Asian Agri-History Foundation (Volume 14)

Abstract

Grain Storage is important and essential for the welfare of societies at user,producer,trader,miller, exporter, and government level. Storage of rice is of utmost importance, the grain being the staple diet of two-thirds of the Indian population. Stored rice is subject to damage by various agents and losses caused by these vary from 2 to 29% under various storage methods.Quantitative losses are usually accompanied by qualitative losses. This paper describes various storage levels, structures, and traditional protectants. It is interesting to record that in India farmers and consumers still use traditional structures and storage methods but at government or millers' level only modern systems for large-scale storage are followed. Traditional methods at farmer and user level too are being replaced by modern systems in developed states of India. The clay bins and mora have proved to be the most economical and safe storage structures but need to develop hybrid storage structures similar to those developed in Thailand. Introduction of modern airtight rice containers with dispensers for household storage may be tried under tropical conditions and in metro cities. Similarly plant parts such as leaves and fruits and ash show promise in protection against stored insects and pests. A fine tuning in refinement and development of plant products is required with regard to their handling in user friendly and easy to handle sachets,tablets,etc.

Abstract

The Himalayas have a great diversity of plants and other natural resources. Himalayan people have close relationship with nature for their basic needs such as food,fuel,fodder, and medicine.For health care, they use their own medicine system, which is based on the ancient cultural traditions.The Himalayan people believe that displeasure of local gods is the cause of diseases.They use "magico-religious" practices and natural therapies to treat diseases. The Himalayan Medicine System is interesting and is intimately connected with Ayurveda. This article discusses the relationship of Himalayan Medicine System and Ayurveda and also describes the concept of Himalayan therapies for incurable diseases.

Abstract

The origin of the rose dates back to pre-historic times. The center of origin of the rose is in Central Asia. Ancient Persians are regarded as the first manufacturers of rose water and discoverers of rose flower based decorative and cosmetic powders and fragrant oils or beauty creams. Cultivation and growing of sweet smelling plants and flowers and obtaining perfumes and "gúlab" (rose water) from them was widespread in the Pars province of Persia. Preparation of perfumed oils and creams and manufacture of various kinds of "ghalieh" (perfume composed of musk and ambergris) and perfumery materials was popular all over Southwest Asia. However, early work on rose breeding was done by the Dutch and also in France, the latter supported by Empress Josephine. The rose was introduced to India either from China or from Persia since, as some scholars claim, it has no name in Sanskrit. Patronage of the Mughal rulers also contributed to the popularity of the rose on the Indian subcontinent. The Mughal rulers, who originally came from Central Asia, established various gardens including the "Chasme Shahi" garden, one of the four in Srinagar, Kashmir that is renowned for its roses. The therapeutic, "perfumeric", and medicinal properties of the rose and its plant parts are also discussed. The rose is truly the Queen of Flowers.