Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision		 Previous revision
Next revisionBoth sides next revision
site_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-04-01 15:12] – sanjeevsite_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-04-14 18:41] – sanjeev
Line 1: Line 1:
-=== Site visits and Surveys === +===== Site visits and Surveys =====
 These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]'s research, which is summarised in his [[research_report_sanjeev-shankar|research report]] These notes form a part of [[sanjeev shankar]]'s research, which is summarised in his [[research_report_sanjeev-shankar|research report]]
  
-* **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.((http://www.dehortus.nl/index.asp))+Established in 1663, the hortus is one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world with more than 6000 plants from all over. What started out as a medicinal herb garden, the hortus grows only pure plant species, as they are found in nature. It is also the first botanic garden in the Netherlands to display the molecular systemics of plants to ev}}eryone and continues to organize various cultural, educational and botanical activities through out the year.((http://www.dehortus.nl/index.asp))
  
 {{:perma68.jpg|}} {{:perma68.jpg|}}
  
  
-* **Case Study Delhi**+====Delhi, India====
  
 Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi: Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi:
Line 41: Line 40:
  
   * {{:ciks_workreport_2007.pdf|}}(2006-2007 CIKS:Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems report on organic farming in india)   * {{:ciks_workreport_2007.pdf|}}(2006-2007 CIKS:Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems report on organic farming in india)
- 
   * http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Organic_Farms_Provide_A_Clue_For_India_Struggling_Farms_999.html   * http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Organic_Farms_Provide_A_Clue_For_India_Struggling_Farms_999.html
- 
   * http://www.twocircles.net/2008feb05/back_roots_india_digs_organic_vegetables.html   * http://www.twocircles.net/2008feb05/back_roots_india_digs_organic_vegetables.html
- 
   * http://manipur.nic.in/rbdc/organicfarming.htm    * http://manipur.nic.in/rbdc/organicfarming.htm 
- 
   * http://www.iccoa.org/    * http://www.iccoa.org/ 
  
-==Extract from Peri-urban agriculture in India by D S Bhupal, Dr. Fiona Marshall, Dolf te Lintelo==+====Chandni Chowk, Delhi==== 
 + 
 +Also known as the 'moonlight junction', Chandni Chowk is a dense and chaotic urban setting, designed in the 15th century by the mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The place has been a dynamic and thriving epicentre of whole sale trade in north India for 600 years and continues to seamlessly absorb the changes over time. In his search for 'green' spots in this place, the researcher witnessed how religion plays a crucial role in creating a narrative which brings much needed spiritual base for having an inclusive ethical approach in wake of growing pressure from real estate groups. During his visit to a 15th century traditional haveli Sanjeev saw a huge 'peepal' tree. The tree has remained there for over 300 years with changes in built form happening all around it. As the researcher walked through the labyrinthine streets to see more informal courtyards and smaller, personal touches of green: marigold flowers in front of the temple, the small 'jamun' tree in the court yard, 'tulsi', 'kadi patta' and money plants, he sees how even in an extremely dense settlement like this, people find ways to establish their links with nature. A visit to one of the oldest jain temples gives a new insight into how most religions have had a sustainable approach to life. A priest informed the researcher, 'Jain monks are like grazing cattle;they never take too much from one place or person. They take small amounts and then move onto the next spot.' 
 + 
 +{{:perma75.jpg|}} 
 +{{:perma76.jpg|}} 
 + 
 +===Extract from Peri-urban agriculture in India by D S Bhupal, Dr. Fiona Marshall, Dolf te Lintelo===
  
   * The rural-peri-urban-urban continuum itself is dynamic in nature and the changes are more marked around cities that are rapidly urbanizing or growing both economically and spatially.   * The rural-peri-urban-urban continuum itself is dynamic in nature and the changes are more marked around cities that are rapidly urbanizing or growing both economically and spatially.
Line 78: Line 80:
 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 in India====
  
 Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term 'organic farming' is Organic farming is gathering momentum all over the globe and is currently practiced in more than 100 countries. Although the term 'organic farming' is
Line 121: Line 123:
   * {{:letter_from_indian_farmer.pdf|}}   * {{:letter_from_indian_farmer.pdf|}}
  
-==Chandni Chowk, Delhi== +====TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions),Bangalore====
- +
-Also known as the 'moonlight junction', Chandni Chowk is a dense and chaotic urban setting, designed in the 15th century by the mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The place has been a dynamic and thriving epicentre of whole sale trade in north India for 600 years and continues to seamlessly absorb the changes over time. In his search for 'green' spots in this place, the researcher witnessed how religion plays a crucial role in creating a narrative which brings much needed spiritual base for having an inclusive approach in wake of growing pressure from real estate groups. My visit to a 15th century traditional haveli saw a huge 'peepal' tree. The tree has remained in place for over 300 years with changes in built form happening all around it. As Sanjeev walked through the labyrinthine streets to see more informal courtyards and smaller, personal touches of green: marigold flowers in front of the temple, the small 'jamun' tree in the court yard, 'tulsi', 'kadi patta' and money plants, he sees how even in an extremely dense settlement like this, people find ways to establish their links with nature. A visit to one of the oldest jain temples gives a new insight into how most religions have had a sustainable approach to life. A priest informs Sanjeev, 'jain monks are like grazing cattle;they never take too much from one place or person. They take small amounts and then move onto the next spot.' +
- +
-{{:perma75.jpg|}} +
-{{:perma76.jpg|}}  +
- +
-==TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions),Bangalore==+
  
 Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens)((http://www.teriin.org)) in Delhi using the following plants:  Community outreach program of HHG(home herbal gardens)((http://www.teriin.org)) in Delhi using the following plants: 
Line 149: Line 144:
  
  
- * **Case Study South India** +====Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary====
- +
-==Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary==+
  
 Spread over 55 acres, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is a garden of wild plant species grown at the edge of a large rainforest reserve in the Western Ghat Mountains of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to conservation and education. Founded in 1981, the Sanctuary restores endangered species and habitats in a highly fragmented landscape, where only a fraction of original forest remains and much of the native flora has been tragically and sometimes deliberately extracted or “cleaned up” for human use. While witnessing the exuberant growth of anthuriums and begonias around us, we discuss the impact of the growing popularity of ayurveda and organic teas on the forests and how their price does not reflect the real price we all are paying in the long run. I am told the amount of bio mass which goes into their production is shockingly high. Of course there are issues of the rise and fall of tea and coffee prices and how economics and ecology have become interlinked. We move on and see the epiphytic orchids in the orchidarium conserved in the most impressive manner. I am told that out of 300000 known plants about 30000 are orchids. The sanctuary itself is a repository of over 2000 plant species which is about one-third of the entire regions flora. These have been rescued from degraded and destroyed environments. While we are told about a pit viper which is often seen coiled up among the plants, another viper quietly waits next to the pond, attracted by the numerous frogs that breed there. Conservation in this district of Wayanad, where the original settlers were small migrant farmers with immediate survival needs, is an exceptionally challenging job. Fighting for the last bits of rain forests is not a choice, but a crucial need and responsibility here. The care and patience with which these plants have been brought back to life, I feel there is no other way to protect them. Such single minded focus is what makes this place special.  Spread over 55 acres, the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary is a garden of wild plant species grown at the edge of a large rainforest reserve in the Western Ghat Mountains of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to conservation and education. Founded in 1981, the Sanctuary restores endangered species and habitats in a highly fragmented landscape, where only a fraction of original forest remains and much of the native flora has been tragically and sometimes deliberately extracted or “cleaned up” for human use. While witnessing the exuberant growth of anthuriums and begonias around us, we discuss the impact of the growing popularity of ayurveda and organic teas on the forests and how their price does not reflect the real price we all are paying in the long run. I am told the amount of bio mass which goes into their production is shockingly high. Of course there are issues of the rise and fall of tea and coffee prices and how economics and ecology have become interlinked. We move on and see the epiphytic orchids in the orchidarium conserved in the most impressive manner. I am told that out of 300000 known plants about 30000 are orchids. The sanctuary itself is a repository of over 2000 plant species which is about one-third of the entire regions flora. These have been rescued from degraded and destroyed environments. While we are told about a pit viper which is often seen coiled up among the plants, another viper quietly waits next to the pond, attracted by the numerous frogs that breed there. Conservation in this district of Wayanad, where the original settlers were small migrant farmers with immediate survival needs, is an exceptionally challenging job. Fighting for the last bits of rain forests is not a choice, but a crucial need and responsibility here. The care and patience with which these plants have been brought back to life, I feel there is no other way to protect them. Such single minded focus is what makes this place special. 
Line 167: Line 160:
  
