IMPROVEMENT IN FOOD RESOURCES-Notes

To feed a growing population, it is not enough to increase the area under cultivation—we must also improve the yield of crops grown on existing land. Improvement in crop yield means obtaining more and better-quality produce from the same field. Scientists and farmers work together to achieve this through three main approaches: crop variety improvement, crop production management, and crop protection management.

This involves developing high-yielding varieties of crops that can resist diseases, pests, drought, or floods. Techniques such as traditional breeding and modern biotechnology help in producing seeds that give more output and adapt better to environmental conditions.

Crop Production Management:

The growth of crops depends on how well they are nurtured in the field. Supplying the right amount of water, nutrients, and fertilizers, along with proper use of tools and machinery, increases productivity. Efficient management of soil fertility, irrigation, and cropping patterns also plays a vital role.

Even the best crops can be damaged by weeds, pests, and diseases. Therefore, farmers use physical, chemical, and biological methods to protect crops and ensure maximum yield. Integrated pest management techniques reduce the use of harmful chemicals while keeping productivity high.

In short, improving crop yields means applying scientific knowledge and better farming practices to produce more food, of better quality, in a sustainable way. It is a continuous process that supports food security and strengthens the agricultural foundation of our nation.

To meet the rising demand for food, simply growing more crops is not enough — we must also improve the quality and productivity of the crops themselves. This process is known as crop variety improvement. It focuses on developing plant varieties that can produce higher yields, resist diseases and pests, and grow well even under unfavorable conditions such as drought, poor soil, or flooding.

The goal of crop variety improvement is to make crops more efficient, reliable, and sustainable for farmers. Scientists achieve this by combining desirable traits from different plants through techniques such as selection, hybridization, and genetic modification.

Main Objectives of Crop Variety Improvement:

1. Higher Yield:
   Developing varieties that produce more grains, fruits, or vegetables per plant helps increase overall production.
2. Improved Quality:
   The focus is on better taste, nutritional value, texture, and appearance of the produce.
3. Resistance to Biotic Stresses:
   Creating varieties that can resist attacks from pests, insects, and diseases ensures healthy crops.
4. Resistance to Abiotic Stresses:
   Crops should be able to withstand drought, floods, heat, cold, and saline soils.
5. Early Maturity:
   Varieties that mature faster allow farmers to harvest crops earlier and grow multiple crops in a year.
6. Better Adaptability:
   Crops are improved to suit different types of soils and climates across regions.

Methods of Crop Variety Improvement:

1. Hybridization:
   This involves crossing two plants with desirable traits to produce a new variety that combines the best features of both parents.
2. Selection:
   The process of choosing the best plants from a population based on desired traits and using them for future cultivation.
3. Genetic Engineering (Modern Method):
   Scientists can directly modify the genes of a plant to add or enhance certain traits such as pest resistance or higher nutrition.

After selecting the right variety of crops, the next important step in agriculture is to manage how those crops are grown. This process is known as crop production management. It involves the proper use of resources like soil, water, nutrients, and labour to obtain the maximum yield of good quality crops. The main idea is to make farming more efficient, economical, and sustainable.

Crop production management includes several key practices such as nutrient management, irrigation management, and cropping pattern management. Each of these plays a vital role in ensuring better growth and productivity of crops.

Plants require nutrients for healthy growth and development. These nutrients are obtained mainly from the soil, water, and air. To maintain soil fertility and ensure good yields, farmers add nutrients in the form of manure and fertilizers.

