Remote Sensing for Agriculture

GNSS Reflectrometry (GNSS-R) has been already demonstrated in low earth orbit to measure sea surface heights. There is increasing interest in GNSS-R also for land surface applications.Potential land surface applications are soil moisture measurement, vegetation growth, image mapping. Since the GNSS transmitters are active continuously, suitable receivers could measure with much improved temporal sampling compared with existing low Earth orbit Earth observation satellites which only allow repeat viewing every few days at best. GNSS-R has several other advantages, but also brings the challenge of making good quality measurements despite the very low signal strength.

Remotely sensed images can be used to identify vegetation damages such as insect damage, weed damage, nutrient deficiency…etc., and plant populations via electromagnetic spectrum. Data from remote sensing information can be used as base maps in variable applications of fertilizers and pesticides. It allows farmers to treat only affected areas of a field. Problems within a field may be identified remotely before they can be visually identified on a wider scale. Ranchers use remote sensing to identify prime grazing areas, overgrazed areas or areas of weed infestations. Lending institutions use remote sensing data to evaluate the relative values of land by comparing archived images with those of surrounding fields.

The wavelengths used in most agricultural remote sensing applications cover only a small region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The green colour associated with plant vigor has a wavelength that centers near 5 micrometers on the spectrum band. The visible and infrared regions are widely used in agricultural remote sensing.

When electromagnetic energy from the sun strikes plants, depending upon the wavelength of the energy and characteristics of individual plants, the energy will be either reflected, absorbed, or transmitted. Reflected energy which bounces off leaves and is identified by human eyes as the green colour of plants as the chlorophyll in the leaves absorbs much of the energy in the visible wavelengths and the green colour is reflected. Sunlight that is not reflected or absorbed is transmitted through the leaves to the ground. Interactions between reflected, absorbed, and transmitted energy can be detected by remote sensing. The differences in leaf colours, textures, shapes or even how the leaves are attached to plants, determine how much energy will be reflected, absorbed or transmitted. The relationship between reflected, absorbed and transmitted energy is used to determine spectral signatures of individual plants. Spectral signatures are unique to plant species. Remote sensing is used to identify stressed areas in fields by first establishing the spectral signatures of healthy plants. The spectral signatures of stressed plants appear altered from those of healthy plants.

How it works?

(Source: NDSU, 2004)

The sun (A) emits electromagnetic energy (B) to plants (C). A portion of the electromagnetic energy is transmitted through the leaves. The sensor on the satellite detects the reflected energy (D). The data is then transmitted to the ground station (E). The data is analysed (F) and displayed on field maps (G).

Compiled by,

R. Ghadawala

Evaluation of Revolution

Recently, I witnessed something really common but strange thing. One man was standing in the front of an idol and was complaining the almighty about his bad times. I found it funny, NO OFFENCE but when something good happens to us or we get something according to our expectations, we consider it as the reward of our own sincere hard work and dedicated efforts. Agreed, we must appreciate. But, when we receive the reward opposite to our expectations or receive something in life which we don't want, we blame on the God that despite of our sincere work, the almighty has rewarded us with the worst. We will not take a single moment to blame the God for our present situation though we know that we are the only reason for such reward!

The reason to mention this is not to hurt anyone's sentiment or feelings. The actual reason behind is to emphasis on the fact that WE ARE ESCAPING from taking the responsibility for our own actions and so as the reactions. Why we keep on escaping from our responsibilities, where as we raise ourselves to fight for our rights? Today, just because of a single spark, we will get united for revolution. It is really good sign for positive development. In recent past, we just knew one thing that WE ARE INDIANS and WE ARE A FAMILY. It is indeed the best thing ever for any developing nation that her countrymen are united for the growth. But, it pains when this unity got divided when the time comes to take the responsibility. For example, if we raise ourselves to stop the corruption, we also need to realize that the cancer of the corruption wouldn’t have been spread without our support. We encouraged it directly or indirectly, whether it may be in the terms to escape from traffic penalty or to finish our work quickly. Directly or indirectly, we have encouraged it and so it has become a tradition now. So, if we want to cure this cancer, we have to get ourselves clean first of all. It doesn’t mean that all are the same, but majority of us is not clean. Sorry to say, but it is fact!

