fiz; ikBdksa] jk”Vªh; tSfod [ksrh ifj;kstuk tks fd nloha iapo”khZ; ;kstuk ds vafre pj.k esa LFkkfir dh xbZ Fkh] vc ,d iw.kZ ;kstuk ds :i esa 150 djksM+ :i;s ds izko/kku ds lkFk 11ohaa iapo”khZ; ;kstuk esa izos’k dj jgh gS] fiNys <kbZ o”kksZa esa bl ;kstuk us tgkWa tSfod [ksrh dh mi;ksfxrk ,oa vko’;drk dks LFkkfir fd;k gS ogha bl fo”k; ls tqM+h vusd Hkzkafr;ksa dks Hkh nwj fd;k gSA tSfod [ksrh tks nks o”kZ iwoZ rd ,d fu;kZr ls tqM+h izfdz;k Fkh vc LFkkuh; cktkj esa Hkh nLrd ns jgh gSA jk”Vªh; tSfod [ksrh ifj;kstuk ds varxZr 200 ls Hkh vf/kd lsok iznk;h laLFkk;sa 2-50 ls 3-00 yk[k fdlkuksa rFkk yxHkx 1-5 yk[k gSDVs;j d`f”k {ks= dks izek.khd`r tSfod [ksrh ls tksM+us esa iz;kljr gSaA jk”Vªh; tSfod mRiknu dk;Zdze ds varxZr fu;ked ra= dks varjkZ”Vªh; ekU;rk ,d g”kZ dk fo”k; gSA

jk”Vªh; tSfod mRiknu dk;Zdze ls tqM+h ewY;kadu lfefr dk ;wjksi nkSjk rFkk ck;ksQk[k 2007 esa Hkkjrh; ny dh izeq[k mifLFkfr Hkkjrh; tSfod [ksrh {ks= dh varjkZ”Vªh; txr esa c<+rh lk[k dk ladsr gSA bl vad esa ck;ksQk[k 2007 rFkk varjkZ”Vªh; txr esa tSfod [kk| ds c<+rs cktkj dh >kWadh vU; lHkh LFkk;h LraHkksa ds lkFk izLrqr gSA vk’kk gS ikBd bls mi;ksxh ik;asxsA

Dear Readers, National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) started during later half of the Xth Five year Plan is now poised to move forward as full fledged scheme during XI Five Year Plan with a proposed outlay of Rs.150 crores. In last 2½ years, the NPOF has not only established the concept and usefulness of organic farming, but has also dispelled many myths. Organic Agriculture Sector which was seen only as an export subject till 2-years ago is now attracting attention in domestic market. More than 200 Service Providers appointed under NPOF are putting sincere efforts to bring at least 2.50 to 3.00 lakh farmers and about 1.5 lakh of land to certified organic fold. Regulatory mechanism under NPOP is getting acceptance in international forum. Recent visit of NPOP evaluation team on study tour to Germany and Italy and participation of large Indian contingent in BioFach-2007 at Nuremburg are indications of growing India Organic. The present issue gives a glimpse of BioFach 2007 and growing organic market in the World. Other standard columns are there with more news and views. I hope readers will enjoy the information and find it useful.

Organic Farming in Madhya Pradesh

“Sustainable development can only take place when we use the resources for needs and not for our greed”.

G.S. Kaushal

Ex. Director Agriculture, Govt. of M.P., Exec. Chairman Samadhan Organic International, Director Dollex Industries Ltd., Mumbai and

Director Mahua Organics, Bhopal

Lkkjka”k e/; izns”k esa tSfod [ksrh & ikfjfLFkfrd larqyu dks cuk;s j[kus ,oa lrr d`f"k dks c<+kus ds fy, e/; izns”k esa tSfod [ksrh cgqr igys “kq: gks x;h FkhA o"kZ 1969 esa] egkRek xka/kh dh tUe “krkCnh eukrs gq, dLrwjck xka/kh jk"Vªh; Lekjd VªLV] bUnkSj us tSfod [ksrh dks viukus dk izLrko fd;k rFkk 200 gsDVs;j d`f"k Hkwfe dks pj.kc) rjhds ls tSfod {ks= esa cnydj bls dLrwjck xzke ds uke ls fodflr fd;kA d̀"kd leqnk; esa tkx`fr ykus ds fy, izns”k esa lsfeukj] odZ”kki] iz{ks= izn”kZu ,oa d`"kd esayksa dk vk;kstu fd;k x;k ftlesa tSfod [ksrh ds fofHkUu ?kVdksa tSls gjh [kkn] dEiksLV] xkscj [kkn] dspqvk [kkn vkfn dks c<+kok fn;k x;k tSfod i)fr dh mRiknu {kerk tkWapus ds fy, jklk;fud i)fr ls rqyukRed v/;;u Hkh fd;s x;sA vkadM+s n”kkZrs gSa fd tSfod [ksrh i)fr ls Hkh Hkjiwj mRiknu fy;k tk ldrk gSA o"kZ 2001&2002 esa e/; izns”k d`f"k foHkkx us tSfod [ksrh foLrkj dk;Zdze “kq: djds jkT; ds lHkh 313 Cykd esa ,d&,d vkn”kZ tSfod xzke fodkl dh izfdz;k “kq: dh ftlds vUrxZr tSfod [ksrh ds fofHkUu ?kVdksa dk iz;ksx fd;k x;kA fdlkuksa ds mRlkg o/kZd ifj.kkeska ds dkj.k o"kZ 2003&2004 esa tSfod xzkeksa dh l[;k 1565 gks x;hA tSfod [ksrh dks yksdfiz; cukus ,oa blds foLrkj ds fy, jkT; ds xzkeh.k {ks=ksa esa ^tSfod iSny ;k=k^ fudkyh x;h] tSfod gkV] ck;ks&lsUVj] tSfod ikB”kkyk tSls vusd dk;Zdzeksa dh “kq:vkr dh x;hA jkT; ds 8 ftyksa esa e/; izns”k d`f’k esa efgykvksa dk ;ksxnku ifj;kstuk “kq: dh x;hA bl ifj;kstuk ds rgr efgykvksa us u dsoy vius iz;ksx ds fy, tSfod [kkn cuk;h cfYd dspqvk vkfn dh fcdzh ls /ku Hkh vftZr fd;kA orZeku esa tSfod [ksrh i)fr jkT; ds ekaMyk] fMUMksjh] mefj;k] “kgMksy ,oa lh/kh ftyksa esa izeq[k :Ik ls dh tk jgh gSA

Background: The environmental factors play key role in agriculture development. Agro ecological situations depend on physical condition, water retention and infiltration capacity, available biomass, presence of beneficial macro and micro-flora in soil and rainfall pattern, quality of water and human interference. Injudicious use of agro-chemicals, deforestation and alteration of habitat from natural to artificial conditions has resulted into imbalances in various natural cycles and phenomenon. Introduction of man-made inputs and practices have although resulted in sudden benefits but with concurrent imbalances in environment, resulting into infertile and degraded soils,

polluted abiotic and biotic environment, presence of chemical residue in soil, water, plants, domestic animals, human tissues and organs. Deteriorating soil and environmental conditions coupled with high cost and diminishing returns of modern agriculture calls for paradigm shift in the policies of agriculture improvement. Keeping all such concerns in mind, to maintain ecological balance and to ensure sustainable agriculture, a novel approach of organic farming was initiated in Madhya Pradesh. Historical Events: Organic farming in Madhya Pradesh started as early as 1930 when Howard

and Howard developed Indore method of compost making at Plant Institute, Indore and popularized the system. The method developed at that time still has the relevance. In the recent years the concept was seeded during the birth centenary year of Mahatma Gandhi in 1969, when management of Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Indore resolved to adopt organic farming and gradually transformed its entire 200ha farm at Kasturba Gram into organic system. During late seventies and early eighties seminars, workshops and farmer’s fair focusing on organic system of cultivation were organized in the state to create awareness among farming community about the importance of organic system of cultivation for sustainable agriculture. It was only during late nineties that the Department of Agriculture, Government of Madhya Pradesh resolved to adopt organic farming in an extensive way throughout the state. With a visionary approach, thus started the trials and demonstration at farmer’s fields and the program of organic farming in the state of Madhya Pradesh got a real momentum.

Trials and Demonstrations: In the beginning year (1999-2000) various methods of organic farming were tried on government farms, with a view

to test its efficiency in comparison to the chemical farming. For the trials fifty percent area of the fields on farms were put to organic system, while the rest fifty percent area was kept under chemical system. The trials included natural methods for pest control, green manure, use of farm yard manure, compost, NADEP compost, vermicompost, agnihotra, biodynamic preparation etc. while chemicals were used on the non organic part of the fields. The comparison of two systems reflected significant benefits. The results obtained from various districts are summarized in Table 1 - 3. Armed with the satisfactory results and methodologies, the Department of Agriculture, Madhya Pradesh initiated systematic steps to extend the programme on organic system of cultivation throughout the state.

