coined the term ‘vitamine’;a substance that was present in rice polishing and foods that cured polyneuritis in birds and beriberi in humans. The name is from ‘vit’ for vital nutrient and ‘amine’ for its similarity as an amine. Vital signify that these factors are indispensable for life. Earlier they are identified and thought to contain amino groups, thus the word amine was used, which was true for thiamine but later work revealed that most of the vitamins do not have amino groups. Thus the word was shortened to vitamin in English. It should be noted that the term vitamin does not denote to some othern utrients such as essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, dietary minerals or other nutrients that contribute towards good health.

Vitamins may be defined as organic compound needed in minute amount through diet to perform specific biological functions for normal growth and health of the organisms.Vitamins should have following characteristics:

Introduction

The nucleic acids are the molecular depots that are responsible for continuity of life by transfer of hereditary information from one generation to next. The sequence of nitrogenous bases containing programmed instruction determines the structure of every cell constituent and eventually every protein. In 1869, Friedrich Miescher, Swiss chemist, isolated an unknown phosphate-rich substance from pus cells named as nuclein, which was quite different from other organic substances like carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Altmann in 1899 ascertained that the nuclein also had some acidic characteristics and changed its name to ‘nucleic acid’. Later, nucleic acid was also isolated from salmon sperm nuclei as DNA-protaminecomplex. In 1953, James D.Watson and Francis H.C. Crick constructed the model of three-dimensional double helix structure of the DNA molecule which could successfully explain DNA replication.

Introduction

Billions of chemical reactions are happening inside human body and that too with lightning speed. However, the same reactions if carried out in laboratory, they take a very long time. The reasons behind it are the biocatalysts, also known as enzymes, which are synthesized by living cells. Chemically, they are proteins(except ribonucleic acids: RNA), colloidal in nature, thermo-labile in character and very specific in their action. For example, hydrolysis of proteins by a strong acid at 100°C takes a couple of days; but same proteins can be digested within couple of hours inside human body at 37°C. Similarly, carbonic anhydrase is used as a catalyst by living cells to transfer carbon-di-oxide from cells to blood. This process is 107 times quicker than the same process if occurs without the help of enzymes. Therefore, enzymes can be defined as the biomolecules or biocatalysts which can speed up the rate of the chemical reactions. The substance upon which an enzyme acts is called as substrate and the one which is produced as the result of enzyme-substrate reaction is known as product.

1. Introduction

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae sp. ), a high altitudinal, thorny, temperate, deciduous, dioecious, actinorhizal shrub or small tree belonging to the Kingdom-Plantae, Clades-Angiosperms, Eudicots and Rosids, Order- Rosales, Family-Elaeagnaceae and native to Eurasean Countries like India, China, Russia, Nepal, Pakistan, etc. (Barik et al., 2016). SBT is having tolerance towards a wide group of pests and insects, can grow in extreme nutrient deficient conditions and temperature range of -40 °C to 40 °C. It contains more than 190 reported invaluable phytochemicals and has the potential for multidimensional use as food, fodder, medicine, fuel, and conservation of soil and bio diversity (Qinxiao and Hongyan, 2003; Barik et al., 2016). SBT berries, leaves, stem and root barks also contain nutrients and bioactive compounds which mainly include lipids, sugars, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, carotenoids (β-carotenes, lycopene, zeaxanthin), tocopherols (α β, γ, δ), sterols (ergosterol, campesterol), Vitamins (A, C, E and K), phenolic and flavonoid compounds (gallic acid, caeffeic acid, ferulic acid, isorhamnetin, kaemferol, quercetin, myricetin) and isoprenols (Tiitinen et al., 2005; Anderson et al., 2009; Barik et al., 2016). All these studies are primarily based on the prominent SBT species Hippophae rhamnoides. However, Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia) of North East India is an underutilized non-conventional plant and its potential is not yet fully explored. Very scanty literatures are available on the identification, documentation and preliminary qualitative phytochemical characterization of SBT from North East India (Basistha et al., 2010; Pradhan et al., 2015). But there is no any report on systematic qualitative phytochemical characterization of all the plant parts of SBT from North East India in general and SBT of Arunachal Pradesh in partcular.

