Dec 2006

Have you ever wondered where Nanima got her store of simple, common sense tips from? We wondered, too, and we began collecting bits and pieces of such lore and we found that it is far more effective than conventional means, while reducing the environmental cost dramatically. Beginning this issue, X-Over brings you simple household tips that will only cost you a minute to put into use while making a big difference to your life.

Peels for Pulses
Take dry watermelon peels, grind to a powder and add to pulses while cooking. It is an ideal substitute for soda bicarb.

Burnt is Better

And We a Better Way to Cope

. . . Manual Scavenging Carries on Unabated
S afai Karamcharis have had comparatively good press last year, what with the coverage of their campaign for the demolition of community dry toilets. The media publishes one story and several pictures, there is a ripple of interest for some time, one story perhaps leads to another, and the media wheel moves on to the next expose.

If the previous feature had a dark story to tell on GM foods, here is another version...

Genetically modified food will not reduce hunger. It will only enhance it.
October 16, 2006 was declared the UN World Food Day. The theme for this year—investing in Agriculture for Food Security—is an excellent, if not unimaginative, idea.
The world needs food security. The way to get there is through investing in agriculture. You’d think that’s a
no-brainer. You’d be wrong.