Bio-villages - During the year 2001-02, the Department of Agriculture launched extension programs on organic system by selecting one model bio-village in each of the 313 blocks of the state. The program of organic manure production technologies viz. vermi compost, NADEP, biogas slurry, green manuring etc were popularized and farmers were trained for their uses in field crops.

Productivity of various crops under different organic treatment based on data received from 21 districts of Madhya Pradesh (Yield in Quintal/ha) Table 1

S. No

Crops Bhaboot Amrit Pani

Amrit Sanjivani Matka Khad Cow Dung Urine

T UT T UT T UT T UT 1 Soybean 10.22 9.57 13.36 11.16 11.79 11.28 9.64 8.07 2. Paddy 24.00 19.04 27.35 22.52 21.36 18.49 11.53 10.81 3. Maize 7.00 6.00 25.27 23.83 21.46 18.99 35.09 24.27 4. Groundnut - - 5.00 4.50 9.73 8.00 - - 5. Sourghum 7.00 6.00 20.00 18.00 20.00 17.00 - - 6. Moong - - 4.80 4.00 6.20 5.60 1.20 0.80 7. Urad - - - - 15.28 7.55 8.06 5.96 8. Bajra - - - - 8.27 5.87 - - 9. Banana - - - - - - - -

10. Chilly - - - - - - - - 11. Cotton 11.78 10.86 10.78 9.07 11.19 9.83 14.52 14.52

Table 2 Sr. No

Crops Nadep Phospho Compost

Nadap Khad Culture Blue Green Algae

T UT T UT T UT T UT 1. Soybean 10.55 9.55 11.52 9.31 11.33 9.68 - - 2. Paddy 36.40 31.10 27.39 24.83 21.32 26.27 30.08 24.73 3. Maize 38.00 37.00 19.52 17.12 13.66 11.48 - - 4. Groundnut 5.00 4.00 9.87 9.60 11.14 9.85 - - 5. Sourgham 11.00 9.60 20.40 19.00 19.05 20.93 - - 6. Moong - - 5.00 4.00 7.40 6.13 - - 7. Urad - - - - 7.75 7.02 - - 8. Bajra - - - - - - - - 9. Banana - - - - - - - - 10. Chilly - - - - - - - - 11. Cotton 12.00 11.23 13.34 12.30 11.00 8.08 - -

Table –3

Sr. No.

Crops Cow dung Gas Slurry

Green Manuring Seeng Khad Amrit Pani

T UT T UT T UT T UT 1. Soybean 11.97 10.43 10.34 8.28 9.16 8.30 10.95 9.41 2. Paddy 24.27 21.36 23.36 25.31 - - 10.80 9.60 3. Maize 22.01 19.61 14.00 12.80 32.62 28.67 20.48 17.38 4. Groundnut 13.40 13.70 5.00 4.50 5.00 4.00 9.30 7.91 5. Sourgham 19.40 21.00 14.94 13.54 20.00 18.00 18.50 16.90 6. Moong - - 2.40 2.00 - - 6.80 4.80 7. Urad - - - - - - 5.45 4.43 8. Bajra - - - - - - 8.30 6.20 9. Banana - - - - - - - - 10. Chilly - 58.00 56.00 - - - - - 11. Cotton 14.83 14.80 14.41 12.42 11.20 9.86 11.27 10.34

(T = Treated, UT = Untreated)

During the year 2002 two more villages were added as bio villages to each block, increasing the number of bio-villages to 939. Large scale composting infrastructure was developed and large quantities of organic manures were produced in these villages. Green manuring was also adopted on large scale and farmers started realizing the importance of organic system. It saved huge amount of money, which would have been otherwise spent on use of chemicals. The response from cultivators was so fabulous that the Department of Agriculture extended the program to 1565 villages i.e. 5 villages in each block during 2003-2004. In an effort to create national awareness, Department of Agriculture organized a national seminar on organic system during 28-29th of May 2002 at Bhopal which was inaugurated by the then Union Minister of Agriculture, Shri Ajit Singh and addressed by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri.Digvijay Singh and former Chief Minister Shri.Sunder Lal Patwa. The seminar was attended by large number of practicing organic farmers from all over the state. To popularize and disseminate the message of organic system among the farming community in the interior villages – “Jaivik Paidal Pad Yatra” (tSfod iSny

in ;k=k) was started from various

districts of the state from September 4, 2002. The processions were concluded at Indore on Gandhi Jayanti the 2nd October 2002 with full enthusiasm. Jaivik Haat: First ever Jaivik Haat was organized at Bhopal during 30th May to 1st June 2003. A seminar on organic system was also organized concurrently during this period to highlight the importance of organic system for sustainability of production, better soil health and environment. During the seminar, exchange of

experiences of practicing organic cultivators, over 100 stalls exhibiting various organic products and demonstration of various techniques of organic manures were organized. It was interesting to note that besides large number of cultivators, consumers from various parts of the state visited the Haat and purchased organic vegetables, grains, pulses and jaggery. Whatever organic material was brought in the haat was sold out. Certification of organic system and higher cost of products were no issues at that time. Encouraged with the response second Jaivik Haat was organized during June 2004. The cultivators and consumers both enjoyed and benefited from the Jaivik Haat. Introduction to certification system and international organic marketing were important issues debated during the second Jaivik Haat. Bio-Centre A bio-centre was established at Government Agriculture Farm Phanda in Bhopal District with 10 cows. Now bio-centre is having 150 cows brought from Gosadan. Important features and findings of this Bio-Centre were: 1. Dry and old cows can sustain

themselves, if cow-dung and cow urine is collected and used scientifically.

2. 35 cubic meter gobar gas plant was installed for energy and manure.

3. NADEP & vermicompost are ideal processes for converting biodegradable waste of the farm into valuable organic manure.

4. The centre helped in validating the utility of other methods of organic system.

5. Vermi-wash acts as growth hormone for crop plants.

6. Flowers from Bhopal city temple collected once a weak and brought to Phanda farm to demonstrate the utility of offered flowers and its efficacy as organic manure.

7. Use of natural vegetation as bio-pesticide.

8. Impart practical training to cultivators every Wednesday on organic system and ability of disabled and dry cows in organic system of cultivation.

Nutrient contents in various composts prepared from different biodegradable material at Phanda farm are presented in Table 4. Jaivik Pathshala: To popularize organic system of cultivation and solve the problem on the spot “Jaivik Pathshala” were started during the night in some villages. The pathshala was attended by cultivators of the area, scientists and extension workers. They assembled in pathshala and exchange innovative ideas, discuss crop conditions, operation to be carried out for successful organic crops, problems of insects, pests, diseases or malnutrition and so on. Technical experts facilitated the learning process on latest technologies. These pathshalas are voluntary in nature and managed by local organic group. Two such successful pathshalas running in village Naigoan of Katni distict and Malgoan of Khandwa district. These Jaivik pathshalas have really proved very successful and encouraged many cultivators to adopt organic system. Women’s Role in Organic Farming: Madhya Pradesh Women in Agriculture (MAPWA) project was launched by the Department of Agriculture with financial aid from DANIDA in eight districts in first phase and extended to another six districts in its second phase. Taking advantage of the program, women of the villages were imparted training and helped to organize themselves for higher agricultural production. They were trained in various methods of compost making and its use in crop production for sustainability. They were also given

training for pest control by adopting natural methods. In the adopted villages of the project women produced not only sufficient quantity of organic manure for their own consumption but also earned

additional income by selling earthworms and vermicompost. They also helped the movement by initiating organic outlets in the local nearby towns.

Table 4. Organic Manure Analysis, Phanda Farm, Bhopal

Sr. No.