Macronutrients

Macronutrients are the nutrients that plants require in large quantities. They are essential for the basic building and energy-producing processes in plants. The major macronutrients include:

• Nitrogen (N):
  Helps in the growth of leaves and stems; essential for chlorophyll formation and protein synthesis.
• Phosphorus (P):
  Promotes root growth, flower and fruit formation, and helps in energy transfer within the plant.
• Potassium (K):
  Regulates water balance, strengthens plant stems, and improves disease resistance.
• Calcium (Ca):
  Helps in cell wall formation and strengthens plant tissues.
• Magnesium (Mg):
  Central element in chlorophyll and vital for photosynthesis.
• Sulphur (S):
  Important for protein formation and gives flavor to certain crops like onions and garlic.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are nutrients required by plants in very small amounts, but they are equally important for proper plant functioning. Even a slight deficiency of these can affect plant health and productivity. The important micronutrients are:

• Iron (Fe):
  Helps in chlorophyll formation and energy transfer.
• Manganese (Mn):
  Aids in photosynthesis and enzyme activation.
• Zinc (Zn):
  Required for seed production and growth hormones.
• Copper (Cu):
  Helps in respiration and enzyme activities.
• Boron (B):
  Important for flower formation and fruit setting.
• Molybdenum (Mo):
  Helps in nitrogen fixation and protein synthesis.
• Chlorine (Cl):
  Assists in osmosis and ionic balance in plant cells.

Manure

Manure is formed when organic matter such as cattle dung, agricultural waste, and kitchen leftovers are allowed to decompose naturally by microorganisms. The resulting material is rich in nutrients and organic matter, which helps plants grow better and soil become more fertile. Unlike chemical fertilizers, manure improves the overall health and structure of the soil, not just its nutrient content.

Types of Manure

• Farmyard Manure (FYM):
  It is prepared by collecting animal dung, urine, and leftover fodder or bedding material. This mixture is allowed to decompose in a pit. FYM provides a balanced supply of nutrients and improves the soil’s water-holding capacity.
• Compost:
  Compost is made from the decomposition of organic waste such as leaves, crop residues, and kitchen waste. Microorganisms break down this material into a dark, nutrient-rich substance that enhances soil fertility.
• Vermicompost:
  Vermicompost is another form of compost, but it is prepared with the help of earthworms. Special species of earthworms such as Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae are introduced into a pit containing organic waste. These worms eat the waste material and convert it into fine, granular manure known as vermicompost.
• Green Manure:
  Green manure is produced by growing certain crops (like sunhemp or dhaincha) and then ploughing them back into the soil. These plants enrich the soil with nitrogen and organic matter, improving its texture and productivity.

Fertilizers

Water is essential for all life processes in plants — from seed germination to food formation. The availability and timing of water greatly affect crop yield. Irrigation management means supplying water to crops at the right time and in the right amount.

Common irrigation methods include wells, canals, tanks, and modern techniques like drip and sprinkler systems. Efficient water management helps conserve water, reduce wastage, and increase production.

Types of Irrigation

1. Wells:
   Wells are one of the oldest and most common sources of irrigation in rural areas. They are dug into the ground to reach underground water. Water is then drawn from wells using pumps or traditional methods like Persian wheels.
2. Canals:
   Canals are large man-made channels that carry water from rivers or reservoirs to agricultural fields. This method is widely used in plains where the land is level.
3. River Lift System:
   In regions where canals cannot reach, farmers use the river lift system. In this method, water is directly lifted from rivers with the help of pumps and supplied to nearby fields.
4. Tanks:
   Tanks are small storage reservoirs or ponds built to collect and store rainwater or river water. This method is common in southern India.
5. Rainwater Harvesting:
   Rainwater harvesting is a modern and eco-friendly method of irrigation. It involves collecting and storing rainwater from rooftops, fields, or open grounds for later use. The stored water can be used directly for irrigation or to recharge underground water levels.

To use land and resources wisely, farmers follow different cropping patterns such as:

• Mixed Cropping:
  Growing two or more crops together on the same land to reduce risk of total crop failure.
• Intercropping:
  Growing different crops in alternate rows for better resource utilization and pest control.
• Crop Rotation:
  Growing different crops in sequence on the same field to maintain soil fertility and control pests and weeds.

