eChapters

1. Introduction

The Indian economy is heavily dependent on agriculture (employing 53 % population). Around 84 % of the holdings are less than 2 ha while approximately 67% of the farms have less than 1 ha of operational farmland (Government of India, 2013; Pandey and Suganthi, 2015). A large fraction of the farming population is mostly reliant on monsoon rains for irrigation. The condition of the farmers is found to be deteriorating year after year with the revelation that 27% of farmers did not consider farming as a profitable enterprise and 40% were ready to migrate to other avenues for employment (NSSO, 2005; Pandey and Suganthi, 2015). 

1.1 Perspective

From the very dawn of evolution of human beings, man has been using plants as food, for wellness and as medicine to alleviate diseases and discomfort. People living in different parts of the world, both new and old, in the centres of some of the oldest civilizations, had selected organisms from time immemorial for food and medicine by a process of trial and error or even by experimentation with the biological resources, particularly among the plants growing around them. These have been referred to as ethnic food/traditional food and ethnic medicine/traditional medicine. India is one of the mega centres of biodiversity, and that of the ethnic diversity, that evolved over millennia with settlement of diverse races coming from different regions of the world, besides the indigenous people. Thereby, it inhabits some of the most diverse cultural traditions. This process has led to further evolution of some of the oldest indigenous civilizations originated in the Indian Subcontinent with amalgamation of exotic traditions and the knowledge. Integration of the knowledge associated with the use of plants with medicinal properties has enriched its great heritage of medicinal plant use, the Ayurveda, i.e., the knowledge of life and longevity, dating back to the pre-historic and the early Vedic period.

2.1 Introduction

India is known for its richness in bio-resources including floristic diversity and the associated cultural diversity that evolved over time and holds a vast amount of indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) assembled over millenniums. The ability to convert this knowledge into wealth of products for social good through the process of innovation based on validation of available information holds great promise. In-depth studies using the modern technologies and further examination of potential sources will determine the future of India in the 21st century, commonly referred to as the century of scientific knowledge and technological expertise/advancements that belongs to Asia/India. In this regard, five technologies namely, biochemistry, biotechnology, herbal technology, information technology, and nanotechnology are going to be the most powerful elements that are crucial for ensuring prosperity, security, and welfare of the people of the nations and the globe at large. Production of an inventory of the medicinal aromatic plants with the associated knowledge evolved and documented over millenniums under different Indian traditional medicinal systems shall be the key in promoting and strengthening their exploitation and use under various herbal medicinal systems and/or under an integrated innovative combination of these with modern medicinal systems.

3.1 Introduction

India is rich in biological diversity as revealed by its floristic diversity comprising 17,926 species of angiosperm, based on which it has been considered one among the 17 mega-biodiverse countries of the world. Also, it is the centre of some of the oldest civilizations of world, starting with Vedic civilization. Using modern day scientific tools and technology backed up with shashtra pramaana, Vedic civilization has been calculated to be as old as 25000 years (Oak, 2018). Because of its rich ecological and biological diversity, Indian Subcontinent has inhabited a large amount of ethnic diversity, consisting of both the indigenous races and those moved from other parts of the world as settlers looking for greener pastures for better living. The major ethnic races are Caucasoid (Aryan), Dravidians, Mongoloid, Negroid, and Australoid. Anthropological Survey of India has identified 461 tribal communities (Xaxa, 1999), belonging to 227 ethnic groups (Pushpangadan et al., 2018) spread over 5000 forest villages. According to the 2001 census of India, the country has 122 major languages and 1599 other languages. Figures from different sources vary, primarily due to differences in definition of the term’s “language” and “dialect”. The largest of the language families represented, in terms of speakers, is the Indo-Aryan language family followed by the Dravidian language family.

4.1 Introduction

The adverse effect of non-vegetarian diet, particularly red meat, on human health and on environment due to destruction/clearing of forest for raising more pasture and to increase the industrial production of grains for animal feed have led to greater greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental pollution due to extensive use of inorganic fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides. Clearing of forest has also caused extinction of plant species. For these reasons, greater interest has been generated in vegetarian diet based on the direct consumption of whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables that are easily assimilated by the human body, nutritionally more efficient, and have least impact on the environment. In fact, the healthfulness of vegetarian diets has been found to be strongly correlated with sustainability of agriculture because of easy affordability of plant-based foods. Vegetarian people have been often referred to as vegan and pescatarian (including fish and other seafood). Most pescatarians include dairy and eggs as well. Similarly, allopathic medicines, which are synthetic inorganic concentrated drugs, have adverse effect on non-targeted organs, besides being expensive.

