The planting of commercially valuable chir trees has become embroiled in controversy in Ultar Pradesh's Almora district. But a local schoolteacher has found a novel use for its discarded bark.

M D Nanjundaswamy, president, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha.

A non govemmental organisation attempting to help women in Haryana's and Rewari district is hampered by caste factors and male chauvinism.

Sharad Joshi, Shetkari Sanghatana

Bhupinder Singh Mann, MP,ABharatiya Kisan Union

• Plant varieties to be brought within the purview of patents. This provision will be reviewed four years after the agreement comes into force. • Countries to provide

The government says there are opportunities to improve the Dunkel packager but not all are convinced that it is trying hard enough. Environmentalists and farmers fear the country may wind up having to accept a fait accompli.

Community based systems in Orissa ore effectively managing local forest resources, but they need support to overcome the conflicts and contradictions that arise.

Unlike in some other villages, Lapanga's forest management does not bar grazing

A Filipino research institute has blended agro forestry and bio intensive forming technicques to help small farmers produce more, without further burdening their packet.