  
-==Rainforest Retreat==+====Rainforest Retreat====
  
 The Rainforest Retreat((http://www.rainforestours.com/)) is an eco-lodge located on an Organic Spice Plantation (MOJO Plantation) nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats (in Kodagu district of southern Karnataka). Founded by Dr. Sujata, a botanist and Anurag Goel, a molecular biologist turned organic farmer, their business model is based on sharing the nuances of organic farming with the visitors apart from selling locally grown cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Their methods are based on the following prnciples aimed at working toward generating a sustainable agri-ecosystem in the fragile environment:  The Rainforest Retreat((http://www.rainforestours.com/)) is an eco-lodge located on an Organic Spice Plantation (MOJO Plantation) nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats (in Kodagu district of southern Karnataka). Founded by Dr. Sujata, a botanist and Anurag Goel, a molecular biologist turned organic farmer, their business model is based on sharing the nuances of organic farming with the visitors apart from selling locally grown cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and coffee. Their methods are based on the following prnciples aimed at working toward generating a sustainable agri-ecosystem in the fragile environment: 
Line 185: Line 178:
  
  
-==Beaulah Farm==+====Beaulah Farm====
  
 Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of the Nilgiris in South India, Beulah Farm provides the chance visitor a rare personal treat in the state of Tamil Nadu. The place which was founded by Eapen Jacob, does not fall within the usual tourist circuit. One may stumble upon it in the course of meandering walks one usually takes in the hills. Around the cottage, what looks like a wild tangle of a garden, each shrub, plant and bush makes up the herb garden which has been lovingly nurtured and tended to by Eapen, who plays music to his plants every day! From the three different kinds of basil and four different kinds of mint, the rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Passion fruits, Malta oranges, lemons make the fruit orchard, along with the strawberry patch. All of these go into making wines, liqueurs, tart marmalades, rhubarb jam and preserves made in a unique way in Sandalwood barrels on the farm. 23 different varieties of Rose wine (including a green and a black rose), guava squash, mint liqueur and a horse radish wine are some of his most popular products, all made in an organic way perfected over the last 25 years. In Jacob's own words, 'Not a grain of yeast or any chemical has gone into the brewing of the wines. We even make our own fertilizers and a gaggle of geese act as his pest control measure.' The liquid organic manure made from sheep and fowl droppings is high in nitrogen and perfect for all the farm produce except for strawberries as it results in extensive leaf growth. Tucked away in a picturesque pocket of the Nilgiris in South India, Beulah Farm provides the chance visitor a rare personal treat in the state of Tamil Nadu. The place which was founded by Eapen Jacob, does not fall within the usual tourist circuit. One may stumble upon it in the course of meandering walks one usually takes in the hills. Around the cottage, what looks like a wild tangle of a garden, each shrub, plant and bush makes up the herb garden which has been lovingly nurtured and tended to by Eapen, who plays music to his plants every day! From the three different kinds of basil and four different kinds of mint, the rosemary, thyme, sage and parsley. Passion fruits, Malta oranges, lemons make the fruit orchard, along with the strawberry patch. All of these go into making wines, liqueurs, tart marmalades, rhubarb jam and preserves made in a unique way in Sandalwood barrels on the farm. 23 different varieties of Rose wine (including a green and a black rose), guava squash, mint liqueur and a horse radish wine are some of his most popular products, all made in an organic way perfected over the last 25 years. In Jacob's own words, 'Not a grain of yeast or any chemical has gone into the brewing of the wines. We even make our own fertilizers and a gaggle of geese act as his pest control measure.' The liquid organic manure made from sheep and fowl droppings is high in nitrogen and perfect for all the farm produce except for strawberries as it results in extensive leaf growth.
Line 192: Line 185:
  