5.1 Introduction

Considering the richness of floristic diversity of India represented by 47,513 plant species, of which around are 9,500 reported to be of ethnobotanical botanical significance and around 7,500 - 8900 of ethnomedicinal importance (Anonymous, 1994; Pareek et al., 2005). It has been estimated that of these, around 5,000 plant species have been investigated in some detail in search for potential sources of wellness or health or medicinal drugs to cure various human ailments and diseases. As discussed in the previous sections, the Indian literature on medicinal aromatic plants formally documents information on about 2,500 medicinal and aromatic plants under various traditional systems with sufficient details. In addition, indigenous traditional knowledge exists for another 4,000-4,500 medicinal plant species based on long time experience/observations and their use by various tribes and communities and the individual clan or families in cure of specific ailments. However, this knowledge predominantly exists in oral traditions, which are under danger because of the threat to these traditional orthodox societies and loss of the dialect or languages in which they exist.

6.1 Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) compiled a list of 20,000 medicinal plants used in different parts of the world. An estimated 15,000 medicinal plant species, forming about 21% of the total plant species used for medicinal purposes in the world, fall in the endangered category (Schippmann et al., 2006). In India, medicinal plant species used under different traditional systems to a large extent are still gathered and collected from the wild in from of roots, bark, wood, stem and even the whole plant causing severe destruction of their habitat, resulting in loss of species/populations and erosion of genetic diversity. The remaining few are cultivated as crop plants, but marginally because of lack of assured market and can be safely termed as commercially under utilized and are also under threat. Therefore, despite India being rich in plants species with medicinal properties, genetic diversity within the species and the associated traditional knowledge regarding their use, the lack of awareness regarding the loss of species and genetic diversity due to destructive harvesting from the wild and many other factors, such as infrastructure development, iintroduction of exotic species is causing depletion of genetic diversity or loss of indigenous MAPs.

7.1 Introduction

The occurrence of different medicinal and aromatic plant species is often associated with a specific ecology and thereby, to a biogeographical or phytogeographical region of the Indian Subcontinent. The Indian Subcontinent is a confluence of at least two biogeographical realms, i.e., Palearctic or Palaearctic (Himalayas) and Oriental (Sino Indian- mainland India to much of insular the Southeast Asia). The most acknowledged classification of biogeographical zones was proposed by Udvardy (1975), which recognized 12 biogeographical provinces in India falling in these two realms. Based on varied climate, terrain, and faunistic information, Roger and Panwar (1988) tried to distinguish India into 10 distinct bio-geographical regions. Their classification did account for distribution of the plant-communities because they provided information about key components to identify the probable habitat for the presence of animals. An attempt for phytogeographical zonation, based on type of vegetation by Gadgil and Meher Homji (1990), distinguished 16 phytogeographical zones. Rodgers et al. (2002) further revised their biogeographical maps using geographical information system (GIS) techniques. They distinguished 10 biogeographical zones and 26 biotic provinces.

8.1 Introduction

Considering increased awareness and interest in using herbal products because of their safer nature, the world market of traditional medicinal and aromatic plants is growing at a very fast pace. The global herbal industry is projected to be worth 5 trillion US$ by 2050 (the world bank report, 2000). These resources not only provide primary health care, but also nutraceutical support for wellness. Also, it has been experienced that they may help in curing some of the deadly and painful diseases such as cancer, HIV, AIDS, rheumatism, arthritis etc. India, due to its rich heritage in use of medicinal and aromatic plants under various traditional medicinal systems, which are important source of information about plant properties and use, can become a major player in the global context and can increase its market share substantially. To achieve this, an effective, efficient, and vibrant program is required to cover various aspects of management, research, and development.

1. Which portion of the sugarcane is the best for use as seed?

a) Top 1/3 to 1/2 portion

b) Top 2/3 to 3/4 portion

c) 2/3 portion of bottom

d) 3/4 portion of bottom

2. Flower drop and less fruit setting/fruit drop in chilli can be controlled by spraying

a) Sulphur (1.52%) at 10 days intervals at growing stage.

 b) Planofix (NAA) @ 2-3 ml per 10 litres water at flowering stage.

 c) Dicofol (0.25%) at flowering stage.

 d) Fipronil (5% SC) 1ml per litre at flowering stage.

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).

 Assertion (A) : Ditch system of planting is common planting system in Diara land cultivation of cucurbitaceous crops.

 Reason (R) : To  manage   the  availability  of moisture  and higher temperature, the trenches are dug in North-West direction.

 In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Introduction

Climate resilience is the capacity of a system, community, or person to foresee, prepare for, react to, and recover from the consequences of climate change while simultaneously preserving critical functions and minimising long-term harm. This ability is described as the ability to adapt to climate change. In order to handle the issues that are brought about by a changing climate, which include increasing temperatures, severe weather events, rising sea levels, and altering weather patterns, it is necessary to take a proactive approach.