Growing healthy crops is not just about good seeds, proper nutrients, and irrigation—it also requires protecting them from various harmful agents. Crops in the field are often attacked by pests, insects, weeds, and diseases, which can destroy a large part of the harvest. The methods used to prevent or control such damage are known as crop protection management.

Effective crop protection ensures that the efforts of farmers do not go to waste and that the yield remains high in both quality and quantity.

Major Threats to Crops

1. Weeds:
   Unwanted plants that grow along with crops are called weeds. They compete with crops for nutrients, sunlight, and water, reducing the overall yield. Examples include amaranthus and xanthium.
2. Pests:
   Small animals and insects like locusts, grasshoppers, and caterpillars feed on crop plants and damage leaves, stems, or fruits.
3. Diseases:
   Crop diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These can spoil the appearance, taste, and quality of produce.

Methods of Crop Protection

To protect crops from these threats, farmers use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological methods.

1. Mechanical and Physical Control:
   nvolves manually removing weeds or using mechanical tools like weeders. Farmers also use traps, light, and barriers to keep pests away.
2. Chemical Control:
   Farmers often use pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to kill or repel harmful organisms. For example:
   • Weedicides remove unwanted plants (weeds).
   • Insecticides control insects.
   • Fungicides protect against fungal infections.

   However, these chemicals should be used carefully and in limited quantities, as excessive use can harm soil, water, and useful organisms.

3. Biological Control:
   In this eco-friendly method, natural predators of pests are used to control their population. For example, ladybird beetles feed on aphids, and dragonflies eat mosquitoes and harmful insects. This method helps maintain ecological balance without polluting the environment.
4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
   A modern approach that combines all the above methods — mechanical, biological, and chemical — in a balanced way. IPM aims to minimize chemical use while ensuring effective pest control and healthy crop growth.

Precautions During Crop Protection

• Use protective gear while spraying chemicals.
• Avoid spraying near water sources or during strong winds.
• Prefer organic or biological alternatives whenever possible.

Crop protection management plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. By adopting smart and safe protection methods, farmers can prevent crop loss, protect the environment, and ensure food safety. A well-protected crop means a better harvest — both for farmers and for the growing population that depends on them.

After harvesting, grains must be stored carefully to prevent loss from moisture, pests, rodents, and microorganisms. Proper storage keeps food safe, fresh, and available throughout the year.

Before storing, grains are thoroughly dried in sunlight to remove excess moisture.

Along with crop production, raising animals is an important part of agriculture. The practice of rearing, breeding, and caring for domestic animals for useful products such as milk, meat, wool, eggs, and honey is called animal husbandry. It provides food, raw materials, and income to farmers and plays a vital role in rural livelihoods and the national economy.

Importance of Animal Husbandry

Animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, poultry birds, sheep, and fish are an essential source of protein-rich food and other valuable products. Animal husbandry helps in:

• Increasing the availability of milk, eggs, and meat.
• Providing employment to millions of rural people.
• Supplying raw materials like wool, leather, and silk for industries.
• Using animal waste as manure and fuel, supporting sustainable farming.

Major Branches of Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry includes several specialized areas based on the type of animals reared:

• Dairy Farming:
  Production of milk and its products through the rearing of cows and buffaloes.
• Poultry Farming:
  Rearing of chickens and ducks for eggs and meat.
• Fisheries:
  Breeding and catching of fish for food and trade.
• Sheep and Goat Rearing:
  For obtaining wool, meat, and milk.
• Bee-Keeping (Apiculture):
  Rearing honeybees for honey and wax.

Key Requirements for Animal Husbandry

For healthy and productive animals, farmers must ensure:

• Proper Nutrition:
  Balanced diet with proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Shelter:
  Clean, well-ventilated, and disease-free housing.
• Health Care:
  Regular vaccination, check-ups, and hygiene to prevent diseases.
• Breeding:
  Use of scientific breeding methods to improve desirable traits.

Animal husbandry is an integral part of modern agriculture. It ensures a steady supply of food and raw materials, supports rural economies, and promotes sustainable farming. By caring for animals scientifically and responsibly, farmers can improve both their livelihoods and the nation’s food resources.

