Department of JUNE 2021 Agriculture Development and Farmer’s Welfare VOLUME - 8 Government of Kerala Farm Information Bureau ISSUE - 12

English journal KERALAThe First English farm journal from the houseKARSHAKAN of Kerala Karshakan

5 JUNE 2021 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY “Ecosystem Restoration”

Save Tree Save Food Save Water Save Animals KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal PB JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 1 KERALA KARSHAKAN Inside English journal Volume - Issue - Mail: [email protected] Log on to http://www.fibkerala.gov.in JUNE 2021 8 12 Phone: 0471-2314358 The First English farm journal from the house of Kerala Karshakan

Farm INFORMATION BUREAU 04 Genetically Engineered Crops ADVISORY COMMITTEE Rakesh S. Chandran Chairman Ishita Roy IAS 07 Advisories to coconut farmers in COVID-19 Agricultural Production Commissioner, Principal Secretary (Agriculture) lockdown and monsoon phase MEmbers Dr. S Kalavathi Dr. K. Vasuki IAS Director of Agriculture Department of Agriculture & Development 10 Genome editing offers new ray of hope to tackle Dr. Rathan U. Kelkar IAS malnutrition Special Secertary (Agriculture) Dr. Rishi Kumar Tyagi Department of Agriculture & Development

S. Harikishore IAS Director (I&PRD) 13 World environment day Editor, KeralaKarshakan Dr. K.M. Dileep Director (Animal Husbandry)

Mini Raveendradas 16 cARbon Farming for India - Concepts, Constraints Director (Dairy Department) And Interventions Station Director, Dr. Vijayakumar S1, Dr. Saravanane P2, Dr. Aravindan S3, All India Radio Dr. Rubina Khanam4 Director Doordarshan, Thiruvananthapuram 21 mucoRMYCOSIS – THE EMERGING FUNGAL MENACE AMIDST P.V. Manoj Sayujyam, Manakkad P.O., Thiruvananthapuram covid-19 PANDEMIC PANIC Latha C, Pravitha C. P Sandhya R. Adarsham, Anandeswaram, Chempazanthy P.O., Thiruvananthapuram

C.R. Mahesh Kailas Nagar, Kizhakkekkara, Kottarakkara

Saji John Mission Director, State Horticulture Mission Kerala

T.K. Bhaskara Panikkar Renfru Cottage, USRA-72, Udarasiromani Road Vellayambalam, Thiruvananthapuram -10

Dr. Jalaja S. Menon Assi. Prof. College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara Thrissur

Dr. P. Indira Devi Prof. & Head, Centre for Enviornmentel Economics, 30 College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur

C.D. Suneesh Chittilappally House, Thrikkaipatta P.O., Wayanad Dr.Mohan P.V ATTENTION AUTHORS Karuna, Near Kannur Spinning Mill Kakkad P.O., Kannur - 670005 Articles for Kerala Karshakan E-journal should be certified Suresh Muthukulam Sarayoo, Bapuji Nagar Pongumoodu, Medical College P.O by head of the institution concerned stating that the Trivandrum - 695011 article is original and has not been published anywhere. CONVENOR George Sebastian Reference should also be included wherever relevant. PrincipalKERALA Information KARSHAKAN Officer e-journal Farm Information Bureau KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 2 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 3 04 Genetically Engineered Crops Rakesh S. Chandran

07 Advisories to coconut farmers in COVID-19 lockdown and monsoon phase Dr. S Kalavathi

10 Genome editing offers new ray of hope to tackle malnutrition Dr. Rishi Kumar Tyagi

Department of JUNE 2021 Agriculture Development and Farmer’s Welfare VOLUME - 8 Government of Kerala Farm Information Bureau ISSUE - 12 13 World environment day English journal Editor, KeralaKarshakan KERALAThe First English farm journal from the houseKARSHAKAN of Kerala Karshakan

5 JUNE 2021 43 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 16 cARbon Farming for India - Concepts, Constraints “Ecosystem Restoration” And Interventions Dr. Vijayakumar S1, Dr. Saravanane P2, Dr. Aravindan S3, 4 Dr. Rubina Khanam 26 Tinting and Dyeing Techniques for Value Addition of different Flowers 21 mucoRMYCOSIS – THE EMERGING FUNGAL MENACE AMIDST E.Sathyanarayana1, K. Divya2 covid-19 PANDEMIC PANIC Latha C, Pravitha C. P 30 nutritional and health benefits of Moringa

Save Tree Save Food Save Water Save Animals KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal Ummeseema N. PB JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 1

33 conSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN INDIA IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE Chief Editor chANGE: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT George Sebastian Amit Kumar1, R. Singh2, R.k. Avasthe3, Subhash Babu4, B.a. Gudade5 Gaurav Verma6 Editor Sreekala S 39 polluted soil and Remediation Pragati Kumar Maurya1, Satendra Kumar2, Deepak Kumar3, Sunil Kumar4 Asst. Editor Dr. Yamuna S 43 hibiSCUS An encyclopedia of medicinal value Editorial Assistant Keerthishankar K1.,Nivya, K.R2., Yathindra H.A3. Anoop R J

46 lAb grown meat how far is the reality Design & Layout Dr. Yamuna S Rajesh V

Articles/ Features appearing in this e-journal are either commissioned or assigned neverthless, other articles of farm relevance are also welcome. A maximum of 750 wordage is appreciated. Such items should be addressed to The Editor, Kerala Karshakan e-journal, Farm Information Bureau, Kowdiar PO, Thiruvananthapuram, Pin: 695003 These may also be mailed to [email protected] in word format. Responses can be also sent to this mail. Authors are requested to provide the following details along with the articles, for quick processing of the remuneration, after the articles are published: Account Number, Name of Bank, Branch (Place), IFSC Code.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal VIEWS expressed in the articles published in KeralaKarshakan e-journal are not, necessarily those ofKERALA the Government. KARSHAKAN e-journal 2 JUNE 2021 Enquiries : 0471 2314358 JUNE 2021 3 Rakesh S. Chandran Ph.D. Extension Specialist-Weed Science & Professor West Virginia University Morgantown, WV 26506-6108 USA

Genetically Engineered Crops

Part I – Principles of Genetic Engineering

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 4 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 5 enetically Engineered principles of this science to have are a total of twenty different Crops, also referred to a sound judgement of its benefits amino acids. The amino acid as Genetically Modified and risks. coded to be produced by the Crops (GM Crops) or The topic on genetic bases depends on their sequence Transgenic Crops, have engineering will be delivered of the gene that is expressing it. G The sequence of amino acids gained popularity among in a series of articles. This farmers worldwide over the past article will cover the basics of in the chain determines the 25 years. Crops such as maize, genetic engineering technology. nature and characteristics of soybean, canola and cotton Although genetic engineering these proteins. These proteins have been successfully adopted has an impact on almost all eventually determine the physical due to their ability to simplify pest walks of life including medicine, traits of that particular living management and to tolerate processed foods, meat and dairy organism. Therefore, a slight environmental stress such as products etc., these series of rearrangement of the bases in a drought. Genetically modified articles will focus primarily on DNA molecule may eventually crops with nutritional benefits are genetically engineered crops. alter the organism’s traits or in the pipeline. First, what is a genetically outwardly characteristics. Through a series of engineered crop? We all know Throughout evolution, articles, let us gain insight into that the outwardly characteristics natural selection has occurred some of the fundamental aspects of plants and animals are which causes organisms to adapt of GM Crops, objectively access determined by genes. We also to their surroundings. These the benefits and risks associated know that genes reside in cells - originated from a rearrangement with them, and examine some the fundamental units of all living (mutation) of the bases (genetic of the futuristic directions of this organisms. Genes are actually code) often by natural causes. technology. In this introductory sections of genetic material This is a very slow process. article let us discuss the principles known as DNA (deoxyribonucleic Through reproduction, genes are of genetic engineering. acid) that has coded information transmitted to the offspring from Everything around man to eventually determine an the parents. This understanding was once a mystery for him. organism’s physical traits. How enabled us to improve crops Ancient man had Gods and is this information coded in a and domestic animals using Goddesses for almost all naturally gene or DNA? DNA is essentially traditional or classical breeding occurring phenomena. When composed of long chains of units techniques. Classical breeding philosophers started questioning called bases just like links of a involves human intervention to the cause of unknowns, science long chain. Although there are introduce new genetic material evolved gradually as a discipline. millions of these links or bases to the offspring by breeding Soon, the causes of lightning, in a single DNA strand, they techniques. However, organisms thunder and rainfall were all are actually made up of four are capable of reproducing only explained by science. Today different kinds of bases A, T, G, within species or very closely science and technology has C. The arrangement of a vast related species. Therefore, advanced to unprecedented number of these four bases in a classical breeding was limited levels. We now have answers DNA molecule can be referred to generate hybrids within a to some of the most complicated to as the genetic code. given species or closely related questions. The concept of The bases are arranged in species. genetic engineering, however, a predetermined sequence that Through advances in is widely different from that of make up the genetic code for genetic engineering, we are other scientific developments producing a variety of proteins. now capable of introducing as it deals with the underlying Three of these bases code for genes from distantly related mechanisms of life itself. It is a certain biochemical called species into the DNA of an therefore essential to have a an amino acid, which are the organism. Therefore, gene thorough understanding of the building blocks of proteins. There from a glowworm could be

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 4 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 5 introduced into a houseplant corn can produce chemicals of so vast that it can be left to one’s to make it glow in the dark! Bacillus thuringiensis to infest the imagination. Biotechnology as Genetically engineered crops insect. a science is still in its infancy. have foreign genes introduced When an European Thus, research in years to come into them. The gene introduced corn borer larva feeds on Bt will give us a better picture of its into the plant may have originally corn, it ingests some of these long-term effects. As with any belonged to a totally different chemicals and die as a result. new technological advance, plant, or a microbe, or even The corn, thus becomes resistant genetic engineering comes an insect or an animal. For to the serious pest. Similar are with a several benefits and example, the GM (genetically the mechanisms of herbicide risks. It would be premature to modified) crop, Bt corn, has resistance of Roundup Ready completely rule out the usefulness genes belonging to a bacterium soybean (where the genes of this technology or to embrace called Bacillus thuringiensis. introduced into the crop are it in totality. Currently, a great By nature, this bacterium is capable of producing enzymes, deal of interest has been focused capable of infesting the insect which are also proteins, that on the pros and cons of this called European corn borer can break down the herbicide technology. In the following through its chemical secretions. into harmless by-products) and issue, some of the benefits and By virtue of the bacterial genes certain other GM crops. The risks of genetically engineered introduced into Bt corn, the scope of genetic engineering is crops will be discussed.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 6 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 7 oconut, eulogized as showers coupled with significant Dr. S Kalavathi Acting Head, “Kalpavriksha”, is an crop loss due to the cyclone ICAR-CPCRA Regional Station. excellent ecological “Tauktae” in this COVID-19 Kayamkulam. service provider which lockdown phase-2021 had Cdelivers food, fibre and definitely impacted farming in fuel to mankind and fosters general and coconut farming in livelihood security to more particular, that derailed timely than 12 million farm families. farm operations. We present Unprecedented summer hereunder some precautions to

