Glimpse from A to Z of Agroecology and Organic Food Systems
A month long course : A-Z of Agroecology and Organic Farming System (1-30th September 2014) concluded successfully
Navdanya organised a month long training programme - A-Z of Agroecology and Organic farming Systems at Bija Vidyapeeth, Ramgarh, Dehradun from 1st to 30th September 2014. The course was attended by 44 people from different walks of life with varied backgrounds across the globe. Among the participants 22 were from India, rest of the participants were from Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Africa, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, U.K. Australia, Canada, and USA. Of these three students from African countries namely: Ghana, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, 2 students from Srilanka, one from Bhutan and 7 students from north eastern India were given scholarship including their travel and local logistics.
The course was broadly divided into four main focus areas encompassing the principles of Agroecology and sustainable food production to sustainable healthy living. Throughout the programme emphasis was laid to view the Agroecology and organic food production as a living system. The focus of the first week was on Introduction & Overview of Agro Ecology. The second week was focussed on Living Seeds, whereas third week was on Living Soils. The fourth and last week was on Nutrition and Health followed with the Seed Meeting of Navdanya's International Seed Network.
The faculties included Dr. Vandana Shiva, Dr. Mira Shiva, Prof. Vir Singh from Pant Nagar University, Dr. Sultan Ismail, Director Ecoscience Research Foundation Chennai, Dr. Salvatore Ceccarelli from Italy, Sandor Katz, Fermentation Revivalist from USA, Jodi Koberinski, advocate from Canada, Marilyn McHugh and Chris Kennedy from USA, Dr. Anna Powar, Nutritionist from Italy, Av Singh, Organics and Rural Infrastructure specialist from Canada, Dr. V.P. Uniyal, Professor at Wild Life Institute of India, Mr. Hari Raj Singh from Dehradun, Mr. Fabián Pacheco Rodríguez from Costa Rica, Mr. Javier Carrera from Ecuador, Dr Fausta Romano and Dr Paolo Bucci from Italy and Navdanya team including Dr. Vinod Bhatt, Dr. R.S. Rawat; Mr. Darwan Singh Negi; Mrs. Bija Devi; Dr. M.P. Singh; Mr. Gireesh Chanrda; Mr. Pramod Kimothi; Mr. Anand Kumar; Mr. Chandra Shekhar Bhatt; Mr. Prem Singh; Mr. Kamal Chetri and Many more from the fields.
Students were given hands on training on every aspect of Agroecology and organic farming including seed saving, seed preservation, Participatory Plant Breeding, home gardening, kitchen garden, soil health management, pest management and different cultural methods of farming. Students also enjoyed Organic food and recipes not only from different parts of India but also from other continents including Africa, Canada, Europe as well as fermented foods.
Students also prepared their own garden and did Shramdan as well as Yoga in the morning. On one of the days a Yagna was performed by Mr. CS Bhatt one of the Navdanya team members for the purification of the atmosphere during the auspicious 'Navratra' festival.
Students also viewed videos and documentaries on various subjects of health and farming. Some of the students also visited nearby village farmers and farmer market to have a feel of rural life around Navdanya farm.
On the evening of the 29th September course participants celebrated with the bonfire and cultural program to give a feel of their respective countries and diverse cultures. On the 30th morning students shared their experiences and received the certificates from Dr. Vandana Shiva.
Seed Week & Yagna
1st to 30th Sept 2014
Day-1: 1st September 2014
4.00 P.M. : Introduction and Inauguration:
The Course started in the afternoon of 1st September 2014 at the lecture hall of Navdanya. Ms. Jodi Koberinski, one of the faculty of the A-Z course, welcomed the participants and introduced the senior functionaries of Navdanya who had graced the occasion. The senior functionaries of Navdanya were present to share with the participants the genesis of Navdanya and its work, which has been carried for more than two decades. They were Ms. Maya Goburdhan, one of the Board Members of Navdanya and Director Bija Vidyapeeth, Wg Cdr. Kuldip Shiva Honorary Director Navdanya and Dr. Vinod Kumar Bhatt, Director Navdanya.
To begin with, Ms. Jodi requested Ms. Maya Goburdhan to give a brief introduction to Navdanya. Ms. Maya Goburdhan, in a nutshell, gave a brief account of the intent and philosophy of Navdanya. She shared with the group as to how Dr. Vandana Shiva started this movement called ‘Navdanya’ and how the name came into being. The focus of Navdanya includes the seed sovereignty, conservation and propagation of local varieties of seeds, fighting multinational corporations against patenting of neem, basmati, wheat and banana. Navdanya’s approach has been non- violent – based on Gandhi’s principles - countering the monopoly of seeds by the corporate sector. The respect for all life forms and food security are central to Navdanya’s philosophy. She emphasised that the seed keeping is very sacred act. Navdanya also works with children of the farmers to educate them to realize the importance of being farmers and their contribution to humanity.