This is just an example, there are many more issues. If we want our rights, we also need to give our input which is our responsibility. One can feed you at the most, but we are the one who need to digest it! Let’s stop the blame game and concentrate on our duties and responsibilities.

If we can be united for the occasions like cricket match celebrations, fight against corruption, let’s also be united to take the lead to give our best inputs and take the responsibility. If we give our 100%, we will be getting the reward of our actions which we want and if we’ll get the results according to our expectations, there will not be any more complain and if there will not be any more complain, we all will live very happily. This will ultimately lead to the real growth of the developing country and our dreams will be fulfilled. The nation – our beloved motherland, will stand on her foundation belief of considering the world as a family. So let’s stop talking and start acting accordingly please.

Remember, if Revolution is the reward, we also need to evaluate our own actions in order to get the expected revolution otherwise we'll landing into the worst side of it!

Thank you.

- R. Ghadawala

An open letter to all my friends...

Dear Friends,

I have started my journey of life a few years back. Rather than following on the prepared way with the facilities and resources, I prefered to use my own potential, knowledge and skills to create my own way leading to achieve the goal in my life.

As we all know that every new beginning requires hard work and lots of efforts, which also comes with a few obstacles. I have been really fortunate that I have received support from all of you at each stage in my life till now and am sure that I will be under the shower of your blessings, support and wishes throughout my journey with the help of which I will surely reach my goal. From the bottom of my heart, I am really grateful to all of you.

Everything has a ‘price tag’, and likewise, during my journey, as I have started embarking on a few exploratory activities yielding very encouraging results, I have also started receiving a few obstacles in the way, trying to divert my focus from the goal. Well, I took this as an opportunity to develop my skills and ability to deal with the situation and with all your support, I am overcoming the obstacles. I have no complain about the obstacles in my way. On a polite note, I would like to mention here that earlier also the questions have been asked to prove my identity and I have been pushed to reply them, which I did. But, that doesn’t mean I will be entertaining all the questions at the cost of my self respect. I have enough productive things to do, rather than wasting my time in proving my identity to the persons who are NOT authorized or to whom one is answerable.

I am sorry for the harsh words, but after answering all the questions many times by a few “unauthorized” persons, I have wasted enough time of my life. I cannot afford to lose such prestigious time and in the way, my focus in the life. I have provided enough evidences and now am not going to repeat the same to one and all. I strongly believe, “People who trust you, don’t require any proof or evidence and people who don’t trust you, don’t deserved any proof or evidence” . Hence, with a humble request along with apology for my words that please allow me not to lose my focus from my goal and help me to concentrate to put my dedicative sincere efforts to reach the goal.

I am really happy and appreciate by heart, your gentle support and wishes. I value your cooperation and positive anticipation in giving shape to my life and putting it into a well polished shape. Without your support, it will be difficult for me to devote myself for the country and hence for the humanity.

Thank you all for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Rushi Ghadawala

We - The Indians

India is a world in herself – geographically distinct, culturally varied, an ancient civilization that has over the years interacted with virtually all the world’s races, creeds and ideologies, yet has preserved the unique flavour which underpins and unites the diversity that is India.

We have always accepted and welcomed the people, with their own traditions, from all over the world supporting our belief that the world is one – but a family! With the coordination of different cultures and traditions, we have created and developed our own little space in each sector, whether it may be Entertainment, Commercial or Science & Technology, Medicine.

Each coin has two sides, likewise, the rain and the rainbow also come with dark clouds. If we appreciate the dark clouds, we will be able to enjoy the bright sun following them and ultimately the rainbow colors. If we can accept the appreciation on our success, why can’t we accept the critisism, especially when we fail to succeed? In fact, it will provide us an excellent opportunity to imporve our efforts and make our input more accurate to bring the ultimate success.