ADVISORIES TO COCONUT FARMERS IN COVID-19 LOCKDOWN AND MONSOON PHASE

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 6 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 7 be followed meticulously by all of south west monsoon for timely soil hardening and nutrient loss coconut farmers to combat this farm operations. from water stagnation. new-normal situation. If the coconut basins are Adult palms with more a) Nutrient leach out and not yet opened it is recommended than 3 years of age require 1.1 replenishment to open basins with shallow Kg of Urea, 1.5 Kg Rajphos or The current cloudy depth and apply 1 kg dolomite Mussooriephos, 2.0 Kg Muriate situation and intermittent or lime per palm in order to of potash every year. The first precipitation in synergy with neutralize the soil acidity. About dose of fertilizers can be applied timely forecast of South-West 100 g cowpea seeds shall be two weeks after dolomite/lime monsoon could impair nutrient sown around the basins with the application. In order to avoid availability to palms because available residual soil moisture. nutrient leach out, half of the the summer showers had already Incorporating the cowpea in above mentioned dose should taken off the nutrients from soil. coconut basins after 6 to 8 weeks be applied at the start of south The prevailing nutrients available of growth at the time of flowering west monsoon. Fertilizers should in the soil may be insufficient will contribute nearly 25 kg be applied around the coconut to support a sustainable yield. of organic matter in the palm basins at least 1 m distance This had already manifested rhizosphere. Furthermore, it away from the coconut trunk in coconut palms with various improves the nitrogen availability and incorporate equally around conditions of nutrient deficiency in the soil and prevents soil run- the areas of 1 to 2 m radius like yellowing and button off during monsoon showers. from the trunk. Remaining shedding. Therefore, the coconut Sowing and incorporation of half of the recommended farmers are advised to properly cowpea is also advisable in dose can be applied during plan and effectively utilize the coconut interspaces in flood September-October along with rain free days before the onset prone areas which could resist soil incorporation of cowpea

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 8 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 9 grown in basins. Application of by planting in shallow pits along These practices will help 500 g of Magnesium sulfate is with yearly addition of soil. Pit in general reduction in pest and recommended after one week of size should be adjusted based disease incidence in coconut. applying second dose of fertilizers on the soil type viz. 1.2 m. in Leaf axil filling of 250 g neem in root (wilt) disease endemic hard laterite soil and 75 cm. in cake mixed with 250 g of fine zones. Care should be taken to sandy soil and 1 m. in other soil sand in the top most three leaf avoid fertilizer application during types. Application of 1 to 3 kg of axils around the spear leaf heavy downpour. Trichoderma harzianum enriched would repel rhinoceros beetles. b) Encourage soil aeration bio-suppressive compost at the Incorporation of the weed plant, Opening of drainage time of planting will benefit good Clerodendrum infortunatum plant channels, presence of rain water seedling growth and take guard or the entomopathogenic green harvesting pits, ponds etc. in from soil borne pathogens muscardine fungs, Metarhizium the coconut gardens will ensure d) Disease tolerant coconut majus in the compost and cow proper drainage of rain water. varieties /hybrid dung pits would reduce the This would ensure effective water Quality planting material population of rhinoceros beetles conservation and overcome with a known pedigree of by controlling their grubs. flooding in coconut gardens as mother palm is crucial for class f) Disease suppression well. Water stagnation in palm determination in the long run for Placement of 3 to 4 basin would suffocate roots and a perennial crop like coconut. numbers of Trichoderma rotting would take an upper ICAR-CPCRI has developed harzianum-coir pith cake is hand for which adequate water varieties like Kalpasree, an effective bio control agent drainage to encourage aeration Kalparaksha and one hybrid against leaf rot / bud rot, is mandatory to improve palm namely Kalpasankara for the especially in the gardens where health. In flooded palm basin, root (wilt) disease prevalent these diseases are prevalent. mild soil raking after water tracts. Booking of these seedling Palms can be protected from the drainage would also aid in soil are usually made at ICAR-CPCRI incidence of leaf rot by the crown aeration. during February-March and application of 2ml Hexaconazole c) Deferment of planting seedlings are distributed during 5EC dissolved in 300 ml of water time May-June period. and by the crown application Planting time of coconut e) Pest management of 1% Bordeaux mixture for the seedlings can be adjusted based In order to protect suppression of bud rot disease. on the water draining ability of coconut seedlings from the Incidence of bud rot in seedlings soil. Seedlings can be planted rhinoceros beetle, naphthalene and stem bleeding in adult during May-June months by balls can be placed in 2 to 3 palms were commonly observed preparing pits of dimension 1 top most leaf axils filled with in the flood affected gardens m x 1m x 1m on a leveled land sand immediately after planting. during previous years. Palms where rain water do not stagnate Seedlings can also be protected in such areas can be protected for long period. It is always from the rhinoceros beetle attack by the basin incorporation of better to chose September- by using old fish nets around Trichoderma harzianum enriched October as the planting time in the spear leaf. There is also a neem cake and by the application flood prone areas. The farmers possibility of increased incidence of Trichoderma harzianum paste from flood prone areas, who of rhinoceros beetle, rat etc. as as and when the initial bleeding had already purchased the well as different fungal diseases symptoms appear. seedlings, can temporarily plant during the monsoon season. As prevention is always them in elevated terrains to Therefore, care should be taken better than cure, a careful safe guard from flooding and for cleaning the crown and for scrutiny of palms and adoption of defer planting in the main field the removal of excess shades aforesaid management solution during September-October. by pruning the trees to improve would be the key to safeguard Alternatively, they can also plant the availability of sun light to the palms to produce a sustainable the seedling in raised bunds or coconut. yield.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN ee-journa-journal 8 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 9 GENOME EDITING OFFERS NEW RAY OF HOPE TO TACKLE MALNUTRITION

Dr. Rishi Kumar Tyagi lant-based diets have economic and environmental Coordinator, Asia-Pacific Consortium on Agricultural Biotechnology and Bioresources been recommended for levels. Furthermore, the ongoing (APCoAB), APAARI, Bangkok, Thailand better planetary health COVID-19 pandemic has also as it would be more posed serious challenges to Psustainable with lower the humanity across the world. environmental impacts and Scientists and researchers are improving food and nutritional working round the clock to security of the generations. There understand its effects and to is an urgent need to transform find an effective solution. In current diets for improving health this backdrop, it has become of population and to achieve mandatory for us to take every equity in benefits at social, possible measure to keep the

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 10 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 11 coronavirus away and boosting our immunity is the most effective weapon. There is a need to take proper diet to fight the virus in addition to being well-prepared for the health challenges that are clearly foreseen ahead. This underlines the importance of nutritional dietary guidelines. We must embrace innovations and technological solutions to address the nutrition-related problems. Vitamins such as A, B6, B12, folate, C, D and E and trace elements like zinc, copper, selenium and iron are known to be crucial in strengthening immune system as they have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Amino acids and fatty acids too are important constituents of the healthy diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables besides grains, nuts and animal products are the best source of these nutrients. The United Nations’ (UN) efforts for global nutrition seek to eradicate micronutrient deficiency problems. It is important to ensure nutrient-rich, balanced diet for masses since arobust immune system will keep the population healthy and reduce medical costs incurred to treat diseases caused by malnutrition. This poses challenges for scientists and policymakers to secure better nutrition at affordable prices for poor communities. Millions of people around the world are prone to malnutrition or inadequate nutrition intake. Biofortification is the process that helps increase the density of nutrients in our routine foods. We can biofortify many crops including fruits and vegetables using genetic engineering. Genome editing, a powerful tool, holds a great promise.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 10 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 11

Dr. Rishi Kumar Tyagi In many countries, the plants quite faster and with high human nutrition, besides focus of agriculture research is on efficiency and precision, thus, achieving higher yields and improving crop production and improving plants for multiple greater tolerance to unfavorable productivity in order to provide qualities, economically.There growing conditions. adequate and affordable food are a few gene editing tools, The gene editing to burgeoning populations. And of them, the clustered regularly techniques can complement new technologies have made this interspaced short palindromic the ongoing efforts to provide possible. However, now the focus repeats (CRISPR) method micronutrient supplements, needs to be shifted to nutritional appears to be the most feasible, fortified food and appeals for aspects. cost-effective and versatile tool eating more diversified food. Enhancement of to allow precise and efficient Farmers in rural areas, which micronutrients can be achieved editing of plant genomes. are difficult to access by other in a convenient, and faster way According to the Food and mechanisms, can breed new by making use of the genome Agriculture Organisation (FAO), crop varieties with higher editing tools. Fresh fruits and over 820 million people did not nutrition content, thus, ensuring a vegetables are rich sources of have enough to eat while 26.4 reliable source of micronutrients micronutrients and bioactive percent of the world population for the local populations. For phytochemicals but they are or about 2 billion people did developing world, the major perishable and sensitive to not have regular access to safe, area of research is food security, biotic as well as abiotic stresses. nutritious and sufficient food in followed by nutrition security. Genome editing can lower post- 2019. These people belong to Modern plant breeding harvest losses by improving shelf underdeveloped and developing methods and gene editing offer life of the produce. countries. favourable conditions to increase The advance tools of gene Gene editing technology the micronutrient content and editing enable incorporation of has potential to revolutionize enhance the nutritional value traits the same way as through crop improvement, with a focus of food that people eat daily. the conventional plant breeding on local crops. Adoption of gene editing and techniques but in a more efficient Efforts must be taken gene edited products can be manner. to create awareness about the achieved by disrupting the Conventional plant technology and quell unfounded current bottlenecks to progress breeding techniques are labour- doubts people have about towards nutritional security by intensive and take years to genetic engineering. People and making intensive efforts for public confirm the results. On the other policymakers must be convinced awareness and acceptance, hand, gene editing facilitates about how the gene editing is a and enabling policies by the obtain desirable traits in the golden opportunity to enhance respective governments.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 12 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 13 orld environment day of pandemic people are getting It provided an opportunity for is being celebrated aware of the necessity of pure driving the momentum and every year on June air and maintaining lungs for public awareness towards the 5th. As for every day, the area by planting trees for importance of nature Wbeing organized absorbing carbon dioxide and During the current with a great motive, this day to release oxygen for the entire year, on June 5th the United is celebrated by planting seeds living world. Nations is launching a decade and saplings in a festive mood The theme for World long“ecosystem restoration”. for the sake of the day. I myself Environment Day 2020 was ‘Development’ has taken its have witnessed cutting down “Time for nature”, with a focus toll on the natural ecosystems large fruit trees like mango, jack on its role in providing essential throughout the globe. Aim of trees etc. for planting annual infrastructure that supports life on this decade long programme is ornamentals. Now, in this period earth and human development. to revive the natural spaces lost

World Environment Day

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 12 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 13 to development. Though this ecosystem. truth that there will be only a duration of ten years seems to Empower the global few more years of harvests. be very long, these ten years will movement It is a daunting task, made more count most in the fight to avert It aims to stop and complicated by the diversity of the climate change and the loss of reverse the destruction and ecosystems and the threats each millions of species of plants and degradation of billions of ecosystem is facing. In addition, animals. hectares of ecosystems from vested interests also hinder their United Nations has lush forests threatened by wild rejuvenation. No single entity planned a 10 staged strategy fires to agricultural soils being can steer the entire procedure. for generation/restoration of the eroded leaving behind the Groups and organizations can