Organic Manures Plant Nutrients

N% P2O5 K2O Mg Ca NADEP Composts

1. Flowers 0.83 0.89 0.77 0.31 0.91 2. Parthenium 0.61 0.79 0.71 0.33 0.98 3. Water Hyacinth 0.62 0.78 0.70 0.34 1.11 4. Banana Leaves 0.76 0.89 0.78 0.30 0.93 5. Other Biomass 0.66 0.78 0.74 0.29 0.92

Vermi Composts

1. Flowers 1.26 1.03 0.79 0.36 1.14 2. Sugarcane 1.24 1.06 0.84 0.36 1.22

Certification of Organic Product: The certification by notified agency is a costly affair for the poor, small and marginal cultivators. Therefore a system of registration of organic fields and crop was developed at the initial stage. The village level Krishi standing committee was authorized to register a cultivator interested in taking up organic crop. The charge was nominal at Rs.25 per cultivator. After successful organic production, the certificate was granted, specifying that the crop in specified field of farmer has been grown without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Taking advantage of large scale conversion various certification agencies have also certified some area in Madhya Pradesh, as per the norms of NPOP. At present there is large area under organic system of cultivation in the state especially in districts of Mandla, Dindori, Shahdol and Sidhi, mainly because of very low fertilizer consumption (less than 20 kg/ha). In these districts nearly, in 1.2 million ha of cultivated area, fertilizers have never been used. The situation can

be exploited by bringing such area under certified organic system as done in China. In China, during the year 2004-2005 nearly 5 million ha of area where pesticides and fertilizers have never been used was certified. Govt. of M.P., Department of Agriculture and NGO’s can play positive and active role in facilitation of certification. Prospects for Future With overall low consumption of fertilizers and pesticides and little or no chemical use in some districts, Madhya Pradesh offer an ideal situation for promotion of organic management without the need for long term conversion period. Large tracts of land in districts like Mandla, Dindori, Sidhi, Umaria, Ashoknagar and Panna are already organic. Following the path of organic system of cultivation Madhya Pradesh can convert its weakness of low chemical fertilizer and pesticide consumption into strength. Large

numbers of cotton exporter are coming to Madhya Pradesh for getting organic cotton produced. Similarly other groups are encouraging organic grains/pulses/vegetables production and its marketing in the country as well as in the international market. Simply by organizing organic system of cultivation in large areas, supporting and making arrangement for certification in the traditional areas of Mandla, Dindori, Sidhi, Umaria, Ashoknagar and in other parts of the state large scale production

of organic product can be obtained for national and international market. By adopting organic system of cultivation, cultivators can save significantly on account of input cost and improve their livelihood. Golden opportunity is awaiting Madhya Pradesh to harvest the benefit of organic market with significant contribution to pollution free environment, healthy food, safe environment and prosperity to the cultivators of the state.

Change of Guard at NCOF

Dr. P Bhattacharyya

Dr. P. Bhattacharyya, Addl. Commissioner (INM), Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Govt. of India and Director, National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad retired on achieving the superannuation age on 31.01.2007. Dr. A.K. Yadav, Regional Director, RCOF, Nagpur has taken over as Director, NCOF, Ghaziabad w.e.f. 01.02.2007. Dr. Bhattacharyya, an authority on Biofertiliser technology and pioneer of Organic Farming in Govt. of India initially put up his 12-years of excellent and dedicated services in Directorate of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal and later on in the National Project on Development & Use of Biofertilisers and National Project on Organic Farming for a period of 18-years from March, 1989 to 31.01.2007. During his long career, Dr. Bhattacharyya published more than 100 papers on different aspects of Biofertilisers and Organic Farming and authored/edited 05-Books. As a promoter of Organic Farming, Dr. Bhattacharyya earned commendable reputation during the last 05-years of tenure as Director of National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad & Addl. Commissioner(INM), DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi. While wishing all the good wishes for active & innovative life ahead, we the members of entire NCOF family also look forward to his guidance and directions in the form of technical inputs for the future enrichment of the Project.

Dr. A.K. Yadav

Organic Agriculture Road to Debt-free Healthy Life

Success story of a Punjab Farmer

Lkkjka’k Lkjnkj Jh gjtar flag fl)w iatkc ds xk¡o jk;Fkk dyk¡] ftyk HkfVaMk esa yxHkx 37-5 ,dM+ esa tSfod [ksrh dj jgs gSaA dqN o”kZ igys rd Jh fl)w vU; fdlkuksa dh rjg jklk;fud [ksrh dj jgs FksA ij fnuksa fnu c<rs [kpZ o ?kVrh vkenuh us mUgsa tSfod [ksrh dh vksj izsfjr fd;kA tSfod [ksrh esa izorZ gksus ls iwoZ dikl o xsg¡w mudh izeq[k Qly FkhaA bu nks Qlyksa dk mRiknu vPNs o”kksaZ esa dze’k% 11 o 16 fDoaVy iFkk [kjkc o”kksaZ esa 3-6 rFkk 5-9 fDoaVy FkkA o”kZ 2002 ls mUgksaus 12 ,dM esa tSfod [ksrh ‘kq# dhA ebZ ekg ls <Spk gjh [kkn Qly ds lkFk ifjorZu ‘kq# gqvk [kjhQ esa Xokj dh Qly cksbZA izfr ,dM 100 fdyks gìh [kkn vusd izdkj ds tSo moZjd rFkk Lo;a dk xkscj [kkn iz;ksx fd;kA jch esa xsg¡w rFkk ljlksa dh cqokbZ ds lkFk gìh [kkn vusd izdkj ds tSo moZjd rFkk Lo;a dk xkscj [kkn dk iz;ksx fd;kA uhep eVdk [kkn dk xsg¡w dh Qly ij Lizs fd;kA igys o”kZ esa Xokj] xsg¡w rFkk ljlksa dk izfr ,dM mRiknu dze’k% 7] 10 rFkk 5 fDoaVy jgkA xsg¡w ds mRiknu esa yxHkx 50 izfr’kr dh deh gqbZ ijarq [kpZ ux.; gksus ds dkj.k ykHk iwoZor jgkA vxys nks o”kksaZ esa Jh fl)w us tSfod [ksrh dk {ks= c<kdj igs 14 ,dM rFkk ckn esa 21 ,dM dj fn;kA [kjhQ esa dikl ew¡x rFkk pkjs okyh Qlysa rFkk jch esa xsgw¡] tkS] puk] ljlksa rFkk cjlhe o”kZ 2004 dh izea[k Qlysa FkhaA o”kZ 2005 esa tks Qlysa yh xbZa muesa izeq[k Fkha dikl ¼10 ,dM½] fefJr gjh [kkn Qlysa ¼8 ,dM½ eDdk] Tokj] cktjk ¼3 ,dM½ xsagw¡ ¼18 ,dM½ puk] ljlksa rFkk cjlhe ¼izR;sd 1 ,dM½A o”kZ 2005 esa izfr ,dM dikl 6 fDoaVy rFkk xsgw¡ dk 8&12 fDoaVy dk mRiknu gqvkA o”kZ 2006 ls Jh fl)w ud vius iwjs 37-5 ,dM {ks= esa tSfod [ksrh ‘kq# dj nh gSA iks”k.k izca/ku ds fy;s Jh fl)w dsoy thoke`r ?kksy Lo;a dk xkscj [kkn iz;ksx gh iz;ksx dj jgsa gSaA bu o”kksaZ esa dhV o chekfj;ksa dh dksbZ izeq[k leL;k mRiUu ughs gqbZ gSaA fiNys 4 o”kksa ds vuqHko ls Jh fl)w dkQh vk’oLr gSa mudk [ksrh dwM de mRiknu’khy gksus ds ckotwn igsa ls vf/kd ykHknk;h gSA Jh fl)w dgrs gSa jlk;uksa ds tky ls eqfä ikdj eSa u dsoy [kk| lqj{kk cfYd Ik;kZoj.k ds laj{k.k esa Hkh ;ksxnku dj jgk gw¡A Shri Harjant Singh Sidhu a 37.5 acre Organic farmer of village Raitha Kalan, Distt Bhatinda, Punjab, is a class apart in his area and is among few dedicated farmers of Punjab, who are not only practicing organic farming, but are also spreading the message to other farmers of the country to adopt organic farming. Like others, Shri Harjant Singh was also a conventional farmer till 2001. But the escalating cost with diminishing returns, deteriorating soil fertility, increasing health problems, increasing medical expenses and deteriorating environmental conditions at his farm and in surroundings concerned him and he

decided to try some other low-cost chemical-free alternative. After lot of search, survey and discussion he decided to experiment with organic farming and started systematic conversion of his 40 acre farm in phases. In the first stage he dedicated 12 acre to organic management since May 2002. Prior to 2002, Shri Singh used to take mono-crops of Cotton in Kharif and wheat in Rabi with an average out put of 11quintals and 16 quintals per acre respectively in the best years (free from natural calamities) and 3-6 quintals and 5-9 quintals respectively in bad years.

