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2 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

t Sf od [ksr h lwpuk i=t Sf od [ksr h lwpuk i=t Sf od [ksr h lwpuk i=t Sf od [ksr h lwpuk i= Organic Farming Newsletter

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l ai kndl ai kndl ai kndl ai knd Editor

Mk- Ñ ’. k Pk anz Dr. Krishan Chandra jk"Vª h; tSf od [k srh d sU nz] xk ft; kc kn

National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad

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Mk - l f jrk ek sok Ms Dr. Sarita Mowade

{ ks=h; t Sf od [ks r h d sU n] uk xiqj Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Nagpur

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l qHkk’ k p U nz Subhash Chandra

ly kg d kj ly kg d kj ly kg d kj ly kg d kj Advisor Mk- Ñ ’. k Pk anz Dr. Krishan Chandra

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d ` f’ k ,oa lg d kf jrk f oHk kx Department of

Agriculture & Cooperation

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National Centre of Organic Farming

gkiqM+ jksM] deyk usg: uxj] xkft;kckn&2 Hapur Road, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad-2 ☎ 0120-2764212; 2764906; Fax 0120-2764901

Email : [email protected]; website : http://ncof.dacnet.nic.in

Impact of Some Innovative Organic Inputs on Soil Properties with and without Crop Sanjeev Kumari, Jagat Singh & P.K. Gupta

Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) – A Future Fertilizer Hari Mohan Gupta

Influence of microbial isolates of beejamruth on seed germination and seedling vigour index of chilli Nemagoudar, M.S., Sreenivasa, M.N., Savita, P.

India Organic News National Seminar on Organic and Biological Inputs Global Organic National and International Events Book Reviews Top 10 Reasons to Eat Organic Food

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Dear Readers

After the change of guard at National Center of Organic Farming, this is my first

interaction with you. To carry forward the onerous task of promotion of organic farming I

look forward to your continued cooperation. Over the years organic Farming Newsletter

has emerged as the core publication of technology and happenings in the fascinating field

of organic farming and has significantly contributed to the knowledge buildup nationally

and internationally. With the new publication team I hope to continue the task with more

energy, enthusiasm and with futuristic vision.

The current issue deals with three articles on impact of innovative organic inputs on

soil properties, Influence of microbial isolates of beejamruth on seed germination and

seedling vigour index of chilli and Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) - A Future

Fertilizer contributed by different research institutes. Other attractive columns of Global

news, India organic news, National and International events with details on books

published recently on organic agriculture are important features of this issue. With this

issue I hopefully expect your cooperation and active participation in continuing the

popularity and growth of organic sector in future.

Dr. Krishan Chandra

Editor



Impact of Some Innovative Organic Inputs on Soil Properties with and without Crop

Sanjeev Kumari1*, Jagat Singh2 P.K. Gupta3 1 Research Scholar, JJTU, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.

2Regional Centre for Organic Farming, Hisar

3National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation, Nashik

Introduction With the growing awareness for safe and healthy food, the demand for organically grown food is growing. Concern for deteriorating soil health and increasing contamination in ground water and surface water bodies have also added to the need for alternative technologies which not only can ensure safe and healthy food but are also environment friendly and contributing to the long term fertility and sustainability of the soils. During the last 10 years many farmers, due to various reasons, have switched over to the organic methods of cultivation and are now successfully growing comparable productivities with much less costs. In the absence of any scientific support majority of the farmers relied on the traditional wisdom and with some on-farm experimentation has developed innovative inputs which can be prepared on-farm with local resources. Among these innovative inputs most common and successful inputs are Panchgavya, Jivamruth and vermiwash. To scientifically evaluate their impact on soil properties an experiment was carried out at Batar Farm, Hansi, Hisar in Haryana State. The paper briefly describes the impact of these innovative inputs on some soil properties with and without crops. Materials and methods The present work was carried out at Batar Farm, Hansi, Hisar during 2011-12 on wheat crop variety C-306. Details of these three innovative inputs viz: Panchagavya, Jivamruth and Vermiwash and their production methodology is described below:

Panchgavya: Panchagavya is a known traditional input among organic farming fraternity and is being widely used for soil enrichment, plant growth promotion and as

prophylactic against some pests. It is made from five cow products i.e. –cow dung-5kg, cow urine-2 litre, cow curd-2kg, cow urine-3 litre and cow ghee-500 gram. All these ingredients are mixed thoroughly, allowed to ferment for one week and then filtered. Jivamruth: It is prepared by mixing cow dung-10kg, cow urine-10litre, Jaggary(Gur)- 2kg and Pulse flour- 2kg and fermenting for one week. Filtered extract is used as soil application and is believed to enrich soil microbiologically through in-numerous beneficial microorganisms. Jivamruth is reported to contain very large population of nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers and siderophore producers. Microbial fermentation during preparation is also believed to develop some growth promoting hormones which help in better germination and seedling emergence. Vermiwash: It is the watery extract of vermicompost. For its preparation water is continuously poured drop-by-drop into a container containing the vermin-bed raw material and earthworms. Excess water draining out from the bottom tap is collected as vermiwash. Banyan tree soil: Undisturbed soil collected from the underneath of a banyan tree is high in microbial count due to deposition of multiple layers of biomass and birds and animal’s excreta and is considered as an excellent source of beneficial microorganisms. Application of Organic inputs- These inputs were applied four times @ 50 Kg/Liter per ha at 0, 15, 30 and 45 day intervals as soil application in liquid form. Each of these inputs were applied in separate plots with crop and without crop. Experiment was laid



in randomized block design with following treatments: T1 - Crop with Panchgabya, T2- Crop with Jivamrut, T3- Crop with Vermiwash, T4- Crop with Banyan tree soil, T5- Without Crop Panchgabya, T6- Without Crop Jivamrut, T7- Without Crop Vermiwash, T8- Without Crop Banyan tree soil.. Soil samples were collected at the end of the cropping season and analyzed for pH, Electrical conductivity by using pH meter

and EC meter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potash and available sulfur as per standard methods as described by Walkely and Black (1934), Jackson (1975), Olsen’s method (1954)flame photometric method (Toth and Prince 1949) and Steinberg’s (1969) respectively. Result and Discussion Status of different parameters on soil quality and nutrient status due to the use of these innovative inputs with and without crop are shown in Table 1 to 7

Table: 1. Average pH of the soil samples with and without crop plots. Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree

Soil With crop 7.71 7.70 7.68 7.75

Without Crop 7.77 7.78 7.72 7.73 Table: 2. Average Electrical conductivity of the soil samples with and without crop plots. Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree

Soil With crop 1.27 1.31 1.35 1.44

Without Crop 1.31 1.32 1.35 1.44

Table: 3. Average Organic Carbon of the soil samples with and without crop plots. Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree Soil

With crop 0.25 0.30 0.22 0.22

Without Crop 0.32 0.37 0.24 0.26

Table: 4. Average Nitrogen of the soil samples with and without crop plots. Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan

tree Soil

With crop 82.49 96.22 72.42 72.42

Without Crop 100.80 114.53 77.91 83.41

Table: 5. Average Phosphorous of the soil samples with and without crop plots. Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan

tree Soil

With crop 4.67 2.87 4.10 6.17

Without Crop 5.83 4.90 6.83 4.73

Table:6. Average Potassium of the soil samples with and without crop plots.

Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree Soil

With crop 195.00 202.00 193.33 205.33

Without Crop 196.67 195.33 194.00 192.67



Table:7. Average Sulphur of the soil samples with and without crop plots. Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan

tree Soil

With crop 150.03 140.40 155.17 114.03

Without Crop 132.07 134.13 157.37 138.33

Conclusion The use of innovative organic inputs reflected different impact in respect of different parameters. Soil pH was found to be enhanced under all the treatments in the soil without crop compared to soil with crop. Electrical conductivity was largely unaffected under both situations and by any input treatment. Total organic carbon and total nitrogen contents were observed to be higher in all treatments in soils without crop, compared to soils where crop was grown indicating the consumption by the crop. Available phosphorus and available potash were higher in soils without crop in plots treated with Panchgavya, Jivamruth and Vermiwash while in case of Banyan tree soil treatment the soils with crop showed higher values. Interestingly available sulfur was higher in soils without crop under Panchgavya and Jivamruth treatment and higher in soils with crop under Vermiwash and Banyan tree soil treatment. In conclusion, it can be stated that the maximum soil parameter values were found higher in soils without crop due to non uptake of minerals by the crop. But in case of available Potassium the plots without crop under Jivamruth and Banyan tree soil treatment showed lower values compared to soils with crop. Same was also observed in case of Sulphur where Panchgavya and Jivamruth treatment showed higher values

under crop compared to non-crop soils. Differential behavior of different soil parameters indicate that different nutrients behaved differently under different treatments with and without crops. In soils where crop was grown there was net negative balance with all the treatments in respect of organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus, while there was net positive balance in respect of available potassium and sulfur under some treatments. Rhizospheric interactions may be responsible for such variable results and need further exploration of the interactions. References: Criticism O.A. report 2008. Compiled by IFOAM

(International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements), 2008

Jackson,M. L.,1975.Soil chemical analysis, practice hall of India, New Delhi.

Olsen,S.R. Cole, C.V., Watanable, F.S., Dean, L.A.,1954. Estimation of available phosphorus in soils by extraction with Sodium Bicarbonate. Circular US department of Agriculture, P: 39.

