'Nutri-Horticulture' contributed by 31 scientists and teachers from India, Australia, Thailand and Indonesia embodies a mix of 17 chapters, first on improving nutrition security and then followed up by chapters on inputs especially crops, water, biotic stresses now assuming catastrophy like nematodes. The great Tamil Saint Thiruvalluvar in his classic Thirukkural mentions and to quote "Rain produces food for all beings in the world and rain itself serves as food indeed". The present book has two chapters on Water requirements of Horticultural Crops and Rainwater Harvesting Methods. Swami Vivekananda in his call to the Nation and to quote "Let New India arise-out of the peasants' cottage, grasping the plough out of the huts of the fisher man, the cobbler and the sweeper. Let her spring from the grocer's shop, from beside the oven of the fritter-seller. Let her emanate from the factory, from marts and from markets. Let her emerge from groves and forests, from hills and mountains'. Saint Thiruvalluvar further says" Farmers are the linchpin of the whole world as they feed even those not in the field".
In this context the chapter on Marketing management would lead readers to realize importance of scientific marketing strategies in the new era of globalization resulting openness of trade. So far Indian Horticulture emphasized on production and productivity but the free trade and openness of Indian market, the second largest in the world, has changed the priority to marketing. Postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables are 25-40 per cent and any attempt to bring down to 15 per cent will be much appreciated. The chapter-14-Factors Affecting Shelf Life of Fruits-discusses measures to prolong shelf life of fruits. Studies on endophytic microorganisms to be coduit to plant nutrition and plant resistance to soil borne fungi, bacteria and viruses are getting attention. Chapter 2 deals with the endophytic micro-organisms in Agriculture and Horticulture. Organic Horticulture is challenged by meager measures of pest and disease control. The chapter 4 is focused on Biointensive Integrated Pest Management in Horticultural Crops.
Historical perspectives on coconut breeding and Nematological Research are given as separate chapters for the benefit of students and to protect and focus the contributions, India has made over centuries. Janice Albert from FAO leads the book by her chapter on Improving Nutritional Security and Health for All: The Important Role of Horticulture. The Editor is a corresponding member of the Food and Nutrition Community of FAO.