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- | === Site visits and Surveys === | + | ===== Site visits and Surveys |
These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]' | These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]' | ||
- | * **Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam** | + | ====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. | + | 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:// |
{{: | {{: | ||
- | * **Current Status of Organic farming in India** | + | ====Case Study Delhi==== |
- | + | ||
- | Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term ' | + | |
- | getting popularity in recent times, but it was initiated in 10000 years back when ancient farmers started cultivation depending on natural sources only. There is brief mention of several organic inputs in our ancient literatures like Rigveda, Ramayana, Mahabharata, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The term " | + | |
- | * To work as much as possible within a closed system, and draw upon local resources. | + | |
- | * To maintain the long-term fertility of soils. | + | |
- | * To avoid all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural techniques. | + | |
- | * To produce foodstuffs of high nutritional quality and sufficient quantity. | + | |
- | * To reduce the use of fossil energy in agricultural practice to a minimum. | + | |
- | * To give livestock conditions of life that confirm to their physiological need. | + | |
- | * To make it possible for agricultural producers to earn a living through their work and develop their potentialities as human being. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The four pillars of organic farming are: Organic standards, Certification/ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The Indian Agriculture is traditionally organic and farmers were following organic cultivation till the middle of the last century (1950). The Green | + | |
- | Revolution was ushered in India during sixty and it has been the cornerstone of India' | + | |
- | agriculture in the long run calling attention for sustainable production which will address soil health, human health and environmental health and eco-friendly agriculture. Organic farming appears to be one of the options for sustainability. Starting of organic agriculture in India in 1900 by Sir Albert Howard, a British agronomist in North India, Development of Indore Method of aerobic compost (Howard, 1929), Bangalore method of | + | |
- | anaerobic compost (Archarya, 1934), NADEP Compost (ND Pandari Panda, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The year 2000 was a very important year for India from organic point of view. The four major happenings during this year were: | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * The Planning Commission constituted (2000) a steering group on agriculture who identified organic farming as National challenge and suggested it should be taken in the form of a project as major thrust area for 10th-plan. The group recommended organic farming in North Eastern Region, rain fed areas and in the areas where the consumption of agro chemicals is low or negligible. | + | |
- | * The National Agricultural Policy(2000) recommended promotion of traditional knowledge of agriculture relating to organic farming and its scientific upgradation. | + | |
- | * The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture constituted (2000) a Taskforce on organic farming. | + | |
- | * The Ministry of Commerce launched the National Organic Programme in April 2000 and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production(NPOP). | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Vast stretches of India and its farmers continue to be organic by default. Organic fertilizer and natural pest control are the only tools available to most of these farmers, who have always lacked the financial resources to explore chemical solutions. Further, a significant number of them have chosen to farm organically, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | http:// | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Global statistics do not reflect this fact about India! As per the study (2004) of the Foundation Ecology and Agriculture (known as SOEL), | + | |
- | the global organic area is 24 million ha. The major part of this area is located in Australia (about 10 million hectares), Argentina | + | |
- | (almost 3million hectares. Australia /Oceania holds 42% of the world' | + | |
- | than 61,000. In 2004, India' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The fees for registering a farm as ' | + | |
- | Further, almost all bank loans are for pure crop farmers, that is, monoculturalists. While many of these big-business farmers use harmful chemicals and processes, small farmers fertilizing their soil with recycled organic wastes are usually ineligible for insurance, much less state subsidies. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | * **Case Study Delhi** | + | |
Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi: | Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi: | ||
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* " | * " | ||
- | "Many people are still going in for traditional farming, which is mostly organic. Four million hectares (9.8 million acres) of land are now devoted to certified organic farming for export, including of mangoes, spices and nuts." | + | "Many people are still going in for traditional farming, which is mostly organic. Four million hectares (9.8 million acres) of land are now devoted to certified organic farming for export, including of mangoes, spices and nuts." The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed standards for organic exports, and mandatory domestic standards are in the works. This will make it easier and cheaper for farmers to get the kind of accreditation that is recognised abroad. |
- | The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has developed standards for organic exports, and mandatory domestic standards are in the works. This will make it easier and cheaper for farmers to get the kind of accreditation that is recognised abroad. | + | |