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 14 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 15 initiate the work, developing new individuals to step in. affect the youth and future enthusiasm in individuals to join Shift Behaviors generations, more than the the venture. Deforestation, current generation. So, they Invest in restoration depletion of fish stock, local have to be made aware to stand Restoration need breeds of animals and poultry, as ecosystem ambassadors. resources. Attempts in this degradation of agricultural soils The United Nation’s 10 year direction often fail due to financial etc. are caused by the global strategy links the wellbeing of insecurity. United Nations calls consumption pattern. The United youth and future generations to mobilize long term funds Nations; in this decade for with the goals of restoration/ from Government, International ecosystem restoration, will work generation of ecosystem. lenders, development agencies, with the partners to identify Educating children about the private sectors and even and encourage restoration importance of maintaining the individuals. of ecofriendly consumption ecosystems will provide them with Set the right incentives patterns. more sustainable development In the long term, healthier Invest in Research outlook. ecosystem can produce bigger Restoration of ecosystem Learn and listen harvests, more secure income is a very complex process. Restoration of ecosystem and a healthier environment. Strategies for one ecosystem is not an easy task. So the So, there is a need to incentivize may harm another. Climate United Nations Environment restoration activities and to change and uncertainties are Programme has already reduce subsidies for agricultural constantly in a battle with this surveyed and recorded details development, that finance restoration process and to adapt of conversationalists, financiers, harmful practices which affects is very important. Many species volunteers and motivators the nature. might have gone extinct. New to identify the opportunities, Celebrate leadership resistant or antagonistic species barriers etc. and to spur grass- Over the past few years, might have emerged. A scientific root level action. we have witnessed incredible understanding of how and what This pandemic situation momentum around restoration. to restore is very crucial and time is the ideal time to initiate this Many, environmentalists; consuming. attempt of ecosystem restoration/ with the help of local people, Celebrate a culture of generation in the 100 member have organized campaigns restoration countries. to plant trillions of trees and Restoration of ecosystem Hope the little virus have captured the attention and cannot be achieved through succeeded in making the masses created imagination in many scientific brainstorming sessions, understand the importance of communities around the globe. campaigns, new policies or nature, fresh air and peaceful Under the BONN challenge, Government orders.Healing living. more than 60 countries have the planet needs a cultural Hope this inturn will committed to bring 350 million change. So the United Nations lead each and everyone to a hectares of forest landscape calls on artists, storytellers, wholehearted participation in back to life. Indigenous people; film producers, musicians and ecosystem restoration. mostly tribal people; have environmentalists to join together Hope our next acted as the defenders of their for restoration/generation of the generation will be able to live ecosystems for generations. ecosystems. in a greener, cleaner and more They had to face several threats Build up the next fresh environment. and many have sacrificed their generation lives. These leaders have to be The current and rapid Edited by honored, thereby encouraging destruction of ecosystems Editor, KeralaKarshakan

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 14 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 15 CARBON FARMING FOR INDIA CONCEPTS, CONSTRAINTS AND INTERVENTIONS

lobally agriculture amount of nitrous oxide comes Dr. Vijayakumar S1 sector account about from agricultural sector (Wang Dr. Saravanane P2 24% of greenhouse gas et al. 2017). The major sources Dr. Aravindan S3 emissions (GHGs) and in of emission in Indian agriculture Dr. Rubina Khanam4 1,2,4Scientist, ICAR – National Rice Research India it contribute 17.6% include, enteric fermentation Institute, Cuttack, Odisha -753006 G 3Associate Professor, Pandit Jawaharlal of the total net CO2 eq. emissions from livestock, rice cultivation, Nehru College of Agriculture and Research (GOI, 2010). Fifty percent of manure management, burning Institute, Karaikal – 609603 India’s methane and large of crop residues, use of nitrogen

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 16 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 17 fertilizers and ploughing fields would increase productivity and agriculture such as: no-till (zero- after the growing season, which income while reducing GHG till) and minimum tillage systems aerates the soil and allows emissions in the form that has as it has negative costs due carbon to reach the atmosphere. demand in carbon markets. to savings on tillage and fuel; The emission from enteric Scope of carbon sustainable forest management, fermentation in livestock was sequestration in introduction of superior livestock

212 million tons of CO2 eq. agriculture breeds to reduce numbers constituting 63.4% of the total A 1% increase in soil (especially unproductive cattle) emission from agriculture sector OC in one acre is equivalent and increase yield; use of in India (Sharma et al. 2011). to storing 18 metric tonnes livestock wastes to produce

Manure management and rice (MT) of CO2 underneath our energy for cooking and heating cultivation contribute 2.44 and ground. Increasing the carbon through bio-gas technology

69.87 million tons of CO2 content of the world’s soils by can not only reduce methane eq. respectively (NAAS 2014). 0.4 percent in the top 30-40 emission but also save electricity

Total emissions of N2O from cm of soils each year would costs for the households and;

agricultural soils and CH4 and remove around 3-4 gigatons of introduction of carbon credits

N2O from crop residue burning carbon from the atmosphere, and exploration of domestic

is 50 million tons of CO2 eq. boost soil health and also would carbon markets.

India has committed itself stop annual increase in CO2 Carbon farming to voluntarily reduce its emissions in atmosphere. Increasing soil Carbon farming (also intensity (emissions per unit GDP) carbon by 0.4 percent a year known as carbon sequestration) between 20 to 25 percent below can enhance crop yields by is a system of agricultural 2005 levels by 2020. This would 1.3 percent. Agriculture, and in management that helps the require rapid and significant particular agricultural soils, can land store more carbon and scaling up of mitigation efforts play a crucial role where food reduce the amount of GHGs that including the agriculture sector. security and climate change are it releases into the atmosphere. Low carbon development concerned. Scientific agriculture Farmers can manage their pathways offer opportunities can help in mitigating GHGs grazing lands to conserve and for pursuing GHG reductions. emission.Thus, agriculture can restore vegetation, including Agriculture sector can help India provide a better answer to the tree cover along waterways. This in meeting this target by taking climate crisis than some other practice helps the land store a systems approach of “climate sectors, if done right. carbon and remove GHGs from smart” agriculture involving A suitable interventions the atmosphere. Farmers would application of technologies that for promoting low carbon be compensated for increase in

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 16 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 17 soil carbon by contributions from outside of the organization term carbon sequestration. A individuals, private companies, and, more importantly, outside single carbon credit represents and NGOs concerned about of any regulatory requirement. ownership of the equivalent of climate change.It will help Common projects include one MT of carbon that can be farmers increase their income as building wind farms, supporting traded, sold or retired. Carbon

well as store carbon in their soil. truck stop electrification projects credits are measured in CO2 Carbon ‘offset’ to reduce tailpipe emissions, eq. and expressed in metric A carbon ‘offset’ and planting trees or preserving tons (MT) and compared to

represents a real reduction of forests. Because CO2 has global what would exist in the absence

CO2in the atmosphere and not local impact, both credits and of the carbon project. If an results in the generation of a offsets have the same reduction organization is regulated under

carbon ‘credit.’ The difference in CO2emissions and have the a cap-and-trade system it likely from a carbon credit is that same benefit to the planet in has an allowance of credits it the credit is generated as the terms of climate change. can use towards its cap. If the result of a project with clear Carbon credits organization produces fewer boundaries, title, project When landowners/ tons of carbon emissions than it documents and a verification farmers, initiate a project that can is allocated, the organization can plan. In most cases, carbon mitigate the amount of carbon in trade, sell or hold the remaining offsets generate reductions the atmosphere through long- carbon credits. When a credit is

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 18 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 19 sold, the buyer is purchasing the and consumers to choose lower- • Enrolling land in conservation seller’s allowance of emissions. carbon paths. There are two programs A credit becomes tradeable main categories of carbon • Restoring and better because of a very real reduction markets: cap-and-trade and managing wetlands in emissions, but the reduction voluntary. Cap-and-trade sets a • Eliminating summer fallow is from an activity you might not mandatory limit (cap) on GHG • Using perennial grasses and be aware of such as flying less emissions and organizations that winter cover crops or turning equipment off at night. exceed these limits can purchase • Promotion of an increase in In India Saguna Rice excess allowances to fill the gap forests Technique (SRT),a form of zero- or pay a fine. Voluntary markets • Planting trees on lands that till conservation agriculture, enable the trading of carbon would otherwise remain non- implemented in two districts credits outside of the regulatory forested of Maharashtra state starting environment. • Installing a bio-digester to with 20 farmers under carbon Compliance capture methane from dairy- farming project. This project Carbon Markets cow manure was the initiative by Shekar In certain jurisdictions, • Managing tribal rangelands Bhadsavale, a California- such as the European Union in a way that increases educated progressive farmer and California, companies are carbon sequestered below from Nepal, and Emmanuel required by environmental cap- ground in roots D’Silva, an agriculture and and-trade laws to offset their • Preventing conversion of environment scientist from carbon footprint. Cap-and-trade grasslands to croplands Mumbai who previously worked lets the market find the least to avoid releasing carbon at the World Bank. D’Silva had expensive way to cut emissions stored in the land initiated carbon credit programs while driving technological • Low carbon rice cultivation through tree plantations in 44 innovation and economic growth. technologies tribal villages a decade earlier. The ‘cap’ is the upper limit on the • Technology to reduce Farmers participated in this amount of carbon emissions a methane emission project were mostly marginal and company can legally produce. • Aerobic rice cultivation small farmers. This project aims As the cap is reduced for future • System of rice intensification to provide financial support to years, total pollution declines. • Direct seeded rice cultivation each farmers according to their Electric utilities, refineries and • Altering wetting and drying, carbon credit of the particular large factories with emissions particularly promoting farm. that exceed a pre-established intermittent irrigation and What Are Carbon Markets? amount of carbon tons per year mid-season drainage Carbon markets aim must hold allowances (permits to • Integrated nutrient to reduce GHG emissions emit one ton of carbon) or offsets management, enabling the trading of emission (carbon credits) equivalent to • Organic rice cultivation units (carbon credits), which their annual emissions. These • Improved organic matter are certificates representing organizations enter a compliance management by promoting emission reductions. Trading carbon market where carbon aerobic decomposition enables entities that can reduce credits can bought and sold. through composting or emissions at a lower cost to be Methods of enhancing incorporating it into soil paid to do so by higher-cost carbon build-up in during off-season drained emitters. By putting a price biomass and soils include period; on carbon emissions, carbon • Adopting conservation tillage • Use of rice cultivars with few market mechanisms raise • Reducing soil erosion unproductive tillers, high root awareness of the environmental • Minimizing soil disturbance oxidative activity and high and social costs of carbon • Using buffer strips along harvest index; and pollution, encouraging investors waterways • Application of fermented

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 18 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 19 manure such as biogas slurry rainfed areas, weed problem, cooperatives, self-help groups in place of unfermented yield loss, inadequate market (SHGs), under collaborative farmyard manure. facility, lack of awareness and efforts of government or even

