tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½

2 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

 tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=
Organic Farming Newsletter
o"kZ 8 vad 3 flrEcj
flrEcj 2012
Vol 8 No. 3 September 2012

laiknd Editor Impact of Some Innovative 3

Mk- Ñ’.k PkanzDr. Krishan Chandra Organic Inputs on Soil Properties
with and without Crop
jk"Vªh; tSfod [ksrh dsUnz] xkft;kckn Sanjeev Kumari, Jagat Singh & P.K.
National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad Gupta

Lkg
Lkgk;d laiknd Assistant Editor Phosphate Rich Organic Manure
Mk- lfjrk eksokMs Dr. Sarita Mowade 6
(PROM) – A Future Fertilizer
{ks=h; tSfod [ksrh dsUn] ukxiqj Hari Mohan Gupta
Regional Centre of Organic Farming, Nagpur 8
Influence of microbial isolates of
çdk'ku
çdk'ku lgk;d Publication Assistant beejamruth on seed germination
gfj Hktu Hari Bhajan and seedling vigour index of chilli
Nemagoudar, M.S., Sreenivasa, M.N.,
lqHkk’k pUnz Subhash Chandra Savita, P.

lykgdkj Advisor India Organic News 11

Mk- Ñ’.k Pkanz Dr. Krishan Chandra
vfrfjDr vk;qDr Additional Commissioner National Seminar on Organic and 15
d`f’k ,oa lgdkfjrk foHkkx Department of Biological Inputs
Agriculture & Cooperation
Global Organic 17
d`f’k Hkou] ubZ fnYyh Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
National and International Events 23
laikndh;
kndh; dk;kZy; Editorial Office
jk"Vªh; tSfod [ksrh dsUnz Book Reviews 27
National Centre of Organic Farming
gkiqM+ jksM] deyk usg: uxj] xkft;kckn&2 Top 10 Reasons to Eat Organic 28
Hapur Road, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad-2 Food
☎ 0120-2764212; 2764906; Fax 0120-2764901
Email : nbdc@nic.in; website : http://ncof.dacnet.nic.in

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] jk"Vªh; tSfod [ksrh ifj;kstuk ds vUrxZr tkjh ,d cgqHkk"kh; frekgh izdk'ku
gSA tSfod [ksrh ds mRFkku] izpkj izlkj o blds fu;ked ra= ls tqM+s ys[k] u;h lwpuk,a] u;s mRikn]
fo'ks"kKksa ds fopkj] lQy iz;kl] u;h fodflr izfdz;k,s] lsfeukj&dkUQzsUl bR;kfn dh lwpuk rFkk jk"Vªh;
o vUrZjk"Vªh; lekpkj fo'ks"k :Ik ls vkeaf=r gSaA lwpuk i= esa izdkf'kr fopkj o vuqHko ys[kdska ds
vius gSa ftlds fy, izdk'kd mRrjnk;h ugha gSA
Organic Farming Newsletter (OFNL) is a multilingual quarterly publication under National
Project of Organic Farming. Articles having direct relevance to organic farming
technology and its regulatory mechanism, development of package of practices, success
stories, news related to conferences, seminars etc, and national and international events
are especially welcome. Opinions expressed in articles published in OFNL are those of
the author(s) and should not be attributed to the publisher.
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
Lkaikndh; Editorial

fiz; ikBdks
jk’Vªh; tSfod [ksrh dsUnz esa funs”kd ds cnyko ds ckn laiknd dh gSfl;r ls vkids lkFk ;g
esjk igyk tqM+ko gSA ns”k esa tSfod [ksrh dks fujarj c<+kus ds fy, eSa vkids lg;ksx dh vis{kk djrk gwaWA
dbZ o’kksZ ds lQj ds ckn tSfod [ksrh lwp uk i= us jk’Vªh; ,oa vUrjkZ’Vªh; Lrj ij tSfod [ksrh {ks= esa
Kkuo)Zu] rduhdh fodkl ds izlkj esa vge izdk”ku ds :Ik esa vius vki dks LFkkfir dj fy;k gSA
ÅtkZ ,oa mRlkg ls vksrizksr rFkk Hkfo’; dks n`f’Vxr j[krs gq, u;h izdk”ku Vhe ds lkFk bl izdk”ku
dks vf/kd Kkuizn cukrs gq, vki rd igqprs jgus dh mEehn djrk gwWA

izLrqr vad esa tSfod vknkuska dk e`nk ?kVdksa ij izHkko] chtke`r dk cht vadqj.k ij izHkko ,oa
QkLQsV fjp vkxZsfud esU;ksj ¼izkse½ ij fofHkUu vuqla/kku laLFkkvksa ds rhu ys[k “kkfey gSaA vU; dkye
tSls Xykscy U;wt] bafM;k vkxsZfud U;wt] jk’Vªh; ,oa vUrjkZ’Vªh; ?kVukdze] tSfod [ksrh ij izdkf”kr u;h
iqLrdsa bR;kfn bl vad ds izeq[k vax gSaA bl vad ds lkFk ge vkids fujarj lg;ksx ,oa tSfod [ksrh ds
fodkl ds fy, lrr~ iz;kl ,oa lgHkkfxrk dh vk”kk djrs gSaA

Dear Readers
After the change of guard at National Center of Organic Farming, this is my first
interaction with you. To carry forward the onerous task of promotion of organic farming I
look forward to your continued cooperation. Over the years organic Farming Newsletter
has emerged as the core publication of technology and happenings in the fascinating field
of organic farming and has significantly contributed to the knowledge buildup nationally
and internationally. With the new publication team I hope to continue the task with more
energy, enthusiasm and with futuristic vision.

The current issue deals with three articles on impact of innovative organic inputs on
soil properties, Influence of microbial isolates of beejamruth on seed germination and
seedling vigour index of chilli and Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) - A Future
Fertilizer contributed by different research institutes. Other attractive columns of Global
news, India organic news, National and International events with details on books
published recently on organic agriculture are important features of this issue. With this
issue I hopefully expect your cooperation and active participation in continuing the
popularity and growth of organic sector in future.

Dr. Krishan Chandra

Editor

4 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
Impact of Some Innovative Organic Inputs
on Soil Properties with and without Crop
Sanjeev Kumari1*, Jagat Singh2 P.K. Gupta3
1
Research Scholar, JJTU, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
2
Regional Centre for Organic Farming, Hisar
3
National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation, Nashik
Introduction
With the growing awareness for safe and
healthy food, the demand for organically
grown food is growing. Concern for
deteriorating soil health and increasing
contamination in ground water and surface
water bodies have also added to the need
for alternative technologies which not only
can ensure safe and healthy food but are
also environment friendly and contributing to
the long term fertility and sustainability of the
soils. During the last 10 years many farmers,
due to various reasons, have switched over
to the organic methods of cultivation and are
now successfully growing comparable
productivities with much less costs. In the
absence of any scientific support majority of
the farmers relied on the traditional wisdom
and with some on-farm experimentation has
developed innovative inputs which can be
prepared on-farm with local resources.
Among these innovative inputs most
common and successful inputs are
Panchgavya, Jivamruth and vermiwash.
To scientifically evaluate their impact on soil
properties an experiment was carried out at
Batar Farm, Hansi, Hisar in Haryana State.
The paper briefly describes the impact of
these innovative inputs on some soil
properties with and without crops.
Materials and methods
The present work was carried out at Batar
Farm, Hansi, Hisar during 2011-12 on wheat
crop variety C-306. Details of these three
innovative inputs viz: Panchagavya,
Jivamruth and Vermiwash and their
production methodology is described below:
Panchgavya: Panchagavya is a known
traditional input among organic farming
fraternity and is being widely used for soil
enrichment, plant growth promotion and as
5 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
prophylactic against some pests. It is made
from five cow products i.e. –cow dung-5kg,
cow urine-2 litre, cow curd-2kg, cow urine-3
litre and cow ghee-500 gram. All these
ingredients are mixed thoroughly, allowed to
ferment for one week and then filtered.
Jivamruth: It is prepared by mixing cow
dung-10kg, cow urine-10litre, Jaggary(Gur)-
2kg and Pulse flour- 2kg and fermenting for
one week. Filtered extract is used as soil
application and is believed to enrich soil
microbiologically through in-numerous
beneficial microorganisms. Jivamruth is
reported to contain very large population of
nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers and
siderophore producers. Microbial
fermentation during preparation is also
believed to develop some growth promoting
hormones which help in better germination
and seedling emergence.
Vermiwash: It is the watery extract of
vermicompost. For its preparation water is
continuously poured drop-by-drop into a
container containing the vermin-bed raw
material and earthworms. Excess water
draining out from the bottom tap is collected
as vermiwash.
Banyan tree soil: Undisturbed soil collected
from the underneath of a banyan tree is high
in microbial count due to deposition of
multiple layers of biomass and birds and
animal’s excreta and is considered as an
excellent source of beneficial
microorganisms.
Application of Organic inputs- These
inputs were applied four times @ 50 Kg/Liter
per ha at 0, 15, 30 and 45 day intervals as
soil application in liquid form. Each of these
inputs were applied in separate plots with
crop and without crop. Experiment was laid
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½

in randomized block design with following
treatments:
T1 - Crop with Panchgabya,
T2- Crop with Jivamrut,
T3- Crop with Vermiwash,
T4- Crop with Banyan tree soil,
T5- Without Crop Panchgabya,
T6- Without Crop Jivamrut,
T7- Without Crop Vermiwash,
T8- Without Crop Banyan tree soil..
Soil samples were collected at the end of the
cropping season and analyzed for pH,
Electrical conductivity by using pH meter
and EC meter, organic carbon, total
nitrogen, available phosphorus, available
potash and available sulfur as per standard
methods as described by Walkely and Black
(1934), Jackson (1975), Olsen’s method
(1954)flame photometric method (Toth and
Prince 1949) and Steinberg’s (1969)
respectively.
Result and Discussion
Status of different parameters on soil quality
and nutrient status due to the use of these
innovative inputs with and without crop are
shown in Table 1 to 7

Table: 1. Average pH of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree
Soil
With crop 7.71 7.70 7.68 7.75
Without Crop 7.77 7.78 7.72 7.73

Table: 2. Average Electrical conductivity of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree
Soil
With crop 1.27 1.31 1.35 1.44
Without Crop 1.31 1.32 1.35 1.44

Table: 3. Average Organic Carbon of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan tree Soil
With crop 0.25 0.30 0.22 0.22
Without Crop 0.32 0.37 0.24 0.26

Table: 4. Average Nitrogen of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan
tree Soil
With crop 82.49 96.22 72.42 72.42
Without Crop 100.80 114.53 77.91 83.41

Table: 5. Average Phosphorous of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan
tree Soil
With crop 4.67 2.87 4.10 6.17
Without Crop 5.83 4.90 6.83 4.73

Table:6. Average Potassium of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan
tree Soil
With crop 195.00 202.00 193.33 205.33
Without Crop 196.67 195.33 194.00 192.67

6 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

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Table:7. Average Sulphur of the soil samples with and without crop plots.
Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyan
tree Soil
With crop 150.03 140.40 155.17 114.03

Without Crop 132.07 134.13 157.37 138.33

Conclusion under crop compared to non-crop soils.

