Agriculture Product Manufacturer

The practice of agriculture product manufacturersagriculture is also known as “farming”, while scientists, inventors and others devoted to improving farming methods and implements are also said to be engaged in agriculture. Subsistence farming, who farms a small area with limited resource inputs, and produces only enough food to meet the needs of his/her family.
At the other end is commercial intensive agriculture, including industrial agriculture.
Such farming involves large fields and/or numbers of animals, large resource inputs (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.), and a high level of mechanization.
These operations generally attempt to maximize financial income from grain, produce, or livestock. Modern agriculture extends well beyond the traditional production of food for humans and animal feeds.
Other agricultural production goods include timber, fertilizers, animal hides, leather, industrial chemicals (starch, sugar, alcohols and resins), fibers (cotton, wool, hemp, silk and flax), fuels (methane from biomass, ethanol, biodiesel), cut flowers, ornamental and nursery plants, tropical fish and birds for the pet trade, and both legal and illegal drugs (biopharmaceuticals, tobacco, marijuana, opium, cocaine). The 20th Century saw massive changes in agricultural practice, particularly in agricultural chemistry.
Agricultural chemistry includes the application of chemical fertilizer, chemical insecticides, and chemical fungicides, soil makeup, analysis of agricultural products, and nutritional needs of farm animals.
Beginning in the Western world, the green revolution spread many of these changes to farms throughout the world, with varying success. Other recent changes in agriculture include hydroponics, plant breeding, hybridization, gene manipulation, better management of soil nutrients, and improved weed control.
Genetic engineering has yielded crops which have capabilities beyond those of naturally occuring plants, such as higher yields and disease resistance.
Modified seeds germinate faster, and thus can be grown in an extended growing area.agriculture product suppliers
Genetic engineering of plants has proven controversial, particularly in the case of herbicide-resistant plants. As of 2006, an estimated 36 percent of the world’s workers are employed in agriculture (down from 42% in 1996), making it by far the most common occupation.
However, the relative significance of farming has dropped steadily since the beginning of industrialization, and in 2006 for the first time in history the services sector overtook agriculture as the economic sector employing the most people worldwide.
Also, agricultural production accounts for less than five percent of the gross world product (an aggregate of all gross domestic products).

Agriculture Industry The Rapidly Growing Industry

Agriculture industry contributes immensely to the Indian economy. The practice of agriculture is highly devotional to promoting subsistence farming methods & adequate implementation. Throwing light on the current status of the agricultural division reveals it’s without a doubt magnificent performance in Indian arena of economic growth. With incredible dependency on the agricultural sector, industry efforts are directed towards promoting their business pertaining to rigid market competition.

Modern agriculture stretches further than mere customary production of human food products & feed for animals. Fertilizers, leather, fibers, timber, nursery plants, etc all plays a major part of the agriculture sector today. Firm competition in the Indian agriculture market is first and foremost based on manufacture of refined quality product in the long term process. Industries are incessantly flowing in to the Indian market therefore strengthening competition at every single second. The bigger depiction entails on the necessity for online business listing which helps promote the stance of best agriculture industry. The bottom line is agriculture business demands high support in order to resist market force & beat opposition at the edge.

The use of modern machines and tools is the biggest support. The sugar cane crusher, forage chopper, maize huller, maize Sheller and all such advanced machines and tools have helped a lot in the growth of this industry. In the processing of agricultural products these are very much helpful and plays a vital role to enhance the economy of the country.

In fact, not only the sugar cane crusher, maize sheller, maize huller but other machines those are used in the fields directly are also very much important and play a vital role. All these have together form a biggest support and are contributing a lot to beat the competitor industries at a wide range.

This has become the most common business as the demand for agricultural products can never fall and all of us are bound to have these. Especially in India this is the most common business and majority of people are involved into it. This sector covers 80% of the Indian economy and hence plays a powerful and major role in the growth of the country. In fact, not only in India, in the global market too this industry plays a vital role.

