309 ASSoq, — @ g 5 g } OFa\ October, 2011. Issue Fourteen (Past issues at veww.ofal.org) India’s Organic Farmers Invade Korea! Delegation led by OFAI President Sarvdaman Patel A welhequipped, competent and representative {group of Indian organic farmers visited Korea ‘end Seprember 203 to participate officially in the World Organic Congress organised by the International Federation of Organie Farming Movements (FOAM). “The OFAT delegation of tice persons, includ cd the President of the Association, Sarvda- man Patel, selected by OATS y-Member Selection Commitee. Others included: 1. Mr. Vikram Singh Raw, apple grow and apple rootstock nurseryman, Kalashar, Himachal Pradesh 2. Mr Basavanagowda Nagabushana Nandecth, legume-based farmer and seed saver, Churchigundi, Shimoga, Karnataka Mr, Antony George, vogeable seed saver, from, Poovarany, Kottayam, Kerala. Antony George war unfortunately ofused avira a the very last minute by the Korean Embassy Delhi even though he had an offical invite tion fkom the governor of the province hosting the event in Korea, “The thtce organic farmers were selected by a ‘committee nominated by the Managing Com- micee ofthe Asociasion and comprised the President, Secretary and Teeasurer of OFAL Besides the OFAI ear which was sponsored by the Korea Organic Congrese and INOFO, several other persons were independently selected by the Organising Commitee ofthe World Organie Congress directly from Korea on the bass of papers on vatious aspects of ‘organi farming submitted by chem to the conference. (Some of the persons selected are alo members of OFAL) Though the World Congress Organising CCommitice fret agzsed to sponsor all the cont of paper writers selected by their Com: mitts there was a change in its and Inter and the Committee agreed to pay only pare ‘of the cost for some. Accordingly, Dr Sultan Inmail who wat one of the fits to be selected, dropped out of the team when no sponsor ship vas provided. Sanita Sharma who was selected by the Korea Organising was unable to proceed to Korea at her visa papers did noc ative in time. paper on seeds was listed on che programme. Kailash Murehys was insimated only in Sep- ‘ember that hie paper was selected, Ie did not ‘come with an offer of payment for hie travel ‘Those who made it co Kores on the stength of the papets they had submitted ineluded Dr Deva Kumar, Dr Sujata and Dr Anutag Goel fiom Rainforest Retest, Miguel Braganza, ‘Mathew John fiom Keystone, Joy Daniel ftom IRD, et. all of whom are also OPAL mem bers This i the fist time that OFAI members and several organic farmers ate participating in the World Organie Congres “The participation of organic farmers, not just fiom India, but from allover the world, was made possible after OFAL made an issue of it Besides India, organic farmers from West Aiea, Oceania, south America and other Asian countries including Sci Lanka were able to attend the conference, ‘OFATS demand was based on the fae that no organi farmers attended the Asia Organic ‘Congress in Korea in 2005. D D Bharamagow dra, previous OFAI President who attended that Congress on behalf ofthe asocation, found chat he was the only organic farmer participating chen in the entire conference. ‘OFAL used the General Assembly of IFOAM. which met after the World Congres daye — to pres for adoption of ts resolution that 3¢ least two organic farmers should be nominated to the IFOAM World Boar, “This is pare of OFATy policy to get IFOAM to move beyond ite presene emphasis on trade and business and move over to supporting small organic farmer networks, lobbying in ‘emational agencies and national governments to cake organic farming seriously, and organ training courees on sustainable agriculere for persone all over the globe (Fora brief report on the Warld Organic Con sre, please seep 3) 2, % % Q s & (For poate circuation) Permaculture Pioneer Venkat No More: Great Loss to Organic Farming Movement Ds Venkat, founder sseretaty ofthe the Permaculeure Association of India, and an corganie farming pionect, pasted away 2sth September 200" afiernoon at Secunderabad, ‘Andhea Pradesh. He was eighty nine Dr. Venkat wae guru and mentor so many who took wp agriculture along ecological prin ciples. To the very end he practised permacul- ture in his own liste home garden, The legend and his garden had become a souree of inspiration for permaculeuists for decades, anyone had a problem telated farming of anything else, Dr Venkat probably hada fairly good solution at hand. The Pern through the 1970s in Australia was popular ized by Bill Mollison and his student David Holmgren. Bill Molison and {good friends, Dr. Venkat pioneered permacul culture Movement that evolved fenkse were tute in Ind in astociation with the Decean Development Society, hosting the fits na tional meeting in 1986, "The fist experimental permaculeute farm was set up at Zaheetabad, ‘outside Hyderabad, in 1987 under the guid- ance of Dr. Venkat Ds Venleacs home garden was a source of inspiration to both visitore and friends, rst tbat