eChapters

After independence, the Government of India realized the need of diversification in agriculture during the mid-eighties with an objective to make it more profitable through efficient land use. Due to diverse agro-climatic conditions, rich diversity in genetic resources of horticultural crops, sincere efforts through education and research, implementation of standardized technology by horticulturist in the field has achieved not only the production, productivity and export of horticultural produce but also the food and nutritional security. Such horticulture development in India is proudly said as “Golden Revolution”. Horticulture is also said to be a sunrise industry as it has potential to raise farm income, provide livelihood security and earn foreign exchange through export.

The horticulture industry is now expanding in many commercial sectors such as cultivation, production, post-harvest handling, processing, marketing, etc. Horticulture crops are grown on an area of 10% of India’s gross cropped area, as compared to over 50% of the area under food grains production. 

1. Introduction

Tuber crops are important group of crop species which produce tubers that are used for human food and animal feed. The popular tuber crops include cassava, sweet potato, greater yam, white yam, lesser yam, taro, tannia, elephant foot yam, yam bean, coleus etc. They contribute substantial amount of cheap energy coupled with high quality nutrition for more than two million people living in developing countries. Taro is one of the oldest cultivated tuber crop grown for its edible corms and leaves. It is an important tropical tuber crop, used as a staple food or subsistence food by millions of people in the developing countries in Asia, Africa and Central America. 

1. Introduction

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) crop belongs to the family Apiaceae and having diploid chromosome number 2n =14. It is also known as Jeera in Hindi. This crop is originated from Mediterranean region. It is an erect or sub erect, glabrous annual herb which grows to a height of 30-50cm. The leaves are alternate, compound and green, the blade consists of three slender filiform leaflets. The inflorescence is a compound umbel with white or pinkish flowers (Verma et al., 2018a). The typical pleasant aroma of the seeds is due to their essential oil and the main constituent in essential oil is cuminaldehyde. It is mainly cultivated in arid and semi arid parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The total area is about 12 lakh hectare with the production of about 8.5 lakh tons and total export of cumin is worth of more than Rs. 4200 crore during 2020-21 (Fig. 1 & 2). 

1. Introduction

Chrysanthemum is commonly known as ‘Guldaoudi’, “Queen of the East”, “Glory of East” or “Autumn Queen”. It is one of the most beautiful and widely cultivated flowers that can be grown for its aesthetic value as well as for its commercial potential. The word chrysanthemum is derived from two Greek words, viz. “Chrysos” means gold and “Anthemon” means ‘flower’ i.e. golden flower. Chrysanthemum is the only crop that offers a great genetic diversity of flower colour, shape, forms, size, easy to propagate, growing habit, longer flowering duration and excellent vase life. Based on the shape of flower heads and floret arrangement of petals it can be used as pot plants for indoors and outdoors decoration as well as exhibition purpose; as cut flowers for flower arrangements, bouquets making and vase decoration; loose flower for making garlands, worshipping purpose and for bedding and garden decoration. Tall cultivars are suitable for background planting in borders and the dwarf and compact can be planted in front rows. 

1. Introduction

Karonda is widespread throughout India, primarily in arid and semi-arid regions. As a hedge plant, the Karonda tree is frequently grown in residential gardens, farmer’s fields, and orchards. Karonda is widely used as a condiment or ingredient to Indian pickle and spices. It is a commonly growing indigenous shrub in India that may thrive in marginal and wasteland areas where other commercially important crops are unsuited. Karonda fruits are used in processed goods like as jam, jelly, squash, syrup, and chutney, and they are in high demand on the international market. Karonda is a rich source of nutrition and have highest Iron. The karonda fruits also contain vitamin C and it has antiscorbutic properties and helps to cure anaemia (Table 1). The fruits of Karonda are also used in many ayurvedic formulations. Root extract is used to reduce Chest pain.

1. Introduction

Spices are a high-value, low-volume commodity traded around the world. Spices have played a significant part in civilisation, exploration, and commerce throughout history. Since ancient times, India has been known as the spice capital of the world, with over a hundred different types of spices grown. India has long been a traditional producer, consumer, and exporter of spices, with nearly every state producing one or more of them. India has a total area under spice production of 39,27,430 ha, which produced 95,99,900 MT in 2017-18. (Spices Board, 2020a). Due to their rich aroma, texture, and flavour, Indian spices are in high demand around the world.

