The Taj West End hotel in Bangalore implements practices which have won it the prestigious National Tourism Award for being the best eco-friendly hotel in India. The award recognises the hotel's efforts to promote eco-friendly initiatives and its commitment to protect, conserve, and restore the natural environment.

Beejamrutha: a mix of cow dung, cow urine, water, lime and a handful of soil for protecting the crop from harmful soil-borne and seed-borne pathogens. Seeds and fruits are preserved in this

The Sharma household at Chaina village in Faridkot is buzzing with activity. Charanjeet Kaur is busy ensuring that she does not run out of gram flour, jaggery, green chillies, garlic and neem leaves.

Scientists of Annamali University, Tamil Nadu, have developed flyash based herbal pesticide with turmeric, neem, eucalyptus, pepper and chilli dust and found them effective against several pests of rice and vegetables. (Courtesy : Down to Earth) July-Sep 2007

Surapala's Vrikshayurveda and Chakrapani Mishra's Vishvavallabha recommend the use of kunapa (liquid manure) for nourishment of trees and plants.

Biopesticide developed from garlic

Even pesticides based on herbal extracts can affect brain functioning