On one hand, WE TALK about global citizenship, our rich treasure of tradition and culture, our thoughts, our ethics…etc and on the another hand, WE DO abuse our own system and our own people. There is a big gap between our thoughts and our action. Agreed, criticism is required but we must not develop one sided vision. Let us remember that our motherland – India, is an emerging nation. We have our different priorities at present. We are overcoming the obstacles and limitations with slow but steady progress. We want everything instant and in the way we want, including the growth of the nation. We expect the nation to do something for us, in the way we want! But, we also need to remember that to do so, the nation requires our inputs and our support.

We do have the people in between us, who have brought the glory to the nation on international platform with their valuable inputs and service. In the present world, India is a set example in every sector at global scenario for the growth. But it is sad to note that we remember our duties to pay tribute to our fellow citizens and our motherland only during certain occasions. After the occasion is over, our love, care and concern also conclude with it. We take pride on our National Flag but after all national festivals, majority of the national flags are found in garbage or dustbins. If we really believe in our ethics and tradition and culture, let’s educate atleast one child, let’s provide a shelter to the needyones, let’s ignite the lamp of joy and love in someone’s heart…. The least we can do is, let’s do our best in our own inputs, which will result into our service to the nation. If we cannot do any of this, atleast let’s not abuse others.

We must not forget that we have so many things to look on, our constant growth is an excellent example for any country. Let’s concentrate on the brighter side and put our valuable inputs for the better outputs which we all want.

- R. Ghadawala

Each coin has two sides !!

One afternoon in summer, I was passing through a construction area where I have seen a couple sitting under a tree opposite to a building site where they were working. I thought to go and ask them if they are hungry and would like to eat something, I was deeply touched by their reply. The husband replied, "We are working in this building along with other family members and friends. As my wife is having fever, I am sitting besides her for some time. We are simply waiting for our other friends who also must be hungry as we are working since last night continuously." I asked them if they can come with me and have some food from the nearest food shop. The couple gently replied, "Sir, thank you for the offer. though we are labours, but we do not eat alone... we all eat together. Don't worry, once our friends will finish their work, we all will cook something and eat together."

I left silently with highly impressed and deeply touched by their "rich thoughts".

***

One evening, I was attending a function, where I met a well known businessman. He has expanded his business from local to multinational and his annual turn over was in millions. He offered me seat on his table to introduce me with his family. This young businessman's wife was also coming from a highly learned and rich family. The young businessman completed management studies from Harvard University and his wife was a Cambridge scholar. I was discussing something with both of them and suddenly, their 7 yrs old son came. He asked for a spoon of ice-cream from his mother's bowl. Her mother replied to him, "You have finished yours... This is mine, if you want, go and get one from the counter on your own."

Again, I left silently with deep pain, leaving a comment behind: Each coin has two sides !!

- R. Ghadawala

India enters into private space sector on international platform

Aryavarta Space Organization (ASO) is proud to announce its industrial partnership with Central American Association of Space and Aeronautics (ACAE – ASOCIACIÓN CENTROAMERICANA DE AERONÁUTICA Y DEL ESPACIO).

A Memorandum of Collaboration between both the organizations – ASO and ACAE, aiming at the development of the commercial and R&D sector of space industry has been signed on January 25, 2011. By means of this Memorandum, the parties express their intent to establish links for cooperation for the benefit of their organizations. Both organizations also aim to promote social development through the realization of combined activities in the fields of technological and scientific research, development and innovation, in accordance to the purposes. The parties express their intention to promote an effective technology and knowledge transfer through activities like capacity building, education exchange, consultancy activities, research, promotion of industrial projects, conferences, workshops, interchange of technical and scientific information in accordance to the policies of each party.

ASO is officially registered in India as a Non-Government Organization (NGO) with an aim to carry out research in the space sector. The activities carried out at ASO include working towards projects, research and its dissemination in organizations and institutions involved in the sectors of Aerospace Technology, Science and Medicine. ASO, with its international operations in UK and USA, also has permanent collaboration programs with other non-profit and non-government organizations around the world.

ACAE is officially registered in Guatemala (Central America) as a private non-profit organization, created to promote cultural, social, educative and humanitarian activities, whose purpose is to promote scientific, technological and cultural studies. They also delve in analysis, research and development with projection to all areas of human life. ACAE works together with other Central American organizations to promote studies and development of space and aeronautical technologies. ACAE also holds relationships with other regional entities in America and across the world, looking to establish more collaborative agreements.

