Advantages of Good Agricultural Practices

Advantages of Good Agricultural Practices SWAGATA SETH Good Agricultural Practices History The U. S in 1998 issued a guidance under which the contamination of fresh fruits and vegetables and how to reduce it was given by Food and Drug Administration was there. (USDA, 2011). In 2002 GAP was established by the agengy which are existed so they donot require any reauthorization. ( National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, 2014) Good agricultural practices have main points of food safety with the points like harvesting, transportation of products and advice the grower to implement the general recommendation of adopted the best management practices( Sudheer Indria, 2007). Good agricultural practices are the practices which are used for the good economic conditions and also social conditions as well as it encompasses environment al issues for the commercialisation and good market value of horticultural and agricultural products also it tries to give good quality food which is healthier, safer, nutritious to the consumers( The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2012). Good agricultural practices also includes non-food products as well as processing foods. These practices make the food more safe from consumption point of view(Anonymous, 2008). Farming practices includes a very large scope of good agricultural practices at different at different levels. In these practices sustainable agriculture methods are also included(TNAU, 2015). Rules and regulations for the good agricultural practices includes a huge number of activities which may include from the product which are in the farm at cultivation stage, then it also includes the fields the polyhouses, type of fertilisers, seeds which is used then irrigation facilities, pesticides, composting, then interculture operations and then harvesting and also the process which are done outside the fields, like the processing of the products or the products may go through a long distributing channel which includes the middleman, producer and various agents, retailers upto the consumer that is the consumption point(Watts, 2012). Objectives Good agricultural practices needs to keep a proper record of the production process or the technologies which is required for processing or for harvesting of each crops for the areas which are very much good or important agricultural based and ecological regions, and to collect and then plan and the execute then the final process of distribution the knowledge in that major regions (ANONYMOUS, 2015). Good agricultural practices is required for the following reasons There may be contamination in the products which may be biological like fungi, bacteria, viruses, attack when the products are in the field or they are brought to home, although washing, cleaning and cooking can kill the pathogen but if consumed raw then harm can occur (Eaton Watson, 2012). Some of the important factors which should be keep in mind for Good agricultural practices. 1. Washing of products :- a)Â  Washing of products are necessary to remove the dust particles, chemicals, soil pathogen, microorganisms with fresh water( Srivastava Kumar, 2009). b) Clean and fresh water is necessary when tanks are used. Paddle conveyor washers and rotary machines are used for washing(Gupta, 2015). 2. Cleaning: cleaning is a practice where the unwanted materials are removed which may be the green, yellow brown, dead insects soggy parts of fruits or other undesirable items either by hand picking or mechanically( Sharma, 2009). 3. Sanitation:-is necessary to prevent the promotion of diseases from one item to another, also chlorine is used of 100-150 ppm to prevent the spread of pathogen( Kitinoja Kader, 2003). 4. Transportation:-highway trailers is oftenly used in transportation of fresh products ( Vigneault, 2015). It is an intregal part of post harvest handling and distribution is done through railway tracks, airplane, trucks. ventilation during the cool time in night and refrigrirated automobiles results in good preservation. ( Peter, 2009) 5. Manures:-By the process of exposing the manure to higher temperature and by aerobic compost method microbial attacks can be minisime. After applying the manure in the field cover it with some plastic cover or grasses or mulches to get rid from physical contamination(Ellis, 2004). 6. Water:- The draining facility and pesticides loss by running off should be checked and soil salinization should be checked. (Anonymous, 2015). By irrigation water contaminations can be there back to the fruits and vegetables and also surface water is more contaminated( Sudheer and Indira, 2007). Drip irrigation Should be restricted and it not only saves water pollution but also good quality of products can be achieved(Singha, 2013). 7. Equipment and Employee hygiene:-employee hygiene is very necessary as because many contaminations may take palce through this so proper handling of crops, hand washing equipments cleaniness, fresh dress, adequate washroom facilities, using soaps etc(Chapman, 2015). 8. Pesticides or herbicides: Some herbicide is having stimulatory effects on the plant pathogens and reduces or promotes the diseases severity. Proper understanding of effectiveness pattern of pesticides and effects with pathogen will give the proper use of pesticides( Devi, 1987). Surveillance and monitoring of pesticides residues should be recorded to keep the products free from contamination(Sudheer Indira, 2009). 