Technology to reduce N2O limited post-harvest facilities large private companies (Pathak emission (Pathak and Aggarwal, 2012). and Aggarwal, 2012). The • Improve nitrogen use Establishing baselines and introduction of carbon credits efficiency using slow or measuring carbon storage in and exploration of domestic controlled release fertilizer agriculture could be a challenge. carbon markets could definitely or nitrification inhibitors Preparing authenticated carbon encourage other farmers to such as nitrapyrin and budget (carbon emission and take up low carbon technology dicyandiamide. sequestration) of each and every options. • Integrated nutrient farm is an uphill task. The long References management gestation period of some of the Government of India, • Site-specific nutrient programs (e.g. agro-forestry) India: Green House Gas management and uncertainties. Moreover, a Emissions 2007, Indian Network • Urea super granule (USG) large transaction cost is involved for Climate Change Assessment • Leaf colour chart (LCC) in reaching to the stage of C (INCAA), Ministry of Forests and • Green manuring (GM) trading. To make it profitable, a Environment, government of • Low carbon technologies for considerable size of C mitigation India, 2010. wheat cultivation should be generated, for which Pathak, H. and Aggarwal, • Sprinkler irrigation, these technologies need be P.K. 2012. Low carbon • Zero tillage (ZT), adopted on a large scale. Since Technologies for Agriculture: A • Integrated nutrient the average size of landholding study on Rice and wheat Systems management, by the farmers is small in India, in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. • Organic wheat, a large number of farmers would Indian Agricultural Research • Nitrification inhibitor (NI), have to adopt these technologies Institute, pp.12-40. • Site-specific nutrient to avail the benefit of C trading. NAAS. Carbon Economy management, Required interventions in Indian Agriculture, Policy • Straw fed to cattle for promoting low C paper no 69, National Academy Benefits of promoting low technologies: of Agricultural Sciences, New C technologies: The interventions required Delhi, 2014. The major benefits to overcome the constraints are Sharma, S.K., Choudhury, include savings in irrigation creation of irrigation facility, A., Sarkar, P., Biswas, S., Singh, water, labour and energy; provision of incentives for A., Dadhich, P.K., Sing, K.A., reduction in GHGs emission, saving of water, carbon credits Majumdar, S., Bhatia, A., Mohini, higher water and nutrient for mitigation, subsidy and M., Kumar, R., Jha., C.S., Murthy, use efficiencies, provision of other incentives for installation M.S.R., Ravindranatha, N.H., tolerance to moisture and heat of resource conserving Bhattacharya, J.K., karthika, stresses, improvement in soil infrastructure, trainings for skill M., Bhattacharya, S., Chauhan, health and increased income development, public awareness R., Greenhouse gas inventory (Pathak and Aggarwal, 2012). generation, development of estimates for India. Current Constraints in promoting low-cost, environment-friendly Science, 2011, 101, 2, 405- low C technologies: herbicides, accurate weather 415. Major constraints include forecasting, development of Wang, S.W., Lee, W.K. high initial cost, infrastructure for post-harvest facilities and refining and Son, Y. 2017. Low Carbon installation and maintenance, of technologies for making them Development Pathways in knowledge intensiveness and simple, cheap and effective. The Indian Agriculture. Change and technical soundness, high problem of small farm size could Adaptation in Socio-Ecological production cost, risks in the be overcome through forming Systems, 3(1), 18-26.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 20 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 21 MUCORMYCOSIS THE EMERGING FUNGAL MENACE AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC PANIC

INTRODUCTION commonly reported fungal Dr. Latha C. Mucormycosis,an superinfections, black fungus Dr. Pravitha C. P. emerging, potentially fulminant is particularly more fatal as it Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, fungal infection has claimed the affects the sinuses and the brain. Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University lives of COVID-19 recovered In India, disease was repeatedly patients in India and has left reported from the states of several patients blind amidst Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya the second wave of pandemic. Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Also known as “black fungus”, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Karnataka, mucormycosis is a rare, Telangana and Kerala. In angioinvasive fungal infection these states, mucormycosis has with exceedingly high mortality affected close to 7,250 people, rates, ranging from of 50 killing 219 of them, with Gujarat to 100 per cent depending emerging as a hotspot for on the patients underlying infection. India’s health ministry condition(Katragkouet al., asked the state governments 2014).Though Aspergillosis to declare mucormycosis as a and Candida are the most “notifiable disease” under the

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 20 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 21 Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 Mccauley, 2018). The most invade the arteries and veins as it seems to be emerging prevalent species was Rhizopus causing thrombosis, leading as a new threat among oryzae, causing upto 70 per cent to ischemic necrosis of tissues COVID-19 patients (Anony., of the human cases (Riley et al., involved. Mucormycosis, though 2021).Immunocompromised 2016). highly fatal, is not contagious individuals are at the highest DISEASE TRANSMISSION and it cannot spread between risk for infection. Mucormycosis Fungi causing people or between people and typically affects patients with mucormycosis are the rmotolerant animals. serious underlying diseases molds ubiquitously found in PREDISPOSING FACTORS such as diabetic ketoacidosis, the soil as well as in decaying Fungal superinfections haematological malignancies, organic matter like compost occur more commonly in and those who have undergone piles, leaves and rotten wood persons with organ transplants organ transplantation or (Richardson, 2009). Infection and also among critically treatment with corticosteroids is usually acquired through ill patients, especially those or cytotoxic drugs. inhalation of sporangiospores. admitted to intensive care units CAUSATIVE AGENT Fungus can also reach the with mechanical ventilation. Mucormycosis in humans body through scratch, burns, For the past few months, was first described by the German trauma, or contaminated wound COVID-19 recovered patients pathologist Arnold Paltauf dressings. Other least common were identified as the most in 1885 which he named as routes linked to transmission important risk group developing “Mycosis mucorina”. Previously include iatrogenic pathways black fungus infection. SARS- known as Zygomycosis, or ingestion of spores through CoV-2 virus besides causing mucormycosisis caused by fungi contaminated food and water. diffuse alveolar damage in in the phylum Zygomycota. In healthy individuals, spores lungs also produce a fall in This phylum is phylogenetically that gain access to the body are number of CD4+T and CD8+T diverse and comprised mainly removed through phagocytosis lymphocytes (Yang et al., 2020). of two orders: Mucorales and mediated by immune system. In Extensive use of glucocorticoids Entomophthorales. Within immunocompromised persons in COVID-19 patients to Mucorales, the four genera with predisposing factors, the manage pneumonia will lead responsible for infection in fungi transform to its hyphal form to prolonged hyperglycemia humans are Rhizopus, Mucor, affecting sinuses, oral and nasal and immunosuppression. All Lichtheimia (previously known cavities. It has high affinity for the these factors together with as Abscidia species) and endothelial cells of blood vessels. longer duration of hospital stay Cunninghamella(Brettholzand The hyphae rapidly and deeply increase the risk of severely ill or

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 22 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 23 COVID-19 recovered patients categories based on the clinical hard palate, brown rhinorrhoea, to develop mucormycosis. A signs and site of infection. multiple cranial nerve palsies, strong association was also This includes rhinocerebral, and headache. observed between mucormycosis pulmonary, cutaneous, b)Pulmonary mucormycosis in patients with a history of gastrointestinal and disseminated Pulmonary mucormycosis COVID-19 together with forms of mucormycosis; of these, is usually seen in patients confounding factors like diabetes rhinocerebral and pulmonary suffering from haematological and comorbid conditions such as infections are the most common malignancy with neutropenia cancer, kidney or heart disease. (Spellberget al.,2005). and also in those who have In healthy individuals, a)Rhinocere bral undergone organ or stem cell sporangiospores of fungi mucormycosis transplant. Infection is mostly entering through respiratory tract This is the most commonly acquired through inhalation of and mucosa are taken up and reported form of mucormycosis fungal spores. Upper lobes of destroyed by polymorphonuclear in patients with diabetes and right lung were more commonly phagocytes. But in patients with renal transplants (Song et affected. If not treated, infection having Diabetes mellitus al., 2017). The person inhale may spread to the contralateral and in those suffering from spores of the fungi into nasal lung affecting the pleura and haematologic malignancies tract and paranasal sinuses from pericardium(Brettholz and with neutropenia, there will atmosphere. This disease usually Mccauley, 2018).Symptoms in be phagocytic dysfunction. follows an acute course with the pulmonary mucormycosis are Globally, diabetes mellitus and signs of infection appearing two non-specific and can include ketoacidosis were identified to three days after the patient has fever, non-productive cough, as the major predisposing been cleared of COVID-19. The dyspnoea, hemoptysis and chest factors for mucormycosis. The infection starts in the sinus and pain. hyperglycemic state in diabetic progresses to the eyes in two to c)Cutaneous mucormycosis patients impairs motility and four days, and soon reaches the Cutaneous mucormycosis phagocytic ability of neutrophils. brain causing fatality. is the commonly observed form in The number of people with The symptoms of people without a compromised diabetes in India is estimated mucormycosis will vary depending immune system. Cutaneous form to cross 100 million mark in on location of infection. may be primary or secondary. 2030, increasing the burden Initial presenting symptoms of Primary form results from of mucormycosis in future also rhinocerebral mucormycosis the entry of fungal spores by (Whiting et al., 2011). usually appear with or without direct inoculation through any Patients treated with fever. The commonly observed discontinuity or break in the deferoxamine have a high signs include eye or facial skin (Petrikkoset al., 2012). incidence of mucormycosis, pain, paraesthesia, periorbital This can happen in patients Deferoxamine act as a and nasal swelling, blurred or with burns, injury or trauma on siderophore, extract iron from double vision, and conjunctival the skin. Secondary cutaneous sources like ferritin, delivers it suffusion. If not treated initially infection develops due to to the fungal cells and promote the infection will soon spread haematogenous spread of fungi. their rapid growth (Ibrahim et from the ethmoid sinus to The hallmark sign of cutaneous al., 2008). Other risk factors the orbit, causing proptosis, mucormycosis is a black necrotic for mucormycosis include renal ophthalmoplegia, chemosis and eschar, surrounded by a zone insufficiency, HIV/AIDS, extreme acute loss of vision. Vision loss of erythema and induration malnutrition and broad-spectrum is due to involvement of optic (Petrikkoset al., 2012). When antifungal prophylaxis, especially nerve or vessels supplying the lesion affect only the skin or using voriconazole (Lionakis and retina. Later it disseminates into subcutaneous tissue, cutaneous Kontoyiannis, 2005). the nasal mucosa, oral cavity mucormycosis is considered as CLINICAL and finally to the central nervous localised. When the organism MANIFESTATIONS IN MAN system resulting in symptoms invades fat, muscle, tendon, or Mucormycosis in man such as painful, dark necrotic bone, the disease is classified is classified into five major lesions on the nasal bridge and as deep form of cutaneous

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 22 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 23 mucormycosis. haematogenous route to other negative. d)Gastrointestinal organs like kidney, liver and MEASURES FOR mucormycosis brain. Clinical signs exhibited by PREVENTION AND This form is less common calves and pigs in mucormycosis CONTROL and is believed to result from are vomiting, diarrhoea and The prevention accidental ingestion of agent gastroenteritis. of mucormycosis mainly through contaminated food DIAGNOSIS involves successful and water. Rarely the infection Mucormycosis is often management of the underlying was noticed in premature difficult to diagnose because of immunocompromising infants and malnourished non-specific signs of the disease. conditions and reversal of individuals affecting colon, No routine serologic tests for predisposing factors. Government and ileum of digestive tract mucormycosis are currently of India has issued an advisory (Kontoyiannis and Lewis, 2006). available, and blood tests such to prevent mucormycosis among Non-specific abdominal pain, as beta-D-glucan or Aspergillus COVID-19 recovered and distension, nausea, vomiting and galactomannan do not detect critically ill patients with the gastrointestinal bleeding are the mucormycetes. Clinical following dos and don’ts. symptoms. specimens used in diagnosis • Controlling diabetes is one e)Disseminated are sputum, bronchoalveolar of the foremost prevention mucormycosis lavage fluid, and biopsy sections methods suggested by Disseminated form of tissues. Indian Council Medical occur due to haematogenous Biopsy of infected Research (ICMR). Monitor spread of pathogen from some tissues with histopathological blood glucose level at other part of the body (Riley et assessment is the gold standard regular intervals. Especially al., 2016). The brain is most used for the confirmatory in COVID-19 recovered frequently affected, although diagnosis of cutaneous, diabetic patients, the it can also spread to spleen, rhinocerebral, and pulmonary control of diabetes and heart and skin. Disseminated mucormycosis. Black fungus diabetic ketoacidosis is very form is more commonly seen on biopsy typically appears crucial to minimise risk for in neutropenic individuals with as wide, ribbon like, aseptate mucormycosis. pulmonary infection. hyphal components, branching • In addition to this, steroids CLINICAL at right angles and frequently and immunosuppressive MANIFESTATIONS IN surrounded by widespread medications must be used ANIMALS necrotic debris (Spellberget al., with caution in cancer Predisposing factors 2005). Tissue biopsies can also and diabetic patients with underlying mucormycosis in be used for culture in addition COVID-19. humans apply for animals also. to histopathological assessment. • Avoid self-medication and The fungi usually affect an animal However, a negative culture does always try to use steroids, when it is immunocompromised not rule out a mucormycosis antibiotics and antifungal or suffering from metabolic infection (Phulpinet al., drugs judiciously at the disorders.Two clinical conditions 2013). Imaging techniques correct timing, correct dose of importance seen in cattle are like radiography, computed and duration. Doctor’s mucormycotic ruminitis and tomography (CT) scan, magnetic prescription should be strictly lymphadenitis. Mucormycotic resonance imaging (MRI) can be followed for this purpose. ruminitis is seen as a sequela utilised to determine the extent of • It is also important not to to intensive antibiotic treatment disease spread in rhinocerebral miss the early warning signs of cattle (Jensen et al., or pulmonary mucormycosis. and symptoms of disease. 1989). The organisms cause DNA-based techniques like Do not consider all the granulomatous lesions in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cases with blocked nose as mesenteric and mediastinal for detection can help in early cases of bacterial sinusitis, lymph nodes. Infection may diagnosis and prompt treatment particularly in the context of also be disseminated through especially when cultures are immunosuppression and/

