<p><em>From the Foreword</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Unlike Western Ghats, the Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats has not been studied and documented in a very intensive manner. This book is therefore a very important contribution towards conservation of biodiversity as well as ecological security in the Eastern Ghats. I am particularly grateful to Dr Vedavalli and Dr Rengalakshmi for filling our knowledge gap.<br /> <strong>— M S Swaminathan</strong></p>

<p><strong>L. Vedavalli</strong> is an anthropologist. Her research interests cover various dimensions of development: social aspects of agrobiodiversity/ethnobotany; the status and role of women in household food security; displacement related to repatriation; and impact of information technology on village society. She has been a part of research and community-based projects at the&nbsp;M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Chennai,&nbsp; since 1993. Currently, she is a consultant for the Fish for All Centre, MSSRF.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>R. Rengalakshmi</strong> holds Ph.D. degree in agriculture and post graduation in Anthropology. She has over 20 years of experience in participatory research and technology development. Her professional interests include interdisciplinary research on technologies, institutions, gender and policies vis-à-vis sustainable agriculture, agrobiodiversity and climate change. Currently, she is the Director, JRD Tata Ecotechnology Centre, MSSRF.</p>