Agriculture industry is one of the booming industries. It plays a vital role to increase the economy of the country. The modern agriculture process is responsible for such a rapid growth of this industry. Advanced tools and machines have made the process easier and it has become possible to grow higher.

The use of modern machines and tools is the biggest support. The sugar cane crusher, forage chopper, maize huller, maize Sheller and all such advanced machines and tools have helped a lot in the growth of this industry. In the processing of agricultural products these are very much helpful and plays a vital role to enhance the economy of the country.

Iron Fence Vs Vinyl Fence For Privacy And Agriculture

There are many types of fencing, but two of the most common materials from which fencing is made are iron and vinyl. While the two can accomplish similar tasks, they have very different strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to know what these pros and cons are in order to choose the right type of fence for the job.

Iron fencing is not appropriate in many situations that are perfect for vinyl, and here we’ll compare the various characteristics of the two materials so that you will know which type of fence is right for the job.

Iron fencing is typically made from long iron rods that are held together with a horizontal cross bar. Vinyl fencing most often comes in the form of vertical stakes with panels of vinyl running horizontally along them, and can be reinforced with steel cables.

Iron fencing is best used in residential or commercial applications, although it is sometimes seen in public parks and other similar areas. Vinyl fencing is used most often in agricultural applications, but is also ideal for marking boundaries between parcels of land and landscaping uses.

Iron fencing is very strong, and a well made, correctly installed iron fence is almost impossible to damage. This makes it perfect for security applications, and for privacy fencing around homes or other private areas. Vinyl fencing tends to be more flimsy, but is strong enough to enclose small to medium livestock and pets.

Iron is a better solution for deterring movement, especially when trying to keep humans from crossing a line (most people will have no trouble getting through vinyl fencing).

In terms of maintenance, iron fencing is relatively resistant to the effects of weathering, but it is subject to corrosion through forces like sea air. Over time it may get rusty, although an anti-rusting agent can delay this. Vinyl fencing, on the other hand, is very resistant to weathering and will never corrode.

It will not warp in the sun or lose its color, because the color is digitally integrated into the vinyl itself. Iron is very hard to damage, but if it does need to be repaired it can be quite expensive to do so. Vinyl is relatively cheap and easy to replace, but can be damaged relatively easily by people and animals. Fortunately, it will resist most damage simply because of its elasticity and flexibility, making it perfect for holding animals.

Rural Connectivity – Part 5

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Elets – A platform for disseminating creative ideas on ICT

Elets Technomedia is a technology media and research company that focuses on ICT in government, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development sectors. Our mandate is to provide effective information on latest development in different ICT tools, techniques and their applications across our verticals through premier print publications, online portals and premier events, seminars, conferences and summits. Elets has created a name for itself as a technology media and research vendor of choice.

Strategies

To strengthen and facilitate knowledge sharing platforms engaging with partners across the globe through International conferences to provide cross-cultural grounding to stakeholders and participants To provide stakeholders with a platform to share models of best practice, knowledge and experience on a range of issues in the domain of ICT in Governance, Education, Health, security, Urban and Rural Development To mobilise the communities towards creating a digitally informed knowledge society based on shared understanding

Elets Focus Areas

Elets provides an unmatched versatility for working with multiple partners and consultants to mutually share knowledge. With a vision to provide effective information on latest development in different ICT tools, techniques and their applications across various verticals with focused reference to governance, education and health, we

a) bring niche monthly publications;

b) provide knowledge exchange fora and

c) conduct research projects, primarily through Events & Conferences

Emerging Opportunities in Education Education Research Forum – Umesh Pandey

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FIPS

Elets – A platform for disseminating creative ideas on ICT

Elets Technomedia is a technology media and research company that focuses on ICT in government, education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development sectors. Our mandate is to provide effective information on latest development in different ICT tools, techniques and their applications across our verticals through premier print publications, online portals and premier events, seminars, conferences and summits. Elets has created a name for itself as a technology media and research vendor of choice.