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 24 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 25 or COVID-19 patients on breathing in fungi present in the approach is the need of the hour immunomodulator. air. Clinicians should consider to control these infections. • A “nib in the bud” strategy fungal pneumonias as a possible REFERENCES based on good personal cause of respiratory illness, [Anonymous]. 2021, hygiene is considered particularly if COVID-19 testing May.22. Mucormycosis declared as the most appropriate is negative. It is important to note a notifiable disease. The Hindu. method to stay away from that fungal diseases can occur p.5. mucormycosis. Patients at the same time as COVID-19. Brettholz, A.M. should maintain proper Therefore, early diagnosis and and Mccauley, S.O. 2018. hygiene by keeping their monitoring of these fungal co- Mucormycosis: Early hands as well as body clean. infections is the key to reduce Identification of a Deadly Wear masks scientifically and morbidity and mortality in such Fungus. J. Pediatr. Oncol. Nurs. always follow good hand COVID-19 patients. 35: 257-266. hygiene practices to keep CONCLUSION Ibrahim, A., Spellberg, both COVID-19 and fungal Mucormycosis, a rare B. and Edwards Jr, J.2008. Iron infections away. and fulminant fungal infection Acquisition: a novel prospective OTHER FUNGAL DISEASES with exceedingly high mortality on mucormycosis pathogenesis AND COVID-19 rate pose a significant threat to and treatment. Curr. Opin. Amidst the rising toll of medical community amidst the Infect. Dis. 21: 620. mucormycosis cases, four cases COVID crisis. Mucormycetes are Jensen, H.E., Basse, A. and of white fungus were reported usually found in soil and decaying Aalbcek, B. 1989. Mycosis in the from Patna Medical College vegetation. Disease is transmitted stomach compartments of cattle. and Hospital (PMCH) in Bihar. through inhalation, inoculation ActaVeterinariaScandinavica. White fungus affects the lungs or ingestion of fungal spores. 30: 409-423. and other parts of the body like Mucormycosis occur more Katragkou, A., Walsh, nails, skin, stomach, kidney, commonly in immunocomprised T.J. and Roilides, E. 2014. Why brain, private areas and mouth. patients such as COVID positive is mucormycosis more difficult People with severe COVID-19, people with comorbidities like to cure than more common such as those in intensive care diabetes, cancer, kidney or mycoses? Clin. Microbiol. Infect. unit (ICU), are particularly heart disease. Based on the 20:74-81. vulnerable to bacterial and fungal clinical presentation in man, Kontoyiannis, D.P. co-infections. mucormycosis is categorised and Lewis, R.E. 2006. Some of the other into rhino cerebral, pulmonary, Invasive zygomycosis: common fungal infections cutaneous, gastrointestinal and update on pathogenesis, in patients hospitalised for disseminated forms.Non-specific clinical manifestations, and COVID-19 include aspergillosis signs make the diagnosis of management. Infect Dis Clin or invasive candidiasis. Candida mucormycosis difficult hindering North Am.20: 581-607. auris is an emerging fungus the prompt treatment leading Lionakis M.S., that can cause candidemia, or to poor prognosis. “Nib in the Kontoyiannis D.P. 2005. Sinus bloodstream infections in patients bud” strategy based on early zygomycosis in a patient receiving with weakened immune systems diagnosis, systemic antifungal voriconazole prophylaxis. Br. J. admitted in healthcare facilities. therapy and aggressive surgical Haematol. 129: 2. Other fungal diseases, such as debridement should be followed Petrikkos, G., Skiada, Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis), for successful management of A., Lortholary, O., Roilides, E., histoplasmosis, and mucormycosis. Walsh, T. J., &Kontoyiannis, D. P. blastomycosis, can cause These concurrent 2012. Epidemiology and clinical fever, cough, and shortness of epidemics of fungal infections manifestations of mucormycosis. breath, similar to COVID-19 together with second wave of Clin. Infect. Dis. 54: 23-34. and bacterial pneumonias. pandemic is compounding Phulpin‐Weibel, A., These fungi live in soil and India’s crisis in public health Rivier, A., Leblanc, T., Bertrand, people become infected by sector. Hence, a One Health Y. and Chastagner, P. 2013.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 24 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 25 E.Sathyanarayana1 Tinting & K. Divya2 Dept. of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture 1Assistant Professor, Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad 2Ph.D. Scholar, SKLTSHU, Dyeing Rajendranagar Email: eeratisathyanarayana Techniques for [email protected] Value Addition of Different Flowers

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 26 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 27 Introduction Flowers are one of nature’s gifts that help to make the world a more beautiful place to live. It is an all-year-round gift because different flowers, with their various colours, express different human moods. They represent various emotions and also convey a message. For example, roses are the most symbolic of all flowers, and they come in a variety of colours. Red represents love and passion, whereas white represents purity and innocence. Pink, on the other hand, represents elegance and grace, whereas yellow represents warmth and joy; however, not all colours are available in all flowers. So, in order to have a flower of our preferred colour, they must be tinted.Tinting the flower refers to artificially colouring it. Tinting is an important value addition technology for imparting desired colour shades to flowers. Tinting is an effective technique in flower crops where colour pigments are lacking or dull. Objectives of Tinting • To produce unusual flower colours: There is always a high demand for Tinting in Rose varieties of colour. Costumer action is used in the process The solution’s concentration is preference for particular of tinting or dyeing the flower. typically 0.1- 0.2 percent. The flower colour also keeps Because of transpiration, the cut flowers are allowed to soak in on changing with time and end of the stem absorbs more this solution overnight. After fashion. water to replace the water lost. achieving the desired colour, the • To get higher economic Water and everything it contains, tinted spikes are removed and returns: Tinted or dyed including the dye, travel through thoroughly washed with water flowers are in great demand the plant through the xylem before being placed in plain for various occasions and after being absorbed by the cut water. After proper packaging, are sold at high prices in the stem. The chosen flower stems these tinted flowers can be stored market. should be cut at an angle with a in dry cold storage at 4-5° C for • To improve value of sharp knife or scissors, avoiding three days. flowers: Aesthetic value bruising or crushing the stem, Actually, the period of fresh and dry flowers is and then placed in a jar or of tinting varies depending enhanced through tinting beaker containing a solution on the flower, the type and by making available various of food colouring dye made by concentration of the dye used, beautiful and unusual shades dissolving a few drops of liquid the method of tinting, the length of flowers food colour in water. 3-4 cm of the spike, and the desired Method of Tinting of the spike’s cut end should colour intensity and pattern. The theory of capillary be immersed in the solution. Tinting and dyeing flowers

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 26 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 27 Tinting in Rose and Carnation are accomplished through Bromophenol blue, Phenol red, with glycerine preservatives to the methods of translocation, Eosin, and powdered food dyes colour flowers and foliage while immersion and spraying. The such as Orange red, Lemon they are preserved. The addition intensity of colour induction yellow, Apple green, and others of a surfactant, especially will be greater along the floret can be used to tint flowers. when dyeing fresh flowers, is margins than in the middle of Food colours are anionic, recommended to facilitate dye the lamina. Tinting time for safe, and preferable for tinting uptake. Once the dye reaches smaller flowers like candytufts flowers. Liquid food colours the flowers, it can be easily and lady’s lace is one to two are also available. They are tracked as it travels through hours. Tuberoses and Gerberas water soluble and are used to the xylem or veins. The dye with herbaceous stems are also dye fresh cut flowers that can concentration should be chosen tinted within a few hours. Flowers be used either fresh or dried or based on the desired colour with woody stems require more preserved. By combining the intensity. time to tint. Creating multiple primary liquid food colouring If the stems are too shades in a single flower is dyes, new secondary and tertiary woody, flowers can be dyed by possible by first immersing the colours can be created, which spraying colour on the petals. flowers in one solution for a day can then be used to tint flowers. Although it does not and then transferring them to Blue, purple and pink, green, produce a uniformly coloured a solution of a different colour and yellow are the most popular petal surface, this technique is later. This will result in the tips of colours for tinting tuberose, widely used for dying dry flowers. one color’s flower petals and the white carnation, daisy and rose. For this purpose, water colours bases of another color’s flower Food dyes at a concentration and paints can be used. petals. of 10% produce good results Flower crops suitable for About the dyes used for because the treated flowers tinting tinting of flowers develop a higher colour intensity • Cut as well as loose flowers Acidic dye solutions and better uptake of the solution. of Tuberose such as Bromocresol green, Dyes are used in conjunction • White cultivars of Gladiolus

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 28 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 29 • White cultivars of Roses • White cultivars of Carnations, Chrysanthemum. • Different Orchid species, Daisies and Liliums • Loose flowers like Jasmine, Crossandra, etc. Considerations for tinting flowers • White flowers are best for dying because they achieve a single shade of the colour. Colored flowers can be chosen if one wishes to have multicoloured flowers. However, lighter shades, such as light pink, cream, and so on, should be preferred. • For the best results, use freshly cut and opened flowers. They must be fully opened and developed.While tinting, flowers should be placed at room temperature and optimum relative humidity should be maintained as these factors influence the intensity of colour induction in the flower. • Stopping irrigation two days before harvesting improves Tinting in Tuberose flower colour. • Tinting can be combined with the water will begin to wash S;Saiyed, L. H; Parmar, M. pulsing treatment to improve the colour out of the petals, R;Ardeshna, R. B; Patel, S. Y; quality. resulting in uneven patterns. Patel, K. K. and Patel, A .M. • Using warm water promotes • Thus tinting and dyeing of Research Accomplishments better colour absorption than flowers is an easy method to andRecommendations (2008) cold water. have brilliantly and uniquely NavsariAgricultural University, • Stopping irrigation two days coloured flowers at our Navsari, 2008, 396-450. before harvesting improves disposal, anytime for any Viradia, R. R; Barad, A. flower colour. occasion. This technique and Polara, N. D. ValueAddition • Tinting can be combined with of value addition in flowers through Use of Dye Chemicals pulsing treatment to improve has given chances to make andFloral Preservatives in quality. the best use of the white Tuberose (PolianthesTuberosaL.) • Using warm water promotes coloured flowers by giving Cv. Double, InternationalJournal better colour absorption than them novel hues and colour of Forestry and Horticulture, cold water. patterns. 1(1),2015, 1-4. • Using a sharp knife, cut References Dhaduk B K, Naik D K. the flowers under water to Sudha D Patil, Harshal E Effect of differentedible dyes prevent air bubbles and Patil. Valueaddition of candytuft on flower colouring of tuberos tissue damage from clogging (IberisumbellataL.)cut flowers e(PolianthustuberosaLinn) cvs. the cambial layer of the stem. coloured with edible dyes, Single Localand Double Local, • Tinted flowers should not AsianJ. of Bio Sci, 3(1), 2008, Symposium of IndianFloriculture be placed in clear water for 163-167. in new millennium, 36(2), more than 24 hours because Pathak, H. C; Rao, G. 2003,341-343.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 28 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 29 Ummeseema N. Ph.D Scholar Dept. Post Harvest Technology College of Horticulture, Bangalore

