Alleging that the state Government has failed to protect the interests of farmers, the Himachal Kisan Sabha (HKS) has decided to launch a statewide campaign from November 23 on issues including restoration of timber distribution rights, relief against monkey menace, increase in milk procurement price and proper availability of fertilisers.

Speakers at a view exchange meeting yesterday said organic fertiliser from human waste can replace around 30 million tonnes of chemical fertilisers per year if the country can be brought under eco-latrine project launched by an NGO.

The Green Revolution technologies in the country have resulted many fold increase in crop production, but simultaneously have made heavy demands of agro-chemicals, mostly fertilisers and pesticides. These have created pollution of soil, water, air and agricultural produce. Agricultural pollutants include pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers and some other agro- chemicals.

Days after External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee warned the Government its liability on account of fertilizer subsidy this year might exceed the defence budget unless it gets its

Prabha Jagannathan NEW DELHI

The low pressure-induced torrential rains across the State have further brightened the prospects of a bumper kharif crop for the second consecutive year

Udhagamandalam: A programme to enhance awareness among students about the catastrophic consequences of excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers by farmers was organised under the aegis of the Public Awareness Association of Udhagamandalam on Tuesday.

The Secretary of the Association G. Janardhanan who presided underscored the role of inspects in maintaining the ecological balance.