1. Introduction

Starch is present in the endosperm of cereal grains which provides the necessary energy during the process of germination and seedling establishment and rice starch is reported to supply 22% of global energy intake in humans (Sun et al, 2014). Starch is a semi-crystalline polymer composed mainly of linear and highly branched polymer viz. amylose and amylopectin respectively. Each polymer is composed of several D-glucose molecules and the difference lies only in the linkages between them. Amylose is a linear chain which is interlinked by α- (1→4) linkages and few branched chains (Kizil et al, 2002). Amylopectin subunits are linked by both-(1→4) and-(1→ 6), with about 95% of the glyosidic bonds being-(1→ 4) linkages and roughly 5% being-(1→ 6). The highly branched nature of amylopectin is attributed to the-(1→ 6) linkage.

1. Introduction

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical fruit having good sensorial characteristics such as, mechanical properties, flavor, acidity/sweetness ratio, color; and nutritional. Pineapple is known to be a good source of vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B and antioxidants. The free radical scavenging activity of pineapple is found to be much higher than banana and is comparable to that of guava (Alothman et al., 2009). However, it is a perishable cash crop that grows in abundance in a short time. This necessitates protecting the perishable fruit against quality loss during storage and distribution.

Fruit leathers are an economic and convenient substitute for natural fruits with high nutritional components. Leathers are made by removing moisture from wet pulp until the desired cohesive “leathery” composition is obtained. Since it is light and low in moisture it has minimum storage problems and is economical to ship (Moyls, 1981). Therefore, making fruit leather from fresh fruits is an effective way to preserve fruits (Maskan et al., 2002). Furthermore, fruit leather has far fewer calories, less than 100 kcal per serving (Huang and Hsieh, 2005) and have a far greater nutritional value (e. g., especially in terms of energy, minerals, antioxidants and fiber) than the fresh fruits because all nutrients are concentrated. There are large numbers of fruit leather available in the market, such as mango leather, apricot fruit leather, grape leather, berry leather, kiwifruit leather, and jackfruit leather (Torres et al., 2015).

1. Introduction

The culinary banana (Musa ABB) of Assam and North East India (locally known as kachkal) is an important and cheap source of vegetable in the diet of local people. It is considered as one of the potential sources of carbohydrates, starch, polyphenols, micronutrients and functionally important bioactive compounds (Khawas et al., 2016). Native starches have limited use in food application as it has many weakness such as narrow peak viscosity range, poor process tolerance, low shear stress resistance, hydrophilicity, thermal decomposition, high retro gradation, and synersis and cooked starches will formed a weak, cohesive and rubbery paste. These facts motivated the employment of modified starches as important functional ingredients in processed foods in recent years because of their improved functional properties over unmodified starches (Fleche et al., 1985).

To overcome these problems physical. Chemical and enzymatic modification of Starch is done. Chemical modification of starch generally involves esterification, cross linking, etherification or oxidation of the available hydroxyl groups on the β-D-glucopyranosyl units that make up the starch polymer.

1. Introduction

Purple colour passion fruit (Passifora edulis Sims) is a tropical fruit and is well known for its nutritional content and medicinal properties (Patel, 2009). Various type of vitamin E such as α-tocopherol (5,7,8 trimethyl), β-tocopherol (5,8 dimethyl),g-tocopherol (7, 8-dimethyl),d-tocopherol (8-methyl) and α-tocotrienol, b-tocotrienol,g–tocotrierol and d- tocotrienol were quantified in passion fruit as antioxidant molecules with various health benefits (Ramaiya et al., 2013).