9. Post harvest handling:-the things which are required after harvesting the crops like transportation, equipments, cold storage etc packaging materials(Jayachandhran, 2005). Flower life can be increased by adopting new technologies at right time, with proper length and storage technology, pulsing with sugar(Bhattacharjee, 1999). Application of calcium based chemicals increase the post harvest life reducimg the handling losses of crops by minimizing the rate of respiration(Jayachandaran, 2005). Benefits of Using GAP Proper adoption and managing of GAP increases the quality of the products and also raw foods, pr processed foods. this GAP also helps for sustainable agricultural and also the environment(Akkaya, Yalcin, 2015). Hurdels Of GAP There are many hurdles related to GAP like increases in production cost, because of keeping databases for various govt. Schemes which are available and the schemes and procedures which are followed in the farmers. The farmers do not know property about the various measures or step that should be taken as GAP and also about the Technologies( Tilman Kenneth, 2008 ). Conclusion So i have concluded that good agricultural practices are important for the most important thing that is human health followed by the ecocomic value of the products. And all the main factors should be always kept in mind as without this the possibility of contamination of food increases. Bibliography Akkaya, F and Yalcin, R. (2015). Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Its Implementation in Turkey. University of Adonis, Antalya/Turkey. http://www. researchgate. net/profile/Burhan_Ozkan/publication/237651514_Good_Agricultural_Practices_(GAP)_and_Its_Implementation_in_Turkey/links/0046352da96b8c102e000000. pdf, retrieved on May 23. Anonymous. (2015). Good Agricultural Practices. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Good agricultural practice, retrieved on May 26. Bhatacharjee, S. K. (1999). ‘Post harvest management of cut flowers cut foliage and post production management of potted plant’. Journal of ornamental horticulture. Indian society of ornamental horticulture. Vol-15(12) Jan –June 2012, p-116. Chapman, B. (2015). Good Agricultural Practices for Small Diversified Farms Tips and Strategies to Reduce Risk and Pass an Audit. North Carolina State University and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. http://www. carolinafarmstewards. org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/CFSA_GAPS-web. pdf, retrived on May 23. Devi, K. K. (1987). Effect of herbicides on growth of phytopathogeneic fungi in soil. Dept of Botany Plant Pathology, Assam Agricultural University, pp 1-2. Eaton, J. (2007). Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). University of Kentucky cooperative extension services. http://www. uky. edu/Ag/CCD/introsheets/gap. pdf, retrieved on May 24. Ellis. J. (2004). ‘On-farm Food Safety’: Guide to Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). Iowa extension university. https://store. extension. iastate. edu/Product/pm1974a-pdf, retrieved on May 22. FAO(2008). Good agricultural practices. http://www. fao. org/prods/gap/, retrived on May 22. Gupta, S. (2015). New development in technologies of fruits. In: food processing and agro based industries. EIRI project consultants and Publishers, Roop Nagar, New Delhi, p 110 Jayachandhran, K. S. (2005). ’Post harvest sprays of different sources of calcium to improve the shelf life of fruits’. Indian journal of horticulture. The horticulture society of india. Vol 62. no. 01. pp 66-70 Kitinoja, L and Kader, A. (2003). Postharvest Horticulture Series No. 8E. Small-Scale Postharvest Handling Practices: A Manual for Horticultural Crops (4th Edition). http://ucce. ucdavis. edu/files/datastore/234-1450. pdf, retrieved on May 23. National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. (2014). Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices Audit verification programme. http://sustainableagriculture. net/publications/grassrootsguide/food-safety/good-agricultural-practices-and-good-handling-practices-audit-verification-program/, retrived on June 1. Peter, K. V. (2009). Post harvest management of fruits and vegetables. In: Basics of Horticulture. New India Publishing Agengy, Pitam Pura, New Delhi. pp 205 Sharma, A. (2009). Introduction. In :Textbook of food science and technology, International Book distributing co. Lucknow, U. P, pp 5-6 Singha, K. (2013). Evaluation of water requirement and level of fertigation on cabbage(brassica oleracea) green express with or nutitional black film mulch. Dept of Horticulture. Assam Agricultural university, pp 5-6 Sreevastava, R. P and Kumar, S. (2009). Canning and bottling of fruits and vegetables. In: Fruit and vegetables preservation principles and practices, International book Distribution Co, Lucknow, U. P, p 102 Sudheer, K. P and Indira. (2007). Quality of fresh and processed products. In:Post harvest technology of horticultural crops, Pitam Pura, New Delhi-110088, p 250 The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. 2012, Columbia Agriculture General. http://www. infoplease. com/encyclopedia/science/good-agricultural-practices. html /, retrived on May 2015. Tilman. D, et al. (2008). Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices. Nature international weekly journal of science doi:10. 1038/nature01014, pp 418, 671-677 TNAU Agriportal Publications: Good Agricultural Practices. (2014). http://agritech. tnau. ac. in/gap_gmp_glp/gap_about. html, retrieved on May 25. USDA, (2011). Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices Audit Verification Program. http://www. ams. usda. gov/AMSv1. 0/getfile?dDocName=stelprdc5097151, retrived on June 1. Vigneault, C. (2009). Transportation of fresh horticultural produce. Postharvest Technologies for Horticultural Crops, Vol. 2: : 978-81-308-0356-2, pp 1-24 Watts, C. (2012). Good agricultural practices and gap certification. Good agricultural practices. https://gillingsproject. wordpress. com/good-agricultural-practices-and-gap-certification/, retrieved on May 23.