1. Introduction

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a popular seed spice crop, used for dual purpose seed and leaves both. Since ancient times, coriander leaves have been used in the production of many popular Asian and East European foods. It improves the taste and flavor of vegetable, chicken, fish, and meat dishes when combined with other kitchen herbs and spices. Blending of green coriander leaves with other spice crops is used to make chatni (paste) which is a good appetizer, flavour enhancer and rich source of medicinal properties of coriander. The green leaves of coriander are a rich source of minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron as well as vitamin A, C, riboflavin and folic acid. Coriander is one of the few plants which can be termed both as herb and spice, the seeds being used as spices (coriander) and leaves are widely used as herbs (cilantro). The green leaves of this herb contain 160 mg/100 g vitamin C, 12 mg/100 g vitamin A and 87.9% moisture, 3.3% protein, 0.6% fat, 6.5% carbohydrates and 1.7% mineral matter

1. Introduction

There are around six hundred major and minor crop species but only two percent are cultivated commercially meeting the food (calorie) requirements. The most commonly cultivated food plants are even smaller counting to merely 20 crops (Wilkes, 1984). The huge number of underutilized crops may serve as potential fruit crops to meet the nutritional requirements of poor farming households in lesser common farming and subsistence agriculture. The adoption of underutilized crops on a commercial scale may not be possible without crop improvement, standardized agronomic and fertilizer management technologies, pre- and post-harvesting techniques and marketing (Bag Mal et al., 1997).

Agriculture University Kota, Jhalrapatan, Rajasthan, India

1. Introduction

India’s population is likely to reach 1.7 billion by 2050, making it as the thickly populated nation in the world. To feed the ever rising population, food production need augment by 70%. This augment is very serious since Indian agriculture is facing numerous challenges due to disintegration of holdings, ill brunt of climate change, sustaining investment, soaring fluctuation in prices and production, unorganized markets, inconsistent market performance, renovation of agricultural land intended for non-farm purposes and enlarged cost of production (Gangaiah, 2018). The current conditions of the Indian agriculture sector reflect that the farmers are facing severe deficit of income which is to an imperative issue and as a result dissuading the rural youth to take up agriculture as livelihood operation.

1. Introduction

Total population of India is estimated to cross 1.64 billion in 2050. Increasing population, decreasing economic status of Farmer, improper diet and nutrition, fixed farm land, degradation of cultivable land and malnutrition in Indian population is major key problem in 2 to 3 decades. More than 600000 children below 5 year age die due to improper nutrition each year in developing countries (White and Broadley, 1998). All the data provide a scary image about future. Almost 60% of the malnutrition children are iron deficient. Iron deficiency is very common among the girls; 30% each are deficient in zinc and iodine. The incomplete diet and malnutrition can lead to several disorder and degrade the human health (Shuman, 1998).

1. Introduction

Zinc is an important micro-nutrient for human population and its deficiency can cause major diseases, mortality and thus becomes a major challenge in public health care systems of the developing nations. It was estimated that a major part of population is affected with deficiency of zinc (Combs, 2001) which causes lower growth, abnormal or decrease in infant birth, lowers the energy of body, decreases the power to lower the deadly infections, increase the mortality rate in children etc. (Gibson 2012; Krebs et al., 2014). Zinc also catalyzes various enzymes such as RNA polymerase, superoxidase dismutase and helps in working efficiency of cellular proteins. 

1. Introduction

Global population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 (UN report, 2019) and food requirement will betwofold of the current levels to feed the growing population. Asia and the Pacific regionaccounts for> 70% of the global population but has only 30% of the world’s arable land (FAO, 2021). An increase in yield of these regions over the years has largely been due to excessive and indiscriminate use of inputs like irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agrochemicals etc. and at considerable expense of its natural resources. Most of the pesticide recommendations are also region specific, which are on a few random observations of pest density. Because of low quality of agrochemicals often due to adulteration and increased pest resistance, indiscriminate application is now common especially in high valued crops.