After dispensing with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, he also dispensed-with the mono-cropping system and worked out a three to five year rotation plan with cotton, wheat, different pulses, fodder crops and green manure crops. Conversion started with the sowing of Dhaincha (Sesbania) as green manure crop in May 2005, followed by cluster bean crop for grains. 100 kg of bone meal/acre and different types of biofertilizers were used with on-farm cattle manure as the sole source of nutrients. Cluster bean was followed by wheat and mustard in Rabi. Small quantities of vermicompost, bone meal and biofertilizers such as Azotobacter and PSB were used for soil enrichment. Neemuch Matka Khad (15 kg cow dung, 15 lit cow urine, 250 gm jaggery, 15 lit water fermented in an earthen pot for seven days) was used as foliar spray over wheat crop. The grain yields during the first conversion year were in the range of 7 q/acre for cluster bean, 10 q/acre for wheat and 5 q/acre for mustard. In terms of total productivity although there was no reduction in yield of cluster bean (as per the comparison with other local farmers) but the productivity in wheat was reduced to nearly 50%. But as no purchased inputs were used, the net profitability remained on the positive side. Crops during 2003 were cluster bean, moong and fodder crops in kharif and wheat, gram and berseem + oats for fodder in rabi. To enrich the soil further vermicompost, biodynamic composts, castor cakes, neem cakes, Biovita, EM solutions etc were also used in varying quantities over next two years (2003-2005). The area under organic was further increased to 14 acre in 2004 and 21 acre in 2005 with cotton, moong and fodder crops in kharif followed by wheat, barley, gram, mustard and berseem in rabi in 2004. Crops taken in 2005 were cotton (10 acre) mixed green manure

crops (8 acre) and fodder crops such as maize, jowar, bajra etc in 3 acre during kharif and wheat (18 acre) gram, mustard and berseem in 1 acre each during rabi. The productivity of important crops was in the range of 6 q/acre for cotton and 8-12 q/acre for wheat. The productivity of wheat in the fields of cotton were less (8q/acre) than in the field of other crops (12 q/acre). Shri Singh dedicated his entire farm of 37.5 acre to organic management from kharif 2006. Since 2005, he has stopped the use of all the purchased organic inputs such as vermicompost, biodynamic compost and other inputs. Now he is stressing only on the use of on-farm inputs, crop rotation and multiple cropping. Use of Jivamrut is being resorted to 2-4 times during each cropping season. He is making Jivamrut by suspending 10 kg cow dung, 5 lit cow urine, 1.5 to 2 kg jaggery and 2kg cowpea grain flour in 200 lit water and fermenting for 7-10 days. The Jivamrut is being used as soil application along with irrigation water twice or thrice and once as foliar spray, mainly on wheat. The important crops during kharif 2006 were cluster bean, Dhaincha (Sesbania), cotton, moong, sugarcane, fodder crops, maize, jowar+cowpea for fodder and cowpea alone for grains. In rabi he has sown wheat, mustard, gram, sugarcane, fodder crops and some vegetables. During these years pest problem has not come up in any serious manner. Some pest load is always there but that is taken care of by natural forces. While elaborating his inclination towards organic Shri Singh emphasize that after adoption of organic farming the fertility status of his farm soil has improved, which is reflecting in sustainable productivity in spite of not using any purchased input. The major benefit he stresses is the freedom from market forces. Previously he used to spend

more than 60% of his net returns on the purchase of inputs. The agriculture at that time was a loosing preposition even in the best years. But under organic management his only purchased input is labour and the system in spite of being

low productive is much more profitable. Besides this by rejecting chemicals I am contributing significantly to the environmental preservation and overall food safety says Shri Harjant Singh.

The World of Organic Agriculture According to latest statistics published by International Federation for Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) at BioFach 2007, on organic farming worldwide, almost 31 million ha are currently managed organically by at least 633,891 farms. This constitutes 0.7% of the agricultural land of the countries covered by the survey. In total Oceania holds 39% of the world’s organic land, followed by Europe (23%) and Latin America (19%). Currently the countries with the greatest organic areas are Australia (11.8 million ha), Argentina (3.1 million ha), China (2.3 million ha), and the US (1.6 million ha). The number of farms and the proportion of organically compared conventionally managed land, however, is highest in Europe. There has been major growth of organic land in North America and in Europe. Both have added over half a million ha each during 2005-2006. In North America it constitutes an increase of almost 30%, an exceptional growth. In most of the other countries organic farming is on the rise; there have, however, also been decreases of organic land (extensive pastoral land) in China, Chile and Australia. Besides above there is about 62 million ha of organic wild collection area with 979 organic wild collection projects, world over. The largest collection areas are in Europe and Africa (almost 27 million ha each). In terms of quantities the important wild collected products are: bamboo shoot (36%), fruits and berries (21%) and nuts (19%). Global sales of organic food and drink have increased by 43% from 23 billion US$ in 2002 with sales reaching 33 billion US$ in 2005. Organic monitor expects sales to have approached 40 billion US$ in 2006. Although organic agriculture is now present in most part of the globe, demands remain concentrated in Europe and North America. The two regions are experiencing undersupply because production is not meeting demand. Thus large volumes of import are coming in from other regions.

BioFach and Vivaness 2007

BioFach and Vivaness 2007, the world’s largest organic trade fair-cum-congress opened to a glittering start on 15th February 2007, at Messentrum, Nuremberg, Germany. 45,273 trade visitors (21 % more then last year) from 116 countries came together during 15-18 February to source information about the world market for organic products and natural personal care. 2,565 exhibitors from 80 countries presented thousands of food, personal care and wellness items. This year’s BioFach was focused on Italy as Country of the Year. 398 Italian organic producers and traders presented thousands of their popular delicatessen on display including organic oranges, lemons, rice, pasta, tomato sauce and olive oil, Mediterranean specialities like antipasti, wines, fine cheese and sausages or sweet delicacies. BioFach is also the world’s biggest organic wine exhibition. 1,129 wines from 294 winegrowers from 13 countries faced the sensitive sense organs of the expert jury to compete for the coveted BioFach International Wine Award 2007. The tasting team of 43 oenologists, catering experts and wine merchants awarded 10 “Special Gold”, 66 Gold and 151 Silver medals. 263 wines received a recommendation. Vivaness a new Trade Fair for Natural Personal Care and Wellness got off to a flying start with 164 exhibitors. Vivaness extended its range of products to include the segments of natural medicines, wellness and gifts, and accessories. The world market leaders and exhibitors from Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Great Britain, India, Italy, Canada, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the USA and Cyprus were prominent.

An extensive congress programme was organized parallel to BioFach and Vivaness 2007 under the motto of “Shaping the Markets of the Future – Facts, Trends and Views”. The congress offered specials such as “Success at the POS”, “Organic Catering Point” and discussions on the revision of the EU Organic Regulation. A new feature was the “Forum Vivaness” (Hongkong room) with interesting events on natural personal care. One third of the presentations involved international visitors and held in English; some presentations in other languages were also translated simultaneously into English. IFOAM organized a trade symposium to discuss the implications of large scale conventional businesses entering the organic trade. The discussion analyzed both the challenges and opportunities provided by the mainstreaming of the organic. This event was called “In between discount and premium: friend or foe?”. Some of the other important session during the congress were on: EU/US policy, Fair trade and organic, Successful marketing, Food processing, World of organic agriculture, Regional standards, Bio fish, Health claims, Organic certification of non-regulated products, EU import rules, Certification issues, Mandatory seed, Organic wild collection and Climate changes. As per the latest IFOAM and SOEL survey the organic agriculture is being practiced in more than 120 countries with almost 31 million ha under certified organic. The worldwide turnover of organic products is growing by over 5 billion US$ a year and will top the 40 billion US$ barrier in 2007,” estimates Amarjit Sahota of the British corporate consultant Organic Monitor. “Demand is

currently growing more strongly than supply, which leads to delivery shortages in various countries.” This indicates a fast growing organic sector in the world for at least next one decade.

Incredible India – Organic Too - BioFach 2007 was also special for India, because of its significant presence. Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) under Ministry of Commerce, Government of India not only facilitated the space, but also gave incredible design and look to the pavilion. The India pavilion was glittering under the theme, “Incredible India – Organic Too”. APEDA, Tea Board, Spices Board and Coffee Board were important Government bodies, representing India. Besides these many private agencies and companies associated with certified organic trade, promotion, certification and processing were also there with their products and services on display. Participation of an eight member NPOP accreditation evaluation committee was an added flavour to the fairly large Indian contingent.

Global Organic News and International Events

BioFach America 2007 – BioFach America 2007 is scheduled for September 26-29, 2007.Congress and Networking Events and scheduled from 26-29 September and Trade Show is scheduled during September 27 - 29, 2007. BioFach - producers of Europe's largest organic exhibition and New Hope Natural Media - producers of North America's largest natural and organic products trade shows - have partnered to produces this, North America's largest all-organic and natural show. With more than 20,000 attendees, there is no other show in the United States that allows to address so many potential customer. Organic Products Expo-BioFach America delivers cutting-edge organic finished products, raw materials, market intelligence and education that trade who and conference attendees can't find anywhere else in North America. Located at Natural Products Expo East, the all-organic Organic Products Expo-BioFach America delivers the largest retail-buying audience in the United States. For further details visit www.biofach.de/main/d3zq3jg8/page.html BioFach America Latina 2007: the World of Organic Meets for Business Opportunities – BioFach America latina is scheduled for October 16-18, 2007 at Transamerica Expo Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil. International speakers and key market players will be making participating in the event. BioFach América Latina in São Paulo is the meeting place for key international organic players. ExpoSustentat, an event featuring other sustainable goods and services, will take place concurrently with BioFach América Latina. The

synergy between these two events will brings added value to both shows. BioFach América Latina has grown to be the leading and only pure organic trade event in Brazil. 157 companies from nine countries participated in 2005, 200 in 2006 and more than 230 are expected in 2007. For further details visit www.biofach-americalatina.com.br BioFach Japan 2007 - Japan's No. 1 Trade Show for Organic Products – BioFach Japan 2007 is scheduled for October 10-12, 2007 at Tokyo Big Site, Japan. For the last six years, BioFach has bee the one and only organic trade show with strict criteria and the passport to the Japanese organic market. It offers excellent business opportunities for Japan's growing consciousness for a healthy lifestyle. BioFach Japan is the meeting point for organic supply and demand. Personal relationships are the key to success in Japan. One can take advantage of the opportunity to treat visitors and clients. BioFach Japan is the 'Must Exhibit' trade show and provide opportunities to: organic products export to Japan, create brand awareness, establish as a supplier and deepen business ties. For further information, contact: BioFach Japan Secretariat c/o ABC Enterprises, Inc. Fukide Heights 305 Toranomon 4-1-11, Minato-ku Tokyo 105-0001 Japan Mr. Heinz Kuhlmann Tel: +81-3-5404-7351 Fax: +81-3-5404-7352 Email: heinz@inter.net.