Foam mat drying convert thin pulp into stable foam by whipping. Eventually, the whipping process increases surface area, and speed up the drying rates which yield dried foam mat powder of acceptable quality in reduced time span (Kudra and Ratti, 2006). Rheology plays a vital role in food manufacture and marketing nowadays viz., design of handling systems, quality control and evaluation of sensory stimuli of viscosity (Barnes, 2001). It also concerns with how all food materials respond to applied forces and deformations. Basic concepts of stress (force per area) and strain (deformation per length) are keys to all rheological evaluations. Stress(r) is always a measurement of force per unit of surface area and is expressed in units of Pascals (Pa). The direction of the force with respect to the impacted surface area determines the type of stress. Normal stress occurs when the force is directly perpendicular to a surface and can be achieved during tension or compression. Shear stress occurs when the forces act in parallel to a surface. Various food shows different rheological behavior and categorized into solid and liquids stages. It basically means that food varies their characteristic in viscous and elastic behaviors commonly known as viscoelasticity of food, caused by entanglement of long chain molecules with other molecules (Abang, 2010). The dough rheology of various flour has been investigated by various research. Although, there has not been any published literature about dough rheology with incorporated passion fruit powder. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published reports regarding the shear stress properties of passion fruit powder incorporated rice dough.

1. Introduction

Organophosphate (OP) and organocarbamate (OC) pesticides are highly used in modern agriculture due to their low persistence and high insecticidal activity. Although they are relatively less persistent than the organochlorines, they have greater acute toxicity with tolerance level ranging from 1 to 8 μg mL-1 (Mulchandani et al., 2001). The high toxicity of OP and OC neurotoxins and their large use in modern agriculture practices has increased public concern, health risk and the consequent contamination of water and food sources (Buonasera et al., 2010). Development of fast and cost effective analytical tools for onsite monitoring of OP and OC contaminations in food, water and in the environment is highly necessary. An approach toward that has resulted the evolution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) based biosensors for OP and OC pesticides. Ample literature is available on AChE based biosensors (Zhou et al., 2013). But some intrinsic disadvantages remain that limits its utility and field deployment. The most influencing ones are their inability to sustain in organic solvents and the limited class selectivity that demands alternate bioreceptor for pesticide detection. Given the diversity in mode of action of different classes of pesticide, it is quite challenging to come up with different sensor molecules for each class of pesticides. As a continuous effort towards that goal, attempts have been made to use the Glutathione S –transferses (GSTs; EC 2.5.1. 18) for the purpose. GSTs are a multigenic family of cytosolic proteins with multifunctional biological roles, widely distributed throughout the body and found in the liver, kidney, brain, pancreas, testis, heart, lung, small intestine, skeletal muscles, prostate and spleen (Jancova et al., 2010). The important biological functions those are making GSTs the focus of current research includes its catalytic role in detoxification reaction (Lumjuan et al., 2011) over expressions during phase II metabolism as well as drug resistance associated with anticancer therapies of human and the resistance acquired by certain insects while getting exposure to pesticides (Borah et al., 2016).

1. Introduction

King chilli belongs to the genus Capsicum and species chinense, which is world famous for its heat content. King chilli measures 60 to 85 mm (2. 4 to 3. 3 inches) long and 25 to 30 mm (1. 0 to 1. 2 inches) wide with a red, yellow, orange, or chocolate color. The plant came into limelight when it was announced as the hottest chilli in the world in 2006 (Baruah et al., 2014). The people of the North-eastern India use the fruits of King chilli in different food formulations like flavouring curries due to its high-quality fragrance and pungency and also for various medicinal treatments like rheumatism, arthritis, gastritis, ankylosing spondylitis, digestive diseases (Sarwa et al., 2012) and to reduce chronic congestion (Raktim and Changkija, 2009). It is also used as a bird, animal and insect repellent as well as a biochemical pesticide. The extremely hot or burning sensation of chilli is due to the presence of capsaicinoids found only in Capsicum (Hoffman et al., 1983).

