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| site_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-05-18 11:41] – sanjeev | site_visit_and_survey_notes [2020-06-06 11:57] (current) – old revision restored (2008-05-21 06:51) nik |
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| These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]'s research, which is summarised in his [[research_report_sanjeev-shankar|research report]] | These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]'s research, which is summarised in his [[research_report_sanjeev-shankar|research report]] |
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| ====Delhi, India==== | ====India==== |
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| India has been traditionally known for its diverse culture and strong traditional agricultural methods. Demographically, more than 66 percent of the people reside in rural areas. This dominant rural demographic will continue till 2050 and is an important difference between India and Europe, which has a reverse population distribution in terms of percentage of people residing in cites. New Delhi is the capital of India. With a population of over 15 million the city is undergoing rapid change. A couple of decades ago the area surrounding the city was mostly agricultural. Today, the city is increasingly in the midst of a continuous urban sprawl. Delhi has over 40% of it citizens living in slum like conditions and over the past decade they are being systematically thrown out. The river banks too were till recently a site for the poor. As demand for scarce land rises, there is an ongoing change in the demographics of residential areas. After a concerted city action in early nineties over 7500 hectares of forest are now legally protected in the city, and through another law, tree cutting needs special permission. Similarly Non Governmental Organisations along with the courts forced the conversion of public transport from diesel to CNG, a cleaner fuel. At the social and physical level, Delhi remains a historical, multi-layered fragmented city, with each fragment contributing in its own way to the city. Such multi layered city character is very common in India and creates a complex dynamic within the city. | Though India has been known for its strong traditional agricultural methods, it is facing one of the worst agrarian crisis since independence. More than **160,000 farmers have committed suicide since 1997**, with the cotton belt of Maharashtra the worst hit. Impossible debts, loss of ancestral land, expensive genetically modified seeds, large scale dependence on rain, reduction in farm subsidies, unfriendly banks, liberalised economies and moving away from traditional farming practices are some of the contributory factors. Today, the country faces a serious challenge in balancing its rush to embrace the global marketplace with preserving and nurturing its farms. Agriculture, on which 70 percent of India's people still depend for survival, is growing at a dismal rate of 2.8 percent. According to a recent [[report]] released by the Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development(IAAKSTD), an inter-governmental entity initiated by the World Bank and the United Nations Food and Argicultural Organization(FAO), **industrial agriculture boosts yields in the short term but leads to the long-term destruction of land on which agriculture depends and of the social and environmental context with which it is intimately linked**. The north Indian state of Punjab, is testimony to this. Hailed as the poster child of green revolution, today it is on the verge of collapse with pesticide poisoning, soil salinity, fertiliser run off, drug addiction and high cancer rates. India is no longer able to keep pace with its growing population and the demands of the emerging middle class(18 million people added each year). Demographically, more than 66 percent of Indians still reside in rural areas. Not surprisingly, the emphasis has always been on rural agriculture. This dominant rural demographic, will continue till 2050 and is an important difference between India and Europe, which has a reverse population distribution in terms of percentage of people residing in cites. Despite growing pressure from transnational corporations like Cargill, Monsanto, Syngenta, Wal-Mart and Carrefour, as well as Indian giants such as Reliance, Bharti and Tata who want to encourage intensive industrial agriculture; India would do better to look toward successful ventures in community-based natural farming, such as those undertaken by the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture.((http://www.csa-india.org/))Further, the positive contribution that production within the cities can make, has hardly been acknowledged in India and can thus be drafted into a national policy. For more details on this please see the [[analysis of peri-urban agriculture in India.]] |