- | * In New Delhi, the **Navdanya** outlets started by environmentalist Vandana Shiva source organic oils and lentils from small farmers. Through their direct market initiative, they also bring different varieties of rice, wheat, flour, dals, rajma, spices, edible oils, breakfast cereals, natural sweeteners, millets, cookies, jams, pickles, squashes, culinary herbs etc. Recently they have partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to avail an existing network of HPCL centres which double up as organic outlets. | + | * In New Delhi, the **Navdanya** outlets started by environmentalist Vandana Shiva source organic oils and lentils from small farmers. Through their direct market initiative, they also bring different varieties of rice, wheat, flour, dals, rajma, spices, edible oils, breakfast cereals, natural sweeteners, millets, cookies, jams, pickles, squashes, culinary herbs etc. Recently they have partnered with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) to avail an existing network of HPCL centres which double up as organic outlets.((http:// |
- | * One of the country' | + | * One of the country' |
* 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. | ||
- | http://www.navdanya.org/organic/outlets.htm | + | In Delhi, apart from the ridge forest which is the capital' |
- | http://www.terradaily.com/ | + | Home gardens are commonly seen in New Delhi with the role of the local ' |
- | http://www.twocircles.net/ | + | {{:perma71.jpg|}} |
+ | {{:perma70.jpg|}} | ||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | {{:perma72.jpg|}} | ||
- | http:// | + | For more details about organic farming around Delhi, please click on the links below: |
- | http://www.iccoa.org/ | + | * {{:ciks_workreport_2007.pdf|}}(2006-2007 CIKS:Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems report on organic farming in india) |
- | http://www.ciks.org/ciks%20workreport%202007.pdf (2006-2007 CIKS:Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems report on organic farming in india) | + | * http://www.terradaily.com/reports/ |
- | http://www.fabindia.com/faq.asp?cate=30 | + | * http://www.twocircles.net/2008feb05/ |
+ | * http:// | ||
- | In Delhi, apart from the ridge forest which is the capital' | + | * http://www.iccoa.org/ |
- | + | ||
- | Home gardens are commonly seen in New Delhi with the role of the local ' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | {{: | + | |
- | {{: | + | |
- | {{: | + | |
- | {{: | + | |
==Extract from Peri-urban agriculture in India by D S Bhupal, Dr. Fiona Marshall, Dolf te Lintelo== | ==Extract from Peri-urban agriculture in India by D S Bhupal, Dr. Fiona Marshall, Dolf te Lintelo== | ||
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* Urban food security is becoming a matter of increasing concern and urban poverty is reflected in the nutritional status of people. | * Urban food security is becoming a matter of increasing concern and urban poverty is reflected in the nutritional status of people. | ||
* The main urban agricultural area in the core area of the city of Delhi is the floodplain along the Yamuna River. The area beyond the urban conglomeration of " | * The main urban agricultural area in the core area of the city of Delhi is the floodplain along the Yamuna River. The area beyond the urban conglomeration of " | ||
- | * Urbanization and industrialization affect agriculture in the peri-urban areas, as population pressure from the city results in changes in land use - from agricultural to urban land use, be it for housing, commercial, industrial or other purposes. Where the land use remains agricultural, | + | * Urbanization and industrialization affect agriculture in the peri-urban areas, as population pressure from the city results in changes in land use , from agricultural to urban land use, be it for housing, commercial, industrial or other purposes. Where the land use remains agricultural, |
* The role of agriculture as a livelihood strategy for the poor in peri-urban areas: access to land and water is the prime condition for urban peri agriculture | * The role of agriculture as a livelihood strategy for the poor in peri-urban areas: access to land and water is the prime condition for urban peri agriculture | ||
* Wheat, rice and great and spiked millet are cultivated on most of the agricultural land. Vegetable cultivation is also popular. | * Wheat, rice and great and spiked millet are cultivated on most of the agricultural land. Vegetable cultivation is also popular. | ||
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//Assessing constraints to production:// | //Assessing constraints to production:// | ||
In view of the general lack of awareness about the significance of UPA, creating effective linkages with research and policy communities is of prime importance. Firstly, this requires the identification of key stakeholders from government, private sector and non-governmental organizations. Secondly, in-depth analysis of the existing legal-administrative, | In view of the general lack of awareness about the significance of UPA, creating effective linkages with research and policy communities is of prime importance. Firstly, this requires the identification of key stakeholders from government, private sector and non-governmental organizations. Secondly, in-depth analysis of the existing legal-administrative, | ||
- | The policy environment in general is marked by a common dichotomy between urban and rural development administration and policies, leaving little scope for acknowledgement of the specific characteristics and needs of agriculture in the urban and peri-urban areas. Agricultural policies are primarily designed for rural areas, and are therefore not always compatible with the needs of UPA farmers. To bridge this gap, opportunities for linking up with activities and programmes need to be identified. | + | The policy environment in general is marked by a common dichotomy between urban and rural development administration and policies, leaving little scope for acknowledgement of the specific characteristics and needs of agriculture in the urban and peri-urban areas. Agricultural policies are primarily designed for rural areas, and are therefore not always compatible with the needs of UPA farmers. To bridge this gap, opportunities for linking up with activities and programmes need to be identified. |
+ | |||
+ | * **Current Status of 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 ' | ||
+ | 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' | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The term " | ||
+ | * To work as much as possible within a closed system, and draw upon local resources. | ||
+ | * To maintain the long-term fertility of soils. | ||
+ | * To avoid all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural techniques. | ||
+ | * To produce foodstuffs of high nutritional quality and sufficient quantity. | ||
+ | * To reduce the use of fossil energy in agricultural practice to a minimum. | ||
+ | * To give livestock conditions of life that confirm to their physiological need. | ||