Introduction

Food crops like fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, herbs and sprouts, mushrooms and algae, flowers and seaweeds are all part of horticulture, which is also the study and practice of producing non-food crops like grass and decorative trees and plants. Growing plants is known as horticulture in Latin. For several reasons, horticulture is very significant: 

1. Crop Diversity and Nutrient Density: Horticulture is an essential part of the food production system since it produces so many different kinds of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

2. A large number of people throughout the globe rely on this industry for their livelihood, since it is a significant part of agriculture. The commercial value of horticultural goods is typically rather significant.

Introduction

Instead of using soil, the unique technique of hydroponics grows plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. Using a tightly controlled environment, gardeners may optimise factors including sunlight, pH balance, and nutrient levels to maximise plant development in this agricultural approach. Hydroponics allows plants to grow more quickly and produce more by delivering nutrients straight to their roots. Water efficiency, less soil-borne disease risk, and the capacity to grow crops in non-arable or urban areas are just a few of the benefits of this technology. More and more people are turning to hydroponics as a means to grow their own food in a more regulated and efficient manner, all while reducing their impact on the environment.

Introduction

More and more people are turning to indoor gardening as a fun and functional way to experience nature without leaving the house. A wide variety of plants may be cared for in the comfort of one’s own home by using this method. Indoor gardening may be adjusted to fit any space, whether it a little flat or a large mansion. Improving air quality, adding a supply of fresh herbs, veggies, or colourful flowers, and increasing interior aesthetics are just a few of the many advantages. Regardless of the season or environment, indoor gardeners are able to produce a broad range of plant species thanks to the comfort of regulated temperature and lighting. In addition, tending to houseplants may be a calming hobby that pays dividends in the form of a feeling of achievement and peace of mind.

Horticultural medicinal plants

Throughout recorded history, people have held medicinal plants in high regard due to the many health benefits they provide. Natural cures abound among these botanical marvels, and they may alleviate a wide range of health problems. The wide variety of bioactive substances found in them has been used to create pharmaceutical medications and alternative treatments, suggesting that they may have curative properties. Medicinal plants, such as aloe vera and turmeric, offer a wide range of uses, including pain relief, the treatment of chronic diseases, and general health improvement. A newfound respect for traditional herbal medicine’s knowledge and the need of preserving these priceless resources has emerged in recent years, as contemporary medicine investigates the plants’ unrealized potential.

Introduction

An revolutionary method of agricultural management, precision agriculture (or precision farming) optimises each step of the farming process using data-driven tactics and cutting-edge technology. By adapting agricultural methods to the unique requirements of each field—or even just a tiny portion of a field—precision agriculture aims to increase efficiency, decrease resource waste, and boost crop yields. To accurately monitor and control aspects including soil conditions, crop health, and environmental variables, this technique integrates technologies like as GPS technology, remote sensing, IoT devices, and data analytics.

Introduction

Pruning is the practise of cutting back, shaping, or removing branches, shoots, or leaves from plants in order to improve their overall health, regulate their development, make them seem nicer, or increase their output. Thinking about the plant’s requirements, growth habits, and intended results is essential in this horticulture discipline. Pruning is an essential tool in arboriculture, gardening, and agriculture; its use varies from plant to plant and from purpose to goal, from encouraging strong development to improving the plant’s aesthetic appeal. In the grand scheme of things, pruning is a deliberate action taken to improve the health and productivity of plants in their natural habitats.

Introduction

A subfield of horticulture known as “urban horticulture” is concerned with the care, maintenance, and use of plants in urban settings. Urban gardening encompasses a broad range of plant life, from ornamental plants to trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and even fruit trees.

Plants, both ornamental and edible, are the specialty of urban horticulture, a subfield of horticulture concerned with their care and production in urban and peri-urban settings. Horticulture is the study and practice of growing plants for their aesthetic and functional value in urban and suburban settings.The practice of urban horticulture includes all aspects of creating and maintaining urban gardens, parks, and other green areas. The practice of urban horticulture entails improving the visual, ecological, and recreational qualities of built environments through the deliberate selection, placement, and ongoing care of plants.

Introduction

Manipulating and controlling matter at the nanoscale, usually at dimensions less than 100 nanometers, is the focus of nanotechnology, also abbreviated as “nanotech,” a revolutionary branch of engineering and science. Particular material characteristics and behaviours, drastically different from their macroscopic equivalents, become apparent at this very microscopic size. With nanotechnology, we can design and build buildings, gadgets, and materials with hitherto unseen levels of control and accuracy.