Balraj Singh – författare

Despite the vast potential of protected cultivation in India under changing environmental parameters and diminishing land and water resources, there is a scarcity of literature on this subject. The book offers a comprehensive and concise overview of the design, construction, and maintenance of protected structures, as well as production technologies under protected cultivation, with contributions from distinguished scientists and researchers affiliated with prestigious institutions such as DIHAR-DRDO, ICAR, CIAE, CIPHET, CPCT, IIVR, CAZRI, NRCs, and various SAUs.

This comprehensive volume brings together cutting-edge research and advancements in the field of horticultural sciences, with a particular focus on vegetable and fruit crop breeding, sustainable crop production, protected cultivation, post-harvest management, and technological innovations. The book serves as a vital resource for students, researchers, academicians, horticulturists, policy makers, and agribusiness professionals striving to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability in the horticulture sector.Divided into thematic sections, the book begins with a focus on demand-led breeding strategies, genomic tools, genome editing (CRISPR/Cas), and biotechnological applications in vegetable and perennial fruit crops. It addresses the critical role of genetic resource management and DUS testing in varietal distinction and conservation efforts.The next section explores advanced crop production technologies, such as high-density planting, precision farming, natural greenhouses, and pollination management. It highlights modern tools like ICT, sensing technologies, automation, artificial intelligence, and telemetry for climate and soil monitoringpaving the way for smart horticulture practices.Special attention is given to post-harvest innovation, processing potential, disease and pest management, and the challenges and opportunities in underutilized crops and arid ecosystems. The book also discusses social and economic aspects such as urban horticulture, FPOs in coconut farming, and agrivoltaics, linking modern horticulture to livelihoods, climate resilience, and nutritional security.By featuring over 30 expert contributions from across India and abroad, this book offers a multidimensional perspective on future-ready horticultureintegrating science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

The book titled Sustainable Production Technologies for Horticultural Crops is a distinctive and comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of horticulture. It compiles and organizes scattered information in an easily understandable format, complete with practical recommendations for stakeholders. The book is authored by renowned experts in their respective fields, who have contributed to its 24 chapters. These chapters address topics such as genetic resources, varietal wealth, crop improvement, plant health management, biotic and abiotic stress management, and value-addition of horticultural crops. Additionally, the book delves into general horticultural science. The book covers a wide range of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, spices, and ornamental and plantation crops. Each chapter is well-illustrated with figures and tables and is cited with the latest references. The critical RD gaps identified in different research areas are also addressed in each chapter. Sustainable Production Technologies for Horticultural Crops is a valuable resource for students, teachers, researchers, scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. It serves as a comprehensive reservoir of information that can be utilized by all stakeholders in the horticultural industry.

This book presents a comprehensive and practice-oriented account of Protected Cultivation, addressing its principles, technologies, and applications with special emphasis on Indian conditions while maintaining a global perspective. Structured into ten well-defined units, the book systematically guides readers from the fundamentals of protected horticulture to advanced digital and smart farming interventions.The initial units discuss the importance, scope, and potential of protected cultivation in the context of global food security, urban and peri-urban agriculture, and India growing demand for high-quality vegetables. Subsequent sections provide detailed insights into protected structures, environmental control, growing media, and nursery technologies such as plug-tray raising and vegetable grafting.A major strength of the book lies in its crop-specific production technologies, covering key solanaceous and cucurbitaceous vegetables under greenhouse conditions. Dedicated units on water, nutrient, and soil management, including drip irrigation, fertigation, and plastic mulching, ensure practical relevance. The book further integrates seed production, plant protection, pollination, GAP, organic practices, and sustainability within protected systems.Advanced chapters highlight the role of protected cultivation in vegetable improvement, smart agriculture, sensors, and digital technologies, followed by post-harvest quality retention, value addition, and agri-tourism linkages. The book concludes with a comprehensive glossary, making it a valuable reference for undergraduate and postgraduate students, researchers, extension professionals, entrepreneurs, and policy planners involved in modern horticulture and protected farming systems.