Strategies

To strengthen and facilitate knowledge sharing platforms engaging with partners across the globe through International conferences to provide cross-cultural grounding to stakeholders and participants To provide stakeholders with a platform to share models of best practice, knowledge and experience on a range of issues in the domain of ICT in Governance, Education, Health, security, Urban and Rural Development To mobilise the communities towards creating a digitally informed knowledge society based on shared understanding

Elets Focus Areas

Elets provides an unmatched versatility for working with multiple partners and consultants to mutually share knowledge. With a vision to provide effective information on latest development in different ICT tools, techniques and their applications across various verticals with focused reference to governance, education and health, we

a) bring niche monthly publications;

b) provide knowledge exchange fora and

c) conduct research projects, primarily through Events & Conferences.

What Are The Advantages Of Using Electronic Tilt Sensors In Off-road Vehicles

Off-road vehicles are designed to perform the most difficult tasks in often in the most extreme outdoor conditions. In industries like construction, forestry and agriculture, vehicles often have to navigate on uneven surfaces and slippery terrain whilst lifting and manoeuvring heavy and uneven loads. This can present difficult challenges for the drivers of these vehicles: for many vehicle operators, the chances of tipping or rolling the vehicle over are high, so obviously safety is a paramount concern. However, electronic sensing technology is now available which makes the vehicle drivers job easier and safer. As these electronic sensors can detect the vehicles operating condition and alignment, the safety of the operator is greatly increased.

Tilt Sensors Monitor the Safe Horizontal Alignment of Vehicles
Off-road vehicles often have to work in extreme conditions, where rugged terrain and heavy moving machine parts can quickly shift the balance of a vehicle. A shift in the dynamics of the vehicle or an uneven transfer of weight or dangerous alignment can cause hazardous conditions for the vehicle operator. Electronic sensors can help operators to monitor the horizontal alignment of vehicles. Tilt sensors can precisely detect even the slightest angle variation. Tilt sensors can give the driver accurate information about the exact road-grade angle, the boom angle, the platform angle and the crane-level angle. Armed with this important information, an operator can then take action to avoid a potentially disastrous situation.

Tilt sensors, however, need to sturdy and resilient. They have to be able to withstand the extreme shock, vibration, and all the harsh elements associated with outdoor use. Moreover they also have to be able to cope with direct exposure to chemicals, dirt, moisture, sunlight, and electrical interference. Therefore tilt sensors have been designed so that they are capable of resisting these elements and are able to perform in extreme environments. They are able to do so because of certain special design features like:

Compact housings rated for IP67 protection which encase and protect the electronics from chemicals and liquid ingress,
UV-resistant plastic and metal housings which prevent damage from exposure to sunlight,
Noise-immune technology which enables the sensors to ignore conducted and radiated electrical noise.
Outputs protected from short-circuits and overloads which eliminate damage during installation,
LHighly flexible cables, which are armoured to resist chemicals and perform at temperatures as low as 40 F.

Sensing technologies
There are two very different, yet highly effective sensing technologies that can be applied to verify the horizontal alignment of off-road vehicles: electrolytic tilt sensing and micro electromechanical sensing. (MEMS)

Electrolytic tilt sensing
Electrolytic tilt sensing technology can measure the tilting of a reference plane in two axes, by measuring the tilt angle with reference to the earths ground plane, using an accelerometer. At the centre of the sensors core are measuring cells surrounded by fluid or liquid. These measuring cells monitor ant change in the liquids conductivity to detect angle variations and deviations.

MEMS sensing technology
The second technology is micro electromechanical sensing (MEMS). When a vehicle lifts or tilts, the movement is transferred to the beams of the sensor that deflect to take the inertial force of the mass. The change in capacitance is proportional to the tilt of the sensor, which is ultimately then converted to a change of voltage and transferred as an analogue value to the driver of the vehicle. The use of MEMS sensors incorporating this technology are better suited to applications where a single-axis wide tilt angle (90) and lower precision (1) are needed.