Cattle farming is one of the most important branches of animal husbandry. It involves the rearing and management of cattle such as cows and buffaloes for the production of milk, draught labour, and manure. Cattle farming plays a vital role in improving rural income and ensuring a steady supply of milk and dairy products across the country.

Types of Cattle

Cattle are generally grouped into two main categories based on their use:

• Milch (Dairy) Animals:
  These animals, like Jersey, Holstein Friesian, and Sahiwal, are raised mainly for milk production.









• Draught Animals:
  Animals such as Bullocks are used for agricultural work like ploughing fields, drawing carts, and transporting goods.

Important Breeds of Cattle in India

India has a rich variety of cattle breeds suited to different climates.

• Indigenous (Indian) Breeds:
  Sahiwal, Gir, Red Sindhi, Tharparkar
• Exotic (Foreign) Breeds:
  Holstein Friesian, Jersey, Brown Swiss
• Crossbreeds:
  Produced by mating indigenous and exotic breeds to improve milk yield and adaptability.

Cattle Shelter and Feeding

Healthy cattle need clean, dry, and well-ventilated shelters. Proper hygiene prevents infections and ensures comfort.

Cattle should be fed a balanced diet containing roughage (grass, fodder), concentrates (grains, oil cakes), and adequate clean water. Mineral mixtures and salt licks are often added to improve milk quality and animal health.

Health and Disease Management

Regular health check-ups, vaccination, and sanitation are essential for preventing diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and anthrax. Diseased animals should be isolated to avoid infection.

Breeding and Milk Production

Breeding aims to produce cattle with high milk yield, disease resistance, and strong physique. Artificial insemination is often used for better results. After calving, proper care, feeding, and milking practices are followed to ensure good-quality milk.

Uses of Cattle

• Milk and Dairy Products:
  Milk, curd, butter, cheese, ghee.
• Draught Power:
  For ploughing and transportation.
• Manure:
  Cow dung enriches soil fertility and is also used as fuel.

Cattle farming not only provides nutritious food like milk but also supports agriculture and rural life. By using scientific breeding, feeding, and health practices, farmers can improve milk yield and the quality of cattle. It remains a cornerstone of India’s agricultural economy and a sustainable source of livelihood for millions.

Poultry farming is the practice of raising domesticated birds such as hens, ducks, and turkeys for the production of meat and eggs. In India, poultry farming mainly focuses on chickens because they are easy to rear, grow quickly, and provide both eggs and meat.

The main aim of poultry farming is to improve egg and meat yield, maintain the health of birds, and minimize the cost of production. This can be achieved through the selection of good breeds, proper feeding, housing, and disease control measures.

Breeds of Poultry

There are two main types of poultry breeds based on their purpose:



• Layers:
  These birds are raised for egg production. They start laying eggs at about 20 weeks of age and continue for nearly two years. Common layer breeds include White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red.



• Broilers:
  These are birds reared for meat. They grow rapidly and are ready for marketing in 6–8 weeks. Broilers require protein-rich food and special care to maintain body weight and tenderness of meat.

Requirements for Poultry Farming

1. Housing:
   Birds should be kept in clean, well-ventilated shelters protected from rain, wind, and predators.
2. Feeding:
   Balanced and nutritious feed containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals ensures healthy growth and egg production.
3. Hygiene and Health:
   Regular cleaning and vaccination help prevent diseases such as fowl pox and bird flu. Proper waste disposal is also important to maintain hygiene.
4. Management Practices:
   Adequate lighting, temperature control, and proper spacing between birds improve growth and productivity.

Advantages of Poultry Farming

• Provides a regular supply of eggs and meat, contributing to food security.
• Requires less investment and space compared to large livestock farming.
• Generates employment and additional income for rural families.
• Produces valuable manure useful for crop cultivation.

