Makhana or Gorgon nut is cultivated in the stagnant pools of Northern Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Lower Assam, Manipur, Orissa, .Jammu and Kashmir etc. Its wild varieties are also found in Bangala Desh, Japan, China, Russia etc. The Makhana-fish combined cultivation provide sustenance to thousand of members of the fishing community. Makhana has nutritional and medicinal properties, and generates scope of improving cottage industries. Therefore, as there is a great export potential of this crop. The government of India has launched, several schemes on the crop. It is high time that steps were taken to boost our country’s economy by harnessing its natural resources to the optimum. The harvest of makhana from the beds is an arduous task performed traditionally by fishing community. Thousand of stagnant pools spread over northern and north- eastern India and abroad hold a great promise in this direction. The integration of ‘makhana‘ with fish culture will definitely enhance the aquatic productivity, which will alleviate the income and economic conditions of the resources among poor farmers of the region. It is expected that this effort would fill in the gap existing in this field and shall be able to attract attention of the upcoming research workers, social scientist, agricultural scientists and planners etc.

The demand for organic foods has been expanding at a steady rate, and during the COVID-19 epidemic, it increased even further, as consumers regarded these foods as healthier and better for immunity than conventional foods. This book covers all aspects of organic agriculture and how to transform organic agriculture into processed foods for global demand after the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapters discuss the post-COVID-19 impacts on organic agriculture and processed food, as well as recent milestones in basic and applied organic agriculture and organic food product sectors. Current issues such as international policies, intellectual property rights protection, the global scenario of organic certification, regulatory framework, and hindrances for farmers and organic food value chain participants are discussed. In addition, valuable chapters related to the production of nutraceutical organic foods like soy protein hydrolysate, fox nuts (Euryale ferox), and Red Dacca bananas are incorporated into the volume.

This fourth volume of this 4-volume set discusses the key diseases, typical symptoms, and management strategies of several economically important plants. Each chapter presents an introduction along with a detailed account of symptoms, causal organisms, disease cycles, epidemiology, and management of a selection of major plantation crops, medicinal crops, and mushrooms. The book features chapters contributed by eminent professionals in the field, who have incorporated their own experience and knowledge along with an overview of the recent developments in their fields. They provide information on the diagnostic tools and management techniques needed for such plantation crops as areca nut (or betel nut), cocoa (or chocolate), coconut, coffee, and tea; such medicinal crops as isabgol and senna; along with several kinds of mushrooms. The volume also includes photographs that show symptoms of important diseases, which are helpful in disease diagnosis. The volumes provide an abundance of information for understanding and managing plant diseases, with emphasis on diagnostic techniques. The collection includes: Volume 1: Fruit Crops Volume 2: Vegetable Crops Volume 3: Ornamental Plants and Spice Crops Volume 4: Important Plantation Crops, Medicinal Crops, and Mushrooms

This book gathers a collection of essays that describe recent innovations in food technology including food processing, packaging, food safety, and novel ingredients. By 2050, the world will face the challenge of having to feed an estimated 9 billion people. In order to meet that challenge, innovations in food research are of the utmost importance. The book is divided into four sections, each of which explores an important aspect like food processing, food microbiology, and nutritional security. Written by respected scholars in the field, the respective chapters discuss a range of new and enhanced food materials, as well as processing innovations to extend shelf life and reduce toxic effects. The book also addresses the health potential of various nutraceuticals, bio-absorption of metals and their positive impacts on living systems, as well as methods for reducing food wastage, preventing the loss of nutritive value, and preserving or enhancing palatability. Given its scope, the book will be highly interesting for food scientists, both in academia and the food industry. It will also benefit advanced graduate students and senior researchers.

Festschrift volume to Lakshmi Niwas Ram, b. 1937, geographer from Bihar, India; contributed articles.