After a detailed account of Navdanya by Ms. Maya Goburdhan, Ms. Jodi introduced the international faculties and their area of specialization to the participants. The faculties were Dr. Av Singh, Ms. Marilyn, Mr. Chris Kennedy Mr. Sandor Katz. Each of the faculties also spoke about their intended contribution to the course. Dr. Av Singh also urged that the participants to prepare their Dream Farm Plan, if some of them intend to start their own Farm after returning home.
Later Dr. Vinod Bhatt introduced the staff of Navdanya and briefly about their responsibilities. He made a detailed power point presentation on Navdanya’s programme and its outreach. Navdanya is working in 17 States in India with different climatic zones varying from desert zone in Rajasthan to temperate climate in Ladakh. Navdanya is also advisor for Bhutan Government for promotion of Organic Agriculture in the country. Navdanya fought for revoking patens on Neem, Basmati. One of the objectives of Navdanya is to provide food and nutritional diversity and their sustainability. Another important work done by Navdanya was to rescue 4000 rice varieties from extinct.
When Navdanya started its work on the present piece of land in 1996, the land had the eucalyptus plantation. It was barely suitable cultivation of crop. On this unproductive land, Navdanya started working organically. The paddy yield was 3 quintals/acre at the beginning and it rose to 12 quintals after converting it to organic cultivation in 2 years time. Now it has gone beyond 15 qtl /acre. We have now varieties that could give us 20-22 qtl / acre in this farm. Navdanya has started maintaining of community biodiversity register of various crop varieties. In order to address the issue of farmers’ not encouraging their children to continue farming, Navdanya is working with children of the farmers and farmers to reverse the trend. He also shared that the visit of legendary personalities Viz., Shri Sunderlal Bahuguna, Shri Masanobu Fukuoka, Prince Charles, Percy Schmiser, Uncle Idris from Third World Network, Dr. Arun Gandhi and Ila Gandhi grandchildren of Mahatma Gandhi, etc., to the Navdanya Farm.
At the end of the session, Ms. Jodi informed the participants about the safety and security issues when they are on the Campus. She made it clear that the participants are responsible for respecting the sentiments of all and have mutual respect. She elaborated the logistics of the month long programme. In order to instil the culture and philosophy of Shramdhan, the participants would be made work in various areas on the Farm. Before winding up the day’s session, Ms. Jodi requested the participants to introduce themselves and share the intent of their participation in the course and the value that they would take back after a month long programme.
Day -2: 2nd September 2014
Session -I at 10.20 A.M.
Sub: Evolution of Organic Farming and Systems Thinking by Dr. Av Singh
Dr. Av Singh made a detailed presentation on the evolution and the history of a) Eco Farms - ecological agriculture, 2) Biodynamic Farming, 3) Natural Farming, 4) Permaculture.
Av Singh serves as the organic farming specialist in Nova Scotia and is the founder of the Just Us! Centre for Small Farms.
Eco Farms: The man started cultivating about 10,000 years ago. The agriculture practice was predominantly started in highly developed Asian countries such as India, China and other Asian countries. Dr. Singh gave references of various books on Agriculture written by well known western authors. The western societies travelled Asian countries such as India and China to learn various aspects of agriculture, where the agriculture practices had highly specialised & developed.
Biodynamic Farming: Dr. Singh presented the participants the principles of Biodynamic Farming. The Biodynamic Farming was developed in 1920s in Europe. He explained the philosophy of Biodynamic Farming in great detail. It is based on the principle of recognising the influences of cosmic energy. It is believed that cosmic energy has greater bearing on soil, plant and animal health. To mention a few, Biodynamic Farming recognises the sowing of seeds based on certain movement and position of Moon. Various preparations of compost and manures by using cow horn, plant materials, etc. are unique to the Biodynamic Farming. A few participants also contributed to the subject and shared that the seeds would not be sown on certain period time. The planetary movements have bearing on the plant growth, etc.
Natural Farming: He gave brief account of Natural Farming. Mr. Masanobu Fukuoka of Japan developed this system of farming. It is based on principles of no tillage, no weeding, etc. In a nutshell all the plants have definite role to play and their right to exists.
Permaculture Farming: Dr. Singh gave brief introduction to Permaculture. The Permaculture was first developed by Australians - Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. Permaculture provides insight to sustainability of whole living system. It integrates the wider ecological and social aspects. It advocates learning from Nature rather than interfering in nature’s evolving process. It provides a holistic view of systems.
Dr. Singh requested the participants to put in their ideas and views keeping in mind the principles of Permaculture. The participants were divided into groups. Each of them expressed their views and ideas. The following is gist of ideas shared by the groups.
a) One has to operate from the perspective of spirituality
b) The connected to nature is crucial in order make a sustainable living
c) Respect for people and their contribution. Technology contributes a little. The people should return to soil for sustenance. Cooperatives must be promoted between farmers, companies and consumers. Holistic view of living is of paramount importance to meet the needs of people.
d) People should start organic farming and water conservation measures must given due importance. Mixed farming needs to be promoted.
e) Land should be viewed as living community (both plants and animals). Natural resources such as forests, rivers and biological diversity need to be protected. More city farms and local farms have to start. Connected to nature is crucial.
f) Location of the building determines crucial aspect of construction or otherwise. The materials must be suited for the local climate and resources must be sourced locally.
g) Technology adopted must be of sustainable one.
