After green revolution was launched in India, substantial increase in the production of food-grains was achieved through the use of improved crop varieties and higher levels of inputs like fertilizers water and plant protection chemicals. This made the revolution possible but it has limitations of higher costs and of causing damage to the environment specially when inputs are not used efficiently and judiciously. A decline of yields are being reported from the green revolution belts of India, in spite of liberal application of fertilizers and other inputs. The environmental problems are now becoming real problems of the developing countries as well as developing world. This disturbing trend is attributed to soil degradation, multi nutrient deficiencies and pest and diseases build up. The use of chemical inputs increases yields for a limited period, but without good management there is rapid deterioration of land and water resources. Inefficient use of fertilizers results in polluting the environment, in addition to wastage of scarce resource. It is therefore, imperative to conserve and utilize optimally the available production resources like land, water and genetic diversity and to efficiently manage the agricultural inputs for sustaining high crop productivity on a long term basis, with minimum damage to ecological and socio-economic environment. In this context, publication of a reference book is timely and appropriate. As the scientists, students, planners, administrators and extensionists recognize the importance of environmental problems related to agriculture, but they need ready reference to learn more about the problems, plan research agenda and develop strategies to tackle the problems. Hence, an attempt has been made to compile the information and presents in a readable form in this book. The book not only covers the effect of excessive use of chemical inputs on environment but also the effect of other human activities on agricultural production. It is sure that the book will be of immense use of post-graduate students and research workers in agricultural and environmental sciences, extension workers, progressive farmers, officials of the department of agriculture, environment and pollution control board administrators, planners and policy makers and the technical staff working in the agricultural input industry.

Papers presented at a national seminar on Development of special economic zones in India.

Study conducted at Dindigul and Madurai districts of Tamil Nadu, India.

Study conducted in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Investment culture among the people of a country is an essential prerequisite for capital formation and the faster growth of an economy. Investment culture refers to the attitudes, perceptions, and willingness of the individuals and institutions in placing their savings in various financial assets, most popularly known as securities. A study on the investors perceptions and preferences, thus, assumes a greater significance in the formulation of policies for the development and regulation of security markets in general and protection and promotion of small and house-hold investors in particular.