Nutritional and health benefits of Moringa Introduction About 33 species in the family weaning infants and nursing Drumstick (Moringa Moringaceae have been mothers. oleifera L.) is one of the most reported. Among these, 13 The leaves, seeds and nutritious and most popular species are well known and flowers all have good nutritional vegetable grown throughout widely available around the and therapeutic values used to India, with predominant crop world About 33 species have prevent or treat protein-energy culture prevalent in semi- arid been reported. It adopts well in malnutrition and other nutritional regions of southern India. The different soils and adjusts well related diseases. genus Moringa is derived from even in marginal conditions. India is a major Moringa Malayalam word Muringo. It Drumstick is widely promoted producing country, accounting is a fast growing, drought- in areas of chronic malnutrition for about 80% of global demand. resistant tree of the family. as nutritional supplements for Among the different states area

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 30 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 31 under cultivation is: natural supplement for treating ward off cancers by neutralizing Andhra Pradesh -15,665 ha and preventing diabetes, and free-radicals that can damage (area and production) may even reverse type 1 and 2 cells and DNA to trigger tumor Tamilnadu -13,042 ha diabetes (in studies with rats). In development. Studies show that Karnataka - 10,280 ha studies, moringa helps prevent specific moringa leaf extracts • India having foreign share sugar spikes after meals and such as glucosinolates and about 80% reduces fasting blood sugar quercetin help inhibit growth • Export of drumstick leaves – levels in both diabetic and non- and trigger cell death in growing Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, diabetic animals. Maintaining tumors Odisha healthy blood sugar is key to 5. Helps to treat low-iron • Indian export – 11.61 Crore reducing inflammation, boosting anemia (2018) 14.60 Crore (2019) your mood, and preventing heart Moringa is an ideal iron Nutritional value of disease and diabetes. supplement, and perfect for Moringa leaves 2. Lowers inflammation vegetarians who may need help Moringa leaves have and oxidative stress hitting their iron and protein been reported to be a rich source Moringa is a powerful intake. On top of providing of β-carotene, protein, vitamin anti-inflammatory agent, a potent plant-based iron, C, calcium and potassium and and helps soothe chronic compounds in moringa actually act as a viable and good source inflammation in body by improve iron absorption levels, of natural antioxidant. Moringa suppressing inflammatory increase red blood cell counts, are rich in more than 90 enzymes and boosting production and prevents the breakdown of nutrients including 40 powerful of anti-inflammatory cytokines. red blood cells seen in sickle-cell antioxidants and contains high it also boasts an impressive anemia. amount of protein, iron, carotene, arsenal of antioxidants including 6. Cognitive decline potassium, phosphorus, vitamin vitamins C and E, flavonoids and High antioxidant content C and calcium. polyphenols. These compounds present in Moringa has ability Different parts of plant scavenge harmful free radicals, to protect your brain tissue contain important minerals and and protect your cells from against neurodegeneration and nutrients. Every 100g of leaves oxidative stress, DNA damage damage. Moringa leaf extract contain moisture (75g), protein and inflammation may be valuable in treating (6.7g), fat(1.7g) carbohydrates 3.Protects against viral, memory-related disorders such (13.4g), fibre (0.9g), minerals fungal and bacterial as Alzheimer’s and dementia. (2.3g), calcium (440mg) infections In one rat study, treatment with phosphorous (70mg), iron Several compounds moringa helped regulate and (7mg), carotene (11,300 IU) in moringa are naturally restore healthy neurotransmitter and ascorbic acid (220 mg) antibacterial, antiviral, levels after Alzheimer’s-like brain respectively. antifungal, and antiparasitic. damage Moringa leaves are This makes moringa useful in 7. Protects the liver excellent source of beneficial food preservation and water Moringa consumption phytochemicals such as purification, and protecting from help to reduce liver fibrosis and cytokinins (zeatin), sterols, nasty food-borne infection protect against liver damage. alkaloids, flavonoids (quercetin, 4. Moringa fights cancer Certain compounds present kaempferol and isothiocyanate), and triggers cell death in moringa help to protect the tannis, saponins, phenolic and Moringa may play an liver against toxins or drug glycoside compounds. exciting role in treating cancer, exposure. Moringa has high Health benefits of Moringa and enhancing cancer treatments antioxidant content and ability to 1. Lowers blood sugar and such as chemotherapy. Moringa detoxify heavy metals make it an protects against diabetes leaves pack a potent dose of ideal supplement for supporting Moringa is a antioxidants, compounds that kidney and liver health

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 30 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 31 8. Protects the kidneys Reference J., 2013, Blood sugar Lowering Moringa is high in Faruq, A., Sajid, L., effect of M.oleifera Lam. in Albino calcium oxalates, but not the Muhammad, A. and Gilani, rats. Int. J. Sci. Tech. 3(1): 88- kind of oxalates that cause A. H., 2007, Moringa oleifera: 90. Qureshi, S. and solanki, H., kidney stones. Calcium oxalates A Food Plant with Multiple 2015, Moringa Oleifera Lam., are non-soluble, which means Medicinal Uses, Phytotherapy a wonder plant curing multiple your body can excrete them Research., 21:17-25 ailments, its phytochemistry and without worrying about kidney Edoga, C. O., Njoku, O. its pharmacological applications, stones O., Amadi, E. N. and Okeke, J. Int. res. J. chem. 3(2): 64-71

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 32 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 33 ttaining food security for matter decline, soil structural AMIT KUMAR1 a growing population degradation, water and wind R. SINGH2 and alleviating poverty erosion, insufficient return of R.K. AVASTHE3 while, sustaining organic material and mono- SUBHASH BABU4 agricultural systems cropping. Therefore, a paradigm B.A. GUDADE5 A 6 under the current scenario of shift in farming practices through GAURAV VERMA 1,2 and 3ICAR–National Organic depleting natural resources, eliminating unsustainable parts Farming Research Institute, Tadong, negative impacts of climatic of conventional agriculture such Gangtok, Sikkim 737102 4ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research variability, spiraling cost of inputs as ploughing/tilling the soil, Institute, New Delhi-110012 5ICRI, Regional Research Station, and volatile food prices are the removing all organic material Spices Board, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737 102 major emerging challenges and monoculture is crucial for 6Department of Agronomy, CCS Haryana Agriculture University, of the Asian countries. These future productivity. Conservation Hisar, Haryana 125004 are caused mainly by intensive agriculture (CA), a concept tillage induced soil organic evolved as a response to

CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE IN INDIA IN THE ERA OF CLIMATE CHANGE RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 32 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 33 Fig: Zero-till wheat Fig: Hand punch zero-till seed drill concerns of sustainability of practices where he questioned controlling weed chemically. agriculture globally, has steadily the wisdom of ploughing. Some It all became possible when increased worldwide to cover of his statements are: “No one Peter Hobbs, the regional wheat about 156.9 M ha world arable has ever advanced a scientific agronomist from the CIMMYT land (FAO, 2017). reason for plowing”; “There is introduced inverted-T openers HISTORY OF simply no need for plowing in for drilling seed, in 1990.A CONSERVATION the first instance and most of first prototype of the Indian ZT AGRICULTURE the operations that customarily seed drill was developed at Tillage, particularly follow the plowing are entirely GBPUAT, Pantnagar. Presently in fragile ecosystems, was unnecessary, if the land has not CA is practiced in 1.5 M ha area questioned for the first time in been plowed”. in India (FAO, 2016). Except the 1930s, when the dustbowls CONSERVATION rice-wheat cropping system CA is devastated wide areas of the mid- AGRICULTURE IN INDIA being practiced in cotton-wheat, west United States. Concepts for CA is introduced in India, pigeon pea-wheat etc. reducing tillage and keeping Pakistan and Bangladesh in CONSERVATION soil covered were introduced 1990s. It was the post green AGRICULTURE and the term conservation revolution period where, According to FAO tillage was introduced to reflect excessive use of chemical input (2007), CA is a concept for such practices aimed at soil lead to stagnant condition in resource saving agricultural protection. At the same time the yield of crop especially in crop production that strives to theoretical concepts resembling rice-wheat cropping system. acceptable profits together with today’s CA concept were During this period gaining high and sustained production developed by Edward Faulkner sustainability in crop production level while concurrently who published a book called system was the matter of concern conserving all the natural Plowman’s Follyand Masanobu for agronomists. In India CA resources. CA is characterized Fukuoka who published a book started in the form of zero-tillage by four linked principles, namely: called One Straw Revolution. and their efforts failed due to 1.continuous minimum Edward Faulkner’s book technical difficulties, such as mechanical soil disturbance Plowman’s Folly was a milestone lack of appropriate seeding 2. Permanent organic soil cover in the history of agricultural machinery and difficulties in 3. Diversification of crop species

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 34 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 35 Fig: Turbo happy seeder

grown in rotation, sequences or below the ground surface. (31 M ha), Canada (19 M associations STATUS OF ha) and Australia (22 M ha). 4. Reduced trafficability. CONSERVATION In India, CA adoption is still CA principles are AGRICULTURE IN in the initial phases. Over the universally applicable to all INDIA AND ABROAD past few years, adoption of zero agricultural landscapes and Globally, CA is being tillage and CA has expanded land uses with locally adapted practiced on about 180 M to cover about 1.5 M ha (FAO, practices. CA enhances ha. The major CA practicing 2017). The major CA based biodiversity and natural countries are USA (43 M ha), technologies being adopted is biological processes above and Brazil (32 M ha), Argentina zero-till (ZT) wheat in the rice-

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 34 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 35 Fig: Soybean cultivation under bed planting system wheat (RW) system of the Indo- • Environmental benefits: crop rotation, crop residue Gangetic plains (IGP). In other CA involving zero-till and management, bed planting, crops and cropping systems, the surface managed crop direct seeded rice and laser land conventional agriculture based residue systems are an leveling etc. crop management systems excellent opportunity to CONSERVATION TILLAGE are gradually undergoing a eliminate burning of crop According to the paradigm shift from intensive residue which contribute to Conservation Technology tillage to reduced/zero- large amounts of greenhouse Information Center USA,

tillage operations. The CA gases like CO2, CH4 and conservation tillage is defined

based resource conservation N2O, sequester carbon, as: “any tillage or planting technologies (RCTs) also help in improve biodiversity and system in which at least 30% integrating crop, livestock, land to improve air and water of the soil surface is covered and water management research quality. by plant residue after planting in both low and high potential • Economic benefits: to reduce erosion by water or environment. CA practices reduce cost of where soil erosion by wind is the BENEFITS OF production which is attributed primary concern, with at least CONSERVATION to savings on account of 1120 kg ha-1 flat small grain AGRICULTURE fuel, labour and input costs, residue on the surface during • Agronomic benefits: particularly herbicides. the critical wind erosion period. It improves soil productivity CONSERVATION Zero-tillage, mulch tillage, ridge by enhancing the soil AGRICULTURE tillage, contour tillage etc are physical, chemical and PRACTICES IN INDIA different type of conservation biological properties. It Though major CA-based tillage.The prevailing ZT increases SOC by adding technologies being adopted technology in the IGP uses a crop residue continuously. is zero-till (ZT) wheat in the tractor drawn zero-till-seed drill Due to covering of soil by rice-wheat (RW) system of the to seed, wheat directly sown into crop residue it conserve soil Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP), unplowed fields with a single moisture thereby increase other CA-based RCTs being pass of the tractor. The typical water use efficiency. adopted in India are diversified ZT drill has inverted-T openers