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| In Delhi, apart from the ridge forest which is the capital's green lung, substantial green stretches are seen in schools, universities, military campuses, religious institutions and parks. Home gardens are common with the role of the 'maali'(gardener) crucial in maintaining the gardens. Commonly grown plants include green chilis, tomatoes, beans, papaya, grapes, jamun(or jamblang), cucumber, bananas, guavas, money plants, marigold and mangoes. A lot of these edibles are consumed within the household or within the local community. There is hardly any attempt to process, package or value add the produce. They are often sold on the streets. It is not uncommon to see vendors selling seasonal produce from nearby villages too. Organic gardens are not common within the city realms. With the emphasis on rural agriculture in India, the positive contribution that production within the cities can make, has hardly been acknowledged. For more details on this please see the [[analysis of peri-urban agriculture in India.]] | New Delhi, which is the capital of India has a population of over 15 million. A couple of decades ago the area surrounding the city was mostly agricultural. Today, the city is increasingly in the midst of an urban sprawl. Delhi has over 40% of it citizens living in slum like conditions and over the past decade they are being systematically thrown out. The river banks too were till recently a site for the poor. As demand for scarce land rises, there is an ongoing change in the demographics of residential areas. After a concerted city action in early nineties over 7500 hectares of forest are now legally protected in the city, and through another law, tree cutting needs special permission. Similarly Non Governmental Organisations along with the courts have ensured the conversion of public transport from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas, a cleaner fuel. At the social and physical level, Delhi remains a historical, multi-layered fragmented city. Such multi layered city character is common in India and creates a complex urban dynamic. In Delhi, apart from the ridge forest which is the capital's green lung, substantial green stretches are seen in educational zones, military campuses and religious institutions. Home gardens are common with the role of the 'maali'(gardener) crucial in maintaining the gardens. Commonly grown plants include green chilis, tomatoes, beans, papaya, grapes, jamun(or jamblang), cucumber, bananas, guavas, money plants, marigold and mangoes. A lot of these edibles are consumed within the household or within the local community. There is hardly any attempt to process, package or value add the produce, which are often sold on the streets. It is not uncommon to see vendors selling seasonal produce from nearby villages too. Organic gardens are not common within the city realms. |
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| {{:perma71.jpg|}} | {{:perma71.jpg|}} |
| Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi: | Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi: |
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| * As India struggles to deal with stagnation in its crucial agricultural sector, small-scale organic farming initiatives near the capital are providing clues on how to reap healthy profits from the land. | * Small-scale organic farming initiatives near the capital are providing clues on how to reap healthy profits from the land. |
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| * Around New Delhi, free-range and organic goods from newcomers are showing that money can be made by growing specialty products that consumers are willing to pay more for. High-value crops which include fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry products and fish are the focus and not cereals. A French Farm in Gurgaon, a suburb of New Delhi known mainly for its call centres, raises thousands of free-range Peking and Muscovy ducks on feed that is free of pesticide and antibiotics. A lot of these products are sold to high end hotels and not to the common man on the streets. | * Around New Delhi, free-range and organic goods from newcomers are showing that money can be made by growing specialty products that consumers are willing to pay more for. High-value crops which include fruits, vegetables, milk, poultry products and fish are the focus and not cereals. A French Farm in Gurgaon, a suburb of New Delhi known mainly for its call centres, raises thousands of free-range Peking and Muscovy ducks on feed that is free of pesticide and antibiotics. A lot of these products are sold to high end hotels and not to the common man on the streets. |
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| * Elsewhere in India, more than 5,000 farmers in 250 villages of Surat in Gujarat have switched over to organic farming, according to agro-expert Chandrakanth Mandavia of the Abhyuthan Gram Vikas Mandal, a Surat-based organisation. The most common crops are mushrooms and mangoes. | * Elsewhere in India, more than 5,000 farmers in 250 villages of Surat in Gujarat have switched over to organic farming, according to agro-expert Chandrakanth Mandavia of the Abhyuthan Gram Vikas Mandal, a Surat-based organisation. The most common crops are mushrooms and mangoes. |