1. Introduction

Nursery raising is as old as agriculture and has many advantages compared to direct seeding in special situations like vegetable cultivation and other high value plants. There are several types of nurseries to cater different crop species like ornamental plants, fruit plants, forest plants and vegetables, although the fundamental concept of all these nurseries is the same. With the advent of drip system, soilless media and plasticulture the nursery system has also become more modern and automated. A nursery is a area or place for growing and looking after young seedlings/plants until they are ready for planting in the main field. 

1. Introduction

Nursery is a place, where seedlings and saplings of different ornamental plants (trees, shrubs, climbers, annuals, potted plants etc.) are propagated and maintained until they are out-planted in a prepared bed or in pots. Establishment of an ornamental nursery is emerging as a profitable venture, especially around cities. Rapid urbanization has led to the development of community parks and various sites for people to engage in active and passive recreation. This has led to surge in demand for quality planting material, which ensures rapid establishment and beautification of the landscape site. The following chapter deals with the basic principles and practices of establishment of ornamental plant nursery, with reference to its effective management to enhance the income and reap better profit.

1. Introduction

The word ‘PLASTIC’ is a Greek word which involves two words ‘PLASSIEN’ and ‘PLASTIKOS’. Denotation of word is to mould or shape into a soft substance which can be permanent or temporary. The use of plastics in agriculture as well as in horticulture has made substantial progress during the last decade. We all know that plastics contribute not only in planting but also in post-harvest handling and processing of many agri-horticulture crops. At every stage of horticultural crop life cycle plastics are used i.e. in seeds and fruits packaging, planting and propagation, mulching, irrigation, harvesting and preservation etc.

1. Introduction

India has diverse agro-climatic conditions which, widely promote the cultivation of different types of fruit crop. A wide variety of fruit crops are grown across the country such as banana, mango, citrus, papaya, guava, grapes, pomegranate, apple etc. Globally, we rank second in fruit production after China. The total area under fruit crops is 66.64 lakh ha with a production of 99.06 million Mt (Anon., 2018). However, the average productivity (13.03 t/ha) in fruit crops is quite low than other countries. Further, the per capita fruits availability in our country is 207.9 g/ day which is below than the recommended quantity of 230 g/capita/day (Anon., 2018). 

1. Introduction

Lac and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide vital sustenance, employment, and financial revenue to producers and collectors as well as serving a raw material for a range of businesses. They are also important for ecological balance and long-term growth. Weather and price fluctuations have a significant impact on the production of such natural items. Food, fodder, and medication are all ingested straight from these plants. The Indian subcontinent is a significant centre of animal and plant biodiversity. In tropical climates, a variety of forest products play an important role in social and economic life. Wood and Non-Wood Forest Pro

1. Introduction

A lawn is an indispensable feature of a landscape with a sizeable proportion of space relative to other garden features. It is regarded as the heart of a garden that enhances the beauty of a landscape providing both functional and aesthetic utility. A well maintained lawn at a residential, public or institutional places can be used both for active and passive recreation. It enhance the beauty of surroundings and contribute to real estate value. The turf industry is being viewed as an integrated sector of ornamental horticulture in the developed countries like USA, Australia, China, Netherland, UK, Japan and Denmark. Globally, the turf grass industry has employed skilled workforce for maintaining more than 700,000 athletic fields and over 17,000 golf courses, with an annual worth of $ 20 million each year (Aldous and Chivers, 2002).

1. Introduction

A combination of art and science had been used for a longer but due to the exponential increase in human population and reduction in operational land holdings its practices became narrow. Nowadays, gardening has gained much popularity among people, as the Covid-19 pandemic has forced them to lock themselves in their houses. These days Mass population is involved in gardening for growing their own food, resulting in a more personal approach to more economical, better-tasting, and healthier products (Pawelek et al., 2009). Gardens have grown increasingly significant for producing nutrient-dense food, protecting biodiversity, and conducting biological and ecological research and education. Biological communities, which are interacting groups of numerous species in the same place, can also be found in gardens. Pollinators and other visitors to flowers eat nectar and pollen from flowers, and some may use floral volatile oils, lipids, or resins for their food, shelter, and mating locations (Simpson and Neff, 1983).