The use of innovative organic inputs Differential behavior of different soil
reflected different impact in respect of parameters indicate that different nutrients
different parameters. Soil pH was found to behaved differently under different
be enhanced under all the treatments in the treatments with and without crops. In soils
soil without crop compared to soil with crop. where crop was grown there was net
Electrical conductivity was largely unaffected negative balance with all the treatments in
under both situations and by any input respect of organic carbon, total nitrogen and
treatment. Total organic carbon and total available phosphorus, while there was net
nitrogen contents were observed to be positive balance in respect of available
higher in all treatments in soils without crop, potassium and sulfur under some
compared to soils where crop was grown treatments. Rhizospheric interactions may
indicating the consumption by the crop. be responsible for such variable results and
need further exploration of the interactions.
Available phosphorus and available potash
were higher in soils without crop in plots References:
treated with Panchgavya, Jivamruth and Criticism O.A. report 2008. Compiled by IFOAM
Vermiwash while in case of Banyan tree soil (International Federation of Organic
treatment the soils with crop showed higher Agriculture Movements), 2008
values. Interestingly available sulfur was Jackson,M. L.,1975.Soil chemical analysis,
practice hall of India, New Delhi.
higher in soils without crop under
Olsen,S.R. Cole, C.V., Watanable, F.S., Dean,
Panchgavya and Jivamruth treatment and L.A.,1954. Estimation of available phosphorus in
higher in soils with crop under Vermiwash soils by extraction with Sodium Bicarbonate.
and Banyan tree soil treatment. Circular US department of Agriculture, P: 39.
Sharma,V., Singh D.,Lal R.(2011), “Effect of
In conclusion, it can be stated that the Organic Inputs on Seed Yield of Gobhi
maximum soil parameter values were found Sarson(Brassica napus L.)” in National
higher in soils without crop due to non symposium cum Brainstorming Workshop on
uptake of minerals by the crop. But in case Organic Agriculture held at CSK HP,Krishi
of available Potassium the plots without crop Vishavidalaya, Palmpur19-20 April 2011. pp :97.
Simard, R.R., 1993.Ammonium acetate
under Jivamruth and Banyan tree soil
extractable Elements. In:Martin,R.,
treatment showed lower values compared to Carter,S.,(eds) soil sampling and methods of
soils with crop. Same was also observed in analysis. Lewis Publisher, Florida, USA pp.39-
case of Sulphur where Panchgavya and 43.
Jivamruth treatment showed higher values

7 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

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Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) –

A Future Fertilizer
Hari Mohan Gupta
Society for Organic Agriculture Movement (SOAM)
26, Gayatri Nagar-B, Farm, Durgarpura,
Jaipur-302018, Rajasthan

Preamble was treated with either 150 kg DAP or 400

Declining fertilizer use efficiency, especially
of phosphorus, and continuous building of
insoluble phosphorus reserve in soils is a
growing concern world over and efforts are
being made to replace the use of 100%
water soluble phosphorus with that of
organic carbon linked phosphorus. PROM
technology, in which natural rock-phosphate
is being integrated with organic manures
during composting process, has emerged as
suitable alternative to our needs. PROM has
been found to be completely replacing the
need for phosphatic fertilizers. To
demonstrate the benefits of using PROM,
large numbers of field demonstrations were
conducted on farmer’s fields in 4 districts of
Rajasthan. This paper briefly describes the
impact of PROM technology on total yield
and net gains as studied in 8 representative
demonstrations.
Methodology used for making PROM
For making PROM sufficient for one ha area
200 kg high grade rock phosphate
(containing about 30% P2O5) was mixed with
5 ton of cow dung and crop residue mixture.
For enhancing the microbial activity 1 kg of
Azotobacter, 1 kg of Phosphate Solubilizing
Bacteria (PSB) and 0.5 kg of Decomposing
culture was also added to the mixture as
slurry. The mixture was allowed to
decompose for 90 days in a pit. After 90
days, approximately 3.0 tons of mature
PROM was harvested, comprising about 30
kg N and 60 kg P2O5. This entire quantity of
PROM was broadcast spread in the field
followed by ploughing with tractor 15 days
prior to sowing. A parallel control plot was
maintained at each demonstration site
having an area of 0.25 ha. The control plot
kg SSP + 60 kg urea/ha for comparison.
Post sowing treatments were similar in
control as well PROM treated field.
Results
As is evident from Table 1, the PROM has
yielded higher yields compared to 100%
NPK control. The increase in yield was
ranging from minimum 3% to maximum
10.52%. Net gains in terms of additional
income in PROM treated plots over control
plots were ranging between Rs. 320 and
1850 per ha.
As the comparison was between PROM and
equivalent grade of chemical fertilizer, it was
established that PROM can be an ideal
substitute for DAP. Study besides providing
an alternative to DAP also opens up the
scope for reducing the cost on costly
chemical fertilizers. The rock phosphate
available indigenously can very well serve
as phosphate resource.
Integration of phosphorus with organic
carbon not only ensures higher use
efficiency of applied phosphorus but also
add to the biological life of the soil besides
saving precious foreign currency and
burdening subsidy.

8 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
Table 1. Effect of PROM on yield and net gains in Groundnut crop in comparison with
chemical fertilizer control.

Sl. Name & Address Yield in Kg/ha % Net profit over

No. Control PROM increase chemical
over Fertilizer in Rs/
control hector
1. Shri Kailash Choudhary Village 1650 1820 10.30 1820/-
and Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli
Jaipur

2. Shri Girdhari Lal Jat Village 1650 1750 06.06 1080/-

and Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli,
Jaipur

3. Shri Lal Chand Yadav Village- 1950 2150 10.25 1850/-

kasli, Post-kiratpura, Kotputli
Jaipur

4. Shri Dharm Singh Village and 1700 1750 02.90 320/-

Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli Jaipur

5. Shri Shivram Village and Post- 1600 1750 09.37 1620/-

Kiratpura Kotputli Jaipur

6. Shri Kailash Village-Jeetpura, 2200 2400 09.09 1500/-

Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa

7. Shri Prabhu Village-Jeetpura, 2100 2300 09.52 1580/-

Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa

8. Shri Pusushottam Village- 1900 2100 10.52 1850/-

Jeetpura, Post-Kallawas
Lalsoth Dausa

9 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
Influence of Microbial Isolates of
Beejamruth on Seed Germination and
Seedling Vigour Index of Chilli
Nemagoudar M.S., Sreenivasa M.N. and Savita P.
Department of Agricultural Microbiology,
UAS, Dharwad-580005
Introduction
Now-a-days organic farming practices are
gaining importance as farmers have
realized the benefits of organic farming in
terms of soil fertility, soil health and
sustainable productivity. Farmers are well
aware with the use of organic liquid
manure such as Panchagavya,
Beejamruth, Jiwamruth and biodigester in
organic farming. These organic liquid
manures play a key role in promoting
growth and providing immunity to plant
system. The spray of Panchagavya on
chillies produces dark green colour leaves
within 10days. Its role as plant growth
promoter has already been reported by
Subhashini et al (2001) and Sreenivasa et
al. Though many farmers are getting better
yield by using organic liquid manures,
scientific validation has not been carried
out. Hence an attempt has been made to
analyze the microbial load of beejamruth
and their influence on seed germination
and seedling vigour index of chilli.
Material and methods
Initially beejamruth was prepared by using
cow dung and cow urine collected from
different sources like biofarm, diary farm
and local cows. The serial dilution and
standard plate count method was used
for isolation of total bacteria, fungi and
actinomycetes using respective media i.e.
nutrient agar, rose Bengal media and
Kuster’s agar respectively from different
beejamruth prepared. The plates were
incubated at 28±20C for one week and the
colony counts were recorded. These
10
isolates were screened for their efficiency
and functional characters like IAA (Gorden
and Paleg 1957), GA (Paleg,1965)
production, nitrogen fixation and P-
solubilization capacity (phoshomolybdic
blue colour method). Five efficient isolates
each from cow fed with organic feed (from
biofarm), exotic breed fed with commercial
feed (from Dairy) and local breed (cow)
selected based on N2 fixing capacity, P-
solubilsation and IAA and GA production
were used for germination study of chilli
seeds. Germination test was carried out by
dipping chilli seeds in respective culture
broth of microbial isolates of beejamrutha
for ten minutes and kept on germination
paper. On 8th day, the germinated seeds
were counted and the percent germination
was computed by using the formula. The
shoot length (from collar region to the
apex) of ten randomly selected ten day old
normal seedlings was measured and the
mean was recorded as shoot length in
centimeters. The root length between
collar region and the tip of root of ten
randomly selected (ten day old normal)
seedlings was measured. The mean was
calculated and expressed in centimeters.
The seedling vigour index was calculated
adopting the method suggested by Abdul
– Baki and Anderson (1973).
Seedling vigour index = Germination
percentage x Seedling length.
Ten seedlings were kept in brown paper
bags having holes to enable air drying
were oven dried at 70oC to achieve
Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
constant weight. Afterwards, the seedling and Sreenivasa (2009) and Sreenivasa et
dry weight was recorded and expressed al (2010) that few beneficial
as total; dry matter (mg/10 seedlings) microorganisms present in beejamruth
produced IAA and GA and resulted in
Results and discussion improvement in seed germination,
Out of total bacterial, fungal and seedling length and seed vigour in
actinomycetes isolates from different soyabean.
beejamruth, fifteen isolates were selected
for seed germination and seedling vigor Conclusion
index test, based on IAA, GA production, In Beejamruth prepared by using cowdung
N2 fixation, and P-solubilisation ability and cowurine collected from Biofarm, dairy
(Table I). Among all 16 treatments (Table farm and local cow, the isolates of
2), the germination percentage was bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes from
significantly highest in BFBA19 (97.68%) biofarm source showed significant
followed by DBA28 (95.07%) while the improvement in the seed germination,
lowest germination percentage was seedling vigour and dry matter production
observed in control (82.0%). Seed of chilli.
treatment with isolates BFF1, LBA22 and
BFACT7 resulted in lower germination References
percentage (91.47%, 93.65%and 90.72%) Abdul- Baki, A.A. and Anderson, J.D. (1973)
as compared to BFBA19 and DBA28 but it Vigour determination in soybean seed by
was higher than control, though they were multiple criteria. Crop Sci. 13: 630-633
Gorden, S.A. and Paleg, L.G. 1957, Quantitative
statistically on par with each other. Seed measurement of indole acetic acid. Plan
treatment with BFBA19 resulted in Physiol, 10:37-48.
significantly highest root and shoot length Nagaraj M.N. and Sreenivasa, M.N, 2009,
(14.13 and 6.25cm.) The lowest root and Influence of bacteria isolated from
shoot length was observed in control (9 Panchagavya on seed germination and seed
and 4.01 cm) rest of all other treatments vigour in wheat. Karnataka J Agric. Sci., 22
(1): 231-232.
were statistically on par with each but Paleg, L.G., 1965, Physiological effects of
significantly differ from BFBA15 (11.00 Gibberellins. Ann. Rev.Plant Physiol.,16 :
and 5.50 cm) and control (9 and 4.01cm). 291-322.
The seedling vigour index was found to be Sreenivasa. M.N. Nagaraj Naik and S.N. Bhat.
maximum in BFBA 19 (1990) while lowest (2009). Beneficial traits of microbial
seedling vigour index was observed in isolates of organic liquid manures - First
Asian PGPR Congress for sustainable
control (1066). Out of 15 isolates selected
agriculture – 21-24, June 2009, ANGRAU.
for this study the bacterial isolate BFBA19 Hyderabad.
from biofarm source have shown Sreenivasa . M.N., Nagaraj Nasik and S.N. Bhat.
maximum germination percentage, root 2010, Organic liquid manures: Source for
length, shoot length, seedling vigour index benefical microorganisms and plant
and seedling dry weight followed by nutrients. Organic Farming Newsletter
DBA28 as compared to the other isolates 6(4):113.
Subhashini S, A. Arumugasamy, K. Vijaylakshmi
while in control lowest germination and and A.V Balasubramanian (2001).
root length, shoot length, seedling vigour Vrkshayurveda- Ayurveda for plants. Centre
index and seedling dry weight (Table2) for Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai,
was observed. This may be due to Tamil Nadu.pp 47.
production of higher amount of IAA and
GA by the bacterial isolates from
Beejamruth prepared from cow dung and
cow urine from biofarm source. This is in
conformity with the findings of Nagaraj

