Bringing home cattle at sunset to a small settlement in the desert. - - Environmental Deterioration and the Threat to Food and Agriculture. Erosion through wind and rain, over-grazing and the removal of trees for fuel have left many areas barren and useless whether for cultivation or pasture. In an attempt to produce bigger food crops from whatever good lands remain, the FAO/FFHC Action for Development has established a fertilizer programme in line with those in operation in some 22 developing countries. Demonstrations in the proper use of fertilizer, pesticide and high-yielding varieties of seeds are given to farmers to help increase food production. The UN Development Programme, with FAO as executing agency, has been carrying out a 5-year project in the Rajasthan canal area involving some 2.8 million acres. The project includes the survey of soils, experiments and demonstrations for optimum soil and water used and efficient plant production.