Sharma,V., Singh D.,Lal R.(2011), “Effect of Organic Inputs on Seed Yield of Gobhi Sarson(Brassica napus L.)” in National symposium cum Brainstorming Workshop on Organic Agriculture held at CSK HP,Krishi Vishavidalaya, Palmpur19-20 April 2011. pp :97.

Simard, R.R., 1993.Ammonium acetate extractable Elements. In:Martin,R., Carter,S.,(eds) soil sampling and methods of analysis. Lewis Publisher, Florida, USA pp.39-43.



Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) – A Future Fertilizer

Hari Mohan Gupta Society for Organic Agriculture Movement (SOAM)

26, Gayatri Nagar-B, Farm, Durgarpura, Jaipur-302018, Rajasthan

Preamble Declining fertilizer use efficiency, especially of phosphorus, and continuous building of insoluble phosphorus reserve in soils is a growing concern world over and efforts are being made to replace the use of 100% water soluble phosphorus with that of organic carbon linked phosphorus. PROM technology, in which natural rock-phosphate is being integrated with organic manures during composting process, has emerged as suitable alternative to our needs. PROM has been found to be completely replacing the need for phosphatic fertilizers. To demonstrate the benefits of using PROM, large numbers of field demonstrations were conducted on farmer’s fields in 4 districts of Rajasthan. This paper briefly describes the impact of PROM technology on total yield and net gains as studied in 8 representative demonstrations. Methodology used for making PROM For making PROM sufficient for one ha area 200 kg high grade rock phosphate (containing about 30% P2O5) was mixed with 5 ton of cow dung and crop residue mixture. For enhancing the microbial activity 1 kg of Azotobacter, 1 kg of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and 0.5 kg of Decomposing culture was also added to the mixture as slurry. The mixture was allowed to decompose for 90 days in a pit. After 90 days, approximately 3.0 tons of mature PROM was harvested, comprising about 30 kg N and 60 kg P2O5. This entire quantity of PROM was broadcast spread in the field followed by ploughing with tractor 15 days prior to sowing. A parallel control plot was maintained at each demonstration site having an area of 0.25 ha. The control plot

was treated with either 150 kg DAP or 400 kg SSP + 60 kg urea/ha for comparison. Post sowing treatments were similar in control as well PROM treated field. Results As is evident from Table 1, the PROM has yielded higher yields compared to 100% NPK control. The increase in yield was ranging from minimum 3% to maximum 10.52%. Net gains in terms of additional income in PROM treated plots over control plots were ranging between Rs. 320 and 1850 per ha. As the comparison was between PROM and equivalent grade of chemical fertilizer, it was established that PROM can be an ideal substitute for DAP. Study besides providing an alternative to DAP also opens up the scope for reducing the cost on costly chemical fertilizers. The rock phosphate available indigenously can very well serve as phosphate resource. Integration of phosphorus with organic carbon not only ensures higher use efficiency of applied phosphorus but also add to the biological life of the soil besides saving precious foreign currency and burdening subsidy.



Table 1. Effect of PROM on yield and net gains in Groundnut crop in comparison with chemical fertilizer control. Sl. No.

Name & Address Yield in Kg/ha % increase over control

Net profit over chemical Fertilizer in Rs/ hector

Control PROM

1. Shri Kailash Choudhary Village and Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli Jaipur

1650 1820 10.30 1820/-

2. Shri Girdhari Lal Jat Village and Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli, Jaipur

1650 1750 06.06 1080/-

3. Shri Lal Chand Yadav Village-kasli, Post-kiratpura, Kotputli Jaipur

1950 2150 10.25 1850/-

4. Shri Dharm Singh Village and Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli Jaipur

1700 1750 02.90 320/-

5. Shri Shivram Village and Post-Kiratpura Kotputli Jaipur

1600 1750 09.37 1620/-

6. Shri Kailash Village-Jeetpura, Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa

2200 2400 09.09 1500/-

7. Shri Prabhu Village-Jeetpura, Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa

2100 2300 09.52 1580/-

8. Shri Pusushottam Village-Jeetpura, Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa

1900 2100 10.52 1850/-



Influence of Microbial Isolates of Beejamruth on Seed Germination and

Seedling Vigour Index of Chilli

Nemagoudar M.S., Sreenivasa M.N. and Savita P. Department of Agricultural Microbiology,

UAS, Dharwad-580005

Introduction Now-a-days organic farming practices are gaining importance as farmers have realized the benefits of organic farming in terms of soil fertility, soil health and sustainable productivity. Farmers are well aware with the use of organic liquid manure such as Panchagavya, Beejamruth, Jiwamruth and biodigester in organic farming. These organic liquid manures play a key role in promoting growth and providing immunity to plant system. The spray of Panchagavya on chillies produces dark green colour leaves within 10days. Its role as plant growth promoter has already been reported by Subhashini et al (2001) and Sreenivasa et al. Though many farmers are getting better yield by using organic liquid manures, scientific validation has not been carried out. Hence an attempt has been made to analyze the microbial load of beejamruth and their influence on seed germination and seedling vigour index of chilli. Material and methods Initially beejamruth was prepared by using cow dung and cow urine collected from different sources like biofarm, diary farm and local cows. The serial dilution and standard plate count method was used for isolation of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes using respective media i.e. nutrient agar, rose Bengal media and Kuster’s agar respectively from different beejamruth prepared. The plates were incubated at 28±20C for one week and the colony counts were recorded. These

isolates were screened for their efficiency and functional characters like IAA (Gorden and Paleg 1957), GA (Paleg,1965) production, nitrogen fixation and P-solubilization capacity (phoshomolybdic blue colour method). Five efficient isolates each from cow fed with organic feed (from biofarm), exotic breed fed with commercial feed (from Dairy) and local breed (cow) selected based on N2 fixing capacity, P-solubilsation and IAA and GA production were used for germination study of chilli seeds. Germination test was carried out by dipping chilli seeds in respective culture broth of microbial isolates of beejamrutha for ten minutes and kept on germination paper. On 8th day, the germinated seeds were counted and the percent germination was computed by using the formula. The shoot length (from collar region to the apex) of ten randomly selected ten day old normal seedlings was measured and the mean was recorded as shoot length in centimeters. The root length between collar region and the tip of root of ten randomly selected (ten day old normal) seedlings was measured. The mean was calculated and expressed in centimeters. The seedling vigour index was calculated adopting the method suggested by Abdul – Baki and Anderson (1973). Seedling vigour index = Germination percentage x Seedling length. Ten seedlings were kept in brown paper bags having holes to enable air drying

were oven dried at 70oC to achieve



constant weight. Afterwards, the seedling dry weight was recorded and expressed as total; dry matter (mg/10 seedlings) Results and discussion Out of total bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes isolates from different beejamruth, fifteen isolates were selected for seed germination and seedling vigor index test, based on IAA, GA production, N2 fixation, and P-solubilisation ability (Table I). Among all 16 treatments (Table 2), the germination percentage was significantly highest in BFBA19 (97.68%) followed by DBA28 (95.07%) while the lowest germination percentage was observed in control (82.0%). Seed treatment with isolates BFF1, LBA22 and BFACT7 resulted in lower germination percentage (91.47%, 93.65%and 90.72%) as compared to BFBA19 and DBA28 but it was higher than control, though they were statistically on par with each other. Seed treatment with BFBA19 resulted in significantly highest root and shoot length (14.13 and 6.25cm.) The lowest root and shoot length was observed in control (9 and 4.01 cm) rest of all other treatments were statistically on par with each but significantly differ from BFBA15 (11.00 and 5.50 cm) and control (9 and 4.01cm). The seedling vigour index was found to be maximum in BFBA 19 (1990) while lowest seedling vigour index was observed in control (1066). Out of 15 isolates selected for this study the bacterial isolate BFBA19 from biofarm source have shown maximum germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index and seedling dry weight followed by DBA28 as compared to the other isolates while in control lowest germination and root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index and seedling dry weight (Table2) was observed. This may be due to production of higher amount of IAA and GA by the bacterial isolates from Beejamruth prepared from cow dung and cow urine from biofarm source. This is in conformity with the findings of Nagaraj

and Sreenivasa (2009) and Sreenivasa et al (2010) that few beneficial microorganisms present in beejamruth produced IAA and GA and resulted in improvement in seed germination, seedling length and seed vigour in soyabean. Conclusion In Beejamruth prepared by using cowdung and cowurine collected from Biofarm, dairy farm and local cow, the isolates of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes from biofarm source showed significant improvement in the seed germination, seedling vigour and dry matter production of chilli. References Abdul- Baki, A.A. and Anderson, J.D. (1973)

Vigour determination in soybean seed by multiple criteria. Crop Sci. 13: 630-633

Gorden, S.A. and Paleg, L.G. 1957, Quantitative measurement of indole acetic acid. Plan Physiol, 10:37-48.

Nagaraj M.N. and Sreenivasa, M.N, 2009, Influence of bacteria isolated from Panchagavya on seed germination and seed vigour in wheat. Karnataka J Agric. Sci., 22 (1): 231-232.

Paleg, L.G., 1965, Physiological effects of Gibberellins. Ann. Rev.Plant Physiol.,16 : 291-322.

Sreenivasa. M.N. Nagaraj Naik and S.N. Bhat. (2009). Beneficial traits of microbial isolates of organic liquid manures - First Asian PGPR Congress for sustainable agriculture – 21-24, June 2009, ANGRAU. Hyderabad.

Sreenivasa . M.N., Nagaraj Nasik and S.N. Bhat. 2010, Organic liquid manures: Source for benefical microorganisms and plant nutrients. Organic Farming Newsletter 6(4):113.