11 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½

Table 1 : Best five efficient isolates selected each from beejamruth prepared by using Cow
dung and cow urine obtained from Biofarm , Dairy farm and Local cow based on N2 fixing,
P-solubilising. IAA and GA producing capacity
Isolates N2 fixation P IAA GA
Sr, (mg NH4+/g Solubilization (ug/25ml) (ug/25ml)
No. C utilized) (%Pi released
from TCP
1 BFBA15 13..25 6.25 10.54 4.38
2 BFBA19 13.58 6.50 10.42 4.27
3 DBA 28 12.86 5.56 9.16 4.13
4 DBA 30 11.34 5.49 9.58 4.19
5 LBA22 8.50 4.17 8.13 4.00
6 BFACT 7 7.89 5.90 6.45 2.35
7 BFACT 14 6.56 5.65 6.28 2.28
8 DACT 4 6.78 5.50 5.98 2.26
9 DACT18 7.65 5.13 5.56 2.15
10 LACT14 4.05 3.18 4.20 2.01
11 BFF1 0 9.25 7.98 3.55
12 BFF6 0 7.39 7.76 3.28
13 DFF11 0 8.28 6.83 3.19
14 DFF18 0 9.13 6.68 3.15
15 LFF3 0 6.72 6.50 3.02
S.E.m+- 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.04
CD(P=0.01) 0.26 0.21 0.24 0.11
BFBA = Biofarm Bacteria , DBA = Dairy Bacteria, LBA = Local Bacteria
BFF = Biofarm Fungi , DFF = Dairy farm fungi , LFF= Local fungi
BFACT = Biofarm Actinomycetes, DFACT = Dairy farm Actinomycetes

Table 2-Influence of efficient isolates of beejamruth on germination of chilli seeds

S Isolates Seed Root Shoot Seedling Seedling Seedling
N. germina length length length vigour dry weight
tion and (cm) (cm) (cm) index (mg/10seedl
percent ing)
age%
1 BFBA15 88.13 11.00 5.50 16.50 1458 33.71
2 BFBA19 97.68 14.13 6.25 20.38 1991 46.03
3 DBA 28 95.07 12.55 6.00 18.57 1765 40.82
4 DBA 30 87.82 11.50 5.00 16.50 1453 33.5
5 LBA22 93.65 11.83 5.11 16.94 1586 36.68
6 BFACT 7 90.72 10.47 5.23 15.70 1424 32.93
7 BFACT 14 84.30 10.22 5.20 15.42 1301 30.08
8 DACT 4 85.30 10.50 5.01 15.50 1323 30.60
9 DACT18 86.00 10.50 5.50 16.00 1377 31.83
10 LACT14 83.70 9.78 4.50 14.28 1195 27.60
11 BFF1 91.47 10.76 5.51 16.26 1487 34.39
12 BFF6 86.00 10.13 5.02 15.15 1304 30.14
13 DFF11 87.59 10.00 4.50 14.50 1270 29.32
14 DFF18 89.30 9.75 4.62 14.37 1283 29.67
15 LFF3 86.50 9.53 4.50 14.03 1214 28.06
16 Control 82.00 9.00 4.01 13.00 1066 24.64
SEm ± 1.01 0.12 0.06 0.18 16.26 0.38
CD (P=0.01) 2.91 0.36 0.17 0.52 62.99 1.08

