The Basics of Human Civilization Food, Agriculture and Humanity Volume-I : Present Scenario NEW INDIA PUBLISHING AGENCY New Delhi-110 034 The Basics of Human Civilization Food, Agriculture and Humanity Volume-I : Present Scenario Compiled by Dr. Prem Nath Technical and Editorial Team Dr. C.P.A. lyer Dr. O.P. Dutta Dr. K.R.M. SwamyDr. B.S. PrabhakarMr. P.B. Gaddagimath Dr. Prem Nath Agricultural Science Foundation (PNASF), Bangalore, India NEW INDIA PUBLISHING AGENCY New Delhi-110 034 First published 2022 by CRC Press 4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN and by CRC Press 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742 © 2022 selection and editorial matter, NIPA.; individual chapters, the contributors CRC Press is an imprint of Informa UK Limited The right of Prem Nath to be identified as the authors of the editorial material, and of the authors for their individual chapters, has been asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. For permission to photocopy or use material electronically from this work, access www. copyright.com or contact the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc. (CCC), 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, 978-750-8400. For works that are not available on CCC please contact [email protected] Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. Print edition not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan or Bhutan). British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data A catalog record has been requested ISBN: 978-1-032-15904-1 (hbk) ISBN: 978-1-003-24623-7 (ebk) DOI: 10.1201/9781003246237 Foreword Everything is revolving around food and we are all working for food either as farmer or as consumer; whatever occupation we are engaged in, it ends in access to food and human health. Th e subject of food is infl uencing all. Th e farmer is pondering what to grow and how best to grow; scientists and technologists are engaged in producing effi cient food; housewives and hoteliers are coming up with modern menus; dieticians are advocating healthy food; and governments are busy in procuring, storing and distributing food. However, it is apparent that there is not enough food for millions; either there is shortage of grain and vegetables or they are available in plenty but not accessible to millions. At this time, more than before, the world is faced with natural disasters, climate changes, drought and man-made calamities due to free use of natural resources particularly soil and water. We recognize that we have been bestowed with rich and poor natural resources and asking farmers with rich natural resources to utilize usefully and wisely, however extra eff orts will be required to mitigate loss of natural resources, and we all have to work hard. It is recognized that the areas with fertile land and good weather will produce better and more. Th e food is not only family or community issue, but is of the nation, the region and the world. Th e question is of availability and accessibility to healthy_ food. Th e present publication will attempt to address the subject of food, agriculture and humanity which have major issues tightly linked with each other. We realize fully that food and human being can not be separated, at the same time food can not be weaned from mother agriculture which is blessed by nature. Th e present publication “Th e Basics of Human Civilization-Food, Agriculture and Humanity; Volume-I: Present Scenario” is intended to make attempt to update present scenario with reference to past in food, agriculture and humanity and identify challenges, followed by opportunities to bring changes in food habits and preferences, technology and proper implementation of programmes and of proper Foreword / vi utilization of natural resources. Mention. has been made of food and agriculture policies and developments, improved agriculture, challenges and opportunities, and to address them appropriately. On the whole, the attempts will be made to give adequate treatment to the three basics of human civilization-food, agriculture and humanity in 5 volumes, namely I) Present Scenario, II) Food, III) Agriculture, IV) Humanity and V) Expectations. Th e present fi rst volume has the contribution of 38 articles by 50 authors/co-authors invited nation and world-wide, to each of whom the PNASF is very grateful as they have gladly agreed to our request io extend voluntary contribution in the interest of the subject we are dealing with. Th e authors have drawn their own views based on their own fi ndings and referred other authors, and the views of scientists, professionals and other specialists. Additional eff ort has been made to refer feelings of common masses available through press news during the recent years; in other words, it refl ects the feeling of masses with regard to challenges and opportunities ahead. We are highly grateful to the Technical Team and the Editorial Board consisting of Dr. Prem Nath, Dr. C.P.A. Iyer, Dr. 0.P. Dutta, Dr. K.R.M. Swamy, Dr. B.S. Prabhakar and Mr. P.B. Gaddagimath who made unfailing eff orts to prepare and design the book. All of this was not possible without the heavy support of the secretarial tearn led by Ms. Vanita V. who worked hard at the details of this publication. We can not forget the due contribution of our Senior Scientifi c Councillors and other Professors and Scientists who have kindly participated in brain storming sessions and have reviewed and provided their valuable comments on each paper received. Th ose senior scientists are Dr. V. L. Chopra, New Delhi, Dr. Kirti Singh, New Delhi, Dr. S. Bisalaiah, Bangalore, Dr. R. Dwarakinath, Bangalore, Dr. G. K. Veeresh, Bangalore, Dr. M. Mahadevappa, Bangalore, Dr. P.G. Chengappa, Bangalore, Prof. R.S. Deshpande, Bangalore, Dr. Anupam Varma, New Delhi, Prof. U.V. Sulladmath, Bangalore, and Dr. C.P.A. Iyer, Bangalore, and PNASF extends grateful thanks to them. At this time, on behalf of the PNASF, I extend my thanks to our publisher New India Publishing Agency (NIPA), New Delhi who readily agreed to make this joint publication in this beautiful form and presentation. Lastly, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I express my gratitude to PNASF Senior Scientifi c Councillors, Technical Advisory Committee members and those individuals whose names are not mentioned, for Foreword / vii their moral support and valuable contribution in the preparation of this book. Prem Nath Chairman, PNASF Chairperson, VEGINET Former Asstt. Director General, September 30, 2012. Food & Agriculture Organization of the Bangalore United Nations (FAQ-UN) Message I am happy to learn that the Dr. P.N. Agricultural Science Foundation (PNASF), Bangalore is bringing about a book entitled “Food, Agriculture and Humanity”. PNASF is an institution established to assist and encourage Indian agricultural scientists to address India’s agricultural problems and at the same time use their skills for the development of our nation. It facilitates interaction of knowledge and ideas among professionals in agriculture, development and planning, on issues of national and international importance related to agriculture and food. Agriculture has played a signifi cant role in the growth of human civilization and our economy. I am sure that the publication will highlight and illustrate strong linkages of food and humanity with agriculture as an inseparable intermediary to augment this bondage. I wish the book all success. (Pratibha Devisingh Patil) New Delhi July 10, 2012