Later Dr. Singh touched upon Eco-Agriculture: In eco-agriculture, the emphasis on sustainability. To ensure this, various practices such as composting, green manuring, presence of microorganisms, mineralization of soil, rotational grazing, multispecies raising and optimising the ecosystems are part of this system. Here the soil is viewed just more than a chemical substance. On the contrary to the Eco-Agriculture, the emerging New Organic farming focuses on utilizing the land to its fullest capacity. He gave an example, in Canada, a couple earns $70,000 from their 1.5 acres of land. He gave a list of books and publication on organic farming practices.
Dr. Singh went on to the next topic i.e. Linear vs Holistic approach to the farming. He posed a problem to the participants to know their views in dealing with infestation of wheat field by dandelion. The participants responded by giving both conventional way of dealing with the weed i.e. application of weedicide and organic ways such as hand picking the weed, reduce the density of weed by mulching, growing complementary crops, etc. He made it clear that in organic farming practices weed does not pose much problem contrary to conventional farming. Weeds are the indicators of soil properties i.e. presence of excess phosphate in the soil.
Session - II (2.30 to 4.30 pm)
Linear Farming: Dr. Singh elaborated linear farming in much greater detail in the post lunch session. In the process of maximising the yield the in the organic agriculture, the farmers apply excess nutrients by way of composting/manures. This would result in high population of weeds and frequent removal of weeds disturbs the soil structure. The linear farming externalises environmental costs, climate change costs. On the contrary, Holistic Farming internalises these costs. It is therefore holistic farming is sustainable.
Holistic Farming: This system doesn’t advocate application of synthetic chemicals, no GMOs at all, no hormones for accelerating the plant growth. The root cause of modern agriculture is scant respect for nature and its processes. 80% of the yield is provided by the Nature. The farmer has to work for gaining the remaining 20% yield. Holistic farming is based on lived experiences rather than on recipes. The farm visit must be made on daily basis for observation and monitoring.
Dr. Singh provided the definitions of various practices adopted by organic farming method. They are i) Crop rotation, ii) Green manures (legumes), iii) Cover crops, iv) Inter cropping (companion plants, mixed cropping and trap cropping), v) Integrated farming, vi) compost and manures, vii) biodynamic farming, viii) Natural farming, and xi) Effective microorganisms.
At the end of the session, Dr. Singh requested the trainees to design their own “Dream Farms” to translate the learning of the Course to reality. He gave framework for preparing Dream Farm Plan. The framework included financial aspect, lifestyle and values.
After the session was over the participants were taken to Farm Tour by Dr. Av Singh and Shri D S Negi. During the farm visit participants were briefed about different methods of farming and soil fertility management being practiced by Navdanya including mixed cropping, nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants, the practices of mulching, composting methods etc. Participants also visited the Seed Bank to get an idea of number of varieties of various crops.
Day - 3: 3rd September 2014
Session -I at 10.30 A.M.
Sub: Introduction to Fermentation.by Mr. Sandor Katz
Mr. Sandor Katz is an author of several books on Fermentation and vital functions of micro organisms in transforming the materials from one state to another.
Overview of the Traditional Fermentation: Mr. Sandor presented an overview of the Fermentation of food which is prevalent all over the world. The fermentation is the function of micro organisms. The micro organisms include bacteria, fungus and yeast. For the first time, the micro organisms were discovered about 150 years ago. The micro organisms while transforming material from one form to another, the value addition takes place. Mr. Sandor gave umpteen numbers of examples where the micro organisms play a crucial in conversion. A few of them are given below:
· The micro organisms increase the soil fertility.
· The bacteria present in human digestive system facilitate the digestion of the food. It crucial to ingest the bacteria to the digestive system.
· Immunity is the work of bacteria.
· The micro organisms exist in communities and these can be seen in plants’ rhizosphere. The plants exude chemical substances to attract micro organisms. In turn the micro organism helps fixing the nitrogen on the nodules of the plant roots.
· Food preservation is the act of micro organisms. The acidification of food by micro organisms helps in keeping the food safe and sterile. Fermenting vegetables is the preservation strategy. Fermentation of milk cheese products are the work of micro organisms.
· Very importantly, the micro organisms help in adding nutritional value to the food. Fermented food has more nutrients e.g., Fe, Ca, etc. than the original grains used for fermentation.
· Micro organisms facilitate detoxification of food. Without fermentation, certain foods are dangers for consumption.
· The fermentation draws elephants and other animals too.
There is no place in the world where there are no bacteria. The fermentation exists in all parts of the world. The wisdom of our ancestors was powerful. The atmospheric temperature raises the activity of micro organisms. In temperate zone the activity of micro organisms slows down. Replenishing and regenerating bacterial is of paramount importance in the living ecosystem.
India has a huge database of microbial traditional knowledge. Ayurveda uses fermentation for enhancing the quality of the medicines. Saps of all plants can be fermented, e.g. coconut. India has database of microbial traditional knowledge. In Philippines, the fish is fermented in rice.
