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"The author should be encouraged to resubmit the proposal as the study has the potentialities for suggesting a new model of development" Accordingly Shri Jain has submitted the revised project vide his letter dated 03-10-87. I understand that the project is under active consideration of the department of environment. I have carefully gone through the project and it has impressed me very much as it suggests to establish the forgotten food value of forests from a variety of edible and nutritious seeds, nuts, beans, leaves, tubers etc. of about 50,000 plant species available in our forests. The food production per hectare will be ten times more than that from agriculture and that too without any recurring cost. There will be no need for irrigation, chemical fertilisers and harmful toxic pesticides. In addition to food a variety of other products timber, fuel, oils, resins, gums, wax, dyes, fibres flosses etc. will also be available to promote cottage, small and big industries. There will be no need for high subsidies we are giving for sustaining the capital intensive, hi-tech agriculture. Once the food value of forests is scientifically established the farmers will take up tree planting themselves. It would reduce pollution, check floods and droughts and help save crores of rupees. The project, if implemented would help evolve forest based model of life on sound scientific lines, which would ensure best use of existing and potential resources in such a way as to maintain for now and in perpetuity, the best possible sustained yield from the biosphere without in any way eroding or degrading the resource base. I strongly recommend that the project should be sanctioned as early as possible. I request you to kindly give it your personal consideration to
expedite its sanction. 12. Copy of letter No. F1/KOUNCS/88/650 of Dated 01-02-1988
from Prof. V.R. Mehta (Vice Chancellor), Kota Open University to S.M. Jain
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