Costs and Benefits of Globalization and Localization Essay -- Globaliza

For one to understand the costs and benefits of globalization and localization one first needs to understand what each entails. Globalization is when a country involves itself into international affairs, economically, politically or even possibly culturally. Globalization expands beyond the local boundaries of a nation and spreads into other communities throughout the world. Localization is when a country chooses not to participate in global affairs and confines itself and its people from taking part in any type of involvement with any other country. This means that this country does not participate in any economic, political or culture issues with outsiders. In many articles addressing business today, one can read about the views toward globalization. Many feel as though globalization is the best process a business should pursue. This process of globalization offers a way in which countries can become involved with a nation for common interests. By using the globalization process, a country can learn new ways of technology. For example, the United States could involve itself with a country that mainly depends on farming for their economic stability and learns from them their enhanced techniques that our farmers could apply to make their crops grow better. In turn the U.S. could set up some kind of, trade with this agricultural country. Possibly, the U.S. could teach this country on how to make their economy stronger by becoming involved in the global free trade markets were they could make excellent profits on their produce. This way the United States and the agricultural country would both earn a great deal from this global involvement. This leads into another advantage for globalization, trade. Some countries have immers... ... The economy is given a chance to strengthen through trade and allies can be made with international involvement. Also important is the cultures and traditions that can be spread throughout the world when there is communication. Localization also stresses culture but it is only one culture that is being observed. Nationalism is very important for a country and gives its people pride but there does not need to be seclusion from the rest of the world. For the economy, there is a better chance for jobs and facilities to be started within a country that has a global economy booming. All in all I believe the benefits for globalization out way those of localization but it is very important that a country gets involved in globalization but also includes localization in some ways as well. Work Cited Rosenau , James. The Complexities and Contradictions of Globalization

Human Behaviour Is Learned Rather Than Based on Instinct Essay

This argument can be discussed also using the nature vs. nurture theory, it has been studied widely and there is evidence to support both sides of the argument. The nurture theory argues that human behaviour is the way is it because they were taught that way or grew up in that type of environment. *[1] ’Children raised in healthy, positive environments are more likely to grow into productive successful adults than children raised in negative, threatening environments.’ *[1] http://www.ehow.com/info_8337653_two-sides-nature-nurture-debate.html#ixzz26C7cfhp The nature theory argues that human behaviour is often based on their genetics. It’s argued that human behaviour is the result of inherited traits that people are born with. Even though a person would have experience and learnt things from other people, his/her nature or characteristics would not change. Some people might say we do not have ‘free will’ because our destinies have already been determined by our traits. A child may have a positive upbringing but genetics may show that the child may always be violent no matter what type of upbringing he/she has. Gender is a good example of nurture, although gender is determined by genetics, some people say that acting in appropriate ways for our gender is learnt. Boys are taught at a young age to generally be more masculine by playing competitive sports such as football or rugby. Girls are generally taught to be more feminine, by staying at home and learning how to cook and not participating in rough sports but to be more sensible. There also may be cases where girls have been more masculine and boys more feminine, but either way they have been shown how to behave rather than instinctively knowing. In later life boys or someone more masculine could do well with aggressive jobs such as lawyers, and girls or more feminine people could do well with jobs like nursing where sensitive qualities are needed. People are also different due to their social class, children will have different upbringings due to however many opportunities are available to them. Upper class children are more likely to have more open opportunities such as better colleges and universities, where as a child in middle class will have less opportunities due to lack of money or status.