First IFOAM International Conference on Marketing of Organic and Regional Values – First IFOAM International Conference on Marketing of Organic and Regional Values is scheduled for August 26-28, 2007 at Schwabisch Hall,

Germany. The conference will focus on discussion of specific marketing strategies that aim to give value to products by taking into consideration their uniqueness. It will deal with the question of how to create and identify regional and other specific values, and ultimately how to translate these values into successful marketing strategies for organic products. Communicating these values to the consumers is part of that strategy. The conference will consider various concepts and marketing strategies, including regulatory approaches, to protect regional values and traditional knowledge. Main objective of the conference are to: (a) create awareness among stakeholders involved in organic marketing for additional values and ways of marketing these values, (b) initiate thinking about new approaches specially among farmers and their representatives, (c) discuss and review successful examples, (d) identify challenges and opportunities for the sector and (e) information exchange and networking. For further details and registration log on to www.ifoam.org or contact Organizer, Organic Services GmbH, Landsberger Str. 527, 81241, Munchen, Germany, Tel - +49-89820759-07, Fax - +49-8982075919, Email ifoam.conference0708@organicservices.com.

BioFach China International Organic Trade Fair 2007 - BioFach China 2007 is scheduled for 31 May to 2 June 2007 at Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Centre, Shanghai, China. BioFach China is first and foremost exhibition for traders. Pioneering organic companies are required to show and explain their brands to consumers and consumers who need to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the special features and particularities of organic food production. As a consequence, BioFach China will not

only open its doors to consumers on the last day of the exhibition but also offer a specific consumer-education programme. For further details visit www.biofach-china.com.

East Africa Leading the Continent in Organic Agriculture: East African Organic Standard Goes Public - The second draft of an East African Organic Standard will be presented to the public on 13 December in Nairobi at the first Organic Standards Forum to be organized in Africa. The Kenyan Agriculture Secretary, Dr Wilson Songa, will open the forum, which is part of a week-long series of events focusing on organic agriculture in East Africa. The standard is being developed by a public-private partnership made up of East African businesses, Government Bureaus, Organic Movements and Certification bodies, in cooperation with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). East Africa currently leads the continent in exports of certified organic products. Domestic markets are also growing rapidly, in part through the efforts of the Kenyan Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), the Tanzanian Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM) and the National Organic Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU). Recently governments in the region have been throwing their support behind efforts to expand the sector. For draft EAOS and other documents visit: www.ifoam.org/partners/projects/osea.html, http://www.unep-unctad.org/cbtf/projecteastafrica.asp

International Conference on Organic Agriculture and Food Security - The International Conference on Organic Agriculture and Food Security will be held during May 3-5 2007 in FAO’s

Headquarters (Green Room) in Rome, Italy, in connection with the 33rd Session of the Committee on World Food Security (7-10 May 2007). The conference is being organized by The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, through its Inter-Departmental Working Group on Organic Agriculture, in partnership with: the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Third World Network (TWN) ... (list open). The Conference is open to all interested colleagues, including government, academic institutions, civil society and private sector institutions interested in organic agriculture and food security. The target audiences are the government delegates attending the 33rd Committee on Food Security and country representatives to FAO. Invitations for attendance will be only electronic, through dedicated websites. There is a need to clarify the contribution of organic agriculture to food security and to demystify this subject so that FAO can provide objective and informed advice to its member countries. Organic agriculture offers a rich arena for research and debate about the future, and FAO offers a unique forum for this knowledge exchange. The overall objective of the Conference is to shed light on the contribution of organic agriculture to food security, through the analysis of existing information in different agro-ecological areas of the world. The Conference will identify organic agriculture’s potential and limits in addressing the food security challenge, including conditions required for its success. The outcome of the Conference will be thorough assessment of the state of knowledge on organic agriculture and food security, including recommendations on areas for further

research and policy development. The Report of the Conference will be submitted to the 33rd Session of the Committee on Food Security, for information and further action. Conference’ specific goals are to:

• Comprehensively review existing information and evaluate the contribution of organic agriculture to food security;

• Create a platform for information and knowledge exchange between the organic community and FAO’s governing bodies on food security policies;

• Identify measures and actions required to enhance the performance of organic agriculture.

The FAO website on Organic Agriculture (www.fao.org/organicag) will serve for information dissemination throughout the preparatory process of the Conference. The Conference is free of charge. The Registration Form and dedicated Conference webpage will be available on-line, in February 2007, on the FAO website on Organic Agriculture. For further information, please contact Nadia Scialabba (nadia.scialabba@fao.org). A Congress on "Improving Sustainability in Organic and Low Input Food Production Systems" is to take place during March 20 – 23, 2007 at the University of Hohenheim near Stuttgart, Germany and is the 3rd in a series organized as part of the EU funded Integrated Project (IP) Quality Low Input Food (QLIF). The IP aims to improve quality, ensure safety and reduce cost along the organic and “low input” food supply chains through research, dissemination and training activities. The 2007 congress is organized by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in cooperation with the University of Hohenheim. The congress will be organized in parallel

with the 9th Scientific Conference on Organic Agriculture in the German speaking countries, entitled “Between tradition and globalization”,

organized by the University of Hohenheim near Stuttgart, Germany. This conference will have sessions held in German and English. The 9th Scientific Conference will gather more than 600 scientists, advisors, farmers, processors, traders and officials from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other countries. The dialogue between European research and regional actors is an important goal of the joint conference. The congress is supported by the International Society of Organic Agriculture Research (ISOFAR). For further details contact 3rd QLIF Congress Improving Sustainability in Organic and Low Input Food Production Systems c/o Research Institute of Organic Agriculture FiBL, Helga Willer, Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland, Tel. +41 62 8657207 Fax +41 62 8657273 26th Guelph Organics Conference - 26th Guelph Organics Conference was organized at University of Guelph during Jan 25 to 28th 2007 under the theme "Next Generation Organics". As per Tony and Fran McQuail, main presenters, “Our theme for this year focusses on youth, local organics, and the survival of the movement started by pioneers. Four full days of the event were full of incredible workshops, seminars with participation from novice to experts, an outstanding trade show filled with organic exhibits, a public forum and of course the best organic food. Two important topics of intense deliberrations were: "What Will the Next Generation of Organics be Like?" and “Organic Production Research”. OACC presented a seminar on organic crop, soil and livestock research from across Canada. A poster session accompanied the seminar. 26th Morning Seminars were

on"Sustainability & Organic Agriculture" by The 4th Annual Conference for Social Research in Organic Agriculture. This conference highlighted social-science research in the area of food, organic agriculture and future trends. On 27th there were concurrent sessions on: organic crop production, organic livestock and marketing, The transparant organic market, organics for a clean environment and organic crops for the small holder. The focus of discussion on Jan 28 was on latest GMO-related advocacy videos (GENEAction), Make your career in organics, Ontario & National Strategic Plans and Biodynamic Look at Nature Spirits. For further details and for availability of proceedings visit their website http://www.guelphorganicconf.ca/. The International Task Forec on Hormonization and Equivalence in Organic Agriculture (ITF) – The ITF composed of individuals working in government agencies, intergovernmental agencies, civil society and other private sector organizations invilved in organic agriculture regulation, standardization, accreditation, certification and trade. The ITF focusses on opportunities for hormonization, recognition, equivalence and other forms of cooperation within and between government and private sector organic guarantee systems. It commissions technical studies to fill information gaps and meets atleast once a year to discuss and agree on next steps. In its earlier meetings since 2003, ITF agreed to pursue a strategy comprised of following elements • Development of single international

reference standards • A mechanism for the judgement of

equivalence, based on reference standards

• One international requirement for organic certification bodies

• Common international approaches for recognition or approval of certification bodies.