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| | * Certain religious institutions in India, like ISKCON(International society for Krishna conciousness) lay special emphasis on organic farming and have a successful model to train people in bio-dynamic farming in their national centre in Karnataka. This is part of the Bio-Dynamic association of India(BDAI).((http://www.basilacademy.in/html/aboutBasil.htm)) |
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| For more details about organic farming around Delhi, please click on the links below: | For more details about organic farming around Delhi, please click on the links below: |
| * http://www.iccoa.org/ | * http://www.iccoa.org/ |
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| Certain religious institutions in India, like ISKCON(International society for Krishna conciousness) lay special emphasis on organic farming and have a successful model to train people in bio-dynamic farming in their national centre in Karnataka. This is part of the Bio-Dynamic association of India(BDAI).((http://www.basilacademy.in/html/aboutBasil.htm)) | ===Organic farming in India=== |
| | Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term 'organic farming' is |
| | getting popularity in recent times, it was initiated 10000 years back when ancient farmers started cultivation depending on natural sources only. There is brief mention of several organic inputs in India's ancient literatures like Rigveda, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kautilya Arthasashthra etc. In fact, organic agriculture has its roots in traditional agricultural practices that evolved in countless villages and farming communities over the millennium. For more details on this topic click on [[organic farming in India]]. |
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| | {{:perma26.jpg|}} {{:perma27.jpg|}} |
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| ===Chandni Chowk, Delhi=== | ===Chandni Chowk, Delhi=== |
| {{:perma76.jpg|}} | {{:perma76.jpg|}} |
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| ====Organic farming in India==== | ===Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions, Bangalore=== |
| | Community outreach program of home herbal gardens((http://www.teriin.org)) in Delhi using the following plants: |
| Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term 'organic farming' is | * Holy basil or Rama tulsi. The plant is used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, diarrhea and dysentery. |
| getting popularity in recent times, it was initiated 10000 years back when ancient farmers started cultivation depending on natural sources only. There is brief mention of several organic inputs in India's ancient literatures like Rigveda, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Kautilya Arthasashthra etc. In fact, organic agriculture has its roots in traditional agricultural practices that evolved in countless villages and farming communities over the millennium. | * Stevia. The processed leaves yield a natural sweetener which is a substitute for table sugar, safe for diabetics, as it does not affect blood sugar levels. |
| | * King of biters or Kalmegh. The plant is used for treating dysentery, cholera, diabetes, influenza, bronchitis, piles, gonorrhoea, and snake venom poisoning. |
| {{:perma26.jpg|}} {{:perma27.jpg|}} | * Asparagus or Shatavari. The plant part is used for treating nervous disorders, tumours, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis and bronchitis. |
| | * Tinospora Gulancha or Giloy. The plant is used in the treatment of fever, jaundice, thirst, loss of appetite, urinary diseases, and skin ailments. |
| For more details on this topic click on [[organic farming in India]]. | * Aloe or Gwar Patha. The plant part is used to heal wounds, ulcers, and burns. It is also used to treat liver and spleen ailments. |
| | * Winter Cherry or Ashwagandha. The plant part is used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat ulcers, fever, cough, rheumatism, leucoderma and to restore memory loss. |
| ====TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions),Bangalore==== | * Lemon grass or Gandhatrina. This herb is a stimulant (increases physical or nervous activity), diaphoretic (increases perspiration), and anti-spasmodic (reduce spasm). |
| | * Mint or Pudina. The infusion of leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism. Oil from the plant; know as Japanese Mint Oil is used to cure fever. |
| Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens)((http://www.teriin.org)) in Delhi using the following plants: | * Vasaka or Adusa. Used for treating bronchitis, asthma, and dental ailments.((http://www.frlht.org.in/)) |
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| * Holy basil (English), Rama tulsi (Hindi). The plant is used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, diarrhea and dysentery. | |
| * Stevia (English). The processed leaves yield a natural sweetener which is a substitute for table sugar, safe for diabetics, as it does not affect blood sugar levels. | |
| * King of biters (English), Kalmegh (Hindi). The plant is used for treating dysentery, cholera, diabetes, influenza, bronchitis, piles, gonorrhoea, and snake venom poisoning. | |
| * Asparagus (English), Shatavari (Hindi). The plant part is used for treating nervous disorders, tumours, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis and bronchitis. | |