Jetblue Swot Analysis Essays

Jetblue Swot Analysis Essays Jetblue Swot Analysis Paper Jetblue Swot Analysis Paper JetBlue Airways SWOT Analysis Strengths Extra Space- JetBlue has many strengths including more comfortable seating. They offer seating with more leg room some seats have 34 inches between the seats, while taller men and women who need the extra leg room can have seats with 38 inches. This is an extra feature that JetBlue offers to their customers. Advanced Technology and Entertainment-They also offer exciting entertainment. The entertainment includes XM Radio which includes over 100 channels at every seat and it is free. Also there is a TV at every seat with at least 36 Direct TV channels. JetBlue also offers movies and free wireless internet. Unique Services in the Airline Industry-When it comes to customer service JetBlue goes above and beyond other major airlines. They offer free unlimited snacks to everyone on the plane, and they are snacks that are name brand. For example, they offer Dunkin Donuts coffee and snacks. Newer Fleet compared to others- JetBlue also commands a newer fleet compared to the older more established low-cost airlines. This is an advantage for them because maintaining a newer fleet is less expensive than maintaining an older one. Weaknesses Gradual Global and Domestic Expansion-Another weakness is that JetBlue continues to expand, but not at a rapid rate. They only offer flights to 61 cities in the United States and some other countries. Global expansion is also taking place, but at a much slower rate. This is a disadvantage because direct flights save people time and money. Negative Press- Negative press that JetBlue has received lately is also a weakness. In May of 2010, a JetBlue pilot threatened to harm himself just hours prior to takeoff. In August of 2010, flight attendant Steven Slater argued with a passenger, grabbed a beer from the plane, and slid down the emergency exit. In February 2007, passengers on JetBlue 751 were stranded for 8 hours on the tarmac. This sort of press news serves to build a negative perspective of JetBlue that goes against the type of image they are trying to build. Stock and Volume Decline- When JetBlue started there was not stock for the first few years. From 2003 it began to decline in price. It began to rise in volume, but not in the price. Since 2007 it has been declining both in price and volume. Opportunities Low Fare air cost- JetBlue offers low prices on airfare compared to other airlines. Low cost will allow them to continue expanding. As the economy seems to be declining consumers continue to search for the lowest prices on their airfare. In 2009 JetBlue Airlines won an award for the top low cost airline for customer satisfaction by J. D. Power and Associates (http://jetblue. com). Direct Flights-Introduction of more direct flights could gain JetBlue a competitive advantage. While they offer services to Houston and Las Vegas, they do not offer a flight (direct or indirect) from Houston to Las Vegas. Expanding on their existing services would allow for them to gain a bigger customer base. Partnership with Established Airlines- JetBlue has four major airline partners, which are an advantage when it comes to marketing. Customers know, Lufthansa, South African Airways, Air Linqus, Cape Air and trust them. To have them as partners this helps JetBlue to get know around several different parts of the world. Threats Price of Fuel-One threat that JetBlue Airways faces along with many other airlines is the constant change in prices of fuel. The price of fuel is a threat because the airlines can not control the price. Many different things affect the prices of fuel like Mother Nature, and the price of oil going up. Today in the Houston area regular fuel prices are about 2. 50 a gallon, but a couple years ago the prices sky rocketed over 3 dollars a gallon, and this is an important factor when determining prices of an airline ticket. Small part of Airline Industry Southwest Airlines is also a threat they make up 13. 8% of the United States Market Share, compared to JetBlue Airways that makes up 4. 3%. (transtat. bts. gov/) Southwest flights cover more areas and have flights in many more cities. They have been in business since 1971 so they are not a new company. Southwest has a name that is very well known all over the United States. Fairly New Firm-A threat of JetBlue is that the company has only been in business since 1999. Compared to Southwest’s 39 ears in business to JetBlue’s 11 this is a weakness because they have not been in business as long and their name is not as established as other larger airline companies. References: www. transtat. bts. gov/ www. southwest. com http://jetblue. com foxnews. com/us/2010/09/15/hundreds-pilots-treated-drug-abuse-psychiatric-disorders-review-finds/? test=latestnews http://articles. sun-sentinel. com/2010-09-14/news/sfl-jetblue-flight-attendant-091410-link_1_attendants-jetblue-airways-aircraft http://articles. cnn. com/2007-02-15/travel/passengers. stranded_1_jetblue-flights-passengers-flight-attendants? _s=PM:TRAVEL