This international alliance of ASO and ACAE is established on a mutually advantageous collaboration regarding facilitating the development and expansion of the entrepreneurial and/or research activities through commercial and scientific- technological cooperation. This will provide an excellent avenue for creating a platform of new opportunities for space related scientific developments.

The following are among the major activities intended to be carried out by ASO and ACAE together which will benefit from its global cooperation:

1. Research, development and innovation of science and technology in general;

2. To cooperate for the promotion of activities related with science, technology, education, culture and social development;

3. Mitigation planning of natural disasters, emergency attendance and management of natural resources using Space Application;

4. Research and capacity building in areas such as environment, weather, earth, ocean and space;

5. Research for the protection of human patrimony;

6. Promotion of activities related with health and food security;

7. Reduction of digital divide;

8. Capacity building in all areas of science, industry and technology, especially those related with, but not limited to, space, space right, astronomy and aeronautics - including their applications in space, the atmosphere, over and under the land and the ocean.

While ASO has been working towards development of new models and research in the field of space science and technology, this accord between ASO and ACAE is aimed at helping the world to explore and utilize the space sector for the betterment of humanity ASO dedicates this upcoming collaboration to the nation as a gift on republic day.

“We welcome The Central America Association for Aeronautics and Space, Guatemala (ACAE, Guatemala) as our new industrial partner. This is an excellent opportunity for both parties to develop a serious relationship for the two countries and work for humanity through sharing information and knowledge. This is the beginning of a new era in the private space sector and I am very pleased to announce this alliance. This is also a gift to the nation of India on its Republic Day anniversary. It is the time when the intellectual youth of India are stepping into space with international involvement.”

- Dr. Rushi Ghadawala

President, International Affairs,

Aryavarta Space Organization

"It gives me immense satisfaction to realize this opportunity to work with Central America Association for Aeronautics and Space, Guatemala. On this note, I would like to thank our partners for entrusting us with this opportunity and the entire Aryavarta Space Organization, the efforts of whom have resulted in this partnership. This is a very significant step and we hope to move forward towards our goal with the same zeal and passion to deliver excellence in the work we do."

- Mr. Poojan Chokshi

(Vice President, Aryavarta Space Organization)

“The signing of MoU between ASO and Central America Association for Aeronautics and Space is a giant step. This is a stepping stone for Indian companies to go out in the world and show their skills. This MoU is also a benchmark for Indians who have big dreams and will eventually achieve their goal in no time. This will inspire the youth of India to dream, think and put their thoughts into action.”

- Mr. Chiragkumar Tala

(Head, USA Operation, Aryavarta Space Organization)

Letter to God

Oh God,

Let us all have good health & wealth

We want from you mental peace & strength

Let us be given wisdom & happiness

So that we can remove distress & unhappiness

Let us all have your mercy & sympathy

We demand from you (for us) good character & efficiency

Let us be assisted with will power & energy

So that we can remove violence & misery

Let us all have your affection & blessings

We want to be worthy of your greetings

Let us be bestowed with courage & sancitity

So that we can fight against evils & poverty

Let us all have justice & freedom

We want you to give us clarity of mind & purity of heart

Let us be granted with activeness & nobility

So that we can fight against injustice & insincerity.

THINK BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

My Dear Friends,

We all are from different places, our thinking is different from each other, our lifestyle is completely different and so on we have so many differences in each other. We have categories these differences in terms of nationalities, race & religions and many more such boundaries. Even in each category, we do have different sub-categories in the same pattern. We all have developed our own society at each category and/or sub-category and we are making reasonably good progress to shape our own life in a good and healthy shape, shining with flowering colours.

We have seen differences in between us. Now, if we will narrow down and go towards the grass root of the chart, we will find a similarity, i.e. we all are humans. Yes, above all categories and sub-categories, societies, nationalities, religions, we all are just and just humans – no differences at all.