Yeasts are fungus. The alcohol should be protected from the yeas by distillation.
Fermentation has evolved depending on the local climatic condition.
Modern scientific view of micro organisms: The science of microbiology doesn’t recognize the role of micro organisms which are not functionally necessary. The traditional communities have evolved the process of fermentation over the generations, which are sustainable. The ancestors’ observation in developing technology didn’t have any tools of science. The corporate holds a reductionist view. The culture produced by the corporate perpetuates the dependency on companies for starters.
Fermentation of non-dairy products: Non-dairy yoghurt can be cultured by introducing starter from traditional yoghurt, e.g. soya yoghurt, coconut yoghurt.
Session -II at 3.00 P.M.
Sub: Plant Signals By Dr. Av Singh
The crops send signals to the farmers as to the changes that take place due various factors present in the soil and the environment. Dr. Singh briefed the participants about the causes, which are responsible for plants to respond in certain way. The important factors, such as nutrients deficiency and pests cause disease in the plants. Dr. Singh shared the North American context. In North America, the farmers get nutrients from industrial houses (livestock) for their farming requirements. Livestock waste is an important source of nutritional replenishment of the soil. Delinking agriculture from livestock is one of chief factors responsible for providing required nutrients to the crops.
He gave a brief description of the composition of the soil. The soil comprises of 45% of minerals, air and water to the extent of 50% and remaining 5% portion represents the soil organic matter such as humus, micro organisms. Some of the important nutrients present in soil are nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, cupper, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, sulphur, boron. Dr. Singh mentioned the effects of various nutrient deficiencies in the plants.
Nitrogen deficiency: Nitrogen has mobility in the plants. Regular visits to the farm and observation of plants provide indictors of the deficiencies. The leaves at the bottom turns yellow colour.
Excessive Nitrogen: the leaves started looking incredibly green. For flowering, less nitrogen is required and phosphorous is essential. If the plant doesn’t have the right colour it is not healthy. Excessive nitrogen makes the stem scaly stems.
Potassium deficiency: Leaf margins become white. Potassium is required in Rice and Banana. All squash families require potassium.
Phosphorous deficiency: The leaves turn purple in paddy and amaranth due to phosphorous deficiency. During flowering stage, plants need phosphorous. The clay soil prevents plants getting phosphorous.
Magnesium deficiency: The veins remain green but the leaves will be chlorotic.
Calcium deficiency: Calcium is not movable. Calcium deficiency is noticed at the tip of the leaves. The leaves at the top will have irregular share. The cavities are formed on carrot.
Deficiencies of other nutrients were briefed.
A New Approach: Compost Teas: The rationale behind this is to increase micro organisms in the soil. Micro organisms, which require oxygen, are beneficial to the plants. Other micro organisms which don’t require are harmful to the plants. Compost tea is an aerobic water solution that has extracted the microbe population from compost along with the nutrients. In simple terms, it is a concentrated liquid created by a process to increase the numbers of beneficial organisms as an organic approach
Dynamic accumulators: Certain plants have the ability to draw nutrients from deep soil. Some of the following plants demonstrate such ability to extract nutrients, essential oils, amino acids and make them available to the crops. A few such plants are a) Comfrey, b) Stinging Nettle, c) Horsetail.
· Comfrey: It provides potassium. It has high Nitrogen and Phosphorous. It is tremendous source of calcium. Plant teas tend to keep nutrients in balance. These plants are used in Orchards in North America.
· Stinging Nettle - BD 504: It has high nitrogen, phosphorous and calcium as well as trade minerals. It also has vitamins and light absorbing properties.
· German Chamomile: for preparation of BD 503 : It assimilates calcium and stabilizes nitrogen (N) within the compost & increases soil life, stimulating plant growth. Promotes a good breakdown of proteins in the compost to plant nutrients.
Day - 4: 4th September 2014
Session -I at 10.30 A.M.
Sub: Introduction to Agro- Ecology by Prof. Vir Singh, GB Pant Agriculture University
Prof. Vir Singh made a detailed presentation on the principles and crucial importance of Agro-Ecology. Before going into the various aspects of Agro-Ecology, he briefly talked about the history and evolution of agriculture across the world.
Primitive Agriculture: Man started with primitive agriculture entirely based on biodiversity of the land and the ecosystems around him. This system of agriculture was sustainable and self-sufficient. Biodiversity is resilient. Agriculture is an art of production of food to nourish the humanity. The vibrant & healthy humanity are indicators of sustainable agriculture. It is nourished by cosmic energy (solar energy).
Trading Agriculture: As man’s needs increased, he started developing his farm and deriving more yields and crops. The diverse crops production facilitated the farmer to buy and sell the commodities required for his day to day living.