Wildfires – A Growing Natural Hazard.

Wildfire/forest fire, whenever its raging, spreads fast and furious, covering vast areas extensively. With the exception of Antarctica, wildfires occur on every continent, causing extensive damage, to both property and human life. Even though some wildfires burn in remote forested areas, they are still liable of causing extensive destruction to homes and property in adjoining rural areas. The ensuing haze pollution of acrid smoke and poisonous smog can escalate into regional cross border issues with wider implications. That its becoming a growing natural hazard in most regions is already acknowledged. Wildfire spreads quickly, consuming almost everything in its path, destroying at times, thousands of acres of surrounding land. Once ignited, wildfires spread at a speed up to 14.29 miles per hour (23 kph). In the United States, wildfires destroy on average, 5 million acres every year. (i)

In August 2010, wildfires which raged during summer in Russia caused an estimated damage of US$ 400 million. The fires which covered 22 Russian regions left 3,500 people homeless. Emergency evacuations at one stage reached 7,000 people per day. In the midst of the fast-spreading wildfires, rescuers managed to save 4,000 residential areas from fires. At its height, acrid smoke from forest and peat bog fires blanketed Moscow with a poisonous smog contributing to a higher death rate in the city. Carbon monoxide concentration at one stage was more than five times the normal level. The smog grounded planes in airports and nearly doubled the number of recorded deaths. When it was raging in mid-August 2010, there were 16 wildfires burning outside Moscow. The 2010 summer, the hottest in Russia in over 130 years with its heatwave reflected the global climates increased volatility. Wildfires which compounded the drought in Russia destroyed almost a third of its wheat crop, prompting the authorities to ban wheat exports. (ii)

The 1997 forest fires which burned out of control in forest, plantations, and scrublands in Sumatra and Kalimantan (Indonesia) destroyed almost 1 million hectares. The illegal practice of open burning to clear timber and plantation areas aggravated an unusually dry period in the region caused by a severe El Nino event. The resulting smog spread to cities in Indonesia, Malaysia Singapore, and Philippines affecting up to 70 million people.

Mixed with pollution in cities, smoke from the forest fires produced deadly smog, referred to in Asia as the haze. Over 40,000 people were hospitalized due to the haze which claimed the lives of 19 people in Indonesia. Experts warned that the 1997 haze could be instrumental to 20% of all deaths in the region. Air pollutant Index (API) in parts of Indonesia, and Malaysia reached levels of pollution deemed extremely dangerous to human health. Environmentalists have been quick to decry authorities over failure to control illegal burning, andthe callous destruction of forests. The forest fire disasters highlighted the poorly regulated logging industry and the susceptibility of logged forest to fire, consequent to the forest floor being dried-up in the absence of a forest canopy.

In the nature of things, even some disasters got forgotten. The east Kalimantan forest fire of 1982-83 burnt approximately 33,000 km of forest (the size of Belgium). Hazards beget disasters, and in the case of wildfires, the fires themselves will contribute significantly to global climate change effects through the massive emission of carbon monoxide. Dire expectations of another round of El Nino dry weather phenomenon in 2010 once again raised concerns whether Indonesias infamous forest fires will envelope its neighbors in smoke. The major forest fires in 1997-98 already led to the formulation of the Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in 2002. Satellite imaging to date revealed a massive decrease in forest fires hotspots, 401 hotspots in Riau (January-April 2010) compared to the same period last year (4,681 hotspots). (iii)

Indonesia has affirmed its commitment to reduce by 20% of forest fires hotspots per year to slash the greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. Indonesias 1997 massive forest fires put her as the worlds third largest CO2 emitter. Unlike most of the major natural disasters which are primarily domestic, forest fires have the additional dimension of creating cross-border issues. The Indonesian forest fires of 1997-8 was the most damaging in recorded history, where more than 9 million hectares of land were burnt, the majority ( 6.5 million) comprised forested areas. Damages were estimated to be more than USD 9 billion. An estimated 1-2 billion tonnes of CO2 were released by the forest fires. The dry seasons of 2006 and 2007 saw similar problems escalating in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