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 36 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 37 Fig: Direct seeded rice

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 36 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 37 and opens a number (6–13) of Applying a diversified 2%; save water by 25-30%; narrow slits for placing seed and crop rotation increases the 2. 3-4 % in net crop field area fertilizers at the depth of 7.5–10 overall productivity of the 3. Improves crop stand and cm into the soil. cropping system and as such yield. Seeding through turbo also the long-term profitability, Direct seeded rice happy seeder compared to monocropping DSR- an alternative to Turbo happy seeder of economically attractive cash transplanted rice for saving (THS) is a planter capable of crops which in the long term labour& water. Rice can be sown direct drilling seed and fertilizers always proves not sustainable. directly on dry soil or on puddled at desired seed and fertilizer Bed planting soil (by broadcasting or drum rates, depth and spacing in field Cultivation of crops seeder). It is a labour, fuel, time with surface retention of residues is done on raised beds and & water-saving technology. DSR (>8 t/ha). Zero tillage operation irrigation is applied in furrows, can be practiced in different saved labour, water, energy, which also act as drainage ecologies including upland, reduced cost of production channels. Under CA the beds lowland, deep water & irrigated and improved/ maintained soil would be converted into condition. DSR save 35-40% of heath while facilitating timely permanent beds whereas,soil irrigation water. planting with similar or higher tillage is limited to periodic SUMMARY crop productivity (Sidhu et al., cleaning and reshaping of the Unsustainable and faulty 2007). furrows. Crops are sown on adoption of agro-practices such Crop residue management 40 cm wide raised beds and as excessive tilling of the soil, The permanent soil providing irrigation in 30 cm removing all organic material cover through crops, mulch wide furrows. and monoculture create diverse or green manure cover crops Number of rows varies type of problems such as soil complements zero tillage effects with different crops: 3 rows of organic matter decline, soil by supplying substrate for soil wheat, 2 rows for peas, green structural degradation, water organic matter build up and for gram, soybean, mustard; one and wind erosion, reduced the soil life which is facilitated by row for maize, pigeon pea etc. productivity, vulnerability of crop not disturbing the soil. Protection Benefits of bed plantings are easy to certain pests and diseases, of the soil surface by mulch intercultural operation,saves which ultimately reduces crop helps in reducing evaporation nitrogen, water and seed, less production potential of soils. and avoiding crusting. It also germination of weeds on top Thus, CA,is a concept of suppresses weed growth. Residue of beds, less dependency on resource saving in agricultural retention under conservation herbicides, reduces lodging and crop production system that agriculture practices are still reduced cost of cultivation. strives to get acceptable valid, as long as sufficient organic Laser land leveling profits together with high and matter is supplied to the system The laser-assisted sustained production level while, to build up soil organic matter precision land leveling is concurrently conserving all the and to increase productivity. precursor technology for natural resources and practices Diversified crop rotation adoption of CA practices like diversified crop rotation, crop Crop rotation serve zero-tillage, bed planting. It residue management, bed different purposes in the alters the field having a constant planting, direct seeded rice, system and are linked to the slope of 0 to 0.2% using laser laser land leveling etc. other three principles. Besides equipped drag bucket (land CA has gained the phytosanitary and weed surface smoothening with in ± significant importance toward management objectives, crop 2mm from its average elevation). agronomic, environmental and rotation serve to open different Benefits of laser land leveling economic benefits for providing soil horizons with different are: food security and agricultural rooting types. 1. Increases irrigated area ~ sustainability.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 38 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 39 Pragati KumarMaurya1 Satendra Kumar2 Deepak Kumar3 Sunil Kumar4 1Senior Research Fellow, Pusa-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012 2Professor, SVPUA&T, Meerut (U.P.) 3ResearchScholar, ANDUA&T, Ayodhdha (U.P.) 4Technical Assistant, Pusa-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012

POLLUTED SOIL AND REMEDIATION

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 38 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 39 eavy metals are serious Heavy metals and their sources tend to be more mobile environmental pollutants sources and bioavailable than other now a days. They are Heavy metals sources. The industry of mining released as waste which are conventionally defined as and processing metals is a Hpollutes the soil & elements with metallic properties major source of heavy metal ranges from solid organic and having an atomic number >20 concentration in farmlands. inorganic wastes, solvents and and a specific density of more Remediation of soil several other substances.The than 5 gcm−3. Heavy metals Remediation of heavy agricultural activities involving enter the environment from metals is necessary to protect addition of nutrients, pesticides natural and anthropogenic the soil and environment and sediments to soil also sources (Table no.1). Among from their toxic effects and to causes heavy metal pollution the natural sources, heavy protect the environment for in agricultural fields. Dispersal metals occur naturally in the future generations. Numerous of waste from its source can soil environment from the physicochemical and biological be through the atmosphere, pedogenetic processes of methods have been adopted through water bodies or directly weathering of parent materials at to eliminate the heavy metals. into the soil itself. Pollutants levels that are regarded as trace Some of the important methods are transported from soil to (<1000mg∙kg−1) and rarely are discussed below: the water bodies where they toxic.On the other hand, among 1. Physical remediation contribute to further damage of the anthropogenic sources, The physical remediation the soil and water environment. human activities(mining, mainly includes soil replacement Environmental pollution has smelting, electroplating, method and thermal desorption. become a serious public health energy and fuel production, The soil replacement means concern as it causes several power transmission, intensive using clean soil to replace or serious diseases throughout agriculture, sludge dumping partly replace the contaminated the world. In soil, heavy metals and melting operations) are soil with the aim of diluting cause toxicological effects on the main contributor of heavy the pollutant concentration, soil microbes, which may lead to metal contamination in soil and increasing the soil environmental a decrease in their number and environment. Heavy metals in capacity, and thus remediating activities. the soil from anthropogenic the soil. The soil replacement is

Table 1.Sources of selected heavy metals in the environment Heavy Metals Sources As Semiconductors, petroleum refining, wood preservatives, animal feed additives, coal power plants, herbicides, volcanoes, mining and smelting. Cu Electroplating industry, smelting and refining, mining biosolids Cd Geogenic sources, anthropogenic activities, metal smelting and refining, fossil fuel burning, application of phosphate fertilizers, sewage sludge. Cr Electroplating industry, sludge, solid waste, tanneries. Pb Mining and smelting of metalliferous ores, burning of leaded gasoline, municipal sewage, industrial wastes enriched in Pb, paints. Hg Volcano eruptions, forest fire, emissions from industries producing caustic soda, coal, peat and wood burning Se Coal mining, oil refining, combustion of fossil fuels, glass manufacturing industry, chemical synthesis (e.g., varnish, pigment formulation) Ni Volcanic eruptions, land fill, forest fire, bubble bursting and gas exchange in ocean, weathering of soils and geological materials Zn Electroplating industry, smelting and refining, mining, biosolids

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 40 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 41 also divided into three types, can leach the pollutant from metallic oxides, biomaterials, including soil replacement, the soil. Through ion exchange, etc. The ability of bonemeal soil spading and new soil precipitation, adsorption and (finely ground, poorly crystalline

importing. This method is chelation, the heavy metals in apatite, Ca10(PO4)6OH2) to suitable for contaminated soil soil are transformed from soil to immobilize pollutant metals in small areas. Besides the liquid phase, and then recovered in soils and reduce metal replaced soil should be treated. from the leachate. The leachate bioavailability through the Soil spading is deep digging mainly include inorganic eluent, formation of metal phosphates the contaminated soil, making chelation agents and surfactant has been evaluated. The the pollutant to spread into the etc. chemical fixation could deep sites and achieving the aim 2.2. Chemical fixation remediate the soil with low of diluting. New soil importing Chemical fixation is concentration of Cu, Zn, Pb is adding lots of clean soil into adding reagents or materials and Cd contaminant, however, the contaminated soil as cover into the contaminated soil so the bioavailability of fixed heavy over the surface or mixing to that they react with heavy metals metals may be changed with make the pollutant concentration to form insoluble or hardly the change in environmental decreasing. movable, low toxic matters, condition. 2.Chemical remediation thus decreasing the migration 2.3.Electro kinetic 2.1.Chemical leaching of heavy metals to water, plant remediation Chemical leaching is and other environmental media Electro kinetic washing the contaminated soil and achieving the remediation remediation is a new using fresh water, reagents, of soil. The soil conditioning remediation technology, which and others fluids or gas that materials used include clays, is mainly by applying voltage

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 40 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 41 at the two sides of soil thus The phytostabilization, of VA mycorrhizae as a forming electric field gradient. phytovolatilization and biological agent in reducing The pollutants are carried to phytoextraction are the main the toxicity of heavy metals the two poles treatment room three types of phytoremediation. is worth mentioning. However, via electromigration, electro- Phytostabilization is fixing the vulnerability of biological osmotic flow or electrophoresis heavy metals by plants through remediation is affected by and then treated further. It is the adsorption, precipitation different kinds of factors, suitable for low permeable and reduction of root; thus such as temperatures, oxygen, soil, and has the following reducing their migration and moisture, pH value etc. It is advantages (1) easy to install bioavailability and preventing also limited in applications, and operate (2)low cost and them from migrating into the such as some microorganisms (3) do not destroy original groundwater and food chain. can only degrade special nature of the environment. Phytoextraction is adsorbing contaminants, microbes/zymin So this method can achieve the heavy metals using tolerant may which incur secondary environmental remediation and and accumulating plants, and pollution. protect the original ecotope. then transferring, storing at the 3.3 Animal remediation The main improved methods overground parts. Studying the Animal remediation is include adding buffer solution in adsorption characterization of based on the characterization of cathode and anode to control different plants and screening some lower animals adsorbing pH value, using ion exchange high uptake plants is the key of heavy metals, degrading, membrane to control pH value, this technology. migrating the heavy metals and adding complexant to improve 3.2 Microbial remediation thus removing and inhibiting migration, etc. The microorganisms their toxity. The studies showed 3. Biological remediation cannot degrade and destroy that, the treatment of the The biological the heavy metals, but can earthworm-straw mulching remediation includes affect the migration and combinations enhanced plant phytoremediation, microbial transformation through Cu concentration, and the remediation and animal changing their physical and amount increased by it was remediation. chemical characterizations. lower than that of the earthworm 3.1 Phytoremediation The remediation mechanisms treatment but higher than that of Phytoremediation is the include extracellular straw mulching treatment. The use of living green plants to fix or complexation, precipitation, accumulation amount increased adsorb contaminants and clean oxidation-reduction reaction with the Pb concentrations also. the contaminants or reduce their and intracellular accumulation. The research of risk or make them disappear. Microbial leaching is a remediation technologies Here are some important simple and effective technology in India is still in initial crops for the remediation of for extracting valuable metals and experimental stage. polluted sites with economic from low-grade ores and The development strategy returns, because of their tolerant mineral concentrates. Besides of future remediation nature. Cymbopogon flexuosus the industrial application for technologies is researching (NeesexSteud.), Wats (lemon raw materials supply, microbial green, environmental-friendly grass), Vetiveria zizanioides leaching has some potential biological remediation, (Linn) Nash, Ricinus communis for remediation of mining combining remediation, in-situ L. (castor bean), Jatropha curcas sites, treatment of mineral remediation, quick remediation, L., Prosopis juliflora (Sw) DC, industrial waste products, and supplying technical Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet detoxification of sewage sludge support for agricultural soil basil), Rosa damascena mill L., and for remediation of soils contamination, industrial and Nelumbo nucifera (sacred and sediments contaminated enterprises, brownfield, mining lotus). with heavy metals. The role sites, etc.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 42 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 43 HibiscusAn encyclopedia of medicinal value