Poultry farming, therefore, plays a major role in improving our food resources. With scientific management and proper care, it can help meet the growing demand for animal-based food products in a sustainable way.

Poultry farming involves two main types of bird rearing systems: one for egg production and another for meat production. Both require proper management, good breed selection, and adequate nutrition to achieve high yield and quality.

Egg Production (Layers)

Layers are poultry birds raised mainly for the purpose of laying eggs. They generally start laying eggs at the age of 5 to 6 months and continue for nearly two years. For efficient egg production, several conditions must be maintained:

1. Breed Selection:
   High-yielding layer breeds such as White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red are preferred because they produce more eggs with less feed.
2. Nutrition:
   Layers require a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, calcium, and minerals. Calcium is particularly important for strong egg shells.
3. Light and Temperature:
   Adequate lighting (about 16 hours a day) helps maintain regular egg laying. The poultry house should be well ventilated and kept at suitable temperature.
4. Health Care:
   Regular vaccinations and proper sanitation keep diseases like egg drop syndrome and fowl pox under control.
5. Culling and Replacement:
   Old or less productive birds are replaced periodically with younger ones to maintain continuous egg production.

Broiler Production (Meat Purpose)

Broilers are chickens reared specifically for meat. They are fast-growing birds, usually ready for sale within 6 to 8 weeks. Broiler production depends on maintaining optimal growth conditions from the beginning.

1. Feeding:
   Broilers need high-protein, energy-rich feed to promote rapid muscle development. Feed supplements containing vitamins and minerals enhance growth and immunity.
2. Housing and Temperature:
   Broilers are sensitive to heat and cold. Their shelters should be dry, clean, and warm, particularly during the first few days after hatching.
3. Health and Hygiene:
   Proper vaccination and disease prevention are essential since broilers are more prone to infections due to dense rearing conditions.
4. Care and Management:
   Limited movement helps conserve energy, leading to faster weight gain. Regular monitoring of feed intake, water supply, and cleanliness ensures healthy growth.

Egg and broiler production contributes significantly to human nutrition by providing high-quality animal protein at affordable prices. It also creates employment opportunities and supports the rural economy through small-scale and commercial poultry units.

Fish is one of the most nutritious and affordable sources of animal protein. It plays a major role in the Indian diet and economy. The practice of rearing, breeding, and catching fish for food and commercial purposes is called fish production. It includes both capture fishing (catching fish from natural sources) and culture fishing (rearing fish in controlled environments).

Importance of Fish Production

Fish provides high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for human health. It also generates employment and income for millions of people, especially in coastal and rural areas. Increasing fish production helps meet food demands and supports export industries.

Types of Fisheries

Fisheries can be broadly classified into two main types:

1. Inland Fisheries
   These include fish found in freshwater bodies such as rivers, ponds, lakes, canals, and reservoirs. Common freshwater fish include Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal. Farmers often rear fish in man-made ponds—this is known as fish culture or aquaculture.







2. Marine Fisheries
   These involve fishing in seas and oceans. Marine fish like Tuna, Pomfret, Mackerel, and Hilsa are caught using boats and trawlers. Advanced fishing vessels equipped with cold storage are used to preserve fish during long voyages.

Culture Fishery (Fish Farming)

In fish farming, selected species of fish are raised under controlled conditions to increase yield. Often, two or more compatible species are reared together in the same pond—this method is known as composite fish culture.

For example: Catla (surface feeder), Rohu (middle feeder), and Mrigal (bottom feeder) can be cultivated together to use all food zones of the pond efficiently.

Steps for Successful Fish Production

• Selection of suitable site and fish species.
• Maintenance of clean, oxygen-rich water.
• Regular feeding and removal of waste.
• Prevention of diseases and predators.
• Harvesting fish at the right time for maximum yield.

Benefits of Fish Production

• Provides a rich source of protein and nutrition.
• Creates employment and supports rural livelihoods.
• Increases export earnings for the country.
• Utilizes unused water bodies effectively.