In northeastern India, King chilli has been cultivated in a traditional manner since time immemorial and there exists a considerable amount of genetic variability among the landraces (Raktim and Changkija, 2009). The pharmaceutical applications of capsaicinoids are attributed to their analgesic, antiarthritic, anticancer and antioxidant properties. In fact, capsaicin has been at the centre of intense research for elucidating the basis of its pharmacological properties and exploiting the therapeutic potential (Prasad et al., 2005). It has also been reported that capsaicin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells (Mori et al., 2006). The antioxidative capacity of chilli is higher than ginger, garlic, mint and onion (Shobana et al., 2000), which may play an important role in the process of chemoprevention (Yu et al., 2002).

1. Introduction

Okara is a by-product generated during processing soybean into soymilk or tofu. Okara is rich in fibre and protein. It contains most of the carbohydrates, some of the protein and a small portion of the oil from soybeans. Okara contains approximately 50% fibre, 27% protein, and 10% fat on dry basis (Li et al., 2012). About 1. 2 kg of fresh okara is produced from every kilogram of soybean processed for soymilk (Vishwanathan et al., 2011). Fresh okara from soymilk production has about 80% moisture. The protein present in okara has good nutritional quality and superior protein efficiency ratio. Other soy components that are also likely present in okara include isoflavones (genistein and daidzein), lignans, phytosterols, coumestans, saponins, and phytates (Li et al., 2012). The most common method of utilization of okara is in the form of animal feed. Tofu or soymilk processing plants primarily dump okara as landfill or resort to burning. Okara can be utilized as a fertilizer as it contains various nutrients required for growth of plants. It can be used as a fermentation substrate for production of ethanol. Okara can also be used in pet foods as it contains high levels of extenders and protein. Apart from these, okara can be used in a variety of food products. It can be used in various food products. Utilization of okara is still in the initial stage. It can be used as a replacement of wheat flour in baked products. It can also be used in various soups, salads or vegetable preparations.

Resistant starch refers to the portion of starch and starch products that resist digestion as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Resistant starch is the fraction of starch which is not hydrolysed to D-glucose in the small intestine within 120 min of being consumed, but which is fermented in the colon. It can be used as a functional ingredient in various food formulations (Fuentes-Zaragoza et al., 2010). RS has desirable physicochemical properties (Fausto et al., 1997) such as swelling, viscosity increase, gel formation and water-binding capacity, making it useful in a variety of foods. It helps in improving the appearance, texture, and mouthfeel of the final product compared to conventional fibres. Resistant starch can act as a prebiotic for gut microflora (Sajilata et al., 2006). It has hypocholesterolemic effects, is hypoglycaemic and prevents gall stone formation.

1. Introduction

Banana is having number of species and belongs to genus Musa of the family Musaceae. Bananas are produced in large quantities in tropical and subtropical areas. World production of Musa in 2003 was estimated at 102 million MT of which about 68% was classified as bananas and 32% as plantains (FAO, 2003). For growing banana need special climate and they are mainly produced in developing countries P (Zhang et al., 2005). The crop is of major importance to the people in the growing. The largest producer of banana is India (27%) and other countries are Ecuador, Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines and China etc. Ecuador (42. 3%), Colombia (24. 7%), Philippines, Dominican Republic, Belgium, Italy, Peru, France, Netherland, Germany are the top exporter countries in 2009.

Banana is a botanically a berry require a warm, humid, frost-free climate with optimum temperatures between 22 and 31°C. In several report it was found that banana plant die in ground level at below temperature -2°C. Primary component of the aroma of fresh bananas is isoamyl acetate which is also called as banana oil. Banana is highly energetic food and rich in potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine, magnesium, sulphur, silicon, calcium; and the vitamins: A, B1, B2, C and B3 (niacin). Banana helps in lowering cholesterol, enhances liver function, regulate heart rhythm and disease, decrease the risk of stroke, regulate Bowel movement, helps keep blood pressure under control and helps in weight loss.