| * Tinospora Gulancha (English), Giloy (Hindi). The plant is used in the treatment of fever, jaundice, thirst, loss of appetite, urinary diseases, and skin ailments. | |
| * Aloe (English), Gwar Patha (Hindi). The plant part is used to heal wounds, ulcers, and burns. It is also used to treat liver and spleen ailments. | |
| * Winter Cherry (English), Ashwagandha (Hindi). The plant part is used in Ayurvedic medicines to treat ulcers, fever, cough, rheumatism, leucoderma and to restore memory loss. | |
| * Lemon grass (English), Gandhatrina (Hindi). The herb is a stimulant (increases physical or nervous activity), diaphoretic (increases perspiration), and anti-spasmodic (reduce spasm). | |
| * Mint (English), Pudina (Hindi). The infusion of leaves is used in the treatment of rheumatism. Oil from the plant; know as Japanese Mint Oil is used to cure fever. | |
| * Vasaka (English), Adusa (Hindi). Used for treating bronchitis, asthma, and dental ailments.((http://www.frlht.org.in/)) | |
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| This outreach program in urban realms would also lend to revitalising traditional Indian medicinal plant knowledge and create independent seed banks. For more details click on the following articles: | This outreach program in urban realms would also lend to revitalising traditional Indian medicinal plant knowledge and create independent seed banks. For more details click on the following articles: |
| * {{:hhg_broucher_final-1st_version.pdf|}} | * {{:hhg_broucher_final-1st_version.pdf|}} |
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| | ===Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, Kerala=== |
| | Spread over 55 acres, the [[Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary]] is a garden of wild plant species grown at the edge of a large rainforest reserve in the Western Ghat Mountains of Kerala, India. Dedicated to conservation and education, the Sanctuary is run by a small group of resident gardeners, naturalists and educators, and supported by a wide circle of well-wishers. Founded in 1981, the Sanctuary restores endangered species and habitats in a highly fragmented landscape, where only a fraction of original forest remains and much of the native flora has been tragically and sometimes deliberately extracted or “cleaned up” for human use. Conservation in this district of Wayanad, where the original settlers were small migrant farmers with immediate survival needs, is an exceptionally challenging job. |
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| ====Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary==== | Director, Suprabha Seshan elaborates, “The focus here is to find creative, localized and effective ways to restore natural places. Termed as ecosystem gardening, this involves working closely with plants and their environments: tending, cultivating, growing, reseeding, intervening and leaving as much wild space alone. There is clear evidence that the forests will return if we give them a chance.” It’s heartening to know that, “over time, the distinction between healing areas and the natural forest has diminished. Both, species diversity and forest structure have made a comeback in areas that had been completely devastated.” Apart from conservation and education the work at the sanctuary includes: developing horticultural and conservation skills in local young women; habitat restoration and forest recovery; research in biodiversity, forest ecology, plant taxonomy; and sustainable agriculture and integrated land use to grow the forest farm. |
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| Spread over 55 acres, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is a garden of wild plant species grown at the edge of a large rainforest reserve in the Western Ghat Mountains of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to conservation and education. Founded in 1981, the Sanctuary restores endangered species and habitats in a highly fragmented landscape, where only a fraction of original forest remains and much of the native flora has been tragically and sometimes deliberately extracted or “cleaned up” for human use. While witnessing the exuberant growth of anthuriums and begonias around us, we discussed the impact of the growing popularity of ayurveda and organic teas on the forests and how their price does not reflect the real price we all are paying in the long run. The researcher is informed that the amount of bio mass which goes into their production is shockingly high. Of course there are issues of the rise and fall of tea and coffee prices and how economics and ecology have become interlinked. As we move on, we see the epiphytic orchids in the orchidarium conserved in the most impressive manner. Out of 300000 known plants about 30000 are orchids. The sanctuary itself is a repository of over 2000 plant species which is about one-third of the entire regions flora. These have been rescued from degraded and destroyed environments. Conservation in this district of Wayanad, where the original settlers were small migrant farmers with immediate survival needs, is an exceptionally challenging job. Fighting for the last bits of rain forests is not a choice, but a crucial need and responsibility here. The care and patience with which these plants have been brought back to life, convinces the researcher about the need for single minded focus in such a context. | |