Subhashini S, A. Arumugasamy, K. Vijaylakshmi and A.V Balasubramanian (2001). Vrkshayurveda- Ayurveda for plants. Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.pp 47.



Table 1 : Best five efficient isolates selected each from beejamruth prepared by using Cow dung and cow urine obtained from Biofarm , Dairy farm and Local cow based on N2 fixing, P-solubilising. IAA and GA producing capacity

BFBA = Biofarm Bacteria , DBA = Dairy Bacteria, LBA = Local Bacteria BFF = Biofarm Fungi , DFF = Dairy farm fungi , LFF= Local fungi BFACT = Biofarm Actinomycetes, DFACT = Dairy farm Actinomycetes

Table 2-Influence of efficient isolates of beejamruth on germination of chilli seeds

S N.

Isolates Seed germination and percentage%

Root length (cm)

Shoot length (cm)

Seedling length (cm)

Seedling vigour index

Seedling dry weight (mg/10seedling)

1 BFBA15 88.13 11.00 5.50 16.50 1458 33.71 2 BFBA19 97.68 14.13 6.25 20.38 1991 46.03

3 DBA 28 95.07 12.55 6.00 18.57 1765 40.82

4 DBA 30 87.82 11.50 5.00 16.50 1453 33.5 5 LBA22 93.65 11.83 5.11 16.94 1586 36.68

6 BFACT 7 90.72 10.47 5.23 15.70 1424 32.93 7 BFACT 14 84.30 10.22 5.20 15.42 1301 30.08

8 DACT 4 85.30 10.50 5.01 15.50 1323 30.60 9 DACT18 86.00 10.50 5.50 16.00 1377 31.83

10 LACT14 83.70 9.78 4.50 14.28 1195 27.60

11 BFF1 91.47 10.76 5.51 16.26 1487 34.39 12 BFF6 86.00 10.13 5.02 15.15 1304 30.14

13 DFF11 87.59 10.00 4.50 14.50 1270 29.32

14 DFF18 89.30 9.75 4.62 14.37 1283 29.67

15 LFF3 86.50 9.53 4.50 14.03 1214 28.06 16 Control 82.00 9.00 4.01 13.00 1066 24.64

SEm ± CD (P=0.01)

1.01 2.91

0.12 0.36

0.06 0.17

0.18 0.52

16.26 62.99

0.38 1.08

Sr, No.

Isolates N2 fixation (mg NH4+/g C utilized)

P Solubilization (%Pi released

from TCP

IAA (ug/25ml)

GA (ug/25ml)

1 BFBA15 13..25 6.25 10.54 4.38 2 BFBA19 13.58 6.50 10.42 4.27

3 DBA 28 12.86 5.56 9.16 4.13

4 DBA 30 11.34 5.49 9.58 4.19 5 LBA22 8.50 4.17 8.13 4.00 6 BFACT 7 7.89 5.90 6.45 2.35

7 BFACT 14 6.56 5.65 6.28 2.28

8 DACT 4 6.78 5.50 5.98 2.26 9 DACT18 7.65 5.13 5.56 2.15 10 LACT14 4.05 3.18 4.20 2.01

11 BFF1 0 9.25 7.98 3.55

12 BFF6 0 7.39 7.76 3.28 13 DFF11 0 8.28 6.83 3.19

14 DFF18 0 9.13 6.68 3.15 15 LFF3 0 6.72 6.50 3.02 S.E.m+-

CD(P=0.01) 0.09 0.26

0.07 0.21

0.08 0.24

0.04 0.11



India Organic News Satyamev Jayate: Organic farming, need of the hour - Did you know that there are 67 types of pesticides which are banned all over the world, but are still used by Indian farmers. Everyday, through fruits and vegetables, we consume 400-500% more pesticides than the permissible limit. Aamir Khan highlighted the bad effects of chemical farming during the eighth episode of his television show ‘Satyamev Jayate’. He spoke to doctors, agricultural scientists, farmers and others during the episode. To increase productivity, farmers have been using pesticides for agricultural purposes from years now. Because of this, the nutritional value of the crop goes down. Now, these pesticides have become a part of our food chain. According to a study by Dr Rashmi Sanghi, even breast milk contains 400-800% more pesticides than the permissible limits. During the show, many farmers confessed that they do not use these pesticides for the fruits and vegetables they separately grow for their own consumption. Jurnail Singh a farmer from Jajjal, Punjab claims that excessive use of pesticides started after the Green Revolution. Aamir tried to highlight the benefits of organic farming and alternate ways of killing insects during the show. From many years, agricultural scientist Dr GV Ramanjaneyulu has been working with the farmers in Andhra Pradesh to teach them cheap and safe ways of getting rid of the insects. He said, “Not pests, but pesticides are a bigger problem for the farmers. On an average, a village spends nearly Rs 50 lakh every year on pesticides.” Aamir Khan also spoke to Pawan Chamling, chief minister of Sikkim on the show. Chamling has banned all pesticides in the state and is promoting organic farming. He aims to make Sikkim an organic state by 2015. It is not possible for all the states to switch to organic farming overnight, but taking some steps to save people’s life is essential now. Through his show, Aamir urged audiences to opt for organic products. He also said that there should be a regulating body to monitor the usage of pesticides by the farmers.

Organic and inorganic cultivation of chilli and its marketing- An economic analysis - The present study was conducted in Belgaum district, the major vegetable producing district of north Karnataka. Large numbers of farmers practice the organic cultivation of chilli in the district. For the study, 30 farmers each practice in organic and inorganic cultivation of chilli spread over the district of Belgaum were selected randomly. The data collected from respondents was analyzed using budgeting technique. The estimated per acre cost of cultivation of organic and inorganic chilli was ` 18337.00 and `19115.00 respectively. Per acre average yield of organic chilli was 4.10 tonnes as against 4.86 tonnes in inorganic chilli. Per tonne market prices for organic and inorganic chilli were Rs 9830.00 and Rs 6300.00, respectively. Transportation cost including loading and unloading for organic chilli was ` 265.00 per tonne as against ` 285.00 for inorganic chilli. The per tonne commission charges for organic and inorganic chilli were Rs 644.00 and Rs 432.00, respectively. The total marketing cost per acre for organic chilli was Rs 3726.00 as against Rs 3485.00 for inorganic chilli. The gross returns of organic chilli were Rs 40290.00 per acre as against Rs 30583.00 for inorganic chilli. The net returns of organic chilli (Rs. 18227.00) were higher than that of inorganic chilli (Rs 7984.00). The B:C for organic chilli was 1.83 as against 1.35 for inorganic chilli. Hence it is advisable for the farmers to switch over to organic farming which minimizes the environmental degradation and also brings higher net returns (Source-Naik et al Karnataka Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Vol 25, No 2 (2012) Effect of organic farming on productivity, soil fertility and economics of scented rice-tomato–bottle gourd cropping system - Field experiments were conducted during 2006–2009 to study the effect of various organic sources (computed on 150 kg ha−1 N-equivalent basis) forming seven treatments, viz. Azotobacter + FYM, FYM, Goat manure, Vermicompost, Azolla + FYM



and cow urine along with no application (control) in rice (cv Sugandha) and their residual effect on productivity of tomato (Swarna Lalima) and bottle gourd (Arka Bahar) crops, soil fertility and economics of the cropping system. The highest rice grain yield of 2.68 t ha−1 was recorded with Azolla + FYM which was at par with vermicompost (2.55 t ha−1), Azotobacter + FYM (2.41 t ha−1) and FYM (2.37 t ha−1). Among different organic sources the rice grain yield was significantly lower under goat manure and cow urine. However, vermicompost recorded significantly highest yield of tomato as well as bottle gourd which was at par with Azotobacter + FYM and FYM treatment. Maximum net return of Rs. 3,11,958 ha−1

with 3.59 benefit : cost ratio was obtained by vermicompost. It was followed by net return of Rs.2,98,628/-and B: C ratio of 3.42 by Azotobacter + FYM and net return of Rs.2, 77,298/-and B: C ratio of 3.25 by FYM alone treatment. The continuous application of all the organic sources to rice for three years significantly improved the soil-organic carbon, available N, P and K status at the end of the cropping system. (Source- Singh S. K. 2011,(online-May, 2012), International Journal on Rice, Volume : 48, Issue : 4), Nutrient status of soil under different nutrient and crop management practices- A field experiment was conducted during kharif and rabi seasons of 2007-08 at UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka to study the effect of organic, chemical and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on soil fertility status in soybean-wheat, groundnut-sorghum, maize-chickpea, potato-chickpea and chilli + cotton systems. The present study was the fourth year of long term field experiment (LTFE) of Network Project on Organic Farming at Institute of Organic Farming, UAS, Dharwad. After harvest of kharif crops of fourth year (2007-08), the integrated nutrient management practice recorded significantly higher available N (278.4 kg/ha), P2O5 (23.4 kg/ha), K2O (355.0 kg/ha) and S (18.7 kg/ha) when compared to chemical nutrient management practice. Similarly, DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu were significantly influenced by integrated nutrient management practice