Green Revolution: The system of Agriculture is based on intensification of monoculture crops yield by using hybrid seeds, chemicals and pesticides on the same unit of land. The Green Revolution destroys the agro-biodiversity and devours the sustainability of agro-ecosystem. Green Revolution has reductionist view of life. It unleashes the chemical warfare against life. The Green Revolution wipes out local seed varieties. These local varieties have been evolved over centuries adapting to the local climatic conditions. The costs of inputs are very high. It becomes burden on the farmer who depends on companies for the inputs such as seed, fertilizer, chemicals, pesticides, etc.
LPG (liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) Agriculture:The companies promote large scale chemicals based industrial farming. They promote genetically modified crops driven by biotechnology. GMOs crops are weapons of genocide. It adversely impacts the health of all lie by ingesting toxins through food chain. It modifies the soil ecology, which is the most vital ecosystem in the biosphere. LPG Agriculture is evolving from the ‘greed’. It creates genetic pollution. The companies are interested in maximising their profits by taking away the rights of the small farmers to production food. Earlier the food was derived from more than 5000 or even more plants, but now it has been reduced to a 3 dozens.
The Agro-Ecology is the axis of life: Agriculture is rooted and dependent on ecosystems. The ecosystems are life enhancing unit of nature. All ecosystems work in synergy. The fallow and uncultivated land provides nutrients to the cultivable land. The ecosystems maintain the nutrient cycle. The livestock on the farm contributes to the manure requirement of farming. Bee keeping helps in pollination.
Prof. Singh briefed about the agriculture in mountain ecosystem.The nutrients flow from forests to cultivate land. The various ecosystem components, such as water and nutrients flows maintain the ecological integrity of the ecosystem. All nutrients are recycled in the nature. Everything on the earth is dynamic in mature. The river is replaced in every six weeks. Energy is recycled in nature. Large number of trees the better the agriculture land.
Approach to Agro-Ecological System: There exists a synergy between various ecosystems (solar powered ecosystem). Essential inputs are produced on-farm. In this approach there exists increased ecosystem resilience and sustainability. There is a direct relationship between agriculture and ecology. The vital mineral cycle is maintained.
Agro-ecological principles: a) enhancing the biodiversity, b) soil as ecosystem, c) maintenance of flow of nutrients.
Biodiversity Complexities: In ecosystem the recycling of materials takes place. An out of a process becomes input for another process. The declined production in the ecosystem is due to the reduction in pollinators’ population.
Organic matter breaks down by the activity of soil micro organisms. They are responsible for nutrient cycling and forms soil food web.
The productivity is the function of ecosystem. The production can be increased by optimising ecosystem functions. The variety of crops chosen should be from local climatic regions.
Traits of Sustainable Agriculture are i) ecological vibrant, ii) economically viable and iii) socially just.
Prof. Vir Singh concluded his presentation by explaining the attributes of Agro-ecophilosophy. The components are a) Knowledge, b) Beauty, c) Institute, d) Creativity, e) spirituality, f) democracy, and g) Freedom.
Session –II at 3.00 p.m
Sub: Practical on Fermentation of Food by Mr. Sandor Katz
Mr. Sandor demonstrated the process of fermenting vegetables in the Dining Hall. All the participants were present. Dr. Vandana Shiva was also graced occasion. While demonstrating the process, Mr. Sandor shared very valuable information and the knowledge relating to the Fermentation.
Mr. Sandor chose three different methods of preserving vegetables in different part of the world.
a) Dry Salting method: The whole okra was used in this method. After washing the okra in the water the salt garlic were added. The mixture of okra and salt was stored in a glass container.
b) Water and brain method: In this method cucumber were cut into pieces in a container. Required quantity of water and salt, as per ones taste, were mixed to the cucumber. The whole mixture was submerged in the water and stored in a glass jar. In another jar the same method was for ‘Papaya’
c) Hybrid method: Under this method a Korean side dish ‘Kimchee’ was chosen. Under this method, cabbage and radish were cut into small pieces. The mixture was soaked in the water for four hours. Later the water was completely removed from the vegetables. This was mixed with spices such as garlic, ginger and chilli. Garlic was added without chopping. The ingredients were mixed thoroughly. Later stored in a glass jar.
Principles:
· Fermentation is the process of succession of different bacteria environment and the action of single set of bacteria.
· In all these cases salt water acts as protective film to prevent decomposition. In addition it also acts as preservative. It is added depending on one’s requirement, generally, it is 2-5% of water. The salt slows down the process of fermentation.
· Warmer environment hastens the process of fermentation. Lactic acid is produced faster.
· Fermenting meet is different from vegetables.
· Sterilization is a fantasy.
· Skins of vegetables are the source of micro organisms for fermentation.
· The food preserved in the process is best in the absence of Fridge.
· The fermented food preserves the vitamin C.
· Fermentation is pro biotic – facilitates liver and brain functions.
· No food that can’t be fermented.
· Bacteria are basis of recycling of life.
· By product of fermentation is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide must be released to reduce the pressure in the container.
· If the container of the food, which needs to be fermented must not be exposed to ultraviolet rays of Sun. Because it reduces the nutrients of the food.
Containers used
· Earthen vessels were used by the communities in the ancient times for fermentation in various parts of the world.