ITF agreed to use or adapt existing structures and mechanisms of regultion, rather then establishing new entities, give special consideration to the situation of developing countries, ger actions towards cooperation at and between all levels: among and between governments (with or without an organic regulation), accreditation bodies and certification bodies. In the light of progress achieved so far, in its last meeting during 11-13th October 2006 at Stockholm, the ITF reognizes that a single reference for organic standards is not yet a feassible proposition. Although the guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and IFOAM Basic Standards (IBS) are very similar in content, their scope and governence are too distinct to be merged. The ITF however, realizes that having two international reference standards, from the public and private sector

respectively, is valuable, provided that there is effective linkage between the sectors. The ITF recommends that: (a) countries make every effort to utilize the ITF results in order to facilitate trade in organic sector, (b) Public-private participation be improved in decision making for both international organic standards, (c) Governments commit to using international standards as the reference point for import approvals, (d) The international requirements for organic certification bodies should be on the basis of ISO 65 and IFOAM accreditation criteria, (e) Government and private accreditation systems develop mutual recognition, (f) Equivalence of organic standards and technical regulations will be based on set of criteria being developed by ITF and (g) consideration is given to emerging alternatives to third party certification, such as participatory Guarantee Systems.

Organic Farmers Produce More

To investigate the economic viability of organic cotton farming and its impact on the livelihood of the involved farmers a detailed study on organic cotton farming was conducted in bioRe India project in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Over a period of two years, an Indo-Swiss research team collected and compared agronomic data from 60 organic and 60 conventional farms. It was interesting to note that the average cotton yields in organic fields were 4-6

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percent higher in the two years of observation. The research results show that organic cotton farming has the potential to be an economically sound business proposition even for small and marginal farmers. (Source – Eyehorn et al 2005, FiBL Report, www.fibl.org/english/cooperation/ projects/ maikaal-research-report)

India Organic News NPOP Evaluation Committee visits Germany and Italy – Under European Union and India “Trade and Investment Development Programme (TIDP)” the NPOP Evaluation Committee comprising of Dr. PVSM Gouri, Advisor (Organic) APEDA, Dr. A.K. Yadav, Director, NCOF, Dr. G. Chakraborti, Dy. Commissioner (INM), Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Y. Raghuramulu, Sr. Scientist Coffee Board, Mr Charles Kithu, Director, Spices Board, Dr. R.N. Bisoyi, Regional Director, RCOF, Bhubaneshwar, Dr. A.K. Sajindranath, Consultant (Organic Products), APEDA and Mr. Ashish Agarwal, Consultant (Organic Products), APEDA, visited Germany and Italy during 14 – 22 February, 2007 to study “Accreditation Process of Organic Certification, Quality Management and market trends in Europe”. First three days of the visit (15-17th February 2007) were exclusively devoted to BioFach exhibition-cum-congress and Forum Vivaness 2007, Nuremberg, Germany. Committee members participated in 8-10 technical sessions per day which were running concurrently. The visit to different country stalls and display of various organic products was an exhilarating experience. Frequent interaction with different accreditation bodies and certification bodies of many countries added valuable input. Milan and Bologna in Italy were next destinations. 19th February was the interaction day with the members of Government of Italy accreditation body under Agriculture Ministry and SINCERT Accreditation Organization (a private accreditation body) at Milan. In Italy there are two systems of accreditation, one is mandatory by Government of Italy, under Ministry of Agriculture and another voluntary, which is operated by

SINCERT. Out of the 16 certification bodies in Italy, while all are authorized by the Agriculture Ministry, only 9 are accredited by the SINCERT. But interestingly almost 90% of the certification is carried out by these 9 certification bodies. On 20th February the entire group proceeded for Bologna to witness the accreditation audit process of a certification body by SINCERT. While Dr. Gouri and Dr. Yadav witnessed and studied the auditing process of Consorzio Per il Controllo Dei Prodotti Biologici (a certification body having 3544 operators), other committee members visited another certification body and organic Cheese processing unit. On last day of the visit Dr. Gour and Dr. Raghuramulu studied the accreditation audit by SINCERT and other members visited another certification body ICEA, Bologna. In the afternoon, committee members were served with organic lunch at an all organic food restaurant. Visit to two exclusive organic stores and a brief discussion with organic food traders and processors was the concluding activity.

DASAGAVYA an organic growth promoter for crops - Dasagavya is prepared by mixing certain plant extracts along with panchagavya. The term Gavya is given to cow's products. Panchagavya comprises cow dung, cow urine, cow's milk, curd and ghee, suitably mixed to give beneficial growth effects on plants when sprayed on them. Dasagavya is prepared initially by thoroughly mixing 7 kg of fresh cow dung with 1 kg of ghee in a clean plastic drum. After two days, 10 litres of cow urine and 10 litres of water are added and the mixture is kept for 15 days. After 15 days, three litres of cow's milk, two litres of curd, three litres of tender coconut water, three kg of jaggery and 12 well-ripened Poovan (Tamil) banana fruits are added to the mixture and stirred well. The mixture is allowed to ferment for about 25 days, which encourages the growth and multiplication of certain beneficial bacteria and fungi," Foliar extracts of weeds such as Lantana camara, Leucas aspera, Datura metal, Phytolacca octandra, and Artemisia nilgirica, are then soaked in cow urine in the ratio 1:1 (1 kg chopped leaves in 1 litre cow urine) for ten days. These weeds are found abundantly along the roadsides and have been found to be resistant to pests and diseases, due probably to the presence of certain antifeedant substances that ward off pests. These plant extracts are then filtered, mixed well and added to the panchagavya solution in the ratio of 1:5. The mixture thus obtained is called dasagavya and has the potential to promote growth, boost immunity in the plant system to repel pests and control diseases. The mixture is stirred well everyday for about 20 days to ensure thorough mixing of panchagavya and the plant extracts. In addition, the Dasgavya has been found to enhance the biological efficiency of crop plants and the quality of fruits and vegetables. The dasagavya solution has to be filtered

before spraying to avoid clogging of sprayer nozzles. About three per cent dasagavya solution is recommended as a foliar spray for spraying over the plants. Soaking of seeds or dipping the roots of seedlings in three per cent dasagavya solution for about 30 minutes before planting is found to enhance seed germination and root development in plants. Dasagavya may be sprayed once every week for all vegetable and plantation crops. Spraying dasagavya is effective in controlling diseases such as leaf spot, blight, powdery mildew, rust of vegetables and cutflower crops and tea blister blight. Dasagavya also controls pests such as aphids, thrips, white flies, mites and also foliar caterpillars. Plants sprayed with dasagavya invariably produced bigger sized leaves and developed denser canopy with profuse rooting systems, which enabled higher intake of nutrients and water. The taste and shelf life of the treated vegetables and fruits were also found to be enhanced. The cost of production per litre of dasagavya works out to Rs.40, which is cheaper compared with plant protection chemicals and can be sold for up to Rs.90 per litre. Small-scale farmers and women self-help groups can start manufacturing dasagavya as a commercial venture. For more information readers may contact Prof. N. Selvaraj, Professor and Head, Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu, Phone: 0423-2442170, email: hrsooty@tnau.co.in. (Source – The Hindu May 18th 2006) Punjab plans 10% land under organic farming - The Punjab government has plans to bring one-third of the total agricultural land of the state under commercial and organic farming in the next ten years to enhance the income of farmers of the state. "In the next ten years, we would like to allocate 33 per cent of our total farm land to corporate,

commercial and organic farming with the active participation of big corporate and state owned organizations," Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh told reporters after addressing a labour rally in Khanna on Monday. Punjab has a total of about 105 lakh acres of agricultural land in the state. "On about 25 per cent of the total land, we would like to encourage new commercial and corporate farming projects by big companies such as Reliance and Bharti as well as state organisations like Punjab Agro. Organic farming is another area which needs to be promoted in the state. We have plans to bring at least 10 per cent of the land under organic farming," the Chief Minister said. (Source The Economic Times, May 30, 2006) Organic farming doing wonders for cultivators of Assam - For the orange cultivators of Dimoria, Assam Vrishkayurveda may be an unfamiliar name, but not Sashyagavya, a modified manure-cum-pesticide, (a variant of Panchgavya) which a noted botanist has brought to them building upon his knowledge of the Vrishkayurveda. Organic manures and pesticides including Sashyagavya has caught the attention of around 1,638 farmers including orange cultivators whose arable land is spanned across 2,100 hectares, encompassing not only Dimoria, but stretches of Panbari also. With organic cultivation well complemented by marketing policies, the last couple of years has seen the wheel of fortune turn in favour of the farmers of this area, many of whom have earned a minimum of Rs 50,000 from their orange orchards this season, which previously used to fetch them around Rs 20,000 only. One such farmer who is happy at the way things have changed for him after he started caring for his orchards in the eco-friendly way is Niren Rahang. Till 2004, his orange trees spread over a