  
-==Krac-Á-Dawna Organic Farm==+====Krac-Á-Dawna Organic Farm====
  
 Founded by Juli and Vivek Cariappa, KRAC-A-DAWNA is an evolving farm nestled deep within rural Karnataka. It is an important member of the OFAI(Organic Farmers association of India) and has for long searched for practical solutions to daily problems. From home-schooling to manure-teas and bio-gas there are no fixed rules here. Ths is an interesting example in self-learning and re-learning about believing in one's instincts and defying a modern developmental process that relies too heavily on mass production and a rigid definition  of “civilization”. Self-reliance figures prominently in the farms thinking and its founders take a stand on issues ranging from genetically modified seeds to alternative markets, from child education to small- farm organic certification. Nothing leaves the farm in raw form and from natural dyes and cotton to wild honey, cinnamon, pepper and sesame butter, the farm produce has become an important revenue source. Lately, the farm has started developing its expertise in Bio-dynamic farming and trains registered farmers in the same. Founded by Juli and Vivek Cariappa, KRAC-A-DAWNA is an evolving farm nestled deep within rural Karnataka. It is an important member of the OFAI(Organic Farmers association of India) and has for long searched for practical solutions to daily problems. From home-schooling to manure-teas and bio-gas there are no fixed rules here. Ths is an interesting example in self-learning and re-learning about believing in one's instincts and defying a modern developmental process that relies too heavily on mass production and a rigid definition  of “civilization”. Self-reliance figures prominently in the farms thinking and its founders take a stand on issues ranging from genetically modified seeds to alternative markets, from child education to small- farm organic certification. Nothing leaves the farm in raw form and from natural dyes and cotton to wild honey, cinnamon, pepper and sesame butter, the farm produce has become an important revenue source. Lately, the farm has started developing its expertise in Bio-dynamic farming and trains registered farmers in the same.
Line 199: Line 192:
 {{:perma81.jpg|}} {{:perma81.jpg|}}
  
-== Project Deep Fields ==+====Project Deep Fields====
  
 An interesting proposal in the 'Green Cities and Open Ideas' category by Krishna Balakrishna from UC Berkeley and Ganesh Mohan, IIT Chennai. The study proposes to create a **Deep Fields Organic Farmers Co-operative** which connects the problem of improper garbage disposal in Indian cities to providing an impetus for organic farming in urban edges. The project stems from a desire to initiate a program that is financially viable, ecologically sustainable, and socially conscious. Further, the ideas proposed are a complete cycle of events rather than discrete units of action. An interesting proposal in the 'Green Cities and Open Ideas' category by Krishna Balakrishna from UC Berkeley and Ganesh Mohan, IIT Chennai. The study proposes to create a **Deep Fields Organic Farmers Co-operative** which connects the problem of improper garbage disposal in Indian cities to providing an impetus for organic farming in urban edges. The project stems from a desire to initiate a program that is financially viable, ecologically sustainable, and socially conscious. Further, the ideas proposed are a complete cycle of events rather than discrete units of action.
Line 214: Line 207:
  