(1.46, 7.96, 9.67 and 0.89 mg/kg, respectively). At the end of fourth of LTFE, there was increase in available N by 19.0, P2O5 by 46.3, K2O by 9.6 and S by 54.1 per cent respectively due to INM. Similarly DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu increased by 18.5, 30.6, 36.5 and 30.0 per cent respectively due to integrated nutrient management practice over their initial values. The available N, P2O5, K2O and S were significantly higher in legume based cropping systems during both the season of the study than non legume system. (Source- Vidyavati, G. S. Dasog, H. B. Basalad, N. S. Hebsur, S. K. Gali S. G. Patil and A. R. Alagawadi 2012, Karnataka J. Agric. Sci.,25 (2) : 193-198) Importance of KUNAPAJALA (Traditional Liquid Organic Manure) of VRIKSHAYURVEDA In medicinal plant cultivation - Medicinal plants play an important role not only as traditional medicine but also as trade commodities. With depleting natural resources, cultivation of medicinal plants has become the need of the hour to meet the growing demand of herbal drug requirement in the field of medicine. But using chemicals in the form of pesticide and fertilizers may have undesirable impact on the quality of these plants as well as human health. Recently various state Governments in India have come up with different schemes to cultivate medicinal plants through organic farming and under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). “Vrikshayurveda” a sub branch of Ayurveda describes a particular type of liquid organic manure called “Kunapajala” for this purpose. Scattered references are found regarding the effect of Kunapajala on medicinal plant cultivation. This review highlights the importance of organic farming and results of research works carried out on the effect of Kunapajala on medicinal plant cultivation. (Source- Bhat Savitha D, Ashok B K, Acharya Rabinarayan, and Ravishankar 2012, Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine GJRMI, Volume 1, Issue 7, July 2012, 272–279). Long-term effect of nutrient management on soil fertility and soil organic carbon



pools under a 6-year-old pearl millet–wheat cropping system in an Inceptisol of subtropical India –Long term studies were conducted to study the effect of nutrient management on soil fertility and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools under a 6-year-old pearl millet–wheat cropping system in an Inceptisol of subtropical India. Significant build-up in soil fertility in terms of alkaline KMnO4-N, Olsen-P, NH4OAc-K and CaCl2-S as well as SOC pools namely, total organic carbon (TOC), Walkley and Black organic carbon (WBC), labile organic carbon (LBC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were maintained under FYM and integrated nutrient management involving FYM and NPK than unfertilized control plot in 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depths. The highest values of TOC (11.48 g kg−1) and WBC (7.86 g kg−1) were maintained in FYM treated plot, while the highest values of LBC (1.36 g kg−1) and MBC (273 mg kg−1) were found in FYM + NPK. The magnitude of change in pools of SOC in sub-surface (15–30 cm) soil was low as compared to the surface soil (0–15 cm). Significant increase in all the pools of SOC in FYM treated plots indicates the importance of application of organic manure like FYM in maintaining organic carbon in soil. Highly strong relationships were exhibited between LBC and MBC with yield, indicating that these pools are more important for nutrient turn-over and their availability to plants than total SOC. Carbon management index revealed that integrated nutrient management could be followed for enhancing crop productivity, nutrient availability and soil carbon pools for long-term. These results conclude that for sustainable crop production and maintaining soil quality, input of organic manure like FYM is of major importance and should be advocated in the nutrient management of intensive cropping system for improving soil fertility and biological properties of soils. (Source- Moharana, et al, (2012) Field Crops Research, 136. pp. 32-41) Sequestering carbon through organic mulch- Today’s changing lifestyle has an enormous impact on the environment and also has an effect on climate change. According to a recent survey, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the

atmosphere is 395.77ppmv (parts per million by volume) whereas the upper limit for atmospheric CO2 is only 350ppmv. Climate change has become one of the major challenges for mankind and the natural environment. The study reveals that 1kg of carbon released from the soil constitutes 3.64kg of CO2 in the atmosphere. Therefore soil is one of the largest reservoirs, where carbon could be restored. Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystem has beneficial effects at small levels. The idea is to prevent carbon emitted due to human activities from reaching the atmosphere by capturing and storing them. Organic mulch, a type of compost made from decaying plants or trees, claims to be one of the most sustainable approaches in sequestering carbon. It aims at covering the soil with any natural organic matter. The method involves applying compost or farm yard manure over the soil surface followed by adding a layer of dry organic matter over it. Then a layer of green organic matter is applied to maintain moisture and improve organic carbon in the soil. Here, the compost contains an array of beneficial microbes, where the dry matter is rich in carbon and the green matter is rich in nitrogenous substances. When decomposition of these components takes place the carbon nitrogen ratio in the soil becomes 10:1, ideal for the proliferation of microbes. In addition, it reduces evaporation, enhances water infiltration and prevents topsoil from being washed away due to water run off. Soil management practices have the potential to create considerable carbon sinks, if good farming practices like mulching are employed. (Source- J.K.Mohan Kumar writer is a science teacher at Chettinad Public School, Managiri, Karaikudi. He has done research on herbal remedies and has been practicing organic farming for 10 years. ) Solitary cow can help in cultivation of 30 acres- K. Gangadharam, a progressive organic farmer from Chittor district said that it is possible to cultivate 30 acres of agricultural land with the dung and urine of a single country cow without depending on fertilizers and pesticides. Jiwamrutam, a liquid prepared from cow dung and urine and Ghanamrutam, a material in dry form



prepared from same material from just one cow is sufficient to cultivate 30 acres of land which would also reduce the burden of purchasing expensive chemicals and fertilizers. According to him a country cow produces 10kg of dung and 10litres of urine per day which is enough to cultivate the farmland by many small and marginal farmers. The cow dung and urine should be mixed with 2kg jaggery, 2 kg pulse powder, a small quantity of bund soil and 200litre of water. This will become Jiwamrutam in 48 hrs. It can be supplied once in a month along with irrigation water to the farmland which is sufficient to get a good yield of

any crop. About 500 farmers in Chittor District are following this practice in about 300 acres of land and the results are encouraging. While, some are getting material from others and some farmers are in process of purchasing cows for their farms. According to K. Gangadharam many of these farmers believed that they can get a good crop yield only after using chemical fertilizers and pesticides which actually is detrimental to soil health. It will take some more time to convince the farmers to switch to more environment friendly practices (Source-The Hindu, Wednesday, June 6, 2012).

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Two Days National Seminar on Organic and Biological Inputs – New Innovations

and Quality Control Two days National seminar entitled “National Seminar on Organic and Biological Inputs – New Innovations and Quality Control’ was successfully organized during 18-19th July, 2012 by the National Centre of Organic Farming, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, at its new premises located at 19, Hapur Road, Ghaziabad – 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India. The aim of the seminar was to identify potential technologies and inputs, define minimum ingredients, bio-efficacy and bio-safety requirement for new inputs and to formulate strategies for defining their practically achievable quality parameters with necessary methods for undertaking such tests. All interested people from different institutions and organizations were invited for participation in this seminar. The Seminar forum comprised nearly 200 participants from different states in country.

The seminar was inaugurated by the Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Government of India, Shri Shiraj Hussain. The distinguished guests presented on the dias during inaugural ceremony included Shri Narendra Bhooshan, Joint Secretary (INM), DAC, Govt of India, Shri Ardhendu Sen former Chief Secretary, Govt of West Benagl and Currently Director, TERI, Dr. L.N. Verma and Dr. P. Bhattacharyya, former Directors NCOF, Dr. Krishan Chandra, Additional Commissioner (INM), DAC and Dr. A.K. Yadav, Director NCOF. The Chief Guest while inaugurating the seminar lauded the efforts of NCOF for successful launch of the seminar and stressed that the country need to put in lot of innovations for ensuring high quality organic inputs and their quality control. Shri Narendra Bhooshan underlined the importance of organic farming in the years to come and requested the scientific fraternity to concentrate on the efforts for developing appropriate packages for obtaining optimum yields from organic management systems. Shri Ardhendu Sen

elaborated in the India organic story and clarified that the present day organic agriculture is keeping the pace with time and just 10% behind the conventional, in spite of the fact that country has not made any investments in this direction. If adequate investments in terms of research and development are made this gap can be filled. Inaugural ceremony concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr. Krishan Chandra.

A book dedicated to the occassion entitled “Organic and Biological Inputs – New Innovations and Quality Control” was also released during the inaugural session by the Chief Guest. The publication comprised of latest innovations and quality control initiatives in the field of organic and biological inputs. The Seminar forum comprising of nearly 200 participants from different States deliberated on wide range of issues starting from organic farming as a whole, its relevance, constraints being faced and its potential in food security to various organic and biological inputs, new innovations and quality control. Half of the technical sessions were concentrated on new organic and biological inputs, their bio-efficacy and active ingredients. Mechanisms of actions of some lesser known inputs were also discussed. Efforts taken up by the NCOF in defining the quality parameters for some inputs were lauded by the participants and industry representatives and suggested that such initiatives need to be continued for continuous up gradation of quality control scenario. After thorough deliberations the eminent panelists during valedictory session framed following recommendations with the request that Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture may kindly focus the strategy in 12th plan on suggested key issues for the focused



promotion of organic farming in general and promotion of various organic and biological inputs in particular. 1. General recommendations for Research and Education - On review of various research results it has been revealed that in spite of practically no investment in research and development the modern organic is not very far behind the conventional agriculture in terms of yield. While many studies claim that organic management is capable of yielding similar productivity, some studies have indicated reduction in yield to the tune of 10%. This clearly indicates that organic agriculture in spite of being a neglected field in research and development and practically no investment in terms of subsidies is just 10% behind the conventional agriculture. This gap can be filled through appropriate policy regime, investment in input production infrastructure and development of practices and packages through research. After thorough deliberation on these issues following suggestions are made for the consideration of DAC and ICAR.

i. To support the subject with continuous research, there is an urgent need for a dedicated “National Research Centre on Organic Farming Research”. Out come from “Network Project on Organic Farming of ICAR” are so far limited and covers limited aspects.

ii. DAC and ICAR should support at least one State Agricultural University (SAUs) in each state for launching “Centre of Excellence on Organic Farming”.

iii. Universities also need to be encouraged for including at least 2-3 credits on organic farming in their undergraduate syllabus.

iv. DAC and ICAR can also provide necessary assistance to SAUs for starting specialized Degree/ diploma courses in organic farming.

v. DAC may take up discussion on these issues with ICAR and include organic farming as priority issue in DAC-ICAR interface meetings for time to time monitoring of decisions made.