plot of 30 bigha, brought him a sum of Rs 15,000 to 20,000, depending on the decisions of the middlemen and the trader. But since 2005, he has been getting Rs 1.20 per orange and sometimes even Rs 2 per orange. The reason behind this change of fortune — Rahang has registered himself with the Organic Farmers’ Association of Assam, which has been working for the promotion of organic farming since 2002. By emphasizing on quality, productivity and marketing, the association has been able to broaden the smiles of the farmers. The orchards of 1,638 registered members of the association have been certified by SKAL International, an organic certification agency based in the Netherlands. (Source – The Assam Tribute, 12 January 2007) Now, organic mushrooms - A group of scientists have successfully grown organic mushrooms in Himachal Pradesh. This is the first successful effort of its kind anywhere in the world to produce organic mushroom which is totally free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, B.L. Dhar, a senior scientist at National Research Centre for Mushroom (NRCM), said, "Until now it was thought that the compost used to grow mushroom could not be free of pesticide or chemical fertiliser, but we have already produced eight crops which are completely free of pesticides and chemical base," claimed Dr. Dhar. Residue analysis of the mushroom proves beyond doubt that it is a pure organic mushroom. Precautions need to be taken while growing the vegetable so that infection doesn't enter the mushroom beds. As per Dr. Dhar, "Our findings have also found mention at the recently held 16th mushroom Congress at Florida in the US". (Source - NewKerala_Com, India News Channel.htm)

Coconut leaf vermiwash stimulates crop yield - researchers at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod in Kerala have developed a technique of making vermiwash from coconut palms to increase crop yield. Farmers normally used the dried fallen coconut palms as a mulching material for their coconut trees. Now the research team has isolated a local strain of earthworm capable of vermicomposting the highly lignin and phenol rich coconut leaves. Fresh coconut leaf vermiwash is alkaline in nature and contains nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, calcium, magnesium and zinc in appreciable quantities, according to Dr. Murali Gopal, Senior Scientist of the institute. It also contains sugars, amino acids and phenols along with plant growth promoting hormones such as indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, and humic acid. The fresh vermiwash harbours a large number of beneficial microorganisms that help in plant growth and protects it from a number of infestations. Laboratory studies have proved that coconut leaf vermiwash improves the germination percentage of the seeds and seedling vigour of seeds such as cowpea and paddy crops. Experiments conducted on nutmeg, clove, pepper and vanilla have proved that the application of vermiwash has resulted in better shoot growth and more leaf production. Vermiwash application has increased higher root biomass with a number of fine root hairs that improve the water and mineral absorption capacity of plants. Vermiwash application stimulated the number of microorganisms particularly the free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria in the soil especially at the root region of the crops. Experiments conducted on bhendi (ladies' finger) showed that gall formation, a common infestation, was greatly controlled by regular application of vermiwash. It is advisable to dilute

coconut leaf vermiwash 5 to 10 times with water and then apply it to crops. For more information readers can contact Dr. Murali Gopal, Senior Scientist, Microbiology Section, CPCRI, Kasaragod - 671124, Kerala, phone: 04994-232893, email: mgcpcri@yahoo.co.in (Source – The Hindu, December 28, 2006) Organic hormone - Is there any method for making organic hormones apart from vermiwash for inducing good crop growth? As per the studies made by Shri L. Sakthivel, Erode, Tamil Nadu, farmers can make their own hormone solution. Mix about 5ml of coconut milk and buttermilk each in a mud pot and bury the pot under the soil for a period of 10 days for fermentation. After the stipulated time the fermented concoction should be distilled and diluted in water in the ratio of 1:10 and sprayed over the crops. (Source – The Hindu, January 11, 2007) Tie-up with Swiss agency to market organic shrimp farming - Organic aquaculture in India has taken a step forward by tying up with a Swiss government agency for aid in certification and marketing of organic shrimp farming. India should be able to establish its presence in the global organic aquaculture market by the year-end, said Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jairam Ramesh, as the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Swiss Import Promotion Programme (SIPPO) at `Indaqua 2007' here on Thursday. The three-year project with SIPPO will help India cash in on this market by enforcing international standards and certification, first in the shrimp processing plants, and then in farms and hatcheries. MPEDA chairman G. Mohan Kumar says that SIPPO will

also offer market linkages and ensure that premium prices flow down to farmers. "The big challenge is to cut the cost of the certification process so that it is accessible to small farmers," said Mr. Ramesh. The project will initially be implemented in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, and then expand to other states. Pointing out that India's processing plants work at just 20 per cent of their capacity, Mr. Ramesh said the country had the potential to become "outsourcing capital for fish." India was aiming to re-export one million tonnes of processed, value-added fish products over the next five to ten years. (Source – The Hindu, January 12, 2007)

Organic rice farming in Kuttanad belt of Kerala - A committed group of 32 farmers has successfully adopted organic rice cultivation in 32.8 hectares in Ayyanadu Padasekharam, Kerala. They were mobilized and fully supported with technical back up of three organizations- Ayyanadu Padasekhara Samiti, Kuttanadu Vikasana Samiti and Poabs Envirotech Private Limited, according to Mr. R. Hali, former Director of Agriculture, Kerala, who was part of the active advisory committee that closely monitored this group farming

exercise. A detailed calendar of operations of the integrated organic farming package was prepared by drawing the best scientific knowledge of scientists and technologists and rich practical experience of seasoned farmers. A proven high yielding variety `Uma', developed by the scientists at the Monkombu Rice Research Station, was raised with all the organic inputs. Prior to sowing, de-watering and weeding was done in time, and soil and water samples were analysed to determine the right dose of nutrients required to raise a healthy crop. A basal dose of 875 kg of organic manure, `Green Paddy Special' was applied per hectare, and biofertilizers such as Azospirillum and phosphorus solubilising microbial cultures were added to further enrich the soil. The sowing was over by October 18, 2004. After the first manual weeding, the luxuriant crop was top-dressed with 375 kg of the organic manure per hectare. Trichogramma predator egg cards were placed to protect the crop against stem borer pest. Enthusiastic farmers and technologists took up regular pest surveillance sorties, and the expert advisory committee carefully monitored the crop.

Standards and Regulation – Global View Year 2006 has witnessed the development of regulatory framework in many countries. Canada and Paraguay passed legislations and other elaborated drafts or revised existing legislation. The revision process of EU regulation 2092/91 on organic agriculture, however, received the most international attention in 2006. The process began at the end of 2005 is now almost complete. European Agriculture and Fisheries Council agreed on the outline of new organic regulation. Currently more than 60 countries have a regulation. Worldwide 395 organizations offer organic certification services. Most certification bodies are in Europe (160), followed by Asia (93) and North America (80). The countries with the most certification bodies are US, Japan, China and Germany. 40% of the certification bodies are approved by the European Union, 32% have ISO 65 accreditation and 28% are accredited under the US National Organic Program. (Source – The World of Organic Agriculture, Statistics and Emerging Trends 2007, Published by IFOAM and FiBL)

Book Review

Organic Food Production in North East India :Prospects and Aspects Edited by K. M. Bujarbaruah, B. K. Sharma, Narendra Prakash and Rajesh Kumar, 2006. Published by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, pages 276. The book is a compilation of different lecture notes delivered in Summer School on Organic Food Production organized during 5th – 25th August, 2004 at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The book comprises 29 articles under eight sections covering different aspects of organic food production in North East India. The first section deals with ‘Resource status and prospects of Organic Food Production’. While identifying the regions/pockets which are relatively easier to extend support for organic agriculture, the rainfed areas of hills and mountain ecosystems covering 30.8 million hectares under complex-diverse-risk prone (CDR) category in the country are potential pockets for organic agriculture. The 16.72 lakh hectare jhum land and 14.20 lakh hectare mid-altitude upland in North East India are organic by default and should come under certification. Development of eco-region specific roadmap for promoting organic production and capturing national/global organic market after capacity building within and outside the target pockets is needed. The next two sections are devoted to breeding and cropping systems for organic system of production. The 4th, 5th and 6th sections deal with management of soil fertility, production of horticultural crops and protection from pests and diseases in organic systems in 13 notes. To manage adequate nutrition to the crops, exploitation of agricultural, domestic and