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| The Sanctuary is run by a small group of resident gardeners, naturalists and educators, and supported by a wide circle of well-wishers. Together it offers an approach that is connected to the climate, landscape, ecosystems, plants, animals and people of the region. In Suprabha’s own words, “The focus here is to find creative, localized and effective ways to restore natural places. Termed as ecosystem gardening, this involves working closely with plants and their environments: tending, cultivating, growing, reseeding, intervening and leaving as much wild space alone. There is clear evidence that the forests will return if we give them a chance.” The researcher notices that a large part of the land area is left alone to harness natural restorative powers. In other parts native species are given quick access by pulling out exotic plants. Then there are very small areas where the intervention happens in great detail, where every plant is known and tended carefully and systematically. I witness this with two resident gardeners who are preparing specific solutions for orchids. I see the soil being heated at one end on a customised wire mesh tray to rid it of fungi and numerous casts being prepared to act as tiles or barks for the stag horn ferns which are quiet striking in their form and survival methods. From using the right type of organic manure, to growing a specific plant in the most appropriate location in the entire site to the use of locally available products, this place has developed answers and solutions over an incredible 25 year period. It has not been easy. During this period, the residents have discovered ways to grow these tender specimens to achieve self-regulation, a time when the plants propagate themselves in complex milieus that resemble their original habitats. It does seem self-sustaining now. Improvisation and recycling has been a crucial key to keep the overheads minimum. It’s heartening to know from Suprabha that, “over time, the distinction between healing areas and the natural forest has diminished. Both, species diversity and forest structure have made a marvellous comeback in areas that had been completely devastated.” This is indeed felt in the surroundings. Over the years as the micro habitats have become more established, everyone has noticed an increase in local fauna_ from butterflies, small mammals and amphibians to birds and snakes. This has been a wonderful bonus for the sanctuary. Apart from conservation and education the work at the sanctuary includes: developing horticultural and conservation skills in local young women; habitat restoration and forest recovery; research in biodiversity, forest ecology, plant taxonomy; and sustainable agriculture and integrated land use to grow the forest farm. | |
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| The sanctuary brings back memories of remote tribes in north east India and the way they allow their work and rituals to become a seamless extension of their life. However, here, the difference lies in a strong sense of independence and pride in the work. Everyone can speak in English and that is a great equaliser. There is joy, love, and complete immersion in everyone’s eyes. | |
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| The results in Gurukula are due to a clear understanding and acceptance of the complexity of the problem and of the diversity of techniques required, including detailed long-term observation, scientific knowledge, sound horticultural practice, rigorous experimentation and excellent team work. Over the years a broad knowledge base of 120 plant families covering ecology, biogeography, taxonomy, plant pathology and horticulture has been developed and this has inspired not just the local and national communities but also many international organizations. | The results in Gurukula are due to a clear understanding and acceptance of the complexity of the problem and of the diversity of techniques required, including detailed long-term observation, scientific knowledge, sound horticultural practice, rigorous experimentation and excellent team work. Over the years a broad knowledge base of 120 plant families covering ecology, biogeography, taxonomy, plant pathology and horticulture has been developed and this has inspired not just the local and national communities but also many international organizations. |
| {{:perma77.jpg|}} | {{:perma77.jpg|}} |
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| For complete article about the Sanctuary, please click on the document below: | For complete article about the Sanctuary, please click on {{:soliloquy_gurukula.pdf|}} |
| * {{:soliloquy_gurukula.pdf|}} | |
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| ====Rainforest Retreat==== | |
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| | ===Rainforest Retreat, Karnataka=== |