2. Adoption of organic farming promotion policy by Central Government

- It was noted that while many small and some of the large states have defined policies for promotion of organic farming; the central Government has yet to adopt any policy initiative. For promotion of any issue of national importance, it is essential that the subject is part of the national Policy. The panelists and experts on the occasion strongly suggested that the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation should draft a policy document and get it ratified by the Cabinet with adequate funds during 12th Plan period. 3. Promotion of organic Inputs - Studies and survey reports presented by NCOF and details provided by many other speakers during the seminar, it was evident that there is an urgent need for quality assurance system to ensure that only approved and proven efficient inputs are marketed. The experts noted that although 7 biofertilizers and 4 organic fertilizers have been covered under FCO, but still there are large numbers of undefined inputs being sold into the market without details on their active ingredients and their quality assessment protocols. In the absence of any universal regulatory system there is no mechanism to assess their quality and regulate sub-standard inputs. Experts also noted that many of the existing inputs, in spite of being found effective do not fall under the category of fertilizers, hence may not be included in FCO. In view of it; experts were of the unanimous view that there is an urgent need to institute an organic and biological input approval system in the country. The inputs not falling under the purview of either FCO or CIB (Central Insecticide Board) needs to be assessed and approved under such system. For effective implementation of such strategy DAC by executive order make it mandatory for all organic and biological input producers to obtain approval of marketing of such inputs.

The seminar concluded with the facilitation of Dr A.K. Yadav, Director, NCOF who is expected to superannuate by the end of this month after 34 years of distinguished Government service.



Global Organic

Can Organic Food Feed the World? New Study Sheds Light On Debate Over Organic Vs. Conventional Agriculture - A new study conducted by the researchers of McGill University and the University of Minnesota and published in Nature concludes that crop yields from organic farming are generally lower than from conventional agriculture. That is particularly true for cereals, which are staples of the human diet -- yet the yield gap is much less significant for certain crops, and under certain growing conditions, according to the researchers. The study, which represents a comprehensive analysis of the current scientific literature on organic-to-conventional yield comparisons, aims to shed light on the often heated debate over organic versus conventional farming. Some people point to conventional agriculture as a big environmental threat that undercuts biodiversity and water resources, while releasing greenhouse gases. Others argue that large-scale organic farming would take up more land and make food unaffordable for most of the world's poor and hungry. "To achieve sustainable food security we will likely need many different techniques -- including organic, conventional, and possible 'hybrid' systems -- to produce more food at affordable prices, ensure livelihoods to farmers, and reduce the environmental costs of agriculture," the researchers conclude. Overall, organic yields are 25% lower than conventional, the study finds. The difference varies widely across crop types and species, however. Yields of legumes and perennials (such as soybeans and fruits), for example, are much closer to those of conventional crops. What's more, when best management practices are used for organic crops, overall yields are just 13% lower than conventional levels. "These results suggest that today's organic systems may nearly rival conventional yields in some cases -- with particular crop types, growing conditions and management practices -- but often they do not," the researchers write. Improvements in organic management techniques, or adoption of organic agriculture under

environmental conditions where it performs best, may help close the yield gap, they indicate. In some cases, organic farmers may therefore benefit by making limited use of chemical fertilizers instead of relying only on manure to supply nitrogen to their crops," Seufert says. "At the same time, conventional agriculture can learn from successful organic systems and implement practices that have shown environmental benefits, such as increased crop diversity and use of crop residues." Yields are only part of a set of economic, social and environmental factors that should be considered when gauging the benefits of different farming systems, the researchers note. The results point to a need to get beyond the black-and-white, ideological debates that often pit advocates of organic and local foods against proponents of conventional agriculture, Prof. Foley adds. "By combining organic and conventional practices in a way that maximizes food production and social good while minimizing adverse environmental impact, we can create a truly sustainable food system." (Source – Science Daily (Apr. 25, 2012) Soil Solarization : An Organic Weed-Management Approach in Cauliflower - Studies were conducted at KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar, Pakistan, in June 2008 and 2009 using a randomized complete block design. Plots were covered with transparent polyethylene films for different periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks). The temperature inside the film was about 10°C greater than the atmospheric temperature. Solarization increased nitrogen (N) and organic-matter levels in both years, probably because of decomposition of plant residues. Increasing the period of solarization decreased weed density and both fresh and dry biomass. The effectiveness of solarization was species specific. In 2008, Cirsium arvense L. was controlled in the solarized soil, whereas Vicia sativa germination was stimulated by solarization. In 2009, suppressed weeds included Sorghum halepense whereas



Chenopodium album L., Cyperus rotundus, and Rumex crispus L. were unaffected. Solarization increased yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) in both years. These results suggest that solarization should be practiced before planting horticultural crops in areas with a hot climate. (Source – Khan et al 2012 Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 43(13). Short-term residual effects of various amendments on organic C and N, and available nutrients in soil under organic crop production - Two 3-year (2008-2010, wheat-pea-barley) field experiments were conducted on certified organic farms near Spalding (Dark Brown Cher- nozem-Typic Haploboroll) and Star City (Gray Luvisol-Typic Haplocryalf) in northeastern Sas- katchewan, Canada, to determine the residual effects of compost, alfalfa pellets, wood ash, rock phosphate, Penicillium bilaiae, gypsum and MykePro on organic C and N (total organic C [TOC], total organic N [TON], light fraction organic C [LFOC], light fraction organic N [LFON]) and mineralizable N (Nmin) in the 0-15 cm soil layer, and ammonium-N, nitrate-N, extractable P, exchangeable K and sulphate-S in the 0 - 15, 15 - 30 and 30 - 60 cm soil layers in autumn 2010. Compared to the un-amended control, mass of TOC, TON, LFOC and LFON increased with compost and alfalfa pellets in both soils. However, the increases were much more pronounced for LFOC (by 125% - 133%) or LFON (by 102% - 103%) than TOC (by 19% - 29%) or TON (by 25% - 40%). The Nmin also increased in these two treatments compared to the control, but the increases were much smaller for compost than alfalfa pellets. In general, residual nitrate-N increased with increasing rate of compost and alfalfa pellets in the 0 - 15 and 15 - 30 cm layers in both soils. Extractable P increased with compost and exchangeable K with alfalfa pellets, but only in the 0 - 15 cm soil layer. Sulphate-S increased with compost, but mainly in the 30 - 60 cm soil layer. Soil pH usually increased with compost and more so with wood ash, but no effect of any amendment on ammonium-N. Overall, the quantity of organic C and N, and available nutrients in soil increased with compost and/or alfalfa pellets, but the magnitude varied with amendment and/or

soil type. In conclusion, findings suggest that soil quality and fertility can be improved with these organic amendments, suggesting sustainability of production from organic crops. (Source – Malhi 2012, Agricultural Sciences Vol.3, No.3, 375-384). Does organic farming increase soil suppression against Fusarium wilt of melon? - Under Israeli organic farming conditions, compost (mostly made of animal manure) is annually applied as a source of plant nutrients, to enhance soil microbial activity and nutrient cycling and to improve soil structure. Composts are also known for their suppressive properties against soil-borne diseases. The objective of the present study was to assess the level of suppressiveness against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM) that may develop in soils with a history of organic farming as compared with conventional farming. Pairs of organic vs. conventional taxonomically identical soil samples were collected from adjacent plots, at various sites throughout the main agricultural areas in Israel. Out of 15 pairs, four of the organically managed soils were significantly more suppressive than their corresponding conventional plots. On the average, the area under the disease progress curve and the final disease incidence of the inoculated plants grown in conventionally managed soils were higher at 12% and 21%, respectively, than those of the plants grown in the organically managed soils. Both differences were significant when examined using two-factor ANOVA test (site and farming system). Microbial activity of the organic soils, as expressed by heat production rate, was positively correlated with soil suppressiveness and was significantly higher by a factor of 2.2 as compared with the conventionally managed paired soils. It is suggested that organic farming practices and especially compost application may lead, with time, to some reduction of the problems caused by FOM. This beneficial effect of organic farming seems non-specific to soil type or climatic region in Israel. (Source - Yogev et al Organic Agriculture, 2011, Volume 1, Number 4, Pages 203-216).