12 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
India Organic News
Satyamev Jayate: Organic farming, need
of the hour - Did you know that there are 67
types of pesticides which are banned all
over the world, but are still used by Indian
farmers. Everyday, through fruits and
vegetables, we consume 400-500% more
pesticides than the permissible limit. Aamir
Khan highlighted the bad effects of chemical
farming during the eighth episode of his
television show ‘Satyamev Jayate’. He
spoke to doctors, agricultural scientists,
farmers and others during the episode. To
increase productivity, farmers have been
using pesticides for agricultural purposes
from years now. Because of this, the
nutritional value of the crop goes down.
Now, these pesticides have become a part
of our food chain. According to a study by Dr
Rashmi Sanghi, even breast milk contains
400-800% more pesticides than the
permissible limits. During the show, many
farmers confessed that they do not use
these pesticides for the fruits and vegetables
they separately grow for their own
consumption. Jurnail Singh a farmer from
Jajjal, Punjab claims that excessive use of
pesticides started after the Green
Revolution. Aamir tried to highlight the
benefits of organic farming and alternate
ways of killing insects during the show. From
many years, agricultural scientist Dr GV
Ramanjaneyulu has been working with the
farmers in Andhra Pradesh to teach them
cheap and safe ways of getting rid of the
insects. He said, “Not pests, but pesticides
are a bigger problem for the farmers. On an
average, a village spends nearly Rs 50 lakh
every year on pesticides.” Aamir Khan also
spoke to Pawan Chamling, chief minister of
Sikkim on the show. Chamling has banned
all pesticides in the state and is promoting
organic farming. He aims to make Sikkim an
organic state by 2015. It is not possible for
all the states to switch to organic farming
overnight, but taking some steps to save
people’s life is essential now. Through his
show, Aamir urged audiences to opt for
organic products. He also said that there
should be a regulating body to monitor the
usage of pesticides by the farmers.
13
Organic and inorganic cultivation of chilli
and its marketing- An economic analysis
- The present study was conducted in
Belgaum district, the major vegetable
producing district of north Karnataka. Large
numbers of farmers practice the organic
cultivation of chilli in the district. For the
study, 30 farmers each practice in organic
and inorganic cultivation of chilli spread over
the district of Belgaum were selected
randomly. The data collected
from respondents was analyzed using
budgeting technique. The estimated per acre
cost of cultivation of organic and inorganic
chilli was ` 18337.00 and `19115.00
respectively. Per acre average yield of
organic chilli was 4.10 tonnes as against
4.86 tonnes in inorganic chilli. Per tonne
market prices for organic and inorganic chilli
were Rs 9830.00 and Rs 6300.00,
respectively. Transportation cost including
loading and unloading for organic chilli was `
265.00 per tonne as against ` 285.00 for
inorganic chilli. The per tonne commission
charges for organic and inorganic chilli were
Rs 644.00 and Rs 432.00, respectively. The
total marketing cost per acre for organic chilli
was Rs 3726.00 as against Rs 3485.00 for
inorganic chilli. The gross returns of
organic chilli were Rs 40290.00 per acre as
against Rs 30583.00 for inorganic chilli. The
net returns of organic chilli (Rs. 18227.00)
were higher than that of inorganic chilli (Rs
7984.00). The B:C for organic chilli was 1.83
as against 1.35 for inorganic chilli. Hence it
is advisable for the farmers to switch over to
organic farming which minimizes the
environmental degradation and also
brings higher net returns (Source-Naik et al
Karnataka Journal of Agricultural
Sciences, Vol 25, No 2 (2012)
Effect of organic farming on productivity,
soil fertility and economics of scented
rice-tomato–bottle gourd cropping
system - Field experiments were conducted
during 2006–2009 to study the effect of
various organic sources (computed on 150
kg ha−1 N-equivalent basis) forming seven
treatments, viz. Azotobacter + FYM, FYM,
Goat manure, Vermicompost, Azolla + FYM
Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
and cow urine along with no application
(control) in rice (cv Sugandha) and their
residual effect on productivity of tomato
(Swarna Lalima) and bottle gourd (Arka
Bahar) crops, soil fertility and economics of
the cropping system. The highest rice grain
yield of 2.68 t ha−1 was recorded with Azolla
+ FYM which was at par with vermicompost
(2.55 t ha−1), Azotobacter + FYM (2.41 t
ha−1) and FYM (2.37 t ha−1). Among different
organic sources the rice grain yield was
significantly lower under goat manure and
cow urine. However, vermicompost recorded
significantly highest yield of tomato as well
as bottle gourd which was at par with
Azotobacter + FYM and FYM treatment.
Maximum net return of Rs. 3,11,958 ha−1
with 3.59 benefit : cost ratio was obtained by
vermicompost. It was followed by net return
of Rs.2,98,628/-and B: C ratio of 3.42 by
Azotobacter + FYM and net return of Rs.2,
77,298/-and B: C ratio of 3.25 by FYM alone
treatment. The continuous application of all
the organic sources to rice for three years
significantly improved the soil-organic
carbon, available N, P and K status at the
end of the cropping system. (Source-
Singh S. K. 2011,(online-May, 2012),
International Journal on Rice, Volume : 48,
Issue : 4),
Nutrient status of soil under different
nutrient and crop management practices-
A field experiment was conducted during
kharif and rabi seasons of 2007-08 at UAS,
Dharwad, Karnataka to study the effect of
organic, chemical and integrated nutrient
management (INM) practices on soil fertility
status in soybean-wheat, groundnut-
sorghum, maize-chickpea, potato-chickpea
and chilli + cotton systems. The present
study was the fourth year of long term field
experiment (LTFE) of Network Project on
Organic Farming at Institute of Organic
Farming, UAS, Dharwad. After harvest of
kharif crops of fourth year (2007-08), the
integrated nutrient management practice
recorded significantly higher available N
(278.4 kg/ha), P2O5 (23.4 kg/ha), K2O (355.0
kg/ha) and S (18.7 kg/ha) when compared to
chemical nutrient management practice.
Similarly, DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and
Cu were significantly influenced by
integrated nutrient management practice
14
(1.46, 7.96, 9.67 and 0.89 mg/kg,
respectively). At the end of fourth of LTFE,
there was increase in available N by 19.0,
P2O5 by 46.3, K2O by 9.6 and S by 54.1 per
cent respectively due to INM. Similarly
DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu
increased by 18.5, 30.6, 36.5 and 30.0 per
cent respectively due to integrated nutrient
management practice over their initial
values. The available N, P2O5, K2O and S
were significantly higher in legume based
cropping systems during both the season of
the study than non legume system. (Source-
Vidyavati, G. S. Dasog, H. B. Basalad, N. S.
Hebsur, S. K. Gali S. G. Patil and A. R.
Alagawadi 2012, Karnataka J. Agric. Sci.,25
(2) : 193-198)
Importance of KUNAPAJALA (Traditional
Liquid Organic Manure) of
VRIKSHAYURVEDA In medicinal plant
cultivation - Medicinal plants play an
important role not only as traditional
medicine but also as trade commodities.
With depleting natural resources, cultivation
of medicinal plants has become the need of
the hour to meet the growing demand of
herbal drug requirement in the field of
medicine. But using chemicals in the form of
pesticide and fertilizers may have
undesirable impact on the quality of these
plants as well as human health. Recently
various state Governments in India have
come up with different schemes to cultivate
medicinal plants through organic farming
and under Good Agricultural Practices
(GAP). “Vrikshayurveda” a sub branch of
Ayurveda describes a particular type of
liquid organic manure called “Kunapajala” for
this purpose. Scattered references are found
regarding the effect of Kunapajala on
medicinal plant cultivation. This review
highlights the importance of organic farming
and results of research works carried out on
the effect of Kunapajala on medicinal plant
cultivation. (Source- Bhat Savitha D, Ashok
B K, Acharya Rabinarayan, and Ravishankar
2012, Global Journal of Research on
Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine
GJRMI, Volume 1, Issue 7, July 2012, 272–
279).
Long-term effect of nutrient management
on soil fertility and soil organic carbon
Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
pools under a 6-year-old pearl millet–
wheat cropping system in an Inceptisol
of subtropical India –Long term studies
were conducted to study the effect of
nutrient management on soil fertility and soil
organic carbon (SOC) pools under a 6-year-
old pearl millet–wheat cropping system in an
Inceptisol of subtropical India. Significant
build-up in soil fertility in terms of alkaline
KMnO4-N, Olsen-P, NH4OAc-K and CaCl2-S
as well as SOC pools namely, total organic
carbon (TOC), Walkley and Black organic
carbon (WBC), labile organic carbon (LBC)
and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) were
maintained under FYM and integrated
nutrient management involving FYM and
NPK than unfertilized control plot in 0–15
and 15–30 cm soil depths. The highest
values of TOC (11.48 g kg−1) and WBC
(7.86 g kg−1) were maintained in FYM
treated plot, while the highest values of LBC
(1.36 g kg−1) and MBC (273 mg kg−1) were
found in FYM + NPK. The magnitude of
change in pools of SOC in sub-surface (15–
30 cm) soil was low as compared to the
surface soil (0–15 cm). Significant increase
in all the pools of SOC in FYM treated plots
indicates the importance of application of
organic manure like FYM in maintaining
organic carbon in soil. Highly strong
relationships were exhibited between LBC
and MBC with yield, indicating that these
pools are more important for nutrient turn-
over and their availability to plants than total
SOC. Carbon management index revealed
that integrated nutrient management could
be followed for enhancing crop productivity,
nutrient availability and soil carbon pools for
long-term. These results conclude that for
sustainable crop production and maintaining
soil quality, input of organic manure like
FYM is of major importance and should be
advocated in the nutrient management of
intensive cropping system for improving soil
fertility and biological properties of soils.
(Source- Moharana, et al, (2012) Field
Crops Research, 136. pp. 32-41)
Sequestering carbon through organic
mulch- Today’s changing lifestyle has an
enormous impact on the environment and
also has an effect on climate change.
According to a recent survey, the
concentration of carbon dioxide in the
15
atmosphere is 395.77ppmv (parts per million
by volume) whereas the upper limit for
atmospheric CO2 is only 350ppmv. Climate
change has become one of the major
challenges for mankind and the natural
environment. The study reveals that 1kg of
carbon released from the soil constitutes
3.64kg of CO2 in the atmosphere. Therefore
soil is one of the largest reservoirs, where
carbon could be restored. Carbon
sequestration in terrestrial ecosystem has
beneficial effects at small levels. The idea is
to prevent carbon emitted due to human
activities from reaching the atmosphere by
capturing and storing them. Organic mulch,
a type of compost made from decaying
plants or trees, claims to be one of the most
sustainable approaches in sequestering
carbon. It aims at covering the soil with any
natural organic matter. The method involves
applying compost or farm yard manure over
the soil surface followed by adding a layer of
dry organic matter over it. Then a layer of
green organic matter is applied to maintain
moisture and improve organic carbon in the
soil. Here, the compost contains an array of
beneficial microbes, where the dry matter is
rich in carbon and the green matter is rich in
nitrogenous substances. When
decomposition of these components takes
place the carbon nitrogen ratio in the soil
becomes 10:1, ideal for the proliferation of
microbes. In addition, it reduces
evaporation, enhances water infiltration and
prevents topsoil from being washed away
due to water run off. Soil management
practices have the potential to create
considerable carbon sinks, if good farming
practices like mulching are employed.
(Source- J.K.Mohan Kumar writer is a
science teacher at Chettinad Public School,
Managiri, Karaikudi. He has done research
on herbal remedies and has been practicing
organic farming for 10 years. )
Solitary cow can help in cultivation of 30
acres- K. Gangadharam, a progressive
organic farmer from Chittor district said that
it is possible to cultivate 30 acres of
agricultural land with the dung and urine of a
single country cow without depending on
fertilizers and pesticides. Jiwamrutam, a
liquid prepared from cow dung and urine and
Ghanamrutam, a material in dry form
Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½

prepared from same material from just one
cow is sufficient to cultivate 30 acres of land
which would also reduce the burden of
purchasing expensive chemicals and
fertilizers. According to him a country cow
produces 10kg of dung and 10litres of urine
per day which is enough to cultivate the
farmland by many small and marginal
farmers. The cow dung and urine should be
mixed with 2kg jaggery, 2 kg pulse powder,
a small quantity of bund soil and 200litre of
water. This will become Jiwamrutam in 48
hrs. It can be supplied once in a month
along with irrigation water to the farmland
which is sufficient to get a good yield of
any crop. About 500 farmers in Chittor
District are following this practice in about
300 acres of land and the results are
encouraging. While, some are getting
material from others and some farmers are
in process of purchasing cows for their
farms. According to K. Gangadharam many
of these farmers believed that they can get a
good crop yield only after using chemical
fertilizers and pesticides which actually is
detrimental to soil health. It will take some
more time to convince the farmers to switch
to more environment friendly practices
(Source-The Hindu, Wednesday, June 6,
2012).

NATIONAL CENTRE OF ORGANIC FARMING

KAMLA NEHRU NAGAR, GHAZIABAD

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National Centre of Organic Farming,
Hapur Road, Near CBI Academy,
Kamla Nehru Nagar,
Ghaziabad-201 002.