| The Rainforest Retreat((http://www.rainforestours.com/)) is an eco-lodge located on an Organic Spice Plantation (MOJO Plantation) nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats (in Kodagu district of southern Karnataka). Founded by Dr. Sujata, a botanist and Anurag Goel, a molecular biologist turned organic farmer, their business model is based on sharing the nuances of organic farming with the visitors apart from selling locally grown cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Their methods are based on the following prnciples aimed at working toward generating a sustainable agri-ecosystem in the fragile environment: | The Rainforest Retreat((http://www.rainforestours.com/)) is an eco-lodge located on an Organic Spice Plantation (MOJO Plantation) nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats (in Kodagu district of southern Karnataka). Founded by Dr. Sujata, a botanist and Anurag Goel, a molecular biologist turned organic farmer, their business model is based on sharing the nuances of organic farming with the visitors apart from selling locally grown cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Their methods are based on the following prnciples aimed at working toward generating a sustainable agri-ecosystem in the fragile environment: |
| * Maintaining the forest canopy to conserve the top soil and replenish it with compost. | * Maintaining the forest canopy to conserve the top soil and replenish it with compost. |
| {{:perma79.jpg|}} | {{:perma79.jpg|}} |
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| The retreat has a striking method of composting weeds, particularly the foliage of leguminous plants, plants with insect repellant properties, organic farm wastes, cattle and poultry manure, and oil cakes. With the addition of a mixture of natural isolates of ''good'' bacteria(EM, Effective Microorganisms) that break down organic matter both anaerobically and aerobically, rapid solubilizing of phosphates, nitrates and other nutrients into compost occurs. The time taken for making this excellent quality compost(''bokashi''), with this method has reduced to 6-8 weeks as against 4-6 months before. This technology was originally developed by Professor Teruo Higa of Japan to complement natural farming techniques. | The retreat has a striking method of composting weeds, particularly the foliage of leguminous plants, plants with insect repellant properties, organic farm wastes, cattle and poultry manure, and oil cakes. With the addition of a mixture of natural isolates of 'good' bacteria(EM, Effective Microorganisms) that break down organic matter both anaerobically and aerobically, rapid solubilizing of phosphates, nitrates and other nutrients into compost occurs. The time taken for making this excellent quality compost('bokashi'), with this method has reduced to 6-8 weeks as against 4-6 months before. This technology was originally developed by Professor Teruo Higa of Japan to complement natural farming techniques. |
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| Under the push for integrated pest management to counter stemborers and other lepidopteran pests, the retreat uses a decoction made out of plants from surrounding areas often identified as 'weeds'. These include pongamia, annona, lantana, nicotiana, capsicum, ocimum and few others. Further, these plant extracts are not toxic or repellant to spider populations and by introducing native strains of a soil-borne fungus, //trichoderma sp.// through compost over the years, there has been significant reduction in the damage caused by the pathogen //phytophthora sp.// to cardamom, ginger and pepper. | Under the push for integrated pest management to counter stemborers and other lepidopteran pests, the retreat uses a decoction made out of plants from surrounding areas often identified as 'weeds'. These include pongamia, annona, lantana, nicotiana, capsicum, ocimum and few others. Further, these plant extracts are not toxic or repellant to spider populations and by introducing native strains of a soil-borne fungus, //trichoderma sp.// through compost over the years, there has been significant reduction in the damage caused by the pathogen //phytophthora sp.// to cardamom, ginger and pepper. |
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| | ===Beaulah Farm, Tamil Nadu=== |
| ====Beaulah Farm==== | |
| Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of the Nilgiris in South India, Beulah Farm provides the chance visitor a rare personal treat in the state of Tamil Nadu. The place which was founded by Eapen Jacob, does not fall within the usual tourist circuit. One may stumble upon it in the course of meandering walks one usually takes in the hills. Around the cottage, what looks like a wild tangle of a garden, each shrub, plant and bush makes up the herb garden which has been lovingly nurtured and tended to by Eapen, who plays music to his plants every day! From the three different kinds of basil and four different kinds of mint, the rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Passion fruits, Malta oranges, lemons make the fruit orchard, along with the strawberry patch. All of these go into making wines, liqueurs, tart marmalades, rhubarb jam and preserves made in a unique way in Sandalwood barrels on the farm. 23 different varieties of Rose wine (including a green and a black