industrial wastes, utilization of biofertilizers, vermicompost technology in an integrated manner is necessary. However, the question of feasibility in tapping external resources remains unanswered. In fact, the pulse of organic management system i.e closed system with no waste disposal and continuous recycling is under stressed. In horticulture, fruit crops viz. khasi mandarin, banana, pineapple, passion fruit, are already organic by default in the region, thus, needs to be certified. The same is true with ginger, turmeric also. Diverse vegetables in mixed cropping, intercropping mode with rotation can sustainably grown round the year to meet the vegetable requirement for the whole region with reasonable surplus to export outside region. Potato, one of the important crops, also discussed at length in one full chapter. The insect pest and disease management is the most daunting challenge for any organic growers, especially for horticultural crops. These aspects were covered only in three chapters whereas they could be more elaborative. Most of the pages were devoted to microbial/botanical formulations. The chapters are informative, however, discussion of a comprehensive strategy incorporating all the aspects of mechanical, chemical (with permitted compounds) and biological options was missing except a superficial overview. The last two sections with one article in each dealt with post harvest processing with value addition and indigenous technological know-how. In brief, the compilation is attractive, informative and well organized. However, some of the figures in the chapters become irrelevant due to the delay in releasing the book in 2006, October. Several repetition of same standards by various authors could have

been avoided at the editorial desks. Nonetheless, the compilation is worthy to be read to reckon with north east agriculture scenario in its organic canvass. (S. Raychaudhuri, Sr Scientist, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Imphal) Going Organic: Mobilising Networks for Environmentally Responsible Food Production - By S Lockie, K Lyons, G Lawrence and D Halpin CABI August 2006, 256 ISBN 1845931327 Price £49.00. This book sets out to examine what really is going on in the organic sector socially and politically. In the process, it debunks a number of apparently common-sense beliefs: that organic consumers are wealthy environmental and health extremists; that growth in the industry will inevitably undermine its environmental values; that mainstream media is antagonistic to organics; and that the industry is driven by consumer demand. This book seeks to make a practical contribution to the development of more sustainable food systems by articulating what it takes to get people involved in organics at each stage of the food chain.

Organic Agriculture A Global Perspective, Edited by P Kristiansen, A Taji and J Reganold CABI July 2006, 320 pp ISBN 1845931696 Price £75.00 - There is a growing niche market world-wide for organic produce. However there are considerable problems in expanding organic production and it is often considered a lifestyle or philosophical choice rather than an alternative source of ideas to improve farming systems. This book provides an overview of organic systems, from production through to the economic, social and political aspects. It presents a critical appraisal of the successes and limitations of organic

production systems and highlights recent innovations. Contents are divided into four sections viz: Organic production, Regulatory and management issues, Beyond the farm gate and Knowledge and capacity building. The book concludes by looking at the future challenges facing the organic agriculture industry.

The Common Agricultural Policy and Organic Farming: An Institutional Perspective on Continuity & Change, By K Lynggaard CABI August 2006 224 pp ISBN 1845931149 Price £49.95 - How institutional change may be captured and conceptualized is currently an important issue facing the agri-economics sector. This book deals with the question of how we may capture and conceptualize the type of institutional change which is ideational in nature. The book discusses the institutional change within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with a specific focus on the development of organic farming as a policy field in the period from 1970 to 2005. The important chapters of the book include (i) The Common Agricultural Policy and Institutional Change Institutional Change (ii) Rational Choice, Historical and Sociological Perspectives (iii) A Discursive Institutional Approach and its Analytical Implications (iv) The Translation and Institutionalization of the World Problematique (1968-1977) (v) The Translation and Institutionalization of Environmental Ideas within the CAP (1978-1985) (vi) Conflicts over Meaning and Policy Entrepreneurship within the CAP (1986-1992) (vii) The Formation of a Policy Field: Organic Farming within the CAP (1993-2005) and (viii) Conclusions.

Long Term Field Experiments in Organic Farming. ISOFAR Scientific Series No 1. 2006 Edited by Raupp, Joachim, Carola Pekrun, Meike

Oltmanns, Ulrich Köpke : Verlag Dr. Köster, Berlin, Germany. ISBN-Nr. 3-89574-590-1, Price 25 € - A number of cultivation methods in Organic Agriculture, such as diversified crop rotations and the application of organic manure, have a long-term effect, especially on the physical, biological and microbial parameters of soils. It often takes decades for the quantity and quality of soil organic matter to reach a new dynamic equilibrium. Long-term experiments are thus essential to investigate the effects of crop rotations and organic fertilization on soils and, as a result, on crops. The continuation of long-term experiments is therefore of particular importance to Organic Agriculture. This volume contains a selection of 12 long-term experiments conducted under different site conditions in Germany, the USA, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria and Israel. Each experiment has a unique concept and scientific approach. But their common objective is to investigate characteristics of Organic Agriculture regarding key parameters of soil fertility, crop yield and quality. Many also examine environmental and economic parameters. This volume is the first comprehensive publication of that kind, based on the activities of ISOFAR’s working group for Long-Term Experiments (LTE). Profitable Organic Farming, By Jon Newton, Blackwell Publishing 2006, ISBN: 9780632059591 Price £41.99 - The demand for food produced from sustainable and organic farm enterprises continues to grow worldwide, with demand exceeding supply for many items. This book covers every aspect of an organic farm enterprise that can have an influence on profitability. Topics covered in this volume include grassland productivity, production systems for dairy, beef, sheep, pig, poultry and arable farms, farm size and enterprise

combinations, organic standards, financial management, marketing, success factors and progress by organic farmers. The book concludes with a new chapter covering potential future scenarios for organic farming. Drawing on new information available in the area and including case studies from successful organic farm businesses, the author has tried to make this book of commercial use to a wide range of workers including organic farm managers and those wishing to commence organic farming operations. The book is also of great use and interest to agricultural scientists and students and those working in government and regional agricultural advisory services worldwide. Integrated Organic Farming, edited by Malini Srinivasan, L. S. Saraswathi, et al., TVS Educational Society, 18, East Avenue, Kesava Perumal Puram, Chennai-600 028, p. 440 - The book presents a persuasive case for traditional organic farming as a holistic eco-friendly process in contrast to chemical intensive farming. It supports the thesis convincingly by presenting case studies of successful organic farmers in India and other advanced countries, highlighting the harmony of these farming processes with the natural cycles. The book is divided in six sections. Section one deals with the history of agriculture beginning 2000 years ago till1960s. Further it dwells in some detail on the green and the white revolution and their impact on land, water and air and on our food. The second section on bio ecosystems explains the traditional ways of dividing land, according to their location - as coastal areas, hills, mountains, deserts and plains. Natural cycles of water, carbon, nitrogen and energy and their impact on food security are described in simple and clear terms. This chapter explains the basic conceptual frames

through which our traditions viewed agriculture. The third section titled, "Resources Conservation and Management" rightly emphasizes the importance of watershed development, soil and water conservation, and the effective management of crop cycle patterns. The need to change the prevalent practices of hybridised chemical based cultivation and to bring back the traditional method of agriculture with new techniques are stated with great conviction in section four.

Integrated farm production methods are enumerated in section five. The last section explains integrated plant protection measures and stresses the need for holistic way of protecting the crops. It shows how plants can be safeguarded from harmful insects in natural ways without using any chemicals. It lists out several decoctions used by farmers to prevent various pests. This part would serve as a handy reference manual for farmers. (AKY)

Productivity and Economics in Organic Farming:

While analyzing the salient features of study conducted by Morarka Foundation with over 250,000 registered farmers for conversion to organic, the following conclusions are made:

• Of the total farmers registered for organic conversion, about 35 percent are engaged in rain-fed agriculture, 45 percent farmers have partly irrigated lands (30-60% of their lands being irrigated) and the remaining 30 percent farmers belong to fully irrigated conditions.

• All the farmers put together in one category, they produce an average of Rs. 87,500/- worth of total output (including value of items produced and consumed in kind).

• Excluding home consumption, an average of Rs. 43,750/- worth of output is sold for cash by the farmers.

• On an average, 40 percent of marketable surplus is sold in the local vicinity i.e. within the producing areas itself. About 50 percent of the marketable surplus is going into the traditional marketing channels without being labeled as organic. Only 10 percent of the marketable surplus is being sold as value added product, mainly due to the quality parameters.

• Of the total land under organic management (registered for organic conversion, in-conversion and certified) almost 70 percent of it has been traditionally practicing organic methods for fertility and pest management. Loss of yield due to conversion into organic for them has not been a criteria.

• 30 percent farmers converting to organic have reported 10-30 percent reduction in the quantities of outputs. However, a large proportion of this loss has been compensated due to the savings in the cost of cultivation (average of Rs. 3000/- per hectare cash expenditures) and better realization (mostly because of better quality of produce). In case of spices, fruits and vegetables the net realizations after conversion to organic have gone up by 15-50 percent.

• For all categories of farmers put together, the man-days of employment on organic farms have gone up from an average of 95 man-days to 150 man-days per hectare per year.

• The promotions, supports, linkages, etc. required for organic farming have helped generate one agri-business enterprise for an average of 100 hectares certified organic land. The value addition activities are also generating an additional 17 man-days of employment per hectare.

Mukesh Gupta, M.R. Morarka-GDC Rural Research Foundation, Jaipur-303905. info@morarkango.com www.morarkango.com