With 60% of the worlds tropical peatlands found in South-east Asia (estimated to be 24 million hectares) itsinevitable that ASEAN placed management of transboundaryhaze pollution as one of its priorities. Fires in peat soils comprise a major contributor to transboundary haze pollution. Seventy percent of South-East Asias peatlands are in Indonesia. There has been substantial progress in joint mitigation efforts against transboundary haze pollution under ASEANs Regional Haze Action Plan (RHAP).

When forest fires become transboundary environmental disaster, neighbouring countries get badly affected by the smoke, haze, and the ensuing poisonous smog. The experience of South-east Asian countries during the dry seasons in 1991, 1994, and 1997, with millions across the region affected was indicative of the severity and extent of the resulting smoke haze pollution. The impact of this particular environmental disaster was enormous, its extent yet to be fully determined. It left scars across various economic sectors including air, water and land transport, shipping, construction, tourism, forestry and agriculture. The long-term health effects on the people of the countries affected nevertheless remained unanswered. A framework for sustainable management of peatlands for the period 2006-2020 has been established by ASEAN, with its principal strategies aimed at reducing incidences of forest fires and associated haze.

Raging wildfire infernos in southern Australia last year (February 2009) left more than 160 people dead. The speed it took to spread quickly beyond characteristics of wildfire has been described as being closer to an aerial bombing. There had been early-warning signs way back. The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned of increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires in Australia, resulting from steadily warming temperatures over the next several decades. The Australian governments own Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization in its 2007 report outlined potential for severe warming scenarios on the extreme end of the spectrum by 2050.
Described as the driest inhabited continent on the planet, its inevitable that destructive wildfires getting common in Australia. Climate change is expected to worsen Australias extreme heat waves and droughts. Prolonged drought in Southwestern Australia has drastically decimated agriculture and also resulted in widespread water rationing.

Global warming will contribute to the impetus towards extreme weather conditions. As we observe the increasing frequency of wildfires/forest fires, whats the state of our environmental disaster preparedness? Has our disaster management capacity improved to a level whereby we are able to provide aggressive responses to such natural disasters? Our emergency preparedness should mitigate natural disasters from turning into human catastrophes. (iv)

References:-

(i) Science.howstuffworks.com How Wildfires Work. Kevin Bonsor
(ii) Guardian.co.uk Sunday 15 August 2010. Moscows deadly smog returns as wildfires continue to rage
(iii) The Jakarta Globe. Indonesia Feels Heat to Contain Seasonal Forest Fire Haze. Fidelis E Satriastanti | May 05, 2010
(iv) Time. Why Global Warming May Be Fueling Australias Fires. Bryan WalshMonday,

Summary Of The Communist Manifesto

The Communist Manifesto calls for the overthrow of capitalism, and the establishment of socialism.

It has four sections.

In the first section, it discusses the historical materialist view of history and the relationship between workers and capitalists. Marx makes the point that the driving force of history is class struggle.

The second section explains the relationship between Communists and other workers. Communists do not stand apart from other workers, but are made up of the most advanced political sections of the working class.

The third section addresses looks at previous utopian socialist theories, and shows how they are different from scientific socialism.

The final section discusses the relationship between the Communist parties, and other parties.

The manifesto also contains a list of reforms

1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.

2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.

3. Abolition of all right of inheritance.

4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.

5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with State capital and an exclusive monopoly.

6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the State.

7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the State; the bringing into cultivation of waste-lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.

8. Equal liability of all to labour. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.

9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country, by a more equal distribution of the population over the country.

10. Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children’s factory labour in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production.

