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--- site_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-04-01 15:23] – sanjeev
+++ site_visit_and_survey_notes [2008-04-14 21:25] – sanjeev
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 ===== 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]]
 ====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))
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-====Case Study Delhi====
+====Delhi, India====
 Some pointers related to organic farming in Delhi:
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   * {{: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.twocircles.net/2008feb05/back_roots_india_digs_organic_vegetables.html
   * http://manipur.nic.in/rbdc/organicfarming.htm
   * 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.'
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+===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.
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 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
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   * {{:save_s_natural_farming_ways.pdf|}} (Save has been an organic farmer in India for 40 years)
   * {{:letter_from_indian_farmer.pdf|}}
-====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 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.'
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 ====TERI_Tata Energy Research Institute, Forestry department, New Delhi and FRLHT (Foundation of Revitalisation of local health traditions),Bangalore====
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   * Holy basil (English), Rama tulsi (Hindi). The plant is used in the treatment of cough, cold, bronchitis, diarrhea and dysentery.
-  * Stevia (English). The processed leaves yield a natural sweetener which is a substitute for table sugar, safe for diabetics, as it does not affect
+  * Stevia (English). The processed leaves yield a natural sweetener which is a substitute for table sugar, safe for diabetics, as it does not affect blood sugar levels.
-blood sugar levels.
   * King of biters (English), Kalmegh (Hindi). The plant is used for treating dysentery, cholera, diabetes, influenza, bronchitis, piles, gonorrhoea, and snake venom poisoning.
   * Asparagus (English), Shatavari (Hindi). The plant part is used for treating nervous disorders, tumours, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis and bronchitis.
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+====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/))
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+{{: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