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 42 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 43 ibiscus rosa- world. Fleshy red color flowers rosa- sinensis helps to cure these sinensis native are used for the preparation of problems. to southeastern juice, wine, cake, chocolates d) Wound healing Asia (china), is etc. These are rich in carotene, The flower extract of commonly found in riboflavin, anthocyanin, and hibiscus increases the cellular Htropical region and seen as a ascorbic acid, Niacin, Calcium, proliferation and collagen common plant throughout the Iron and Vitamin-C. aynthesis at the wound site and world. Hibiscus rosa- sinensis is Traditional uses significantly helps in wound commonly known as Hawaiian The red coloured flowers healing. hibiscus or Chinese hibiscus. was most preferred in medicines. e) Anti diabetic It is an evergreen, profusely Roots and leaves are used to H. rosa-sinensis could flowering, perennial, woody regulate menstruation cycle have great importance as ornamental shrub belonging and stimulate blood circulation. a safe therapeutic agent in to the family Malvaceae and Leaves were also used as Diabetes mellitus. Aqueous distributed widely in the tropical abortifacient and to stimulate extract and ethanolic extract of regions. The edible flower is expulsion of placenta after the flowers and leaves have anti defined as non toxic, innocuous childbirth. Flowers were used diabetic effect. Phytochemical flowers with health benefits for regulation of menstrual study reveals that alkaloids, when consumed in human cycle, for liver disorders, high tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, diet. Edible flowers impart blood pressure as antitussive, coumarins, steroids, flavonoids unique and powerful color, for stomach pain, for eye were present in the extract. flavor and aroma to the food, problems, as abortifacient and f) Hair growth and therefore have gained as an aphrodisiac. The leaves of Hibiscus flowers are popularity in the culinary world Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were used known as hair growth promoter as an innovative ingredient. It for the treatment of dysentery in traditional and folklore also posses bioactive properties and diarrhoea medicines. Presence of active and is recommended to be used Therapeutic uses constituents like flavanoids and as a herbal alternative to cure a) Anti bacterial effect tannins are responsible for hair many diseases. Hibiscus is known for its growth activity. The antidiabetic Nutritional uses antibacterial activity. Hibiscus activity was performed by enzyme Fresh flowers of Hibiscus plants can be sources of inhibition (α-glycosidase) in rosa- sinensis contain 83% compounds that can potentiate in-vitro method of extraction and moisture. These flowers are rich the activity of antibiotics against the extract showed significant in proteins, fat, carbohydrates, resistant bacterial pathogens. inhibition. Beta carotene, Vitamin–C, b) Anti ulcer g) Antilithiatic calcium, potassium, Boron and The acquires and alcohol The aqueous extract zinc. extracts of Hibiscus rosa- sinensis of flowers of Hibiscus rosa- Leaves of Hibiscus roots possess significant antiulcer sinensis was evaluated for its rosa- sinensis have high fibre activity. It has been scientifically antilithiatic potential in vitro. content and they are rich in proven that these extracts posses Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a good carbohydrates, proteins, calcium enough potential as an anti- remedy for leucorrhea, chronic and potassium ulcerogenic agent. cough, urinary diseases and Domestic application c) Inflammation psychiatric ailments without The uses of different Inflammation is a any side effects and is less part of hibiscus are many localized reaction that produces expensive. The presence of and varied both in food and redness, warmth swelling and calcium oxalate crystals was traditional medicine. All parts pain as result of infection. The evaluated immediately and after of hibiscus including leaves, treatment of affected area with 24 hrs of stone induction.The flowers and roots are used as extracts of flowers and leaf of components present in the flower food in different parts of the white and red coloured Hibiscus extract might be responsible

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 44 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 45 for its preventive action against improve digestion control cholesterol and heart kidney stone formation. • The roots of hibiscus are problems. Other medicinal uses boiled in oil until the water • Hibiscus is rich in vitamin-C • The extract of hibiscus flower gets evaporated, then the that would help to boost has been used as anti solar oil can be applied to the immune system. agent by absorbing UV wounds caused by cancer. Conclusion radiation This is very useful in initial Hibiscus rosa sinensis • The chemicals in hibiscus stage of cancer. is a common flower found in flowers help in the growth of • Hibiscus flower is also used many parts of the world. Yet only hair. It reduces dandruff and to increases the blood count a few people are aware of its keeps the hair black in anemic people health benefits. Indian Ayurvedic • The oil of hibiscus flower can • Oil extracted from red medicine has recognized the be used as contraceptive. coloured hibiscus are medicinal effects of this flower • The juice from the hibiscus used for cooling head and long ago and recommends its leaves and flowers can eliminate headache and to use in treating many ailments. regularize the menstrual also remove dandruff People are moving towards cycle • Hibiscus decoction help to ayurveda to cure ailments in • Ayurveda says the medicine lose weight and to prevent order to reduce the side effects made from its roots can be cold and fever of English medicines. So hibiscus used for the prevention of • Flowers are home remedy to is one such plant for curing many venereal diseases cure mouth ulcers. ailments. So plant a hibiscus at • If the buds of white hibiscus • Flowers are boiled in water your surroundings to keep you flowers are eaten in the and drinking this water away from many of the above early morning, it will help to would be beneficial to ailments.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 44 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 45 n the usurping phase of thereby curbing greenhouse gas Dr.Yamuna S CoVID- 19 pandemic, close emissions. Assistant Editor - Keralakarshakan Farm Information Bureau calls are hovering, to ban The plant-based meat Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala the trade and consumption (PBM) and cell-based meat Ph: 8086915318 Iof wild animals that may (CBM) are approaches meant for cause zoonotic diseases. Such meat production based on non- a sudden policy-induced ban animal sources. Products like tofu in mitigating climate change. on meat consumption will lead from soybean are traditionally A nascent industry to food insecurity, reduced known but the novel plant-based The first lab grown meat protein intake and malnutrition, meat analogues that had been or slaughter free hamburger especially in meat consuming already commercialised have was developed in 2013 by nations worldwide. The use better sensory characteristics the company Mosa Meat in of animal source foods are like appearance, flavour, texture the Netherlands and worth essential for better nutrition and aroma. Cellular agriculture 250000 US dollars. Mark Post, especially in children, but is an emerging field of science a vascular biologist at Maastricht overuse of certain types like meant for developing meat from University was the brain behind red meat is related to excess muscle or fat cells of cows, pigs, it and got a patent. Since then greenhouse gas emissions, chicken, insects rather than efforts has been taken by various loss of biodiversity, freshwater whole animals. Cultured meat private enterprises all around use, antibiotic resistance and production needs 99 percent the world like Memphis food, diet related diseases in the less land, 90% less water and Aleph farms, Cargill & Tyson long run. In his recent book on 45% less energy. Besides, it’s in developing cultured meat “How to avoid climate change” feasibility even in traditionally meant for global population. Bill Gates, recommended the inhospitable areas of livestock Good Food Institute (GFI), a rich developed nations to use production and minimal animal non-profit organisation based synthetic meat in their diets, cruelty enunciates a valid strategy at Washington DC, working on LAB GROWN MEAT HOW FAR IS THE REALITY..?

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 46 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 47 alternative meat sources offered known as hydrolysis. Secondly firm is utilising jackfruit for plant 2.3 million US dollars since the protein extracted should based meat in ready to cook 2018 for almost 16 research be formulated to organise the packs, thereby opens up a new teams working on cultured texture and nutritional content as trend to efficiently make use of meat. In November 2020, a of meat by using food adhesives, the underutilised superfood. 4-year project- CUSTOMEAT fat or flour of plant origin. According to Indian got funding from government Finally it’s the processing phase Council of Food & Agriculture sources in Belgium for scientists where all the ingredients should (ICFA) report, in 2013 the per at Ghent University & KU Leuven. undergo reshaping process to capita meat consumption in Kate Kreuger, a Cambridge get meat like texture. Compared India was among the lowest based cellular agriculture firm to CBM, the retail cost of PBM among countries, at 5.6 kg consultant states that as this multi is lower but in a retail set up the against the global average of disciplinary field, remains a no- processing cost worths 94% of 33.2 kg. But 70% of population man’s land between biomedical the final product price. above the age of 15, consumed research and agriculture Indian scenario non-vegeterian diet in 2014, research, reasonates the crunch Good food institute (GFI) as per a 2016 survey report from public funding sources. made a MoU with the publicly released by Registrar General Technical challenges funded Mumbai based research of India. The source material institute - Indian Chemical The increasing i.e., the animal cells taken for Technology (ICT) in 2019. The population, demand for quality biopsies or cell lines, protein as Centre for Cellular and Molecular food, improved purchasing power growth factors and the nutrient Biology (CCMB) at Hyderabad, of people, rapid urbanisation, medium plays a crucial role in received a grant from Department changing consumer lifestyle the success of final product. of Biotechnology in 2019 for including veganism all pinpoints The proliferation of muscle development of cell based meat, a bright future both in India and cells and its differentiation to along with National Research globally for the alternative meat mature meat needs optimal Centre on Meat (NCRM). “Efforts market. Considering the rich growth medium which is still in are progressing in our lab on biodiversity of flora & fauna and experimental stage. An edible culturing sheep stem cells by rich animal or insect resources scaffolding material that shape optimising media and growth give an edge for India in the up the meat is another technical scaffolds for the expansion & business by availing various hurdle. 3D printing option were differentiation to muscle cells” technologies and strategies for used by some companies to said Dr. Jyotsna Dhawan on alternative meat production. mimic a steak from cultured behalf of Director, CCMB. References meat. Muscle tissues are formed Meanwhile NCRM conducted a 1. Investigating the risks by the fusion of thousands survey on consumer acceptability of removing wild meat from of individual precursor cells aspects and now starting to global food systems - Hollie known as myotubes. Cells need isolate cells from muscle in their Booth et.al - Current Biology, physical stimuli to mature into dedicated cell culture facility April 2021, Vol.31/8, pg.1788- myofibres. Scaling up of the along with CCMB experts” Dr. 1797. product in bioreactors under Dhawan added. 2. Uneven decline in batch/ continuous/ stirred tank At the private sector, food system inequality- Shauna method is yet to standerdise. India became a commercial hub M Downs& Elizabeth Fox- Nature Plant based mock meat even for foreign companies like food, March 2021,Vol 2, pg. Plant based mock meat California based-Beyond meat 141-142. industry is in advanced stage in plant based meat industry. 3. Will cell based meat with more customer acceptance A good number of Indian ever be a dinner staple? - and US companies like Beyond firms/ start ups like Gooddot, Elie Dolgin- Nature outlook, meat and Impossible foods Vezley, Ahimsa foods are all December 2020. had already been in business conspicuous in urban cities and 4. Plant based and cell for a decade. First processes e- commerce platforms. These based approaches to meat in PBM is extraction of targeted companies offers various meat production - Natalie Rubio, Ning plant protein and improving it’s products and ready to cook Xiang, David Kaplan - Nature properties like solubility by the items at an affordable price. communications, December chemical breaking down process Wakao foods a Goa based 2020.

KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal KERALA KARSHAKAN e-journal 46 JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 47 JUNE 2021 The first English Farm Journal from Kerala KERALA KARSHAKAN English journal

Mail: [email protected] Log on to http://www.fibkerala.gov.in Published by George Sebastian Principal Information Officer Farm Information Bureau Owned by Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala and Published at Farm Information Bureau, Kowdiar P.O, Thiruvananthapuram-3. Editor: Sreekala S. Mail: [email protected] on to http://www.fibkerala.gov.in Phone: 0471-2314358

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