Health Concerns Over Underwear Materials

Recent news articles reporting skin allergies caused by underwear has brought the issue of textile finishing chemicals to the forefront of not only the fashion industry, but the general media. Comfort in underwear has taken on a larger role to include the health of the wearer in what was once considered an unseen, unmentioned utilitarian item in everyone’s wardrobe.

In November 2008, reports circulated that US lingerie giant, Victoria’s Secret was being sued by dozens of women claiming painful rashes after wearing the Angel Secret Embrace Bra. Lawyers on their behalf, filed a law suit in May of 2008 and had laboratories test the bras. Tests detected formaldehyde, often used in the textile industry to make fabrics crease resistant. A judge will decide next year if the lawsuit can be brought against Victoria’s Secret and if a class action can proceed. While the results are not yet in for this particular case, it raises questions about the use of textile finishes in the textile industry as a whole, and the underwear industry specifically.

Textile finishing chemicals may seem to some as the answer to their wardrobe worries. Modern life dictates convenience, simpler lifestyles, less housework and antiseptic environments. With finishes claiming benefits of softening, easy care and durable press, repellent, soil release, flame retardant, non-slip, anti-static, anti-pilling, color fastness, ultraviolet protection, heat absorption and release, antimicrobial, insect resistant, mite repellant, and novel finishes such as anti-odor and fragrance, it is hard to argue initially against the use of such chemicals. Daiwa Chemical Industries Inc. for example, reports of successful agents (Prethermo C-25 and C-31) used to alter heat absorption and heat release to maintain a comfortable temperature for underwear, shirts and bedding. For those living in warmer climates this comes as good news.

However, the associated negative side effects of these chemicals are becoming apparent. Industrial guides, Government agencies and Science journals are investigating and reporting on health concerns of the use of textile finishers. Industrial guides such as Chemical Finishing of Textiles by Wolfgang D Schindler and Peter J Hauser (2004), and Textile Finishing Chemicals, An Industrial Guide by Ernest W Flick (1990) describe over 3,000 textile finishing chemicals compiled from 74 manufacturers and distributors of these chemicals, currently available for industrial use. Flick’s book provides a warning notice at the start of his book saying: “In some cases, textile finishing chemicals could be toxic and therefore due caution should be exercised.” It appears then that this 18 year old issue is not a new one.

Governmental agencies have stepped up to the plate to investigate and regulate acceptable limits of textile finishes. In August 2001, The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries in the United States issued a report entitled: Clothing Dermatitis and Clothing-Related Skin Conditions. As recently as July 2008, New Zealand issued a Government Product Safety Policy Statement on acceptable limits of formaldehyde in clothing and other textiles. Specific limits for clothes for infants under 2 years of age, for children and adults with sensitive skin, for clothing and textiles coming into direct contact with skin, and for clothing and textiles not in direct contact with skin are recommended due to the critical health effects. The Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme identified these health effects as sensory irritation via inhalation exposure to formaldehyde gas, aerosol or mist; skin sensitization following dermal exposure to formaldehyde solutions; and carcinogenicity via inhalation exposure to formaldehyde gas or mist. Clearly there is a need to continue to regulate and consequently legislate the use of such textile finishes.

Science journals have also explored the impact of textile finishes. As early as 1985, Kathryn Hatch et al, published an article in the Wiley Interscience Journal entitled: Textile Chemical Finish Dermatitis. The article reported that: “Chemicals used on fabrics to improve 10 different performance characteristics have resulted in irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. The most significant problem is due to formaldehyde and N-methylol compounds to produce durable press fabrics.” Twenty three years later, today’s lawsuit against Victoria’s Secret focuses on precisely this same chemical and health effect.