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16 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
Two Days National Seminar on
Organic and Biological Inputs – New Innovations
and Quality Control
Two days National seminar entitled “National
Seminar on Organic and Biological Inputs –
New Innovations and Quality Control’ was
successfully organized during 18-19th July,
2012 by the National Centre of Organic
Farming, Department of Agriculture and
Cooperation, at its new premises located at
19, Hapur Road, Ghaziabad – 201 002,
Uttar Pradesh, India. The aim of the seminar
was to identify potential technologies and
inputs, define minimum ingredients, bio-
efficacy and bio-safety requirement for new
inputs and to formulate strategies for
defining their practically achievable quality
parameters with necessary methods for
undertaking such tests. All interested people
from different institutions and organizations
were invited for participation in this seminar.
The Seminar forum comprised nearly 200
participants from different states in country.
The seminar was inaugurated by the
Additional Secretary, Department of
Agriculture, Government of India, Shri Shiraj
Hussain. The distinguished guests
presented on the dias during inaugural
ceremony included Shri Narendra
Bhooshan, Joint Secretary (INM), DAC, Govt
of India, Shri Ardhendu Sen former Chief
Secretary, Govt of West Benagl and
Currently Director, TERI, Dr. L.N. Verma and
Dr. P. Bhattacharyya, former Directors
NCOF, Dr. Krishan Chandra, Additional
Commissioner (INM), DAC and Dr. A.K.
Yadav, Director NCOF. The Chief Guest
while inaugurating the seminar lauded the
efforts of NCOF for successful launch of the
seminar and stressed that the country need
to put in lot of innovations for ensuring high
quality organic inputs and their quality
control. Shri Narendra Bhooshan underlined
the importance of organic farming in the
years to come and requested the scientific
fraternity to concentrate on the efforts for
developing appropriate packages for
obtaining optimum yields from organic
management systems. Shri Ardhendu Sen
17
elaborated in the India organic story and
clarified that the present day organic
agriculture is keeping the pace with time and
just 10% behind the conventional, in spite of
the fact that country has not made any
investments in this direction. If adequate
investments in terms of research and
development are made this gap can be
filled. Inaugural ceremony concluded with
the vote of thanks by Dr. Krishan Chandra.
A book dedicated to the occassion entitled
“Organic and Biological Inputs – New
Innovations and Quality Control” was also
released during the inaugural session by the
Chief Guest. The publication comprised of
latest innovations and quality control
initiatives in the field of organic and
biological inputs.
The Seminar forum comprising of nearly 200
participants from different States deliberated
on wide range of issues starting from
organic farming as a whole, its relevance,
constraints being faced and its potential in
food security to various organic and
biological inputs, new innovations and
quality control. Half of the technical sessions
were concentrated on new organic and
biological inputs, their bio-efficacy and active
ingredients. Mechanisms of actions of some
lesser known inputs were also discussed.
Efforts taken up by the NCOF in defining the
quality parameters for some inputs were
lauded by the participants and industry
representatives and suggested that such
initiatives need to be continued for
continuous up gradation of quality control
scenario.
After thorough deliberations the eminent
panelists during valedictory session framed
following recommendations with the request
that Department of Agriculture and
Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture may
kindly focus the strategy in 12th plan on
suggested key issues for the focused
Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
 tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
promotion of organic farming in general and
promotion of various organic and biological
inputs in particular.
1. General recommendations for
Research and Education - On review of
various research results it has been
revealed that in spite of practically no
investment in research and development the
modern organic is not very far behind the
conventional agriculture in terms of yield.
While many studies claim that organic
management is capable of yielding similar
productivity, some studies have indicated
reduction in yield to the tune of 10%. This
clearly indicates that organic agriculture in
spite of being a neglected field in research
and development and practically no
investment in terms of subsidies is just 10%
behind the conventional agriculture. This
gap can be filled through appropriate policy
regime, investment in input production
infrastructure and development of practices
and packages through research. After
thorough deliberation on these issues
following suggestions are made for the
consideration of DAC and ICAR.
i. To support the subject with continuous
research, there is an urgent need for a
dedicated “National Research Centre on
Organic Farming Research”. Out come
from “Network Project on Organic Farming
of ICAR” are so far limited and covers
limited aspects.
ii. DAC and ICAR should support at least one
State Agricultural University (SAUs) in
each state for launching “Centre of
Excellence on Organic Farming”.
iii. Universities also need to be encouraged
for including at least 2-3 credits on organic
farming in their undergraduate syllabus.
iv. DAC and ICAR can also provide necessary
assistance to SAUs for starting specialized
Degree/ diploma courses in organic
farming.
v. DAC may take up discussion on these
issues with ICAR and include organic
farming as priority issue in DAC-ICAR
interface meetings for time to time
monitoring of decisions made.
2. Adoption of organic farming
promotion policy by Central Government
18
- It was noted that while many small and
some of the large states have defined
policies for promotion of organic farming; the
central Government has yet to adopt any
policy initiative. For promotion of any issue
of national importance, it is essential that the
subject is part of the national Policy. The
panelists and experts on the occasion
strongly suggested that the Department of
Agriculture and Cooperation should draft a
policy document and get it ratified by the
Cabinet with adequate funds during 12th
Plan period.
3. Promotion of organic Inputs -
Studies and survey reports presented by
NCOF and details provided by many other
speakers during the seminar, it was evident
that there is an urgent need for quality
assurance system to ensure that only
approved and proven efficient inputs are
marketed. The experts noted that although 7
biofertilizers and 4 organic fertilizers have
been covered under FCO, but still there are
large numbers of undefined inputs being
sold into the market without details on their
active ingredients and their quality
assessment protocols. In the absence of any
universal regulatory system there is no
mechanism to assess their quality and
regulate sub-standard inputs. Experts also
noted that many of the existing inputs, in
spite of being found effective do not fall
under the category of fertilizers, hence may
not be included in FCO. In view of it; experts
were of the unanimous view that there is an
urgent need to institute an organic and
biological input approval system in the
country. The inputs not falling under the
purview of either FCO or CIB (Central
Insecticide Board) needs to be assessed
and approved under such system. For
effective implementation of such strategy
DAC by executive order make it mandatory
for all organic and biological input producers
to obtain approval of marketing of such
inputs.
The seminar concluded with the facilitation
of Dr A.K. Yadav, Director, NCOF who is
expected to superannuate by the end of this
month after 34 years of distinguished
Government service.
Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)
tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½
Global Organic
Can Organic Food Feed the World? New
Study Sheds Light On Debate Over
Organic Vs. Conventional Agriculture - A
new study conducted by the researchers of
McGill University and the University of
Minnesota and published in Nature
concludes that crop yields from organic
farming are generally lower than from
conventional agriculture. That is particularly
true for cereals, which are staples of the
human diet -- yet the yield gap is much less
significant for certain crops, and under
certain growing conditions, according to the
researchers. The study, which represents a
comprehensive analysis of the current
scientific literature on organic-to-
conventional yield comparisons, aims to
shed light on the often heated debate over
organic versus conventional farming. Some
people point to conventional agriculture as a
big environmental threat that undercuts
biodiversity and water resources, while
releasing greenhouse gases. Others argue
that large-scale organic farming would take
up more land and make food unaffordable
for most of the world's poor and hungry. "To
achieve sustainable food security we will
likely need many different techniques --
including organic, conventional, and possible
'hybrid' systems -- to produce more food at
affordable prices, ensure livelihoods to
farmers, and reduce the environmental costs
of agriculture," the researchers conclude.
Overall, organic yields are 25% lower than
conventional, the study finds. The difference
varies widely across crop types and species,
however. Yields of legumes and perennials
(such as soybeans and fruits), for example,
are much closer to those of conventional
crops. What's more, when best management
practices are used for organic crops, overall
yields are just 13% lower than conventional
levels. "These results suggest that today's
organic systems may nearly rival
conventional yields in some cases -- with
particular crop types, growing conditions and
management practices -- but often they do
not," the researchers write. Improvements in
organic management techniques, or
adoption of organic agriculture under
19
environmental conditions where it performs
best, may help close the yield gap, they
indicate. In some cases, organic farmers
may therefore benefit by making limited use
of chemical fertilizers instead of relying only
on manure to supply nitrogen to their crops,"
Seufert says. "At the same time,
conventional agriculture can learn from
successful organic systems and implement
practices that have shown environmental
benefits, such as increased crop diversity
and use of crop residues." Yields are only
part of a set of economic, social and
environmental factors that should be
considered when gauging the benefits of
different farming systems, the researchers
note. The results point to a need to get
beyond the black-and-white, ideological
debates that often pit advocates of organic
and local foods against proponents of
conventional agriculture, Prof. Foley adds.
"By combining organic and conventional
practices in a way that maximizes food
production and social good while minimizing
adverse environmental impact, we can
create a truly sustainable food system."
(Source – Science Daily (Apr. 25, 2012)
Soil Solarization : An Organic Weed-
Management Approach in Cauliflower -
Studies were conducted at KPK Agricultural
University, Peshawar, Pakistan, in June
2008 and 2009 using a randomized
complete block design. Plots were covered
with transparent polyethylene films for
different periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10
weeks). The temperature inside the film was
about 10°C greater than the atmospheric
temperature. Solarization increased nitrogen
(N) and organic-matter levels in both years,
probably because of decomposition of plant
residues. Increasing the period of
solarization decreased weed density and
both fresh and dry biomass. The
effectiveness of solarization was species
specific. In 2008, Cirsium arvense L. was
controlled in the solarized soil, whereas
Vicia sativa germination was stimulated by
solarization. In 2009, suppressed weeds
included Sorghum halepense whereas
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Chenopodium album L., Cyperus rotundus,
and Rumex crispus L. were unaffected.
Solarization increased yield of cauliflower
(Brassica oleracea L.) in both years. These
results suggest that solarization should be
practiced before planting horticultural crops
in areas with a hot climate. (Source – Khan
et al 2012 Communications in Soil Science
and Plant Analysis 43(13).
Short-term residual effects of various
amendments on organic C and N, and
available nutrients in soil under organic
crop production - Two 3-year (2008-2010,
wheat-pea-barley) field experiments were
conducted on certified organic farms near
Spalding (Dark Brown Cher- nozem-Typic
Haploboroll) and Star City (Gray Luvisol-
Typic Haplocryalf) in northeastern Sas-
katchewan, Canada, to determine the
residual effects of compost, alfalfa pellets,
wood ash, rock phosphate, Penicillium
bilaiae, gypsum and MykePro on organic C
and N (total organic C [TOC], total organic N
[TON], light fraction organic C [LFOC], light
fraction organic N [LFON]) and mineralizable
N (Nmin) in the 0-15 cm soil layer, and
ammonium-N, nitrate-N, extractable P,
exchangeable K and sulphate-S in the 0 -
15, 15 - 30 and 30 - 60 cm soil layers in
autumn 2010. Compared to the un-amended
control, mass of TOC, TON, LFOC and
LFON increased with compost and alfalfa
pellets in both soils. However, the increases
were much more pronounced for LFOC (by
125% - 133%) or LFON (by 102% - 103%)
than TOC (by 19% - 29%) or TON (by 25% -
40%). The Nmin also increased in these two
treatments compared to the control, but the
increases were much smaller for compost
than alfalfa pellets. In general, residual
nitrate-N increased with increasing rate of
compost and alfalfa pellets in the 0 - 15 and
15 - 30 cm layers in both soils. Extractable P
increased with compost and exchangeable K
with alfalfa pellets, but only in the 0 - 15 cm
soil layer. Sulphate-S increased with
compost, but mainly in the 30 - 60 cm soil
layer. Soil pH usually increased with
compost and more so with wood ash, but no
effect of any amendment on ammonium-N.
Overall, the quantity of organic C and N, and
available nutrients in soil increased with
compost and/or alfalfa pellets, but the
magnitude varied with amendment and/or
20
soil type. In conclusion, findings suggest that
soil quality and fertility can be improved with
these organic amendments, suggesting
sustainability of production from organic
crops. (Source – Malhi 2012, Agricultural
Sciences Vol.3, No.3, 375-384).
Does organic farming increase soil
suppression against Fusarium wilt of
melon? - Under Israeli organic farming
conditions, compost (mostly made of animal
manure) is annually applied as a source of
plant nutrients, to enhance soil microbial
activity and nutrient cycling and to improve
soil structure. Composts are also known for
their suppressive properties against soil-
borne diseases. The objective of the present
study was to assess the level of
suppressiveness against Fusarium
oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM) that may
develop in soils with a history of organic
farming as compared with conventional
farming. Pairs of organic vs. conventional
taxonomically identical soil samples were
collected from adjacent plots, at various
sites throughout the main agricultural areas
in Israel. Out of 15 pairs, four of the
organically managed soils were significantly
more suppressive than their corresponding
conventional plots. On the average, the area
under the disease progress curve and the
final disease incidence of the inoculated
plants grown in conventionally managed
soils were higher at 12% and 21%,
respectively, than those of the plants grown
in the organically managed soils. Both
differences were significant when examined
using two-factor ANOVA test (site and
farming system). Microbial activity of the
organic soils, as expressed by heat
production rate, was positively correlated
with soil suppressiveness and was
significantly higher by a factor of 2.2 as
compared with the conventionally managed
paired soils. It is suggested that organic
farming practices and especially compost
application may lead, with time, to some
reduction of the problems caused by FOM.
This beneficial effect of organic farming
seems non-specific to soil type or climatic
region in Israel. (Source - Yogev et al
Organic Agriculture, 2011, Volume 1,
Number 4, Pages 203-216).
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Integrated approaches to root disease
management in organic farming systems
- Conventional agriculture has had major
environmental impacts, in particular with
respect to soil degradation. Soil structure,
fertility, microbial and faunal biodiversity
have declined, and root diseases are
common unless genetic resistance, soil
fumigation and/or seed treatments are used.
Primarily for environmental reasons and
increasing demands for safe and healthy
food from the public, farmers have switched
over to organic production at an increasing
rate. During a transition period of about 5
years, organic farmers may face problems
with yield losses and pest or disease
problems. However, in well-managed, long-
term organic farms, soil borne diseases
need not be a problem. Several studies in
which disease severity was compared in
organic and conventional farming systems
(or with soils from those systems) showed
that root diseases are generally less severe
in organically than conventionally managed
soils. The reasons for reduced root disease
severity have seldom been investigated,
although relationships with nitrogen supply
or microbial diversity have sometimes been
found. Crop protection in organic farming is
generally not directed at controlling
particular pathogens or pests but at
management of the environment so that
plants are able to withstand potential
attacks. Resistant cultivars adapted to the
local conditions are in demand among
organic farmers. However, the main
practices that contribute to disease control