Free Essays on Effects Of Abortion

Since abortion is allowed by law in the an alarming number of women have decided to have abortions. The Christian agencies of movement that promote life try to inform the public concerning the tragedy of abortions with the finality of preventing them. Unfortunately there is less information about abortion in the Carribean and Latin America, than in the United States. It is probably due to the fact that it continues to be illegal in the Carribean Islands and many Spanish countries. The lack of governmental programs for he care of the health and the low economical standard in these countries are attributes of the low abortion rate. Of coarse, this procedure is available for any person, whenever they have the most sufficient monetary resources. Abortion is more than a political, social, or economical subject. It is a very serious sin that entails the blame and destruction in the life of a woman, and as a result, society in general. God has called us to be a light in the world. Never-the-less, we should recognize that although abortion is a serious sin, in Christ there is forgiveness, including for abortion. â€Å"If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared.† (Psalm. 130: 3, NIV) The Northwest Publishing House published in 1992 a book titles â€Å"When the Crying Stops.† This book, written by Kathleen Winkler, contains stories of nineteen women that decided to have an abortion, but they have looked for forgiveness from God. This book has the purpose to dissuade a woman that decides to have an abortion and to give consolation to those whom have already passed by them. The author mentions that each year the number of women in the United States sadly exceeds a million and a half, what this means is that of every four pregnancies, one ends in being an abortion. The following quotes from the book will explain which is the stress caused by abortion and how it c... Free Essays on Effects Of Abortion Free Essays on Effects Of Abortion Since abortion is allowed by law in the an alarming number of women have decided to have abortions. The Christian agencies of movement that promote life try to inform the public concerning the tragedy of abortions with the finality of preventing them. Unfortunately there is less information about abortion in the Carribean and Latin America, than in the United States. It is probably due to the fact that it continues to be illegal in the Carribean Islands and many Spanish countries. The lack of governmental programs for he care of the health and the low economical standard in these countries are attributes of the low abortion rate. Of coarse, this procedure is available for any person, whenever they have the most sufficient monetary resources. Abortion is more than a political, social, or economical subject. It is a very serious sin that entails the blame and destruction in the life of a woman, and as a result, society in general. God has called us to be a light in the world. Never-the-less, we should recognize that although abortion is a serious sin, in Christ there is forgiveness, including for abortion. â€Å"If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared.† (Psalm. 130: 3, NIV) The Northwest Publishing House published in 1992 a book titles â€Å"When the Crying Stops.† This book, written by Kathleen Winkler, contains stories of nineteen women that decided to have an abortion, but they have looked for forgiveness from God. This book has the purpose to dissuade a woman that decides to have an abortion and to give consolation to those whom have already passed by them. The author mentions that each year the number of women in the United States sadly exceeds a million and a half, what this means is that of every four pregnancies, one ends in being an abortion. The following quotes from the book will explain which is the stress caused by abortion and how it c...

FMLA this is a Human Resoures class Research Paper

FMLA this is a Human Resoures class - Research Paper Example However, if a company is a public agency, including all private and public schools, it must provide FMLA regardless of the number of employees. The FMLA allows eligible employees to take off up to 12 work weeks in any 12 month period to take care of a new child in the family whether by birth, adoption or by placement in foster care; to care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition; or if the employee himself is unable to work because of a serious health condition (USDOL,n.d.). An employee can be eligible to FMLA if he is unable to perform his essential job function. The FMLA regulations guarantees time-off but it is up to the employer if he will pay the employee and provide benefits while he takes a leave. The continuous, intermittent and reduced schedules are the three different kinds of FMLA leave. The continuous leave is when an employee is absent for more than three consecutive business days and has been treated by a doctor. The in termittent leave is when an employee takes time off in separate blocks. It can either be in hourly, daily, or weekly increments. This type of leave is usually taken by an employee who undergoes ongoing treatment.

Descriptive Statistics in Research Domains Essay - 1

Descriptive Statistics in Research Domains - Essay Example In the simplest terms, the mean represents the average of a group of data and is the most widely used descriptive statistic since further statistical analysis tends to depend on the mean and its variance (Leedy & Ormrod, 2010). The research under analysis examined the medical home model for its robustness as a predictor of â€Å"decreased utilization of health services and increased patient satisfaction† (Cooley, McAllister, Sherrieb, & Kuhlthau, 2009). Data was collected through 43 differentiated care practices that were being implemented under 7 different medical home model regimes in 5 different states in the United States. The overall sample set consisted of 42 children though most children were affected by more than one condition including chronic medical problems. The study is more exploratory than experimental since it seeks to establish the efficacy of an already implemented medical care system. The Medical Health Index (MHI) was utilized to measure the â€Å"medical homeness† of each medical home concept model (Cooley, McAllister, Sherrieb, & Kuhlthau, 2009). The research investigated various independent variables such as organizational capacity, condition management, care coordinatio n etc. in order to measure the MHI for each model. It was found that a higher MHI signified a more effective medical home concept model. Overall the study was easy to read and the assumptions were clearly spelt out to aid understanding. The mean is typically utilized in conjunction with the standard deviation to express the conformance of data to a centralized average. The internal validity of data can be established if the collected data tends to exhibit with a mean with a low standard deviation (Creswell, 2009). The mean was employed throughout the research being analysed for describing the total outcome for various variables and correlation levels. The mean for a particular variable is calculated by using the overall sample set and calculating its average.