Integrated approaches to root disease management in organic farming systems - Conventional agriculture has had major environmental impacts, in particular with respect to soil degradation. Soil structure, fertility, microbial and faunal biodiversity have declined, and root diseases are common unless genetic resistance, soil fumigation and/or seed treatments are used. Primarily for environmental reasons and increasing demands for safe and healthy food from the public, farmers have switched over to organic production at an increasing rate. During a transition period of about 5 years, organic farmers may face problems with yield losses and pest or disease problems. However, in well-managed, long-term organic farms, soil borne diseases need not be a problem. Several studies in which disease severity was compared in organic and conventional farming systems (or with soils from those systems) showed that root diseases are generally less severe in organically than conventionally managed soils. The reasons for reduced root disease severity have seldom been investigated, although relationships with nitrogen supply or microbial diversity have sometimes been found. Crop protection in organic farming is generally not directed at controlling particular pathogens or pests but at management of the environment so that plants are able to withstand potential attacks. Resistant cultivars adapted to the local conditions are in demand among organic farmers. However, the main practices that contribute to disease control are long, balanced rotations, organic amendments and reduced tillage, all geared towards maintenance of the soil organic matter content and fertility. Organic farmers can make use of biological control agents and natural toxic compounds in plant extracts. However, these practices are methods of last resort. (Source – Arietia et al Australasian Plant Pathology 2003, 32, Number 2 : 141-156) The crop yield gap between organic and conventional agriculture - A key issue in the debate on the contribution of organic agriculture to the future of world agriculture is whether organic agriculture can produce sufficient food to feed the world. Comparisons of organic and conventional

yields play a central role in this debate. Authors therefore compiled and analyzed a meta-dataset of 362 published organic–conventional comparative crop yields. Results show that organic yields of individual crops are on average 80% of conventional yields, but variation is substantial (standard deviation 21%). In dataset, the organic yield gap significantly differed between crop groups and regions. The analysis gave some support to hypothesis that the organic–conventional yield gap increases as conventional yields increase, but this relationship was only rather weak. The rationale behind this hypothesis is that when conventional yields are high and relatively close to the potential or water-limited level, nutrient stress must, as per definition of the potential or water-limited yield levels, be low and pests and diseases well controlled, which are conditions more difficult to attain in organic agriculture. Authors discuss findings in the context of the literature on this subject and address the issue of up-scaling results to higher system levels. Authors hypothesize that due to challenges in the maintenance of nutrient availability in organic systems at crop rotation, farm and regional level, the average yield gap between conventional and organic systems may be larger than 20% at higher system levels. This relates in particular to the role of legumes in the rotation and the farming system, and to the availability of (organic) manure at the farm and regional levels. Future research should therefore focus on assessing the relative performance of both types of agriculture at higher system levels, i.e. the farm, regional and global system levels, and should in that context pay particular attention to nutrient availability in both organic and conventional agriculture. (Source - Tomek de Ponti et al 2012, Agricultural Systems, 108, Pages 1–9) Are specific testing protocols required for organic onion varieties? Analysis of onion variety testing under conventional and organic growing conditions - Organic growers need information on variety performance under their growing conditions. A 4-year onion variety research project was carried out to investigate whether setting up a variety testing system combining conventional and organic variety trials is



feasible and efficient rather than organizing separate variety trials under the two management systems. During 4 years commercial onion cultivars were tested at a certified organic and a non-organic location. Both systems were managed without chemical pest, disease and sprouting control, but differed in fertility management (organic manure in autumn versus synthetic fertilizer), soil cultivation and weed management (mechanical weeding versus application of herbicide). Management system significantly affected plant density, thickness of neck, and proportion of small and large bulbs. Variety × management system interactions were significant for bulb uniformity, earliness, proportion of large bulbs, dormancy and relative storage success but did not change the ranking of the varieties. Authors conclude that organic growers can profit from a more conscious variety choice when conventionally fertilized trials would refrain from using pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and sprout inhibitors. However, this would require an adaptation of the management protocol in such a way that trials might no longer represent conditions of conventional farmers. Furthermore, assessments of leaf erectness, disease resistance to downy mildew and leaf blight should be included in the protocols for organic use. Authors advocate better communication between breeders and growers on specific variety characteristics contributing to improving yield stability under low-input, organic growing conditions. (Source - Lammerts van Bueren et al 2012 Euphytica 184 (2), 181-193) Weed management in organic cereals: advances and opportunities - Cereals are among the most competitive of crops, but under organic management, weeds remain the foremost production problem. Understanding the ecology of both weeds and cereals is paramount to developing non-chemical strategies that limit yield loss due to weeds whilst suppressing weed growth and weed seed deposition. Key mechanisms for weed management include enhancing the cereal crops’ competitive advantage through practices that (1) reduce weed density, e.g. through use of a ‘false seedbed’, and cultivation, possibly though the use of selective weed control with inter-

row cultivation, and (2) increase interspecific competition, including increased seeding rates, precise fertilizer placement, and promoting quick canopy closure. The challenge is to find combinations of weed management tactics that simultaneously provide acceptable levels of weed control, reduce weed seed return to the seed bank, are economically advantageous, and can overcome variability in weather. Presently, the best options for in-season weed management in organic cereals are increasing the seeding rate or the comparatively less common use of inter-row cultivation for selective weed control. As cultivation technology improves, increasing accuracy and bringing down costs, this practice may become more widely adopted. Further research should focus on identifying practices that maximize net returns and weed suppression whilst being cognizant of potential interactions with other pests, organic production issues, and weed management tactics. These efforts should also provide insight to the efficacy of potential strategies in the larger context of the farming system as parameters including the size of the weed seed bank will dictate what practices are likely to be successful. (Source - Kolb and Gallandt 2012, Organic Agriculture) Bhutan Plans Transition to 100% Organic Agriculture - The Kingdom of Bhutan has decided it will pursue its goal for all agriculture to become organic. The Himalayan nation, which borders India and China, plans for its food production to become 100% organic by 2020, an aim enshrined in Bhutan’s National Framework for Organic Farming. At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio, Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley explained that his government is developing a full-fledged ‘National Organic Policy’ and is training agricultural extension officers in organic methods. Farmers opting for organic agriculture will be given priority in technical assistance. At an event organised by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Mr Thinley stated that “going organic will create new economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities, adding value to what they produce and reducing the costs of farming



as they’ll no longer have to pay for expensive imported seeds, pesticides, fertilisers and other chemicals.” According to IFOAM President Andre Leu, an adviser to the Bhutanese Government, the complete transition to an organic agricultural system is feasible: “I don't think it's going to be that difficult given that the majority of the agricultural land is already organic by default”. Only a minority of Bhutan’s farmers have access to synthetic chemicals and fertilisers because they cannot afford them. Most of them, however, are not currently officially certified as organic farmers. (Source- Terraced fields in Tongsa, Bhutan Global Agriculture, Agriculture at a crossroads) IFOAM and FiBL announce Global Organic Research Network- The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) announced at the UN Rio+20 Conference the formation of the IFOAM Global Organic Research Network (IGORN). The IFOAM Global Organic Research Network will be a dynamic global network enabling world-class collaboration on organic food and farming science, knowledge, and technology innovation within the global organic movement and with a wide range of science partners throughout the world. The network will focus on fostering research capacity in developing countries where food security is critical. The organizers and partners will use this network as a platform to address key priorities that will enhance the sustainability of all agriculture based on the principles of organic agriculture, health, ecology, care and fairness—with an emphasis on reducing poverty for small-scale food producers. Once in operation, it will facilitate the ecological and social intensification of agriculture and food and nutrition security for all. IFOAM and FiBL plan to launch the IFOAM Global Organic Research Network at the BioFach Organic Trade Fair and Congress in Nuremberg, Germany in February 2013. Following the launch, the partnering institutions and key stakeholders will develop projects and collaborative agreements to conduct, implement and disseminate research throughout the world.

(Source- International Research Network, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) Frick Switzerland) Apple thinning with potassium bicarbonate - New environmentally friendly method available - Apple thinning has been a major problem for farmers seeking to transition from conventional to organic production. Consumers expect organic apples to have comparable size and quality to non-organic fruit, and thinning is needed to achieve that goal. Also, many apple varieties will bear heavily in some years and less heavily in the following year in an alternate bearing pattern. Thinning in the heavy years will increase yield in the light years. Organic farmers are not able to use most plant hormones and instead rely on time-consuming and expensive hand labor to thin their trees. In Europe, organic farmers also use mechanical methods, as well as lime-sulfur and molasses. These other methods are not as effective as hand thinning and can damage trees. Now, scientists at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) have found a way to thin trees using an ingredient commonly found in kitchens. By applying potassium bicarbonate, a substance used in baking, to trees at a key times in the growing season, organic farmers can efficiently regulate crop load better than hand thinning and the other alternatives currently used in organic production. The results were consistent for 11 varieties treated over a three year period. Potassium bicarbonate has the advantage of being very environmentally friendly. In 2012, Swiss authorities approved the commercial product, Armicarb©, for use as an apple thinner based on FiBL’s research. (Source- Weibel et al 2012 European Journal of Horticultural Science, 77 (4), pp. 145-153(17.08.2012) Swiss DOK trial: Sensory, yield and quality differences by production system - Organic, biodynamic and conventional wheat compared -Scientists at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Switzerland found sensory differences in double-blind taste tests between flour grown biodynamically and non-organically. Winter wheat (cultivar Runal) was grown under the different



farming systems as part of the long-term FiBL "DOK" comparison trial near Basel, Switzerland in the years 2006, 2007 and 2009. Organic and biodynamic wheat had lower dry matter yields, lower protein content and smaller kernel sizes. The Triangle Test, a widely used sensory testing method, was used to prevent bias. Two separate panels of 30 persons each tasted freshly milled wheat flour. Testing of dry whole meal was challenging for the panelists, as opposed to sampling porridge or bread, but the method eliminated the possible sensory effects resulting from slight differences in cooking or baking. When the data from the three years and two panels were aggregated, it became evident that the number of correct answers in the tests was significantly highest when biodynamically and conventionally grown samples were compared. Further investigation is needed to determine if production method influences consumer preferences with final prepared products. (Source - Christine et al 2012 Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture) Norwegian study characterizes organic food consumption by pregnant women (Methodological challenges identified)-Pregnant women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) were surveyed about their food consumption patterns and other lifestyle choices. The study was led by the Division of Environmental Medicine in the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the National Institute for Consumer Research. Results were based on the responses of 63'808 women who answered two questionnaires in the years 2002-2007 during their pregnancies. The first was a general health questionnaire at the beginning of the second trimester followed by a food frequency questionnaire completed before the third trimester. Women reported the frequency of organic food use in six main food groups: milk/dairy, bread/cereal, eggs, vegetables, fruit and meat. Frequent consumption of organic food was reported by 9.1% of the respondents. Women who ate organic food tended to eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products than women in the overall population. In general, the pregnant women who included organic foods in their