+ | * To make it possible for agricultural producers to earn a living through their work and develop their potentialities as human being. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The four pillars of organic farming are: Organic standards, Certification/ | ||
+ | Revolution, ushered in India during the 1960's is often seen as the cornerstone of India' | ||
+ | agriculture in the long run calling attention for sustainable production which will address soil health, human health and environmental health and eco-friendly agriculture. Organic farming appears to be one of the options for sustainability. Starting of organic agriculture in India in 1900 by Sir Albert Howard, a British agronomist in North India, Development of Indore Method of aerobic compost (Howard, 1929), Bangalore method of | ||
+ | anaerobic compost (Archarya, 1934), NADEP Compost (ND Pandari Panda, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The year 2000 was a very important year for India from organic point of view. The major happenings during this year were: | ||
+ | * The Planning Commission constituted (2000) a steering group on agriculture who identified organic farming as National challenge and suggested it should be taken in the form of a project as major thrust area for 10th-plan. The group recommended organic farming in North Eastern Region, rain fed areas and in the areas where the consumption of agro chemicals is low or negligible. | ||
+ | * The National Agricultural Policy(2000) recommended promotion of traditional knowledge of agriculture relating to organic farming and its scientific upgradation. | ||
+ | * The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture constituted (2000) a Taskforce on organic farming. | ||
+ | * The Ministry of Commerce launched the National Organic Programme in April 2000 and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production(NPOP). | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vast stretches of India and its farmers continue to be organic by default. Organic fertilizer and natural pest control are the only tools available to most of these farmers, who have always lacked the financial resources to explore chemical solutions. Further, a significant number of them have chosen to farm organically, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Global statistics do not reflect this fact about India! As per the study (2004) of the Foundation Ecology and Agriculture (known as SOEL), | ||
+ | the global organic area is 24 million ha. The major part of this area is located in Australia (about 10 million hectares), Argentina | ||
+ | (almost 3million hectares. Australia /Oceania holds 42% of the world' | ||
+ | than 61,000. In 2004, India' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The fees for registering a farm as ' | ||
+ | Further, almost all bank loans are for pure crop farmers, that is, monoculturalists. While many of these big-business farmers use harmful chemicals and processes, small farmers fertilizing their soil with recycled organic wastes are usually ineligible for insurance, much less state subsidies. | ||
+ | |||
+ | For detailed and comparative analysis please click on the document below: | ||
+ | * {{: | ||
+ | For details about Bhaskar Save's natural farming methods, please click on the document below: | ||
+ | * {{: | ||
+ | * {{: | ||
==Chandni Chowk, Delhi== | ==Chandni Chowk, Delhi== | ||
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{{: | {{: | ||
- | ==TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department((http:// | + | ==TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions), |
- | Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens) in Delhi using the following plants: | + | Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens)((http:// |
* Holy basil (English), Rama tulsi (Hindi). The plant is used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, diarrhea and dysentery. | * Holy basil (English), Rama tulsi (Hindi). The plant is used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, diarrhea and dysentery. | ||
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* Lemon grass (English), Gandhatrina (Hindi). The herb is a stimulant (increases physical or nervous activity), diaphoretic (increases perspiration), | * Lemon grass (English), Gandhatrina (Hindi). The herb is a stimulant (increases physical or nervous activity), diaphoretic (increases perspiration), | ||
* 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. | * 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. | + | * Vasaka (English), Adusa (Hindi). Used for treating bronchitis, asthma, and dental ailments.((http:// |
- | + | ||
- | 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 article: | + | |
+ | 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: | ||
* {{: | * {{: | ||
* {{: | * {{: | ||
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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 the document below: | ||
* {{: | * {{: | ||
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==Rainforest Retreat== | ==Rainforest Retreat== | ||
- | The Rainforest Retreat 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:// |
* 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. | ||
* Recycling all forms of materials generated on the farm | * Recycling all forms of materials generated on the farm | ||
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The complete report can be seen here: | The complete report can be seen here: | ||
- | {{: | + | * {{: |
- | ==" | + | |
+ | ==" | ||
" | " | ||
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This extensive exercise in quantitative analysis and modeling was the foundation for a reimagining of the city of Panjim, following the newly framed principles of " | This extensive exercise in quantitative analysis and modeling was the foundation for a reimagining of the city of Panjim, following the newly framed principles of " | ||
- | RUrbanism involves transforming the city into a symbiotic partner with both nature and rural culture and a net producer of resources and value, rather than a parasitic consumer. | + | RUrbanism involves transforming the city into a symbiotic partner with both nature and rural culture and a net producer of resources and value, rather than a parasitic consumer.((http:// |
- | + | ||
- | ==International Plants Expo, Dubai==((http:// | + | |
- | Held from March 04-06, 2008 IPM DUBAI ia a focussed trade exhibition | + | ==International Plants Expo, Dubai== |
- | {{:perma31.jpg|}} | + | {{:perma83.jpg|}} |
- | 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:// | + | Held from March 04-06, 2008 IPM DUBAI((http:// |
{{: | {{: | ||