1. Introduction

Fenugreek (Trigonella sp.) is one among the world’s oldest seed spice crops and has gained a supreme importance due to its extensive pharmacological properties (Basu and Prasad, 2011; Maloo et al., 2020). In ancient time’s fenugreek plant was well known and used as a medicinal drug by Egyptians (Rouk and Mangesha 1963). The Ebers Papyrus (one of the oldest preserved pharmaceutical documents) detailed therapeutic advantages and descriptions in Egypt circa 1500 BC (Betty, 2008). It has gained great importance due to its multifaceted uses which are being exploited by farmer’s and industrialist for different purposes.

1. Introduction

India is known as seed spices hub because as far as International level of concern, our country is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of seed spices. Seed spices contribute about 51.79 % of total area and 19.06 % of production of total spices in the country. The area under seed spices is about 1.74 million hectare and production is about 1.45 million tons (Lal, 2018). In our national economy, seed spices are play an important role, the demand is increasing not only due to its large domestic consumption, but also for export. Since long, huge demand of seed spices and importing countries in global market look at India for quality produce of seed spices. The ISO has been listed a total of 109 spices, out of which 63 spices are being grown in India and 20 spices are being classified as seed spices. 

. Introduction

A primary issue for modern horticulture is facing two contradictory objectives, such as the need to produce food for the increasing world population and to minimize damage to the environment, which can in turn negatively impact horticulture. Fertilizer and chemical use and manufacture are hazardous to the environment and humans. As a result, new and effective environmentally friendly compounds are required. Plant biostimulants, which are harmless for humans and the environment, are one answer. They are particularly useful for lowering pesticides in agriculture. Plant biostimulants have become popular in farming and cultivation in recent years.

1. Introduction

Agriculture in India is livelihood for a majority of the population and can never be underestimated. Increasing population, increasing average income and globalisation effects in India will increase demand for quantity, quality and nutritious food, and variety of food. Therefore, pressure on decreasing available cultivable land to produce more quantity, variety and quality of food will keep on increasing. India’s food security depends on producing cereal crops, as well as increasing its production of fruits, vegetables and milk to meet the demands of a growing population with rising incomes. To reach world-wide food security, improved food production and food productivity, we need to approve innovative and futuristic advances and technologies to improve crop cultivation, yield and productivity.

1. Introduction

Post harvest storage is a powerful challenge in agriculture, about one third of the fresh fruits and vegetables are discarded because of the deterioration of quality of produce beyond a reasonable standard. (FAO, 2011; OCD, 2014) Any change or damage in the quality of product from harvest till consumption is considered as loss. Post harvest handling practices do not increase the quality of product, rather just slows down the process of deterioration. The quality and shelf life of produce is determined prior to the time of harvest. Various factors such as climate, soil preparation and cultivation, fertigation, pest and disease incidence, crop loads etc influence the quality and flavour aspects of fresh food.

1. Introduction

Agriculture is prime source of living for rural people world wide effective in raising incomes among the poorest compared to other sectors. In Indian economy horticulture has been recognized as one of the most potential agriculture endeavours in terms of exponential growth. The Horticultural crops viz., fruits counting nuts, vegetables with potato, ornamental plants plus cut flowers, spices, plantation crops and medicinal and fragrant plants has developed a prime promoter for monetary growth in numerous of the states in the nation and it pays 30.4% to GDP of agriculture (ICAR website).

1. Introduction

Coriander is a vital spice crop with a grave role in delicious food test. It is a tropical crop and cultivated as a major in Rabi season in chill free extents through the blossoming phase. Especially, all portions of the plant are comestible, but the fresh shrubberies and the desiccated seeds are the parts conventionally used in culinary. Approximately of the diverse forms of coriander are greenery, blossom and capsules. Coriander leaves are mainly ironic in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K, with moderate pleased of nutritional minerals. Though seeds usually have inferior happy of vitamins, they do widely provide significant quantities of nutritional fibre, calcium, selenium, iron, magnesium and manganese. Mostly, coriander plant productivity is around one and three-fourth tonnes per acre of seed. The root is crushed and used as a condiment in useable form.