rose), guava squash, mint liqueur and a horse radish wine are some of his most popular products, all made in an organic way perfected over the last 25 years. In Jacob's own words, 'Not a grain of yeast or any chemical has gone into the brewing of the wines. We even make our own fertilizers and a gaggle of geese act as his pest control measure.' The liquid organic manure made from sheep and fowl droppings is high in nitrogen and perfect for all the farm produce except for strawberries as it results in extensive leaf growth. | Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of the Nilgiris in South India, Beulah Farm provides the chance visitor a rare personal treat in the state of Tamil Nadu. The place which was founded by Eapen Jacob, does not fall within the usual tourist circuit. One may stumble upon it in the course of meandering walks one usually takes in the hills. Around the cottage, what looks like a wild tangle of a garden, each shrub, plant and bush makes up the herb garden which has been lovingly nurtured and tended to by Eapen, who plays music to his plants every day! From the three different kinds of basil and four different kinds of mint, the rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Passion fruits, Malta oranges, lemons make the fruit orchard, along with the strawberry patch. All of these go into making wines, liqueurs, tart marmalades, rhubarb jam and preserves made in a unique way in Sandalwood barrels on the farm. 23 different varieties of Rose wine (including a green and a black rose), guava squash, mint liqueur and a horse radish wine are some of his most popular products, all made in an organic way perfected over the last 25 years. In Jacob's own words, 'Not a grain of yeast or any chemical has gone into the brewing of the wines. We even make our own fertilizers and a gaggle of geese act as his pest control measure.' The liquid organic manure made from sheep and fowl droppings is high in nitrogen and perfect for all the farm produce except for strawberries as it results in extensive leaf growth. |
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| {{:perma48.jpg|}} | {{:perma48.jpg|}} |
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| | ===Krac-Á-Dawna Organic Farm, Karnataka=== |
| ====Krac-Á-Dawna Organic Farm==== | |
| Founded by Juli and Vivek Cariappa, KRAC-A-DAWNA is an evolving farm nestled deep within rural Karnataka. It is an important member of the OFAI(Organic Farmers association of India) and has for long searched for practical solutions to daily problems. From home-schooling to manure-teas and bio-gas there are no fixed rules here. Ths is an interesting example in self-learning and re-learning about believing in one's instincts and defying a modern developmental process that relies too heavily on mass production and a rigid definition of “civilization”. Self-reliance figures prominently in the farms thinking and its founders take a stand on issues ranging from genetically modified seeds to alternative markets, from child education to small- farm organic certification. Nothing leaves the farm in raw form and from natural dyes and cotton to wild honey, cinnamon, pepper and sesame butter, the farm produce has become an important revenue source. Lately, the farm has started developing its expertise in Bio-dynamic farming and trains registered farmers in the same. | Founded by Juli and Vivek Cariappa, KRAC-A-DAWNA is an evolving farm nestled deep within rural Karnataka. It is an important member of the OFAI(Organic Farmers association of India) and has for long searched for practical solutions to daily problems. From home-schooling to manure-teas and bio-gas there are no fixed rules here. Ths is an interesting example in self-learning and re-learning about believing in one's instincts and defying a modern developmental process that relies too heavily on mass production and a rigid definition of “civilization”. Self-reliance figures prominently in the farms thinking and its founders take a stand on issues ranging from genetically modified seeds to alternative markets, from child education to small- farm organic certification. Nothing leaves the farm in raw form and from natural dyes and cotton to wild honey, cinnamon, pepper and sesame butter, the farm produce has become an important revenue source. Lately, the farm has started developing its expertise in Bio-dynamic farming and trains registered farmers in the same. |
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| ====Project Deep Fields==== | ====Project Deep Fields==== |
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| An interesting proposal in the 'Green Cities and Open Ideas' category by Krishna Balakrishna from UC Berkeley and Ganesh Mohan, IIT Chennai. The study proposes to create a **Deep Fields Organic Farmers Co-operative** which connects the problem of improper garbage disposal in Indian cities to providing an impetus for organic farming in urban edges. The project stems from a desire to initiate a program that is financially viable, ecologically sustainable, and socially conscious. Further, the ideas proposed are a complete cycle of events rather than discrete units of action. | An interesting proposal in the 'Green Cities and Open Ideas' category by Krishna Balakrishna from UC Berkeley and Ganesh Mohan, IIT Chennai. The study proposes to create a **Deep Fields Organic Farmers Co-operative** which connects the problem of improper garbage disposal in Indian cities to providing an impetus for organic farming in urban edges. The project stems from a desire to initiate a program that is financially viable, ecologically sustainable, and socially conscious. Further, the ideas proposed are a complete cycle of events rather than discrete units of action. |