diets were more likely to follow dietary guidelines established for pregnant women. However, the cause and effect are not clear. Do women who eat organic foods tend to have more healthy diets, or are women who are more conscientious about their diets more likely to eat organic food? The correlation has a methodological effect known as 'collinearity' that makes it more difficult to determine how much organic food helps improve the health of women and children, and how much is related to a healthier diet in general. The authors conclude that pregnant women who eat organic food have lifestyles that are healthier and more sustainable in general. As their research proceeds, identifying the role played by organic food will be a methodological challenge. (Source- Torjusen et al 2012, BMC Public Health 12: 612) Organic wheat quality improved by cultural techniques - Reduced tillage, intercropping beneficial for bread wheat - As the demand for organic bread expands, farmers and bakers are concerned about quality and safety. Farmers are interested in cultural techniques to improve the baking quality and reduce mycotoxin contamination in the production of wheat. Plant available nitrogen and weed pressure are the two biggest limiting factors in production. The CORE Organic project "Agronomical and Technological methods to improve organic wheat quality" (AGTEC-Org) assessed reduced tillage, organic fertility management and intercropping with legumes in 11 long-term field trials and 12 farmers' field trials in Austria, Denmark, France and Switzerland. Reduced tillage worked best in fields where weed pressure was relatively low. Quality of wheat grown with reduced tillage was comparable to that of traditional plowing. Mycotoxin levels were generally low in reduced tillage systems and increased when wheat followed corn or lupine, but not in other cases. Intercropping with peas did not have a significant adverse effect on yield in most cases, reduced weed pressure and improved wheat quality.(Source- David et al ISARA - Institut supérieure de l'agriculture Lyon, Lyon, France. 24.07.2012).



National and International Events

Kisan 12 - India’s largest Agri Show - The twentieth Kisanfair –“Kisan” India’s largest Agri Show is going to happen in Pune during 12-16th December 2012.The Indian farmer is turning agriculture into a resurgent and vibrant industry, besides using innovative techniques, new technologies are being explored and newer benchmarks are being set each day. India’s largest trade show, KISAN too is turning a new leaf. 20th edition of KISAN has many exciting initiatives lined up. Keeping pace with the changing time KISAN will be showcasing exciting initiatives dedicated for the farming community. One will discover a vault of opportunities right from the time he decides to participate in KISAN. Apart from the trade fair, one can also utilize KISAN’s highly versatile and flexible digital marketing infrastructure. Attractions in KISAN 12 are:

1. Knowledge Park- This is an ideal forum for farmers to access the very best and latest knowledge, trends and insights in agriculture. National level agricultural universities and reputed research institutes will highlight their latest work with the help of interactive sessions, films, demonstrations and functional models. KISAN will also host the lectures by eminent agriculture scientists, experienced farmers and various experts. KISAN will also coordinate knowledge tour i.e. an opportunity to visit renowned agri-research institutions around Pune.

2. KISAN film festival –Another highlight for this year will be a dedicated auditorium to screen agricultural films. Each screening will be followed by interactive discussions and question and answers sessions. The film festival has proven to be one of the KISAN’s biggest attraction over time.

3. 3. Online B2B Platform-In partnership with Kisan .com, exhibitors can host their profiles, contact information and their schedules during exhibitions. This will save a lot of time and is a free and convenient and a great way to find like

minded partners, customers and suppliers.

4. Idea Expo-It is ideas which drive agriculture today. It helps brings new agri ideas and concepts to life. All stakeholders from farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, domain experts to agri. Students make it a point to attend this expo. (Please visit http://enterprise.kisan.in to know more about the same)

BioFach, India 2012 -international trade fair Together with India Organic - BioFach, India 2012, an International trade fair Together with India Organic shall be organized during 29 November to 1st December 2012 at Bangalore, India, at Palace Ground, Shri Krishna Vihar, Mekhri Circle. In November 2011, 171 (2010:103) satisfied exhibitors and 7529 highly interested visitors (2010:2860) including trade buyers from Germany and France –witnessed last Biofach India in Bangalore and supported the decision to relocate it. The whole diversity of the International organic community was shown in the heart of IT metropolis and garden city of Bangalore on three lively and colorful days of exhibition characterized by business talks and professional and intercultural exchange. Visitors left with super impressions of Biofach India, which was really comparable with other European events. Bangalore is India’s third largest city and the capital of the state of Karnataka. Its stunning development into India’s key centre for the IT and other high-tech industries has led to a highly qualified middle class population being very open to modern and health conscious life style and spending over proportionate on nutrition and personal care products. Its a very good opportunity to invest into Indian Organic Market and to promote organic products at high quality platform for organic industry. Biofach India together with India organic is hosting all Indian organic players and offers communication, education and last but not the least business. It’s a B-to-B platform and all trade visitors promotional



activities are targeting domestic and international decision makers and professional buyers from sectors like catering business, convenience stores, food beverage wholesale, food manufacturing and processing, import and export, specialized organic shop, supermarkets, department stores, specialized chain stores, service companies etc. Bangalore offers excellent air connections both to international and all major domestic cities.

Biofach Germany 2013 World Organic Trade Fair - Biofach 2013 world organic trade fair shall be organized in Nurnberg, Germany, during 13.2.2013 to 16.2.2013. Here the visitors will certainly enjoy the whole variety of a world leading exhibition. Organic products are constantly capturing new segments world wide. No wonder making certified organic product successful on the international market has always needed maximum innovative power and quality awareness, just as much as successful networking between suppliers, decision makers, global and local players, trade, media and politics. The organic sector sets sustainable accents at its world leading exhibition BioFach. One can present their innovations and products to a highly qualified professional audience. From special areas to Romania as country of the year 2013, from the largest international congress to tempting tasting areas for wine, olive oil, coffee and fish. According to the record of success of 2012 among the satisfied exhibitors 92% could make new business connections, 93% met their key target group at Biofach. Successful exhibition duo Biofatch and Vivaness 2012 was witnessed by 2420 exhibitors (included 70% international) and 40315 visitors among which 43% were international visitors and net display area was 44851sq mt.

The 2nd IFOAM Animal Husbandry Conference - Building on the first IFOAM conference in the US in 2006, farmers and scientists will once again have the opportunity to exchange information and build new partnerships at the 2nd IFOAM International Organic Animal Husbandry. Although organic livestock production has made significant advances over the last few

decades, navigating complex regulatory frameworks and dealing with other challenges facing the sector, organic livestock systems will benefit from an exchange at the international level. This conference will concentrate on health and food safety in organic livestock production systems, marketing trends, innovation in organic livestock production systems and livestock breeding strategies. Key figures from around the world will present the diversity of organic livestock systems, including opportunities and challenges on the horizon. Topics will relate to a wide range of livestock species: cattle, poultry, pigs, small ruminants, fish, bees, rabbits etc. The conference will be held in Hamburg, one of the most exciting cities of Northern Europe at the Bio-Center of the University of Hamburg: September 12 to14, 2012, Hamburg Germany.

Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo 2012 - The Middle East Natural & Organic Product Expo 2012 shall be organized during November 27-29, 2012 at Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Middle East Natural & Organic Product Expo is a “never to be missed” expo in the region as it attracts high quality trade buyers from all over the world especially from GCC, Middle East and African countries. The overwhelming response from the trade community in the region is a clear example that there is a high demand for organic products in the Middle East market. Significantly, the show is held in Dubai, the cosmopolitan city-state of the UAE. Dubai offers a vantage point to companies for regional penetration with the city being the trading and export hub for the whole of Middle East and Africa. Exhibitor profile includes Organic Food & Beverages, Organic food, fruits & vegetables, Fine organic foods, Agricultural products, Specialty / Gourmet products, Baby food, Non-alcoholic beer / wine, Condiments, Spices / Seasonings, Ethnic foods, Culinary herbs, Fiber / Energy Snacks, Functional foods & beverages, Green foods & Juices, Meat & meat substitute, Organic dairy products, Dry fruits, Tea & Coffee, Cosmetics & Personal Care products, Bath products, Beauty products, Beauty Parlors,



Cosmetics, Skin care, Baby care, Sun care products, Essential oils / fragrance etc. The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre is a 15-minute drive from the Dubai Airport. The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) is a world-class venue with more than one enviable advantage. The Centre offers a total of 60,000 square meters of flexible and versatile exhibition space, equipped to meet the most demanding expectations. Middle East Natural & Organic Product Expo is the numerouno show for natural and organic products in the Middle East. Over the last nine years and more, MENOPE has remained a salient platform for scores of global companies to enter the Middle East market. The 2012 MENOPE will be the exhibition’s 10th edition. MENOPE is an acknowledged show and has been part of the entry strategy of many global companies scouting for growth opportunities in the Middle East market for many years. The 2012 show will build on the success of the 2011 expo, which attracted a stream of serious trade visitors from the wider Middle East, Africa, CIS and many Asian countries including from the Sub Continent. MENOPE is held every year in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai in the UAE and has carved a niche for itself as a dynamic buyer-seller meeting ground in the organic and natural-product-realm. The recently concluded MENOPE event attracted scores of trade visitors with the enthusiastic response affirming once again the significance of the show as a buyer-seller meeting ground.