1. Introduction

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is a major vegetable and spice crop due to its high consumption, nutritional and cash value to farmers and consumers. It is cultivated almost in whole world as consume in the form of green and red ripe fruits. China is the world leader in chilli production followed by India, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Thailand, and Turkey. India is the second largest exporter in the world of dry chilli and its powder. Fruits of chilli are used as fresh salad, cooked vegetable, pickles, souces hot spices in powder form (Parey et al., 2013) and having many medicinal values (Nadkarni, 1927). Fresh green fruits of peppers and red peppers are the major source of vitamin A, C and antioxidant compounds, besides these also found minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, sodium, zinc and copper. 

1. Introduction

Eggplant or brinjal (Solanum melongena L. family. Solanaceae) is the major vegetable crop of wet and hot climatic zone of south Asia (Srinivasan and Huang, 2008). After China, India is the second largest brinjal producer country in the world (Majumdar and Das, 2020). It is nutritious vegetable and consumed in throughout the world. Brinjal is considered as Indian native crop and it has been cultivated for last 4000 year. India is known to be the Origin Centre of brinjal cultivation, from where it distributed to throughout the world (Choudhury and Malda, 1968). In India, brijnal crop grow almost throughout the year. Brinjal fruit contains moisture 92.7g, carbohydrates 4.0g, proteins 1.4g, minerals 0.3g, vitamins 124 I.U. and vitamin 12.0mg per 100 g of edible part (Kalra et al., 1988). It is used as vegetable purpose as well as pickle (Singh et al., 1963).

1. Introduction

India’s horticulture production has exposed multiple rises in the historical two decades and the country is ranking second in the world next to China. The horticultural crops viz., fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation crops and medicinal and aromatic plants have become a vital motorist for economy development in numerous states in India. Horticulture contributes 30.4 per cent to GDP of agriculture, which calls for the need of research and technical backstopping in this sector. Horticulture is a division which has the potential to create multiple springs of income, thereby boosting the economic growth of a country. Horticulture can be undertaken as market driven cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowers, as ecotourism, as therapeutic medicinal plant harvesting and as a part of multiple farming to accompaniment the main source of income.

1. Introduction

As purveyors of ornamentation, inciters of attraction, symbols of inspiration and peace as well as repositories of beauty, flowers hold special roles worldwide. Flowers have always been associated with mankind since time immemorial because they were used in religious offerings and other social ceremonies. Today; floriculture has emerged as one of the most lucrative business profession and as a major diversification options in the agri-businessin many countries of the world due to higher income per unit area. Floriculture is also known as sunrise sector of agriculture because of its fast growing and increasing demand. In India, about 3,09,000 hectares across the country was used for floriculture and produced 23,88,000 metric tonnes (MT) of loose flowers. India is second largest flower producer after China.

1. Introduction

Underutilized vegetables are essential to the lives of the poor in rural and urban areas, as they provide poverty reduction and environmental sustainability for healthy societies. Traditionally, underutilized vegetables have been known to play an important role in the nutrition of rural communities, especially during droughts, famines and the dry season. Some of these undeveloped resources have been domesticated, but most are still wild and worthless. The potential of these underutilized vegetables has been overlooked as modern agriculture has progressed. These vegetables are also called by different names including minor crops, orphan crops, neglected species, Underused Vegetables, under developed vegetables, local traditional, alternative vegetables and also promising species. Underutilized species have a lot of genetic variety, and they’re tied to a lot of indigenous knowledge. 

1. Introduction

Spices play an important role in human life since time immemorial. Mainly in India, it is not only important as dietary or health product but few spices also have its religious significance. India is being not only largest producer and consumer but exporter of spices also and hence having potential to enhance the economic value of spices. According to Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Spices production in the country grew from 67.64 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 106.79 lakh tonnes around 2020-21 having annual increase of 7.90%, along with increase in area from 32.24 lakh hectares to 45.28 lakh hectares. With this increase in production and increasing demand of spices because of their health benefits, spices do have economic benefits and farmers can earn better through it.