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| The complete report can be seen here: | The complete report can be seen here: |
| * {{:deep_fields.pdf|}} | * {{:deep_fields.pdf|}} |
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| ===="RUrbanism": The Goa 2100 Project==== | ===="RUrbanism": The Goa 2100 Project==== |
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| "RUrbanism" is the sustainable integration of rural and urban communities. It is a sophisticated new set of design principles and practices governing land use, energy, transportation, governance, and all aspects of economic, ecological, and social development for a major city. The term "RUrbanism" was introduced by the designers of "Goa 2100," a critical breakthrough planning project for the capital city of Panjim, in the Indian state of Goa. Goa 2100 won a Special Jury Prize in the International Sustainable Urban Systems Design competition (Tokyo, 2003). The project is a model of RUrbanism in practice, and it introduces a wide array of new design concepts and analytical tools to support sustainability planning and a transition to sustainability.((http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002477.html)) | "RUrbanism" is the sustainable integration of rural and urban communities. It is a sophisticated new set of design principles and practices governing land use, energy, transportation, governance, and all aspects of economic, ecological, and social development for a major city. The term "RUrbanism" was introduced by the designers of "Goa 2100," a critical breakthrough planning project for the capital city of Panjim, in the Indian state of Goa. Goa 2100 won a Special Jury Prize in the International Sustainable Urban Systems Design competition (Tokyo, 2003). The project is a model of RUrbanism in practice, and it introduces a wide array of new design concepts and analytical tools to support sustainability planning and a transition to sustainability.((http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002477.html)) |
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| ====International Plants Expo, Dubai==== | ====International Plants Expo, Dubai==== |
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| {{:perma83.jpg|}} | {{:perma83.jpg|}} |
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| Held from March 04-06, 2008 IPM DUBAI((http://www.ipm-dubai.net/)) was a focussed trade exhibition for the green industries in the middle east and the Indian Subcontinent. One of the products, //nature pot// by NAPAC, a Zurich based company specialising in the development and manufacturing of products made of raw materials from renewable resources: is suitable for outdoor and indoor plant cultivation. A smart kit which comes with seeds and organic fertiliser, it rates highly on bio-innovation.((http://www.napac.ch/napac.htm)) | Held from March 04-06, 2008 IPM DUBAI((http://www.ipm-dubai.net/)) was a focussed trade exhibition for the green industries in the middle east and the Indian Subcontinent. One of the products, //nature pot// by NAPAC, a Zurich based company specialising in the development and manufacturing of products made of raw materials from renewable resources: is suitable for outdoor and indoor plant cultivation. A smart kit which comes with seeds and organic fertiliser, it rates highly on bio-innovation.((http://www.napac.ch/napac.htm)) |
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| {{:perma82.jpg|}} | ====Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, Netherlands==== |
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| ====Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam==== | |
| Established in 1663, the hortus is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world with more than 6000 plants from all over. What started out as a medicinal herb garden, the hortus grows only pure plant species, as they are found in nature. It is also the first botanic garden in the Netherlands to display the molecular systemics of plants to everyone and continues to organize various cultural, educational and botanical activities through out the year.((http://www.dehortus.nl/index.asp)) | Established in 1663, the hortus is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world with more than 6000 plants from all over. What started out as a medicinal herb garden, the hortus grows only pure plant species, as they are found in nature. It is also the first botanic garden in the Netherlands to display the molecular systemics of plants to everyone and continues to organize various cultural, educational and botanical activities through out the year.((http://www.dehortus.nl/index.asp)) |
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sanjeev