are long, balanced rotations, organic
amendments and reduced tillage, all geared
towards maintenance of the soil organic
matter content and fertility. Organic farmers
can make use of biological control agents
and natural toxic compounds in plant
extracts. However, these practices are
methods of last resort. (Source – Arietia et al
Australasian Plant Pathology 2003, 32,
Number 2 : 141-156)
The crop yield gap between organic and
conventional agriculture - A key issue in
the debate on the contribution of organic
agriculture to the future of world agriculture
is whether organic agriculture can produce
sufficient food to feed the world.
Comparisons of organic and conventional
21
yields play a central role in this debate.
Authors therefore compiled and analyzed a
meta-dataset of 362 published organic–
conventional comparative crop yields.
Results show that organic yields of individual
crops are on average 80% of conventional
yields, but variation is substantial (standard
deviation 21%). In dataset, the organic yield
gap significantly differed between crop
groups and regions. The analysis gave
some support to hypothesis that the
organic–conventional yield gap increases as
conventional yields increase, but this
relationship was only rather weak. The
rationale behind this hypothesis is that when
conventional yields are high and relatively
close to the potential or water-limited level,
nutrient stress must, as per definition of the
potential or water-limited yield levels, be low
and pests and diseases well controlled,
which are conditions more difficult to attain
in organic agriculture. Authors discuss
findings in the context of the literature on this
subject and address the issue of up-scaling
results to higher system levels. Authors
hypothesize that due to challenges in the
maintenance of nutrient availability in
organic systems at crop rotation, farm and
regional level, the average yield gap
between conventional and organic systems
may be larger than 20% at higher system
levels. This relates in particular to the role of
legumes in the rotation and the farming
system, and to the availability of (organic)
manure at the farm and regional levels.
Future research should therefore focus on
assessing the relative performance of both
types of agriculture at higher system levels,
i.e. the farm, regional and global system
levels, and should in that context pay
particular attention to nutrient availability in
both organic and conventional agriculture.
(Source - Tomek de Ponti et al 2012,
Agricultural Systems, 108, Pages 1–9)
Are specific testing protocols required
for organic onion varieties? Analysis of
onion variety testing under conventional
and organic growing conditions - Organic
growers need information on variety
performance under their growing conditions.
A 4-year onion variety research project was
carried out to investigate whether setting up
a variety testing system combining
conventional and organic variety trials is
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feasible and efficient rather than organizing
separate variety trials under the two
management systems. During 4 years
commercial onion cultivars were tested at a
certified organic and a non-organic location.
Both systems were managed without
chemical pest, disease and sprouting
control, but differed in fertility management
(organic manure in autumn versus synthetic
fertilizer), soil cultivation and weed
management (mechanical weeding versus
application of herbicide). Management
system significantly affected plant density,
thickness of neck, and proportion of small
and large bulbs. Variety × management
system interactions were significant for bulb
uniformity, earliness, proportion of large
bulbs, dormancy and relative storage
success but did not change the ranking of
the varieties. Authors conclude that organic
growers can profit from a more conscious
variety choice when conventionally fertilized
trials would refrain from using pesticides,
fungicides, herbicides and sprout inhibitors.
However, this would require an adaptation of
the management protocol in such a way that
trials might no longer represent conditions of
conventional farmers. Furthermore,
assessments of leaf erectness, disease
resistance to downy mildew and leaf blight
should be included in the protocols for
organic use. Authors advocate better
communication between breeders and
growers on specific variety characteristics
contributing to improving yield stability under
low-input, organic growing conditions.
(Source - Lammerts van Bueren et al 2012
Euphytica 184 (2), 181-193)
Weed management in organic cereals:
advances and opportunities - Cereals are
among the most competitive of crops, but
under organic management, weeds remain
the foremost production problem.
Understanding the ecology of both weeds
and cereals is paramount to developing non-
chemical strategies that limit yield loss due
to weeds whilst suppressing weed growth
and weed seed deposition. Key mechanisms
for weed management include enhancing
the cereal crops’ competitive advantage
through practices that (1) reduce weed
density, e.g. through use of a ‘false
seedbed’, and cultivation, possibly though
the use of selective weed control with inter-
22
row cultivation, and (2) increase interspecific
competition, including increased seeding
rates, precise fertilizer placement, and
promoting quick canopy closure. The
challenge is to find combinations of weed
management tactics that simultaneously
provide acceptable levels of weed control,
reduce weed seed return to the seed bank,
are economically advantageous, and can
overcome variability in weather. Presently,
the best options for in-season weed
management in organic cereals are
increasing the seeding rate or the
comparatively less common use of inter-row
cultivation for selective weed control. As
cultivation technology improves, increasing
accuracy and bringing down costs, this
practice may become more widely adopted.
Further research should focus on identifying
practices that maximize net returns and
weed suppression whilst being cognizant of
potential interactions with other pests,
organic production issues, and weed
management tactics. These efforts should
also provide insight to the efficacy of
potential strategies in the larger context of
the farming system as parameters including
the size of the weed seed bank will dictate
what practices are likely to be successful.
(Source - Kolb and Gallandt 2012, Organic
Agriculture)
Bhutan Plans Transition to 100% Organic
Agriculture - The Kingdom of Bhutan has
decided it will pursue its goal for all
agriculture to become organic. The
Himalayan nation, which borders India and
China, plans for its food production to
become 100% organic by 2020, an aim
enshrined in Bhutan’s National Framework
for Organic Farming. At the United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Development in
Rio, Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley explained
that his government is developing a full-
fledged ‘National Organic Policy’ and is
training agricultural extension officers in
organic methods. Farmers opting for organic
agriculture will be given priority in technical
assistance. At an event organised by the
International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Mr Thinley
stated that “going organic will create new
economic opportunities for farmers and rural
communities, adding value to what they
produce and reducing the costs of farming
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as they’ll no longer have to pay for
expensive imported seeds, pesticides,
fertilisers and other chemicals.” According to
IFOAM President Andre Leu, an adviser to
the Bhutanese Government, the complete
transition to an organic agricultural system is
feasible: “I don't think it's going to be that
difficult given that the majority of the
agricultural land is already organic by
default”. Only a minority of Bhutan’s farmers
have access to synthetic chemicals and
fertilisers because they cannot afford them.
Most of them, however, are not currently
officially certified as organic farmers.
(Source- Terraced fields in Tongsa, Bhutan
Global Agriculture, Agriculture at a
crossroads)
IFOAM and FiBL announce Global
Organic Research Network- The
International Federation of Organic
Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and the
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
(FiBL) announced at the UN Rio+20
Conference the formation of the IFOAM
Global Organic Research Network (IGORN).
The IFOAM Global Organic Research
Network will be a dynamic global network
enabling world-class collaboration on
organic food and farming science,
knowledge, and technology innovation within
the global organic movement and with a
wide range of science partners throughout
the world. The network will focus on
fostering research capacity in developing
countries where food security is critical. The
organizers and partners will use this network
as a platform to address key priorities that
will enhance the sustainability of all
agriculture based on the principles of
organic agriculture, health, ecology, care
and fairness—with an emphasis on reducing
poverty for small-scale food producers.
Once in operation, it will facilitate the
ecological and social intensification of
agriculture and food and nutrition security for
all. IFOAM and FiBL plan to launch the
IFOAM Global Organic Research Network at
the BioFach Organic Trade Fair and
Congress in Nuremberg, Germany in
February 2013. Following the launch, the
partnering institutions and key stakeholders
will develop projects and collaborative
agreements to conduct, implement and
disseminate research throughout the world.
23
(Source- International Research Network,
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
(FiBL) Frick Switzerland)
Apple thinning with potassium
bicarbonate - New environmentally
friendly method available - Apple thinning
has been a major problem for farmers
seeking to transition from conventional to
organic production. Consumers expect
organic apples to have comparable size and
quality to non-organic fruit, and thinning is
needed to achieve that goal. Also, many
apple varieties will bear heavily in some
years and less heavily in the following year
in an alternate bearing pattern. Thinning in
the heavy years will increase yield in the
light years. Organic farmers are not able to
use most plant hormones and instead rely
on time-consuming and expensive hand
labor to thin their trees. In Europe, organic
farmers also use mechanical methods, as
well as lime-sulfur and molasses. These
other methods are not as effective as hand
thinning and can damage trees. Now,
scientists at the Research Institute of
Organic Agriculture (FiBL) have found a way
to thin trees using an ingredient commonly
found in kitchens. By applying potassium
bicarbonate, a substance used in baking, to
trees at a key times in the growing season,
organic farmers can efficiently regulate crop
load better than hand thinning and the other
alternatives currently used in organic
production. The results were consistent for
11 varieties treated over a three year period.
Potassium bicarbonate has the advantage of
being very environmentally friendly. In 2012,
Swiss authorities approved the commercial
product, Armicarb©, for use as an apple
thinner based on FiBL’s research. (Source-
Weibel et al 2012 European Journal of
Horticultural Science, 77 (4), pp. 145-
153(17.08.2012)
Swiss DOK trial: Sensory, yield and
quality differences by production system
- Organic, biodynamic and conventional
wheat compared -Scientists at the
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture
(FiBL) in Switzerland found sensory
differences in double-blind taste tests
between flour grown biodynamically and
non-organically. Winter wheat (cultivar
Runal) was grown under the different
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farming systems as part of the long-term
FiBL "DOK" comparison trial near Basel,
Switzerland in the years 2006, 2007 and
2009. Organic and biodynamic wheat had
lower dry matter yields, lower protein content
and smaller kernel sizes. The Triangle Test,
a widely used sensory testing method, was
used to prevent bias. Two separate panels
of 30 persons each tasted freshly milled
wheat flour. Testing of dry whole meal was
challenging for the panelists, as opposed to
sampling porridge or bread, but the method
eliminated the possible sensory effects
resulting from slight differences in cooking or
baking. When the data from the three years
and two panels were aggregated, it became
evident that the number of correct answers
in the tests was significantly highest when
biodynamically and conventionally grown
samples were compared. Further
investigation is needed to determine if
production method influences consumer
preferences with final prepared products.
(Source - Christine et al 2012 Journal of the
Science of Food and Agriculture)
Norwegian study characterizes organic
food consumption by pregnant women
(Methodological challenges identified)-
Pregnant women participating in the
Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study
(MoBa) were surveyed about their food
consumption patterns and other lifestyle
choices. The study was led by the Division
of Environmental Medicine in the Norwegian
Institute of Public Health and the National
Institute for Consumer Research. Results
were based on the responses of 63'808
women who answered two questionnaires in
the years 2002-2007 during their
pregnancies. The first was a general health
questionnaire at the beginning of the second
trimester followed by a food frequency
questionnaire completed before the third
trimester. Women reported the frequency of
organic food use in six main food groups:
milk/dairy, bread/cereal, eggs, vegetables,
fruit and meat. Frequent consumption of
organic food was reported by 9.1% of the
respondents. Women who ate organic food
tended to eat more vegetables, fruits, and
whole grain products than women in the
overall population. In general, the pregnant
women who included organic foods in their
24
diets were more likely to follow dietary
guidelines established for pregnant women.
However, the cause and effect are not clear.
Do women who eat organic foods tend to
have more healthy diets, or are women who
are more conscientious about their diets
more likely to eat organic food? The
correlation has a methodological effect
known as 'collinearity' that makes it more
difficult to determine how much organic food
helps improve the health of women and
children, and how much is related to a
healthier diet in general. The authors
conclude that pregnant women who eat
organic food have lifestyles that are healthier
and more sustainable in general. As their
research proceeds, identifying the role
played by organic food will be a
methodological challenge. (Source- Torjusen
et al 2012, BMC Public Health 12: 612)
Organic wheat quality improved by
cultural techniques - Reduced tillage,
intercropping beneficial for bread wheat -
As the demand for organic bread expands,
farmers and bakers are concerned about
quality and safety. Farmers are interested in
cultural techniques to improve the baking
quality and reduce mycotoxin contamination
in the production of wheat. Plant available
nitrogen and weed pressure are the two
biggest limiting factors in production. The
CORE Organic project "Agronomical and
Technological methods to improve organic
wheat quality" (AGTEC-Org) assessed
reduced tillage, organic fertility management
and intercropping with legumes in 11 long-
term field trials and 12 farmers' field trials in
Austria, Denmark, France and Switzerland.
Reduced tillage worked best in fields where
weed pressure was relatively low. Quality of
wheat grown with reduced tillage was
comparable to that of traditional plowing.
Mycotoxin levels were generally low in
reduced tillage systems and increased when
wheat followed corn or lupine, but not in
other cases. Intercropping with peas did not
have a significant adverse effect on yield in
most cases, reduced weed pressure and
improved wheat quality.(Source- David et al
ISARA - Institut supérieure de l'agriculture
Lyon, Lyon, France. 24.07.2012).
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National and International Events
Kisan 12 - India’s largest Agri Show - The
twentieth Kisanfair –“Kisan” India’s largest
Agri Show is going to happen in Pune during
12-16th December 2012.The Indian farmer is
turning agriculture into a resurgent and
vibrant industry, besides using innovative
techniques, new technologies are being
explored and newer benchmarks are being
set each day. India’s largest trade show,
KISAN too is turning a new leaf. 20th edition
of KISAN has many exciting initiatives lined
up. Keeping pace with the changing time
KISAN will be showcasing exciting initiatives
dedicated for the farming community. One
will discover a vault of opportunities right
from the time he decides to participate in
KISAN. Apart from the trade fair, one can
also utilize KISAN’s highly versatile and
flexible digital marketing infrastructure.
Attractions in KISAN 12 are:
1. Knowledge Park- This is an ideal forum
for farmers to access the very best and
latest knowledge, trends and insights in
agriculture. National level agricultural
universities and reputed research
institutes will highlight their latest work
with the help of interactive sessions,
films, demonstrations and functional
models. KISAN will also host the lectures
by eminent agriculture scientists,
experienced farmers and various experts.
KISAN will also coordinate knowledge
tour i.e. an opportunity to visit renowned
agri-research institutions around Pune.
2. KISAN film festival –Another highlight for
this year will be a dedicated auditorium to
screen agricultural films. Each screening
will be followed by interactive discussions
and question and answers sessions. The
film festival has proven to be one of the
KISAN’s biggest attraction over time.
3. 3. Online B2B Platform-In partnership
with Kisan .com, exhibitors can host their
profiles, contact information and their
schedules during exhibitions. This will
save a lot of time and is a free and
convenient and a great way to find like