1. Introduction

Jackfruit is a fruit crop that is under appreciated and neglected. The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a member of the Moraceae family. India is the world’s greatest cultivator and producer of jackfruit, also known as the poor man’s fruit because it grows more in rural than metropolitan areas. It is a pretty huge tree that bears the world’s largest edible fruit. The jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is thought to have originated in India’s rainforests, in the Western Ghats, and is now widely farmed throughout the region’s lowlands. The leading jackfruit producers in the world include Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Jackfruit can be found in East Africa, Brazil, and Caribbean nations such as Jamaica. Bangladesh’s national fruits are the jackfruit, mango, and banana.

1. Introduction

Plants offer a rich source of active compounds that have been exploited as scents, flavourings, pigments, pesticides, and medicinal compounds for thousands of years. Plants are thought to utilise these metabolites as a primary strategy for adapting to and surviving in a variety of ecological niches and environmental conditions, as well as to combat biotic intrusions in their environment (Weng, 2014). The increased interest in phytomedicine and medicinal supplements, as well as the increased regulatory obligations for their safety and reputable contents of active compounds, has prompted the development of methodologies for the quality control of multi - component concretes found in plant-derived nutraceuticals. Metabolite diversity in plants is thought to have evolved over time to help plants survive in harsh environments, and it is continually changing. 

1. Introduction

Therapeutic plants have different metabolites in them because of which they are generally utilized in the whole world by individuals to fix different illnesses. India has a rich history of involving many plants for therapeutic purposes. Therapeutic plants are assuming an exceptionally dynamic part in conventional medications for the treatment of different afflictions. India is a rich wellspring of restorative plants because of the varieties in soil, their heights, and other ecological and geological conditions. India’s utilization of plants for medical services goes back nearly 5000 years, when Ayurveda systematized around 8000 natural cures by utilizing plants. Root and tuber crops possess a striking situation in the food security of the creating scene because of their high caloric worth and sugar content. Some of them are as of now under development; however different species are developing wild as a dismissed gathering of financial plants. A portion of the tuberous species is significant due to their restorative as well as modern application. 

1. Introduction

The status of mechanization in India is at a very low level for horticultural crops. The farmers usually go behind the use of traditional methods for different farm operations (Fig 1) and practices for cultivation of horticultural crops, their handling, storage, and processing. This results in less yields, high cost of cultivation and high crop losses from harvesting till processing. The use of different available hand tools, machinery and hi-tech technologies in the production and processing of the crops will lead to increased yields and decrease in losses to a great extent (Mandhar, 1999).

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. Horticulture sector covers % of total cropped area.

 a) 10% b) 15%

 c) 20% d) 25%

 2. Which of the following is / are pre-emergence herbicide(s)?

 a) Diquat b) Paraquat

 c) Diuron d) All of these

 3. Potassium plays an important role in:

 a) Osmotic regulation b) Opening and closing of stomata

 c) Sugar translocation d) All of these

1. Horticulture sector covers % of total cropped area.

 a) 10% b) 15%

 c) 20% d) 25%

 2. World Trade Organization is situated at:

 a) Geneva b) Rome

 c) Paris d) Brazil

 3. AVRDC is situated at:

 a) Phillipines b) Taiwan

 c) Japan d) India

1. Horticulture sector covers % of total cropped area.

 a) 10% b) 15%

 c) 20% d) 25%

 2. Among all floricultural products, the contribution of dry flowers in total exports is:

 a) 40 b) 50

 c) 60 d) 70

 3. Protein synthesis takes place in:

 a) Nucleus b) Nucleolus

 c) Ribosome d) Mitochondria

1. The total annual rainfall of India is about:

 a) 1190 mm b) 1250 mm

 c) 1050 mm d) 1350 mm

 2. Net cultivated area of India is:

 a) 142 mha b) 150 mha

 c) 140 mha d) 152 mha

 3. Amrapali is a cross between:

 a) Neelum x Dushehari b) Dushehari x alphonso

 c) Ratna x Alphonso d) Dushehari x Neelum

1. The first Indian scientist who won the ‘World Food Prize’ is:

 a) Sanjay Rajaram b) M.S. Swaminathan

 c) Vergese Kurien d) G.S. Khus

 2. Seed rate of paddy (kg/ha) in SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method of cultivation is:

 a) 5-6 b) 8-10

 c) 12-14 d) 18-20

 3. AVRDC is situated at:

 a) Phillipines b Taiwan

 c) Japan d) India