Suscon 2012 - an International conference on sustainable business and consumption. SusCon– International Conference on Sustainable Business and Consumption will be taking place in the UN City of Bonn during November 27-28, 2012 at World Conference Center Bonn, Germany. For the third time SusCon will bring together decision-makers from businesses, NGOs, Governments and UN organisations that strive for the concrete implementation of an “inclusive green economy”. It will consider which economic model we should adopt for the future and what, in practice, constitutes a “green economy”? Six reasons to attend this conference are to Develop practical

approaches for sustainable solutions, Discover the role of business within the emerging Green Economy, Benefit from the visions and insights of world class speakers, Acquire valuable information for making responsible and innovative decisions, Learn how to create transparency for stakeholders on the value chain, Benefit from unique networking opportunities. Ninety-nine per cent of attendees at SusCon 2010 reported how valuable the meeting was for the company or organisation they represented. "Eco-sustainable agriculture can provide food security and improve rural livelihoods for farmers" - Natural farming and environment festival organized by Kheti Virasat Mission at Bathinda, Punjab in May 2012 - Eco-sustainable agriculture can provide food security and improve rural livelihoods for farmers. This was the main conclusion of the Natural Farming and Environment Festival by Kheti Virasat Mission held during May 11-13 2012 at Bathinda, Punjab. Kheti Virasat Mission, a non-profit and conscious civil-society organization, based at Jaitu in Faridkot, Punjab has been promoting sustainable, ecological farming practices as well as the conservation and regeneration of natural water resources, to re-establish the traditional wisdom and practices related to water. Evidence suggests that our soils and water are getting increasingly polluted with highly poisonous and toxic substances generating an environmental crisis. The festival attended by hundreds of farmers and organic farming experts from states such as Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra sought to raise some hard questions related to environmental health and ecological crisis and tried to bring ecological farming at the center stage. The Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM) is of the view that issues concerning environmental and health crisis must reflect in the farmers’ movements and Kisan Unions must support natural farming. The event was therefore marked by talks by political and trade union leaders apart from eminent experts and practitioners. The direction of farmer’s movement in the present context was discussed. The event was also marked by a celebration of traditional foods through “Bebe di Rasoi”, a sale of organic products



particularly indigenous farmer owned seeds and cultural programme from various states. Reports suggest that the organic sales counters were able to sell organic produce worth over Rs 1 lakh at the fest. There were discourses with eminent experts in ecological farming and practical training in natural and ecological farming. The success of organic farming in western and southern states were shared with the farmers of Punjab and they learnt about how to cut the use of pesticides that poison soil, water, and crop. Angrej Singh Bhullar, a farmer from Bhullar village in Muktsar district discussed aspects related to harvesting to marketing of organic crop. He benefitted from organic farming in 8 acres and uses vermicompost produced in his own farm. He has his own plant to pack organic paddy, which enables him to sell the output in the market at Rs. 70 per kg. He grows organic vegetables in 2.5 acres. Also Subhash Sharma of Dorli village in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, an expert in organic farming shared how he has been growing organic vegetables, moong, banana, and other crops on his 20 acre farm. In agrarian crisis ridden Vidarbha, this has helped him secure good profits and repay his debts. Suresh Desai, a farmer innovator from Belgaum, Karnataka founded an Organic Farmers Club in the area where he encourages people to take up experiments with organic practices. He shared with the participants about his experience of shifting to organic farming, in particular water efficient sugarcane. His system has helped reduce water usage by 75 to 80 percent in comparison with the conventional usage. Sugarcane is conventionally grown in three-year cycles and takes a year and a half to mature. It is then harvested and a ratoon crop is left to grow. Suresh Desai felt that the nutrients

contained in the ashes are leached out with the first irrigation whenever he burnt the sugarcane residue. He started venturing into experiments in his sugarcane fields and started using organic materials. He composted the organic residues and used it to fertilize his sugarcane crop and later incorporated organic residues into the field in situ and thereby saved on time and labour considerably. He cut down his fertilizer application considerably and was still able to maintain production levels. He is stated to have trained over a lakh farmers in organic farming. He appealed to the farmers of Punjab to go for multi-cropping systems and green manuring. He shared how he has adopted zero tillage methods and was yet able to get 100 tonnes/ hectare of yield. He discussed at length about the manner in which he stimulates tillering by the "snapping method" and about the method followed in intercropping sugarcane with dry land food crops (wheat and paddy in rotation). He also grows kitchen-garden crops such as onion, soybean, paddy, turmeric (haldi), and pulses (like moong). On the second day a women’s convention was held on environment, health and food. A discussion on opportunities and problems for marketing of organic produce in Punjab was also held. The meeting concluded with a resolve to develop a strategy for environmental health and mitigate agricultural and ecological crisis in the state. The Kheti Virasat Mission will organize the next Kudrati Kheti-Vatavaran Utsav in October this year at Jalandhar. (Source- A report by Amita Bhaduri on July 23, 2012 - 18:22) Contact details: Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission, Jaitu151202, Faridkot, Punjab.



Book Review New Agriculture: A Permaculture point of view - ‘New Agriculture: a permaculture point of view’ is a compilation of extracts from the Late Dr. Venkat’s jottings on permaculture made during the few months before his demise. (He passed away in August 2011, at the age of 89) These jottings bring out the essence of his thinking on permaculture design. The central theme being: actions for treading softly on this planet. Venkat, the permaculture man of India, was a deep thinker. However, being a man of few words he was able to make his jottings extremely brief. Written in an easy –to –read style, the 54 page book with ample illustrations is good introductory manual for understanding permaculture. His apprehensions about the environmental and food crisis globally and possible interventions through chapter such as “Designing for Regeneration of Farmland,” “New Roots for the Agriculture of the Future”, “Dynamics of New Agriculture” and “the Goal”. Other chapters that are more practical in nature deal with soils, water, pests and trees. The book also contains a note on Dr. Venkat as a person and a note on his famed home garden. Just published in March 2012, the book is modestly priced at Rs. 30. It is available from Manchipustakam, Secundarabad and the Other India Press, Goa. An e-copy of the book may be obtained by writing to [email protected] or can be down loaded from the OFAI website. Contact :- Suresh Kosaraju at ManChipustkam : Cell No- 09490746614. New Organic Farming Sourcebook (5th edition) by Claude Alvares ,pp.460 Rs.500 - The Organic Farming Sourcebook is written and edited by Claude Alvares with the assistance of Nyla Coelho. The book contains almost everything connected with organic farming in India, including a vast

directory of organic farmers Packed with pictures, the book now include new chapter on GM seeds, farm animals, especially indigenous cows, and a comprehensive list of green or organic stores from all the different states. New book on organic agriculture in the Balkans - Organic agriculture in the Balkans is still in its early stages, though it already acts as a fundamental stimulus to sustainable rural development in the region, Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso reports. Through a comparative analysis of organic farming in the countries of South East Europe, the book "Organic Balkans. Stakeholders, policies, and institutions: a regional perspective" (140 pages, paperback, 14 x 21 cm) provides original insights into the process of Eurpean Union Integration. The autor Matteo Vittuari, PhD in International Cooperation and Policy for Sustainable Development, is a scholar of sustainable agricultural and rural policies and transitions in the Balkans. Lecturer at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Bologna, he has carried out post-doctoral research at the Center for International Development at the University of Harvard. The forewords are written by Dacian Ciolos - EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development; Natalija Bogdanov - Professor of Agricultural Economics, Belgrade University; Andrea Segrè - Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Bologna University. "Organic Balkans. Stakeholders, policies, and institutions: a regional perspective" is written in English (with Italian and Serbo-Croatian extracts on the website). It is published by the Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso within the SeeNet II Programme of Decentralised Cooperation between Italy and SouthEast Europe. Source : Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso (30.08.2012).



Top 10 Reasons to Eat Organic Food by Roxanne King

Top 10 reasons to shop for and eat organic foods:

1. Flavor and Nourishment: Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil,

producing nourished and nourishing plants. Well-balanced soil produces strong, healthy

plants that taste great. Conduct your own taste test!

2. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature: Organic agricultural respects the balance demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

3. Prevent soil erosion: Three billion tons of topsoil are eroded from crop lands in the U.S. each year, much of it due to conventional farming practices, which often ignore the health of the soil.

4. Protect water quality: The EPA estimates that pesticides pollute the primary source of drinking water for more than half the country's population.

5. Support a true economy: Organic foods might seem expensive; however your tax dollars pay for hazardous waste clean up and environmental damage caused by conventional farming.

6. Protect future generations: Children receive four times more exposure than adults to cancer causing pesticides in foods.

7. Keep chemicals off your plate: Pesticides are poisons designed to kill living organisms, and can also be harmful to humans. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air, earth and water that sustain us - not to mention our plates.

8. Promote biodiversity: Planting large plots of land with the same crop year after year tripled farm production between 1950 and 1970, but the lack of natural diversity of plant life has negatively affected soil quality.

9. Save energy: More energy is now used to produce synthetic fertilizers than to till, cultivate and harvest all the crops in the U.S.

10. Help small farmers: Although more and more large scale farms are making the conversion to organic practices, most organic farms are small, independently owned and operated family farms. USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

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