Clearly the fashion industry’s suppliers and retailers need to take measures to assure themselves and their customers that their clothing and textiles meet recommended guidelines for chemical usage. In particular, the Underwear industry must take note because of the high levels of skin contact with their products. One company that has taken this step is Alenver Inc. a new competitor in the men’s and women’s underwear industry. Alenver’s collections are made from pure cotton from Peru – currently considered the producer of the world’s finest quality cotton. Peru is one of only 15 nations that produce organic cotton. Organic cotton is grown without toxic chemical fertilizers, insecticides or herbicides, has a low impact on the environment, replenishes and maintains soil fertility and builds biologically diverse agriculture. This is critical when considering conventional cotton is grown on an estimated 3% of the total cultivated area in the world but uses 25% of all insecticides used in agriculture. Today, Indian descendents of ancient Peruvian cultures still harvest, gin and spin cotton by hand which does not result in the scratchy impurities that industrial harvesting creates. Additionally, finish chemicals are not added to Alenver’s products making it a safer and healthier underwear choice.

Industry analysts will be watching for the outcome of the notable lawsuit against Victoria’s Secret and observing its effect on the underwear market. Suppliers and retailers would be wise to follow the recommended guidelines for safe textile production and follow the high road in natural underwear production taken by such new competitors as Alenver Inc.

Hidden Wonders Of The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve meaning ‘the west’ is the sunny, warm coastal region along the south of Portugal. In the years since the 1960’s tourism has overtaken agriculture and fishing as the main industry and a lot of the Algarve’s charm has gone with the bleak apartment blocks and sprawling villa complexes. Even so, with a little knowledge there are certain areas that remain wild, untouched and oozing with culture and history.

Most tourists are shuttled off to the central Algarve leaving the most beautiful and unspoiled areas in the east and the west for independent tourists. In the back country only miles from the tourist destinations many villages and towns remain untouched with little known rural walks in the spring flowers and shady woods.

Most notable in the eastern Algarve is the historic city of Tavira with it’s multitude of churches and a central castle. This area is close to the Ria Formosa natural park offering miles of lagoons and barrier islands where flamingos and numerous aquatic birds live and bread. The beach at the ilha de Tavira can be reached in summer using a ferry from the centre of town or alternatively take the 20m minute walk out of town towards the island and hop on a boat that will take you across to the island. This stretch of sand is very popular with the Portuguese but continues for miles allowing for solitude even in the busy summer season.

In the west the city of Lagos is a popular destination and with good reason. The city has an important history as it is was from here that the Portuguese began their expeditions along the coast of Africa in the age of discovery. Lagos now has a completely pedestrianised centre within the old town that is surrounded by the castle walls. There are many shops, excellent restaurants serving fish and in the night Lagos is notorious for its bar scene. Don’t miss the market on Saturday mornings where you can purchase regional specialities and freshly harvested fruit and vegetables before heading down to the fish market for the days catch. Walk along the cliffs out to the Ponta da Piedade (Mercy Point) with it’s lighthouse or go swimming on the little known nudist beach at Praia do Carnavial.

The mountains of Monchique are easily reached by car from anywhere in the western Algarve. The Caldes de Monchique are therapeutic thermal baths and the area is ideal for a stroll in the wooded hills or down by the bubbleing stream. Drive out to the village of Marmallate or climb to the top of the mountain where you can take in views of the whole of the Algarve coastline and enjoy the refreshing cool mountain air. Many local shops offer locally produced hams and varieties of ‘Medronho’ (a brandy made from the Arbutus fruit that symbolises frienship) as well as hand made craft items. Restaurants either side of the main road offer up freshly grilled chicken, Piri Piri style.

After Lagos the Algarve coastline continues west towards Sages and the region once called “the end of the world” as little was known of what lay beyond the waves. Resort towns such as Praia da Luz with it’s arced bay and black rock headland give way to the natural park of Costa Vincentina where many more secret beaches can be discovered especially along dirt tracks west of Vila do Bispo. Atlantic rollers meet a wild landscape of immense natural beauty. Popular with surfers the beaches at low tide have waves that collapse on themselves again and again and sitting on the beach on a sunny afternoon undisturbed by the modern world listening to the roar in the background while looking out into the abyss one can see how sailors were captivated to venture forth to discover what lay beyond.