· Glass jars are also safer to use to store the fermented foods.
· Metal containers should be avoided, because they react to salt and the acid.
Cultural practices
· The people around the world used to keep the food for months without subjected to decomposition by using fermentation process.
· Hands are believed to be source of micro organisms.
After this process was over, Mr. Sandor Katz shared with the participants as to how he got into the subject of fermentation. He also invited participants to share their food recipes prevailing in their own cultures and communities. Without an exception, all the participants shared the various food recipes prepared by the communities in their own regions/countries. The participants represented both developed and developing countries from around the world.
Day - 5: 5th September 2014
Session -I at 10.30 A.M.
Sub: Global issues on Agriculture by Dr. Vandana Shiva,
Dr. Vandana Shiva, spoke at length on wide range of issues relating to agro-biodiversity and farmers in particular. In 1984, she was deeply disturbed by the rampant environmental degradation, violence of green revolution and their adverse impact on the Indian peasants Another tragic incident Bhopal gas disaster which is considered to be one of the worst industrial disasters. Bhopal gas leak tragedy occurred on 2nd - 3rd Dec 1984. The lethal gas –Methyl Isocyanate released by Union Carbide India, a pesticide company, killed thousands of people and hundreds of thousand people were affected instantly. These were some of the issues touched her heart and prompted her to start a movement called “Navdanya” against the State and Corporate in 1987.
Green Revolution Agriculture in Punjab: Punjab is the state of 5 rivers and had fertile soil prior to 1960s before chemical agriculture was unleashed. It was growing everything under the sun. They used to grow, mustard, millets, pulses, etc. Now Punjab has been reduced to growing wheat and rice. The farmers, in 1984, protested against adverse impact of green revolution. During the protest, managers of seed banks and Bhakra Nangal dam were killed. The state declared Punjab as extremist state.
Green revolution was conceived by the politics for creating prosperity. It was based on i) miracle seeds, ii) miracle yields, iii) miracle prosperity and iv) peace. Green revolution destroyed agro forests and promoted monoculture. The biodiversity was disappeared. The land and water were not given due importance in agriculture. It merely talked about the ‘miracles’. The subsidies were given to promote green revolution during 1965-66. Subsidies were provided for keeping the structure of green revolution. Huge amount of subsidies are paid.
Prior to Independence, British Raj, in collaboration with Zamindars, exploited the peasants. The Bengal famine, in 1942, was due not due to scarcity of food. It is because, the British Govt. took away the food grains to Europe, where people were starving after the world wars. Earlier India was exporters of food grains, spices etc.
The companies which were producing chemicals for world wars are now producing seeds and nitrogen fertilizers. These companies wanted a market for selling their chemicals. The companies (Rockefeller Foundation) pushed chemicals against farmers. In 1952, Rockefeller Foundation pushed chemicals. When nitrogen and phosphorous were applied to the crops, the plants started lodging. The plants too protested (Satyagrah – refusal to subject to violence). The local varieties were not studied and written off even though they were also high yielding varieties. During the time of the then Prime Minister, Ms. Indira Gandhi, the agriculture situation was changed. The companies destroyed the options available to the communities and claimed that the people were choosing (e.g. coca cola, etc.).
The small farmers are the ones, in India, Africa, US, who produce food. GMO is a big lie of the century. The farmers’ genuine protest in Punjab was considered communal.
Dr. Shiva spoke in great detail about the mechanistic paradigm prevailing all over. One has to understand the systems causality and context causality. The systems don’t take responsibilities for the consequences of system introduction. Globalisation was not a natural phenomenon. It is a systemic change. She briefed about the current scenario in Iraq, Egypt and other countries, where unrest is prevailing due to the destruction of environment and ecology. In 1970s and 80s, chemical companies determined the industrial agriculture.
Dr. Shiva touched upon several important international treaties viz., GATT, WTO, IPRs, Phyto-Sanitary and Safety Measures, NAFTA, Agreement in Agriculture, etc. She contested corporate ‘story of surplus – high production, high competition, high surpluses. As a result of these treaties, the State’s sovereignty has undergone a change. For instance, USA terms in respect of transfer of jobs in I.T. industry for Agriculture. The subsidies provided to the exporters were taken away by the TNCs. Soya was given more subsidies. No import duty for Soya. Indian oils were banned. In Delhi the problem was created. The soya was distributed through PDS. Since soya had chemicals, people fell sick. 75% of planet’s ecological diversity was lost due to industrialisation.
These treaties are creating new laws. All economic justice protests are turned to communal protests. It is new version of militarisation. Only four crops have been produced by industrial agriculture. The subsidies and royalties are being usurped by the TNCs. Monsanto collected USD.10 billion in US.
The agriculture practices to be changed according to the climatic conditions prevailing in the regions. But these companies are brining a uniform practices. A Mexican Telecom company is heading green revolution in Africa. The company provides inputs and information on the agriculture to the farmers over the phone. There is a cheating in the input and outs by the companies in the agriculture. The inputs are made to disappear by the companies. The first and foremost practice is – does it or doesn’t it improve the soil or not is first ecological practice’. In the industrial agriculture the farmer gets on unit of output for every 10 units of input. Bt. Cotton is the case in point. In US, the landless is being created.