Fish production is a vital part of food resource improvement. By combining traditional knowledge with modern aquaculture techniques, farmers can greatly increase fish yield and income. Sustainable fish farming ensures nutritional security, economic growth, and environmental balance—making it an essential pillar of India’s agricultural development.

Bee-keeping, also known as apiculture, is the scientific method of rearing and managing honeybees for the production of honey and wax. It is an important part of animal husbandry that provides nutritious food, supports agriculture through pollination, and offers additional income to farmers with very little investment.

Importance of Bee-Keeping

Honeybees collect nectar from flowers and convert it into honey, which is rich in sugars, minerals, and enzymes. Apart from honey, bees also produce beeswax, used in making medicines, cosmetics, and candles. Bee-keeping not only provides valuable products but also helps in pollination, which improves crop yield and quality.

Common Species of Honeybees in India

Some of the commonly reared honeybee species are:

1. Apis dorsata:
   The rock bee; produces large amounts of honey.
2. Apis cerana indica:
   The Indian bee; easy to domesticate and manage.
3. Apis mellifera:
   The Italian bee; high-yielding and commonly used in modern bee-keeping.
4. Apis florea:
   The little bee; produces less honey but is easy to handle.

Requirements for Successful Bee-Keeping

To carry out bee-keeping effectively, the following conditions should be met:

1. Bee Hives:
   Well-maintained wooden boxes (hives) to keep and manage colonies.
2. Flowering Crops Nearby:
   Bees need flowers for nectar and pollen, so the area should have plenty of flowering plants like mustard, sunflower, and eucalyptus.
3. Knowledge of Bee Behavior:
   Understanding how bees live, collect nectar, and form colonies helps in better management.
4. Protection from Diseases and Pests:
   Regular inspection is needed to prevent infections and attacks by insects or ants.

Products from Bee-Keeping

• Honey:
  A natural, healthy sweetener and energy source.
• Beeswax:
  Used in making cosmetics, polishes, and medicines.
• Royal Jelly and Propolis:
  Used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Benefits of Bee-Keeping

• Provides nutritious honey and valuable wax.
• Enhances crop pollination, leading to higher agricultural productivity.
• Requires low investment and can be practiced along with other farming activities.
• Helps in environmental balance by supporting plant reproduction.

Bee-keeping is a simple yet highly beneficial agricultural practice. It supports both farmers and nature—providing income, promoting pollination, and enhancing food production. With proper training and care, bee-keeping can become a sustainable and profitable source of livelihood in both rural and urban areas.

• There are several nutrients essential for crops. Of these, some are required in large quantities and are known as macro-nutrients whereas rest of the nutrients are required in small quantities and are known as micro-nutrients.
• Manure and fertilizers are the main sources of nutrient supply to crops.
• Organic farming is a farming system with minimal or no use of chemicals as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides etc. and with a maximum input of organic manures, recyled farm wastes, and bio-agents, with healthy cropping systems.
• Mixed farming is a system of farming on a particular farm which includes crop production, raising of livestock etc.
• Mixed cropping is growing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land.
• Growing two or more crops in definite row patterns is known as inter cropping.
• The growing of different crops on a piece of land in pre-planned succession is called crop rotation.
• Varietal improvement is required for higher yield, good quality, biotic and abiotic resistance, shortening the maturity duration, wider adaptability and desirable agronomic characteristics.
• Farm animals require proper care and management such as shelter, feeding, breeding and disease control. This is called animal husbandry.
• Poultry farming is done to raise domestic fowls. Poultry production includes egg production and broiler production for poultry meat.
• To enhance poultry production, cross breeding is done between Indian and exotic breeds for variety improvement.
• Fish may be obtained from marine resources as well as inland resources.
• To increase production of fish, they can be cultured in marine and inland ecosystems.
• Marine fish capture is done by fishing nets guided by echo-sounders and satellites.
• Composite fish culture system is commonly used for fish farming.
• Bee-keeping is done to get honey and wax.