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The given methods for conserving food are used at different stages of food transfer from producer to consumer
            level:
               • Cooling: Some varieties of food can be refrigerated or some can be frozen to stop the growth of harmful
              microorganisms like bacteria, mould, fungi, etc. on the food, thus preventing it from being unfit for consumption.
               • Heating: Microorganisms are destroyed by heat at specific temperature. This process includes pasteurisation,
              cooking and sterilisation.
               • Removing moisture from food: This will hinder the growth of microorganisms on food by drying, salting,
              pickling, sugaring and smoking food.
               • Use of Preservatives:  Food preservatives like Sodium  Benzoate, Parabens,  Formaldehyde, etc. are used to
              increase the shelf life of food items by keeping it fresh for a long time.

            Forest Conservation

            Forest is an important renewable resource and is made up of living and non-living components. It has plants in the
            form of trees, shrubs, climbers, grasses and herbs. It provides us food, fodder, fibre, fruits and fuel. It also regulates
            the temperature of a place and helps in conservation of soil. To conserve this natural vegetation that exists from
            thousands of years, follow the given methods:




















               • Control deforestation: Due to rapid urbanisation and building up of dams, forests are cut to clear land. Cutting
              should be regulated by :
              ¬   Clear cutting method: If the same types of trees are available over a large area, then trees of the same age
                group can be cut down in a selected area and then marked for replantation.

              ¬   Selective cutting method: Only mature trees are selected for cutting. This process  is  to be followed in
                rotation.

              ¬   Shelter wood cutting method: Trees are cut on the basis of their utility of providing timber. Trees of less
                importance are cut first followed by trees of moderate importance and at the end the best tree is considered.

               • Control forest fire: Fire in forest sometimes occurs due to natural processes like lightning or friction between
              trees during speedy winds. Sometimes, intentional or unintentional human activities may also cause fire in
              forest. Precautions must be taken for such incidents like making fire lanes, spreading chemicals to control fire,
              clearing out dry leaves and trees, etc. There must be a trained staff of fire-fighters to control the fire.
               • Afforestation and Reforestation: Afforestation is the process of planting more trees on land with few or no
              trees i.e. creating a new forest. Reforestation is the process of planting more trees in an existing forest with
              less number of trees due to forest fire or excessive cutting. These two methods will help restore the natural
              vegetation which is important for maintaining the ecological balance.






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