As a result of chemical farming in India, the cancer rates have increased in several places e.g. Punjab, Bhopal, and Kasargod in Kerala. In order to reduce ecological and human costs, promotion of agriculture, which creates wellbeing without input costs, is of vital importance.
Dr. Shiva concluded her talk and invited the trainees to come with questions during the post lunch session.
Session –II at 3.00 A.M.
Sub: Global issues on Agriculture by Dr. Vandana Shiva,
Dr. Vandana Shiva responded to the queries of the participants and clarified their doubts on varieties of issues. The following is the gist of the discussion.
Dominant Paradigm: There are dominant structures. The present paradigm is divide what is interconnected. The crops have more power to ‘dominance and control’. She appreciated Sri Lankan’s participants’ initiative of People University of Agriculture. In the next two years there would be different treaties. In these treaties the investors’ rights become dominant. Who is the ‘Person’ is being redefined. A non-person (corporate) is being made ‘Person’. The common man is not able to understand as to what is happening in the world – complicated issues, WTO and other treaties. There would be more brutalisation and violence.
Slow Food Movement: This movement was started in Italy. It promotes quality of food as opposed to McDonald’s. Dr. Shiva is the Vice President of the movement with Carlo Petrini, President.
Globalisation: Under the Land Reforms Act, the land was distributed to the vulnerable people. Under land acquisition act, there must be 70% consensus of the community for the land acquisition in the village. In tribal areas public hearing for land acquisition is mandatory. Tribal villages in ‘Niyamagiri’, Odissa, successfully prevented mining the bauxite ore in the forests. A new act is being draft to recognise the tribal rights and forest rights. If you have economic power – land grab can be made. Industries grab land by using the state. In India, land ownership rights were changed at the instance of World Bank to grab the land . The govt. has vested with right to appropriate land.
GMO issue raised by participants from Gana: GMOs have been made so powerful. Alternatives based on agro-ecology can deliver superior and quality food.
Too much NGO funding may not so effective. Find creative ways to change the issues – several community movements will help.
Food and Agriculture: Seed from Divine. She quoted Fritjof Capra’s work on ‘systems view of life’.
Intellectual Property Rights: It is a big issue. In 2004, the govt. made compulsory registration of seeds in the country. The right sell, distribute, share was withdrawn. Navdanya didn’t register the seeds. She told the participant from North East, to register and document the agro-biodiversity. Organise Seed Festivals. Declare the sovereignty of seeds.
The state and corporate are trying to eliminate the communities. GMOs must be governed by biosafety laws. The Supreme Court has ordered 10 years moratorium on GMOs trial in the country.
Minimum Support Price: The objective of the govt. is to maintain the uniformity of crops. And allow the other crops to disappear. People and farmers movement can stop chemical farming if the farmers prove that Agro-ecology is superior. The market should be provided for the varieties, which are not bought by govt., based on the health issues. The North East should start the training courses on Org. Farming with the support of Navdanya and strengthen the communities for producing organic products.
Small Initiatives: To start with millets, vegetables, oil seeds can be grown. These crops grow almost everywhere. Rice should be avoided since it has narrow ecology. The issues concerning agriculture must be taken to the communities before it dies. Globalisation is wiping out the livelihoods of the people. The negative agriculture economy can be transformed to regenerative agriculture.
Gardens: Each city should have small farms and producers net work. The current paradigm of culture divide is pitting communities against another.
Eco-feminism: Women and nature are the producers. On the other hand, scientific and economic view is that the nature and people don’t produce. Capitalists and colonisers have one common objective i.e. domination. Getting rid of illusions is eco-feminism.
Confronting the Media: It is difficult to counter them head on. Penetrate the media by entering through a side door. In order to make a dent, write stories, articles about the impacts of industrial agriculture and GMOs. The potential of agro-ecology should be highlighted.
Organic movement: In the west, organic movement is very intensive because the corporate are very powerful.
Three trillion rupees are spent on chemicals for farming. There was no agriculture subsidy before 1960. Green revolution required subsidies. If govt. spends one trillion rupees, the food would be cheaper in India.
GMO technology: It will not last more than 10 years. The west is already beginning to the adverse impact.
Seed issues: It will be solved by the farmers. The super markets will not solve food problems. Food has multi function. It has life. She urged the participants to take up this movement.
Day - 6: 6th September 2014
Session -I at 10.30 A.M.
Sub: Just Food Systems By Ms. Jodi Koberinski
Ms. Jodi Kobreinski, presented an over view of prevailing food systems across both developed and developing countries. She defined what the food system is? It involves right from the production to reaching the consumers. The system is controlled and governed by the nation state. In addition to this international laws have control on the nation state. In effect food system is controlled by treaties signed by the nation state. She went on to explaining the “industrial food system” and “just food system”.