25
minded partners, customers and
suppliers.
4. Idea Expo-It is ideas which drive
agriculture today. It helps brings new agri
ideas and concepts to life. All
stakeholders from farmers,
entrepreneurs, scientists, domain experts
to agri. Students make it a point to attend
this expo. (Please visit
http://enterprise.kisan.in to know more
about the same)
BioFach, India 2012 -international trade
fair Together with India Organic -
BioFach, India 2012, an International trade
fair Together with India Organic shall be
organized during 29 November to 1st
December 2012 at Bangalore, India, at
Palace Ground, Shri Krishna Vihar, Mekhri
Circle. In November 2011, 171 (2010:103)
satisfied exhibitors and 7529 highly
interested visitors (2010:2860) including
trade buyers from Germany and France –
witnessed last Biofach India in Bangalore
and supported the decision to relocate it.
The whole diversity of the International
organic community was shown in the heart
of IT metropolis and garden city of
Bangalore on three lively and colorful days
of exhibition characterized by business talks
and professional and intercultural exchange.
Visitors left with super impressions of
Biofach India, which was really comparable
with other European events. Bangalore is
India’s third largest city and the capital of the
state of Karnataka. Its stunning development
into India’s key centre for the IT and other
high-tech industries has led to a highly
qualified middle class population being very
open to modern and health conscious life
style and spending over proportionate on
nutrition and personal care products. Its a
very good opportunity to invest into Indian
Organic Market and to promote organic
products at high quality platform for organic
industry. Biofach India together with India
organic is hosting all Indian organic players
and offers communication, education and
last but not the least business. It’s a B-to-B
platform and all trade visitors promotional
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activities are targeting domestic and
international decision makers and
professional buyers from sectors like
catering business, convenience stores, food
beverage wholesale, food manufacturing
and processing, import and export,
specialized organic shop, supermarkets,
department stores, specialized chain stores,
service companies etc. Bangalore offers
excellent air connections both to
international and all major domestic cities.
Biofach Germany 2013 World Organic
Trade Fair - Biofach 2013 world organic
trade fair shall be organized in Nurnberg,
Germany, during 13.2.2013 to 16.2.2013.
Here the visitors will certainly enjoy the
whole variety of a world leading exhibition.
Organic products are constantly capturing
new segments world wide. No wonder
making certified organic product successful
on the international market has always
needed maximum innovative power and
quality awareness, just as much as
successful networking between suppliers,
decision makers, global and local players,
trade, media and politics. The organic sector
sets sustainable accents at its world leading
exhibition BioFach. One can present their
innovations and products to a highly
qualified professional audience. From
special areas to Romania as country of the
year 2013, from the largest international
congress to tempting tasting areas for wine,
olive oil, coffee and fish. According to the
record of success of 2012 among the
satisfied exhibitors 92% could make new
business connections, 93% met their key
target group at Biofach. Successful
exhibition duo Biofatch and Vivaness 2012
was witnessed by 2420 exhibitors (included
70% international) and 40315 visitors among
which 43% were international visitors and
net display area was 44851sq mt.
The 2nd IFOAM Animal Husbandry
Conference - Building on the first IFOAM
conference in the US in 2006, farmers and
scientists will once again have the
opportunity to exchange information and
build new partnerships at the 2nd IFOAM
International Organic Animal Husbandry.
Although organic livestock production has
made significant advances over the last few
26
decades, navigating complex regulatory
frameworks and dealing with other
challenges facing the sector, organic
livestock systems will benefit from an
exchange at the international level. This
conference will concentrate on health and
food safety in organic livestock production
systems, marketing trends, innovation in
organic livestock production systems and
livestock breeding strategies. Key figures
from around the world will present the
diversity of organic livestock systems,
including opportunities and challenges on
the horizon. Topics will relate to a wide
range of livestock species: cattle, poultry,
pigs, small ruminants, fish, bees, rabbits etc.
The conference will be held in Hamburg, one
of the most exciting cities of Northern
Europe at the Bio-Center of the University of
Hamburg: September 12 to14, 2012,
Hamburg Germany.
Middle East Natural & Organic Products
Expo 2012 - The Middle East Natural &
Organic Product Expo 2012 shall be
organized during November 27-29, 2012 at
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai
International Convention and Exhibition
Centre. The Middle East Natural & Organic
Product Expo is a “never to be missed”
expo in the region as it attracts high quality
trade buyers from all over the world
especially from GCC, Middle East and
African countries. The overwhelming
response from the trade community in the
region is a clear example that there is a high
demand for organic products in the Middle
East market. Significantly, the show is held
in Dubai, the cosmopolitan city-state of the
UAE. Dubai offers a vantage point to
companies for regional penetration with the
city being the trading and export hub for the
whole of Middle East and Africa. Exhibitor
profile includes Organic Food & Beverages,
Organic food, fruits & vegetables, Fine
organic foods, Agricultural products,
Specialty / Gourmet products, Baby food,
Non-alcoholic beer / wine, Condiments,
Spices / Seasonings, Ethnic foods, Culinary
herbs, Fiber / Energy Snacks, Functional
foods & beverages, Green foods & Juices,
Meat & meat substitute, Organic dairy
products, Dry fruits, Tea & Coffee,
Cosmetics & Personal Care products, Bath
products, Beauty products, Beauty Parlors,
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Cosmetics, Skin care, Baby care, Sun care
products, Essential oils / fragrance etc. The
Dubai International Convention and
Exhibition Centre is a 15-minute drive from
the Dubai Airport. The Dubai International
Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC)
is a world-class venue with more than one
enviable advantage. The Centre offers a
total of 60,000 square meters of flexible and
versatile exhibition space, equipped to meet
the most demanding expectations. Middle
East Natural & Organic Product Expo is the
numerouno show for natural and organic
products in the Middle East. Over the last
nine years and more, MENOPE has
remained a salient platform for scores of
global companies to enter the Middle East
market. The 2012 MENOPE will be the
exhibition’s 10th edition. MENOPE is an
acknowledged show and has been part of
the entry strategy of many global companies
scouting for growth opportunities in the
Middle East market for many years. The
2012 show will build on the success of the
2011 expo, which attracted a stream of
serious trade visitors from the wider Middle
East, Africa, CIS and many Asian countries
including from the Sub Continent. MENOPE
is held every year in the cosmopolitan city of
Dubai in the UAE and has carved a niche
for itself as a dynamic buyer-seller meeting
ground in the organic and natural-product-
realm. The recently concluded MENOPE
event attracted scores of trade visitors with
the enthusiastic response affirming once
again the significance of the show as a
buyer-seller meeting ground.
Suscon 2012 - an International
conference on sustainable business and
consumption. SusCon– International
Conference on Sustainable Business and
Consumption will be taking place in the UN
City of Bonn during November 27-28, 2012
at World Conference Center Bonn,
Germany. For the third time SusCon will
bring together decision-makers from
businesses, NGOs, Governments and UN
organisations that strive for the concrete
implementation of an “inclusive green
economy”. It will consider which economic
model we should adopt for the future and
what, in practice, constitutes a “green
economy”? Six reasons to attend this
conference are to Develop practical
27
approaches for sustainable solutions,
Discover the role of business within the
emerging Green Economy, Benefit from the
visions and insights of world class speakers,
Acquire valuable information for making
responsible and innovative decisions, Learn
how to create transparency for stakeholders
on the value chain, Benefit from unique
networking opportunities. Ninety-nine per
cent of attendees at SusCon 2010 reported
how valuable the meeting was for the
company or organisation they represented.
"Eco-sustainable agriculture can provide
food security and improve rural
livelihoods for farmers" - Natural farming
and environment festival organized by
Kheti Virasat Mission at Bathinda, Punjab
in May 2012 - Eco-sustainable agriculture
can provide food security and improve rural
livelihoods for farmers. This was the main
conclusion of the Natural Farming and
Environment Festival by Kheti Virasat
Mission held during May 11-13 2012 at
Bathinda, Punjab. Kheti Virasat Mission, a
non-profit and conscious civil-society
organization, based at Jaitu in Faridkot,
Punjab has been promoting sustainable,
ecological farming practices as well as the
conservation and regeneration of natural
water resources, to re-establish the
traditional wisdom and practices related to
water. Evidence suggests that our soils and
water are getting increasingly polluted with
highly poisonous and toxic substances
generating an environmental crisis. The
festival attended by hundreds of farmers and
organic farming experts from states such as
Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Gujarat and
Maharashtra sought to raise some hard
questions related to environmental health
and ecological crisis and tried to bring
ecological farming at the center stage. The
Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM) is of the view
that issues concerning environmental and
health crisis must reflect in the farmers’
movements and Kisan Unions must support
natural farming. The event was therefore
marked by talks by political and trade union
leaders apart from eminent experts and
practitioners. The direction of farmer’s
movement in the present context was
discussed. The event was also marked by a
celebration of traditional foods through
“Bebe di Rasoi”, a sale of organic products
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particularly indigenous farmer owned seeds
and cultural programme from various states.
Reports suggest that the organic sales
counters were able to sell organic produce
worth over Rs 1 lakh at the fest. There were
discourses with eminent experts in
ecological farming and practical training in
natural and ecological farming. The success
of organic farming in western and southern
states were shared with the farmers of
Punjab and they learnt about how to cut the
use of pesticides that poison soil, water, and
crop. Angrej Singh Bhullar, a farmer from
Bhullar village in Muktsar district discussed
aspects related to harvesting to marketing of
organic crop. He benefitted from organic
farming in 8 acres and uses vermicompost
produced in his own farm. He has his own
plant to pack organic paddy, which enables
him to sell the output in the market at Rs. 70
per kg. He grows organic vegetables in 2.5
acres. Also Subhash Sharma of Dorli village
in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, an
expert in organic farming shared how he has
been growing organic vegetables, moong,
banana, and other crops on his 20 acre
farm. In agrarian crisis ridden Vidarbha, this
has helped him secure good profits and
repay his debts. Suresh Desai, a farmer
innovator from Belgaum, Karnataka founded
an Organic Farmers Club in the area where
he encourages people to take up
experiments with organic practices. He
shared with the participants about his
experience of shifting to organic farming, in
particular water efficient sugarcane. His
system has helped reduce water usage by
75 to 80 percent in comparison with the
conventional usage. Sugarcane is
conventionally grown in three-year cycles
and takes a year and a half to mature. It is
then harvested and a ratoon crop is left to
grow. Suresh Desai felt that the nutrients
28
contained in the ashes are leached out with
the first irrigation whenever he burnt the
sugarcane residue. He started venturing into
experiments in his sugarcane fields and
started using organic materials. He
composted the organic residues and used it
to fertilize his sugarcane crop and later
incorporated organic residues into the field
in situ and thereby saved on time and labour
considerably. He cut down his fertilizer
application considerably and was still able to
maintain production levels. He is stated to
have trained over a lakh farmers in organic
farming. He appealed to the farmers of
Punjab to go for multi-cropping systems and
green manuring. He shared how he has
adopted zero tillage methods and was yet
able to get 100 tonnes/ hectare of yield. He
discussed at length about the manner in
which he stimulates tillering by the
"snapping method" and about the method
followed in intercropping sugarcane with dry
land food crops (wheat and paddy in
rotation). He also grows kitchen-garden
crops such as onion, soybean, paddy,
turmeric (haldi), and pulses (like moong). On
the second day a women’s convention was
held on environment, health and food. A
discussion on opportunities and problems for
marketing of organic produce in Punjab was
also held. The meeting concluded with a
resolve to develop a strategy for
environmental health and mitigate
agricultural and ecological crisis in the state.
The Kheti Virasat Mission will organize the
next Kudrati Kheti-Vatavaran Utsav in
October this year at Jalandhar. (Source- A
report by Amita Bhaduri on July 23, 2012 -
18:22) Contact details: Umendra Dutt,
Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission,
Jaitu151202, Faridkot, Punjab.
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Book Review
New Agriculture: A Permaculture point of
view - ‘New Agriculture: a permaculture
point of view’ is a compilation of extracts
from the Late Dr. Venkat’s jottings on
permaculture made during the few months
before his demise. (He passed away in
August 2011, at the age of 89) These
jottings bring out the essence of his thinking
on permaculture design. The central theme
being: actions for treading softly on this
planet. Venkat, the permaculture man of
India, was a deep thinker. However, being a
man of few words he was able to make his
jottings extremely brief. Written in an easy –
to –read style, the 54 page book with ample
illustrations is good introductory manual for
understanding permaculture. His
apprehensions about the environmental and
food crisis globally and possible
interventions through chapter such as
“Designing for Regeneration of Farmland,”
“New Roots for the Agriculture of the
Future”, “Dynamics of New Agriculture” and
“the Goal”. Other chapters that are more
practical in nature deal with soils, water,
pests and trees. The book also contains a
note on Dr. Venkat as a person and a note
on his famed home garden. Just published
in March 2012, the book is modestly priced
at Rs. 30. It is available from
Manchipustakam, Secundarabad and the
Other India Press, Goa. An e-copy of the
book may be obtained by writing to
info@manchipustakam.in or can be down
loaded from the OFAI website. Contact :-
Suresh Kosaraju at ManChipustkam : Cell
No- 09490746614.
New Organic Farming Sourcebook (5th
edition) by Claude Alvares ,pp.460 Rs.500
- The Organic Farming Sourcebook is
written and edited by Claude Alvares with
the assistance of Nyla Coelho. The book
contains almost everything connected with
organic farming in India, including a vast
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directory of organic farmers Packed with
pictures, the book now include new chapter
on GM seeds, farm animals, especially
indigenous cows, and a comprehensive list
of green or organic stores from all the
different states.
New book on organic agriculture in the
Balkans - Organic agriculture in the
Balkans is still in its early stages, though it
already acts as a fundamental stimulus to
sustainable rural development in the region,
Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso reports.
Through a comparative analysis of organic
farming in the countries of South East
Europe, the book "Organic Balkans.
Stakeholders, policies, and institutions: a
regional perspective" (140 pages,
paperback, 14 x 21 cm) provides original
insights into the process of Eurpean Union
Integration. The autor Matteo Vittuari, PhD in
International Cooperation and Policy for
Sustainable Development, is a scholar of
sustainable agricultural and rural policies
and transitions in the Balkans. Lecturer at
the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of
Bologna, he has carried out post-doctoral
research at the Center for International
Development at the University of Harvard.
The forewords are written by Dacian Ciolos -
EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural
Development; Natalija Bogdanov - Professor
of Agricultural Economics, Belgrade
University; Andrea Segrè - Dean of the
Faculty of Agriculture, Bologna University.
"Organic Balkans. Stakeholders, policies,
and institutions: a regional perspective" is
written in English (with Italian and Serbo-
Croatian extracts on the website). It is
published by the Osservatorio Balcani e
Caucaso within the SeeNet II Programme of
Decentralised Cooperation between Italy
and SouthEast Europe. Source :
Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso
(30.08.2012).
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Top 10 Reasons to Eat Organic Food by Roxanne King

