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EDITORIAL NOTES:
While the Neem tree continues to flourish and provide the healing touch wherever it can, the world wakes up to headlines like ..... 'A HARVEST OF MISERY'.... trapped in a vicious cycle of crop failure, high debt and penury, the Indian farmer's future is an endless night.. 'RESIDUE OF A REVOLUTION' - Pesticides in people's blood in Punjab ..
The irony is that the solutions to these man made problems are within our grasp. What the world needs is a new vision and some ancient solutions like NEEM. It is hoped that these issues will feature and be discussed and highlighted in the next World Neem Conference. Get ready to pack your bags and head for the beautiful Island nation of Mauritius in Sept, 2006. The modalities are being worked out and co-ordinated with the University of Mauritius, which will also be the venue for the Conference.
The lead article in this issue 'Economics of Neem in Crop Protection' is an indepth study of the ground realities of the neem scenario. It sheds light on the viability of neem materials in pest management and fertilizer uses.
In 'Keeping Up With Neem' we bring you interesting reports, studies and news items culled from various sources that combine traditions with science and go on to prove neem's versatility. 'Neem Cleansing - Removes dye, heavy metals', also featured in this section - promises to open new and exciting vistas for neem utilization that have contemporary relevance. Goes to prove once again that the Neem is a tree for our times !
'From the Internet' contains a medley of information gathered from all over. We hope it will help provide leads to the activities and developments happening in different countries.
In the Indian countryside the neem tree has long been known to improve soil fertility and turn wastelands into productive lands, over a period of time. This is now borne out by a scientific study done in recent times - 'Impact of Neem Plantation Under Agroforestry System on Soil Properties in Semi arid Region of India'. This study done by the Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute - Jhansi, should give a new fillip to neem plantation efforts worldwide.
P.Thakkar
P.Thakkar
Editorial Board :
Pramila Thakkar
Hon. Editor
Roopa Mathew
Associate Editor
Dr. N. Kothari
Hon. Tech. Editor
Dr. R. M. Mogre
Hon. Tech. Editor
Amila Singhvi
Hon. Advisor
Dhriti Singhvi
Editorial Assistant
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