  
-=="RUrbanism": The Goa 2100 Project==+===="RUrbanism": The Goa 2100 Project====
  
 "RUrbanism" is the sustainable integration of rural and urban communities. It is a sophisticated new set of design principles and practices governing land use, energy, transportation, governance, and all aspects of economic, ecological, and social development for a major city. The term "RUrbanism" was introduced by the designers of "Goa 2100," a critical breakthrough planning project for the capital city of Panjim, in the Indian state of Goa. Goa 2100 won a Special Jury Prize in the International Sustainable Urban Systems Design competition (Tokyo, 2003). The project is a model of RUrbanism in practice, and it introduces a wide array of new design concepts and analytical tools to support sustainability planning and a transition to sustainability.((http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002477.html)) "RUrbanism" is the sustainable integration of rural and urban communities. It is a sophisticated new set of design principles and practices governing land use, energy, transportation, governance, and all aspects of economic, ecological, and social development for a major city. The term "RUrbanism" was introduced by the designers of "Goa 2100," a critical breakthrough planning project for the capital city of Panjim, in the Indian state of Goa. Goa 2100 won a Special Jury Prize in the International Sustainable Urban Systems Design competition (Tokyo, 2003). The project is a model of RUrbanism in practice, and it introduces a wide array of new design concepts and analytical tools to support sustainability planning and a transition to sustainability.((http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002477.html))
Line 223: Line 216:
 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://www.goa2100.org/)) 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://www.goa2100.org/))
  
-==International Plants Expo, Dubai==+====International Plants Expo, Dubai====
  
 {{:perma83.jpg|}} {{:perma83.jpg|}}
Line 230: Line 223:
  
 {{:perma82.jpg|}} {{:perma82.jpg|}}
 +
 +
 +====Gilbert's Eco-Garden, Moucron, Belgium====
 +This is a local garden club with 100 members who gather on the first Sunday of the month to exchange experiences about their gardens. The gathering attracts gardeners and enthusiasts from neighbouring villages and from nearby cities too. Apart from the discussions and specialised demonstrations which are usually held in gilbert's laboratory and led by Gilbert himself, there is the 30 year old 2000 square metre heterogenous garden to visit and draw inspiration from. The gatherings are enriched by the joy and laughter of sharing seeds, ideas, experiences, recipes and food. The researcher was greatly helped by Gilbert's wife, Kobe Matthys-a regular visitor and Annemie Maes. ((http://thoughtsandtalks.so-on.be/2007/11/04/gilbert-november-2007/))
 +((http://thoughtsandtalks.so-on.be/2007/11/04/un-belge-qui-ne-rale-pas-nest-pas-un-belge-cest-bon-pour-la-sante/))
 +
 +{{:perma102.jpg|}}
 +
 +{{:perma103.jpg|}}
 +
 +Some excerpts from a discussion held on 13th April 2008 are given below:
 +  * Garlc and onions are protective company for most plants and trees. They also prevent certain mushrooms growing on plants
 +  * Many wild plants make 'carpets' in covering soil from january on, but these plants often disappear agan in spring and give place for other plants
 +  * Akin to principles of homeopathy, if a plant is sick then we should try plucking the sick leaf and dropping it near the roots and the plant would develop resistance and fight back
 +  * Carrots like to grow upon a little hill and they like warm sun
 +  * To make the soil fertile, try spreading algae. With algae the worms are drawn up and thus spurns the land
 +  * Potatoes should be planted in june/july. This period has less mushroom problems. The potatoes should be planted by sinking them in ground such that it is still visible and then covering them with straw
 +  * Grass is one of the best fertilisers. Cut grass around a plant avoids snails coming onto the plants
 +  * If you put seeds in refrigerator to -18 degree centigrade for 24 hours and then plant them, they are likely to be more activated
 +
 +
 +
 +
 +
 +
  
  
  • site_visit_and_survey_notes.txt
  • Last modified: 2020-06-06 11:57
  • by nik