This document discusses inoculum development and production media for fermentation processes. It defines inoculum as a culture of microbes used for industrial fermentations that is in an active growth phase and free of contamination. It describes the basic components of industrial fermentation media including carbon, nitrogen, salt, and vitamin sources. It also discusses various methods for preserving microbial cultures long-term, including subculturing, desiccation, freeze drying, and cryopreservation. The key aspects of inoculum development are preparing a seed culture in sufficient quantities and a healthy state to maximize productivity and yield in large-scale fermentations. Examples of media used for specific inoculum development are also provided.