A pot experiment was conducted on a sandy loam soil (Typic ustochrepts) to assess the suitability of FYM in amelioration of Ni in maize on artificially contaminated soil.

Investigations and experience on truth of natural plant life surrounding us revealed that 1) soil is living, 2) health of cattle influences biodiversity as well as recycling of biomass and 3) quality of water. It is "soul" content of alternate farming.

Homeopathy is not only a human health care system but a whole science benefiting the entire life forms on the planet including the plants and crops. With the surge in demand for chemical residue free food and growing awareness for sustainability of the system various alternative models are being promoted. Homeopathic preparations specially formulated offer supplementary and complimentary solutions for growing nutrient and plant protection needs without affecting and degenerating the resources and environment.

Stagnating yields, negative impact on environment, soil health and farmers' economy were some of the side effects of green revolution and provided fuel to search new and unexploited areas to ensure increased productivity through eco-friendly or evergreen farming.

A decade ago, Chandra Pradhani, a Paraja tribal of Nuaguda village in Kundra block of Odisha's Koraput district, would migrate to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to earn a living as a brick kiln worker. He no longer does this. Today, he is feted by the nation. He was one of the tribal farmers honoured by prime minister Manmohan Singh at the 99th Science Congress held in Bhubaneswar in January. It is the hard labour and traditional agricultural techniques of tribal families that have helped put Koraput on the map of world agriculture.

One of the ways in which farmers can protect their soils is through the use of mulch. When the soil is covered with a
thick layer of organic matter, it is protected from extreme rainfall, winds or drought. Mulch also serves as a home for
insects, helping attract many species which significantly improve soil texture and soil fertility.

Aquatic vegetation is generally considered as nuisance plant communities which cause hindrance to aquaculture practice, resulting in the loss of aquaculture yields. Despite all these disadvantages, the importance of freshwater vegetation and their resources to human welfare can not be neglected rather invites attention too.

Fertilizer has been the key input in augmenting foodproduction in India. However, fertilizer use in India is skewed, high in a few states having adequate irrigation and dismally low in the NE states. There is also imbalanced use of N, P and K. Deficiency of secondary nutrient sulphur and micronutrient zinc is widespread in the country and boron deficiency is reported from the eastern states.

There is a need to break yield barriers through multidimensional approch to achieve food security on a sustainable basis for the people of this country. Cooperatives can play an important role in this direction due to their proximity to farmers. The Indian Farmers' Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), since over the last four decades, is providing services to farmers and cooperatives through various programmes, besides ensuring fertilizers availability.