Top 10 reasons to shop for and eat organic foods:

1. Flavor and Nourishment: Organic farming starts with the nourishment of the soil,
producing nourished and nourishing plants. Well-balanced soil produces strong, healthy
plants that taste great. Conduct your own taste test!

2. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature: Organic agricultural respects the balance
demanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops in
rotation and by retaining fence rows, wetlands, and other natural areas.

3. Prevent soil erosion: Three billion tons of topsoil are eroded from crop lands in the U.S.
each year, much of it due to conventional farming practices, which often ignore the
health of the soil.

4. Protect water quality: The EPA estimates that pesticides pollute the primary source of
drinking water for more than half the country's population.

5. Support a true economy: Organic foods might seem expensive; however your tax dollars
pay for hazardous waste clean up and environmental damage caused by conventional
farming.

6. Protect future generations: Children receive four times more exposure than adults to
cancer causing pesticides in foods.

7. Keep chemicals off your plate: Pesticides are poisons designed to kill living organisms,
and can also be harmful to humans. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long
before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organic
agriculture is one way to prevent any more of these chemicals from getting into the air,
earth and water that sustain us - not to mention our plates.

8. Promote biodiversity: Planting large plots of land with the same crop year after year tripled
farm production between 1950 and 1970, but the lack of natural diversity of plant life has
negatively affected soil quality.

9. Save energy: More energy is now used to produce synthetic fertilizers than to till, cultivate
and harvest all the crops in the U.S.

10. Help small farmers: Although more and more large scale farms are making the
conversion to organic practices, most organic farms are small, independently owned and
operated family farms. USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production came
from only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because it
offers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.

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