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Kavya Dashora , Meenakshi Bhardwaj , Anjali Gupta

Abstract

The cult of worshipping plants as a blessing from God on earth has its ischolar_mains deep in the history of human civilization. Plants were considered as a solemn symbol that protected and defended man in various ways. Over the centuries, possibly, the world's first recorded conservation measures were enacted in India by emperor Ashoka, the Great. Later on, the agricultural practices and the other daily chores of primitive man provided definite clues for the significant tradition conservation. However, with the human population increasing manifolds, the production pressure on the land has also increased simultaneously. The enhanced rate of production, exploitation and exhaustion has left us with unabated devastation of resources. Whatever has remained is due to the socio cultural and religious traditions. Keeping this in mind, the present article is an attempt to have a glimpse into the ethnic, social and religious practices adopted in various parts of the country leading to the conservation of natural wealth.

Keywords

Concept of Conservation, Traditions, Socio Cultural, Ethno Botanical

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Kavya Dashora ¹, Ravi Khetarpal ¹, Akanksha Nagpal ¹, N. Muraleedharan ², Somnath Roy ²

Affiliations
1 CABI South Asia, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi 110 012, IN
2 Tocklai Tea Research Association-Cinnamara, Jorhat 785 008, IN

Abstract

Tea is one of the most popular and inexpensive beverages of the world. India is the largest producer of black tea and the largest consumer of this beverage. Tea crop in India is infested by various insect and mite species that cause substantial damage to this foliage-crop. The use of pesticides has often been considered as the only way to manage pest infestation on tea. Indiscriminate application of pesticides poses various risks to environment, human health and also the plant itself in the long run. There is a need to relook into the usage pattern of synthetic pesticides on this crop and development of non-chemical-based strategies for pest management.

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Ayushi Srivastava ¹, Vinayak Fasake ¹, Kavya Dashora ¹

Affiliations
1 Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, Delhi, IN

Abstract

In a country like India, where farmers are reeling under the distress of erratic monsoons and low profits for their products, a buffer source of income is a welcome step. In such a scenario, beekeeping is a good source of income generation and sustainable livelihood option for the farmers. On one hand, where it benefits the farmers through various value added products, on the other hand, it helps in pollination of different crops. Government organization like Krishi Vigyan Kendras are providing the farmers with pollination services through beekeeping boxes at meagre prices. The rich traditional use of honey has paved a way for sustainable livelihood for many communities across the world. However, this sector too is marred with issues like adulteration, unscientific collection practices among others. Increase in productivity and quality produce of honey would raise the economic benefits from the practice of beekeeping. Premium quality of honey production and other value added products would fetch high economic returns for communities, if technology assisted and quality assured production is done at the source level.

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Vinayak Fasake ¹, Nita Patil ², Ayushi Srivastava ¹, Kavya Dashora ¹

Affiliations
1 Centre for Rural Development and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, IN
2 ICAR-National Research Centre on Pomegranate, Solapur (M.S.), IN

Abstract

India accounts for about 450 million tonnes of production of raw food materials. These animal and plantbased food materials pass through various stages of production like refining, storage and finally obtaining the end usable product using conventional and modern postharvest and food processing technology. The total food grains production was estimated 275.68 MT, in which 44.19 MT of cereals , 2 2.9 5 MT of pulses, 32.10 of oilseeds and 33.09 million bales of cotton in the year 2016-17 (as per Ministry of Agriculture). Harvesting, post-harvest activities, handling and storage report losses of 3.9 - 6 per cent in cereals, 4.3- 6.1 per cent in pulses, 2.8- 10.1 per cent in oilseeds, 5.8- 18.1 per cent in fruits, and 6.9-13 per cent in vegetables. Harvest and post-harvest loss of India’s major agricultural products are estimated at Rs. 92,651 crore. Post-harvest losses in India stem from a range of factors including lack of post-harvest infrastructure, limited technical knowledge on good agricultural practices and inadequate market access. According to the Global Hunger Index-2017, India ranks 100 among 119 countries with the highest food insecurity. If the high volume of losses is reduced, then the country can significantly address the issue of food insecurity.

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