Subhash Chand Knihy

Focusing on integrated nutrient management strategies, this book addresses key soil and crop issues such as nutrient imbalance and declining soil health. It offers tailored INM options for a wide range of crops, including rice, wheat, and pulses, aimed at enhancing productivity while preserving soil integrity for future generations. Comprehensive appendices provide detailed soil and crop information, making it a valuable resource for farmers, researchers, and students in agriculture. With 200 INM options, it serves as both a textbook and reference guide in the field.

Focusing on the principles and practices of organic farming, this book offers a detailed review of its benefits and limitations as explored by various researchers. It highlights the importance of biomass energy and soil organic matter in enhancing soil fertility, which directly impacts the socioeconomic conditions of farmers and growers. While emphasizing the health advantages of organic produce, it also addresses concerns about declining yields. The concise format makes it accessible for those interested in the latest advances in organic farming.

Focusing on the essential concepts in soil science, this book offers a comprehensive guide to the terminology related to soil fertility and fertilizers. It delves into the principles of soil management, nutrient cycles, and the role of various fertilizers in enhancing crop production. The text serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners in agriculture, providing clear definitions and explanations of key terms and practices in the field.

The biotechnology sector in India has shown significant growth, rising from USD 500 million in 1997 to an estimated USD 1 billion next year. Health-related products constitute 60% of this market, with agro and veterinary products making up 15%, and contract R&D, reagents, devices, and supplies accounting for the remaining 25%, including a 10% share from diagnostics. Despite this encouraging trend observed five years ago, the growth pattern remains unchanged. A report by McKinsey & Co highlights that India's pharmaceutical industry, encompassing domestic and export sales along with contract services, totals nearly USD 5 billion. The firm projects a fivefold growth potential, contingent upon the industry and government addressing significant challenges hindering further expansion. If this projection holds, the transformation seen in IT could inspire confidence in the high expectations surrounding biotechnology in the country. However, some stakeholders, including bureaucrats, retired scientists, and complacent politicians, may lack a true understanding of modern biotechnology. Nonetheless, there are promising signs of growth, exemplified by rapidly expanding biotech firms like Biocon Ltd and Shantha Biotech (P) Ltd.