The ‘industrial food system” came into being after the world wars. The companies which were producing chemicals for wars found new utilities for their chemicals. They advocated the chemical farming with no regard to nutrition and sustainability of the food production. They applied scientific reductionist system to the production.
Industrial food system claimed to have a) efficiency, b) productivity, c) safety. The MNCs have been taking away the subsidies meant for the farmers. Though the actual cost of production is much more than the selling price, they call it efficient production due to subsidies. Under this system, only the saleable portion of the agriculture produce is considered productivity. The biomass production in agro-ecological farming, which is used fodder and enrichment of soil fertility is not considered productivity. The govt. has passed on its responsibility to the corporation which produce. There is no control and monitoring to this effect.
Cost of Industrial food systems: The food production destroys biodiversity –soil ecosystem, livestock, and plants diversity. The people are reckoned as consumers. They are delinked from the cultural roots.
“Just Food system” (JFS) on the other hand, puts the ‘culture’ into ‘Agriculture’. It is a response to the monoculture agriculture. There is revival of diverse cultural practices associated with agriculture. The diversity of production is recognised. Provide justice to both producers and consumers. JFS demands govt. and corporate accountability and says no to GMOs. JFS value food sovereignty.
Ms. Jodi asked the participants to create a food that we want. The following ideas were shared:
- Garden swap and garden movement
- Network of food growers
- Develop consumer network for org. Produce
- Talk to the farmers to produce and provide market.
JFS faces challenges: it is restricted by the international treaties. The patent and monopoly of seeds is crucial challenge. Women’s position in agriculture is marginalised. The participants responded to Ms. Jodi’s request to counter the challenges.
Ms. Jodi suggested measures for reclaiming our food system. Letters writing campaign to the concerned minister. Ask the elected leaders to take pledge to protect food and water. Involve and clean up the democracy. The participants presented their response through an exercise.
Ms. Jodi shared that there were seed libraries in US. In Toronto alone, there are 15 seed banks. The trainees were requested to share their ideas for reclaiming food system in their vicinity. The gist of them is given below.
- Media sensitisation – build relationship with local media and news papers
- Awareness through mobile phones.
- Organising street plays.
In Germany, a movement to reject the industrial food has started. Jodi urged the trainees to engage university, govt. officials, MPs and senators in organic promotions.
Ms. Jodi invited questions at the end of the session:
- NGOs involvement was discussed. There will be a scope for biased view. To deal with Govt. long term strategy should be evolved. The farmers’ movement must be initiated.
- Sri Lankan participants response was: the farmers clubs have been started with the condition that farmers have adopt organic farming practices. Rules and regulations have been evolved. Training on Org. Practices is imparted.
- Participants from North East stated that the farmers should fix the price of their produce. The NGOs can motivate the farmers to create movement. The farmers are getting united and forming networks.
Ms. Jodi concluded her presentation by suggesting that people and kids must be educated the consequences of chemical agriculture.
Session -II at 3.00 p.m.
Sub: Dream Farm Plan Support by Dr. Av Singh
The session was focussed on supporting the participants to design their own farm. Some of the participants were ready for presentation. Dr. Av Singh invited the trainees to come forward and share their Farm Plans. One of the participants, Mr. Vishal who had already drawn his dream farm plan the white board was asked to present it first. He is intending to start his Farm on 3 acres of land close a stream. His farm will have a borewell, and primarily focussing on growing of fruit trees such as mango, chicko, pomegranates, rose garden etc., There is provision for cattle rearing. Herbal garden and residential house were part of the farm.
Dr. Av Singh invited Mr. D. S.Negi, a senior member of Navdanya, to give expert opinion about Mr. Vishal’s Dream Farm Plan.
Mr. Negi suggested that it would be possible to rear two oxen and a cow. If proposed farm plan is bio-diverse one, grazing and provide fodder for the cattle is not a big issue. He also suggested Mr. Vishal to grow Marigold plants instead of rose flower. Marigold acts pests repellent and controls the nematode’s menace in egg plants, tomatoes, pepper. It is difficult to grow food crops under mango trees. Vegetable crop rotation is extremely essential.
Dr. Av Singh added that herbal garden must be located near to residence for better monitoring. The knowledge wind direction plays an important role in the farm planning. He suggested the lemon trees could be planted close to the stream.
Mr. Negi suggested that one should have the knowledge various aspects of farming, which includes, crops, seeds, marketing the produce etc. He also mentioned that one acre, in the Indian context, is sufficient to feed the family of 5-6 persons.
Dr. Av Singh requested the other participants continue to work based on the suggestions made by both the faculties and participants. He said that he would be available for next one week to guide them.
Session -III at 6.30 p.m.
Sub: Basic Botany by Mr. Chris Kennedy & Ms. Marilyn
Mr. Chris and Ms. Marilyn gave brief introduction to the fundamentals of Botany. In their presentation the basic concepts were explained to the participants. The following are some of the topics dealt with.
· Flowers
· Pollination – wind pollination and insect pollination.
· Fertilization
· Perfect flowers
· Imperfect flowers
· Separate male and female plants
· Male and female in the same plant.
· In breeding plants
· Out breeding plants