With due respect to all the differences between us, is it not possible for us to remember the biggest similarity in between us? Can’t we have GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP and HUMANITY RELIGION? If we want, we can think beyond the differences. Why not we utilize our difference of opinions in a productive way to develop and for the betterment of our HUMAN SOCIETY? Just on a polite note, I’d like to say that if root is strong and healthy, the tree will be healthier and decorated with flowers and sweet fruits. Let’s make our root strong enough to decorate our life with peace, harmony, love and joy.

In India, there is an ancient adage – “Vasudhaiv Kautumbakam”, which means THE WORLD IS ONE BUT A FAMILY! We all are different flowers decorated into bouquet of Human Society. We shall take this opportunity to make the bouquet special with our aroma of GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP and HUMANITY rather than just making it beautiful.

I am only one of you all, from the bouquet. I do believe that it looks nice in wordings, BUT I strongly believe that it is practically possible. We need to have desire for doing it. If we dream of peaceful, harmonious, loving and beautiful planet Earth, in order to achieve dream, we must take the initiative to contribute ourselves. First of all we need to enhance our knowledge, respect ourselves as well as the differences between us. If we’ll bring happiness in our family – which is at the end of some sub-category in the chart, gradually, it will be spread amongst the societies, sub-categories and categories. This is how the dream will be fulfilled and bouquet of GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP will be special aromatic by fragrance of HUMANITY.

The only conclusion can be WORLD IS OURS, THINK BEYOND THE BOUNDARY!!!

- Rushi GHADAWALA

Life...

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life."

How? Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different and each of us is special. Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you. Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as they would be your life. For without them, life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life. Don't give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying. Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each together.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave. Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find time. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings. Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.

Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. Don't be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily. Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way.

Let's evaluate ourselves

Recently I came across a discussion on participation of international artists in a reality show in India. I was shocked when I heard the question, "Why international artists including our neighbour countries are allowed to participate into an Indian reality show?"

According to me, this is really serious question for disturbing our ancient culture which defines global citizenship ("Vasudaaiv Kautumbakam"). Art, Science & Technology, development and all cultural activities are boundless, such "dirty politics" MUST BE kept away from all these for the sake of humanity and harmony. When we are talking about global citizenship, secularism, development, harmony... etc, at that time, I do not think that there is necessity of such questions, representing our conservative mindsets!

Let me take you to the opening and closing ceremonies of commonwealth games, recently concluded in India. We all have enjoyed the splendid performances by various artists. To make the ceremonies successful, lots of people have worked so hard, day and night, though nature was not supporting earlier and there was flood like situation in many parts of the city earlier. The dedication of the workers, artists and players brought flowering colours at the end which we all have seen. Each coin has two sides, likewise, there are also some serious mistakes taken place before the games, but instead of looking towards WHAT IS DONE, we have focused on WHAT IS LEFT AND WHAT IS WRONG!! Many of us will say and I also agree that responsible persons should be penalised, BUT at the same time, why we forgot to encourage the enthusiasm and efforts of the people behind the grand success of the entire event? We have clapped and felt proud during the events when we have seen what we like and what makes us to feel proud, but before that, we haven't left anything to abuse the people behind it.

Similarly, there are many people from all the regions who have played an important role in the development of the nation or served themselves to bring glory to India and make our country in real sense shining! The people from this category falls only in one region - region of humanity, development and harmony. Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, Mr. Ratan Tata, Mr. Javed Akhtar, Ms. Lata Mangeshkar, Dr. Narayan Murthy, Dr. Aambedkar... and the list continues including bollywood stars, scientists, artists, industrialists and many more people across the country. The reason behind mentioning a few names is just to show that art, culture, development, science & technology are above all boundaries and these are only a few names from the large society.

It is not our fault, we have always focused on negativity till now. I am not saying that we should not look over our negativity or ignore the mistakes, on just a polite note, how if learn from mistakes and start encourage enthusiasm, positivity and support for the development. We used to say proudly that we believe in Global Citizenship, Humanity and Equality. Now, let's put it into practise rather than just saying for the sake of it. YES, we need to wake up and we need to evaluate ourselves first rather than evaluating others.