sharp in intellect to the very end, like a ‘rue ‘earth-caes’ he was always happy to show visiore around his home and garden, explain ing things along che way. The garden thus doubled up as a demonstration plot for the many vsitots who dropped by to understand the tenets, principles, practices and philosophy cof peamanene agriculture, He aio kept a seed bank of the several fruit and vegetable plants that he grew and was happy to gift seeds and saplings co any enthusiast who was keen to samt a garden of already had one. Nila Cotho2 fhe ting ld OFAI’s National Steering Committee Meets in Goa The second National Stering Committee (NSC) of the Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) held che welth annual Genetal Body meeting on Thursday 28 April, 201, at Hotel Mapura Residency, Mapusa-Goa, Sarvdaman Patel, Presiden, chaired the ing asisted by Claude Alvares (Secretary) and Jayant Vaman Barve (Treasurer). The National Swcering Committee isthe general body of the sssociation and ie elected from representatives ent from State-level organic farmer meetings including sate eeeting committees, The an anual mectng war called to fnalite the reports and the budget forthe teienniumn 200124 “The NSC meeting had the best attendance so far and che following persons were present Babu (Director of ICRA), Naganna, Raghava {all of Karnataka). Yogita Mebra, (Goa) “Trupei Gautam, Nilkant Shinde (both of (Maharashtra): Anuradha Sarang (Kerala); PB ‘Murali, A. Kalaivani (both of Tamil Nadu); Ashish Gupta (Delhi: Vikram Rawat, Rajni Rawat and Dileee Ghuman (all of Himachal Pradesh); and Krishna Kumar Bharatiyan (Uc tar Pradesh), OFAT AdvisorsTRC: Niranjana Mara, (Maharashtsa) and Me. N. Gopalkish ‘nan (Tamil Nadu) attended the meeting slong with Eknath Dongorwal, (Maharashtra), Renuka Ghuman (Himachal Pradesh), Pratieht Joshi (Ucarakhand), Gajanadu (Utar Pradesh) who attended with the permission of the chairperson Johny Mathew, Jose Sebastian (both from Kerala), Bharatendu Prakash (Utar Pradesh), Ramaben (Gujarat, Rajendra Singh Rathore Ravi Kelkar and bis brother Ajit Kelkar (all of Madhya Pradesh) had inuimated cheie inability tw attend due to reasons of health or other engagements, “The nomination of hice members from ‘Himachal Pradesh, who were present, was fst discussed, chen accepted by the NSC. The plan of scton, budget forthe period 2o1ta4, fund-raising for OFAL activities otras, membership, progress of PGS and the proposed sponsorship of mes to the ‘Organi World Congress in Korea 2011 domi nated the discussions the main ieue being the budget for son-rg and activites proposed by differen states in response co the requests from OFAI Central Sectetariae in Goa, ‘Claude Alvares said chat tentative budget bas ‘been submitted. Budgeting is done every 3 years The budget is prepared by che central secretariat and approved by the NSC In the conte of the budgets te deren states, the Secreaty stated that the ‘OPAL membership in each sate muse justify the budget provision. In the current budget, 4 standard provision was made forthe sate: that had requested suppore and consider- ing their member strength. OFAT hae many members from Tamil Nadu but most ae not active for the last «wo oF more years, He said that when the state secretariat kops function ing, OFA wail stop funding and that every state sccretaiat has co justify the expenditure proposed each yeat “There is no or lide grow in OFAL mem- bership in most of the older states. However, bers have been enrolled in juet one month, Lar year there was membership growth in Mad Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, He alto std that if more farmers are willing to join, we should encourage them, ‘Advocacy for organie farming within the aso ‘ation had to take back seat after the anti- (GM campaign for want of human resource. ‘The Parcipatory Guarantee Systems Ozganic Council (PGSOC) has been regietered co build up a supporsaystem for organic farm- ers to collectively market thee produce with 4 recognizable label of quality The Secretary said shat the sion in the budge for GS is fr the work dane on PGS through ‘the central secrvariat, OFAT hae been support ing PGS The NSC approved a policy decision to ensure ce ite inception that State-level groups seek independent fund ing for teaining workshops and other tequite ‘ments from Seate government, agriculture de partments and bank like NABARD which are in che forefront supporsing organic amin, “The example of Rajendra Singh Rathore wat cited inthis connection, He hae organised ‘cveral small ersining workshps for farmers in Ihe azea for OFAL without asking fora single rupee from OFAL central secretariat. Me Yopits Mehra, Me. Ashieh Gupta and Ms Anu radha Sarang volunteered to help OFAL, Mote volunteers are needed in every state Farmers sometimes ask what they will get if they become OFAI members, Some farmers ze not intercrted in membership becaute of the language barrier. However, only members ae cligible o be a par of the NSC and od committees of OFAL “The fact is chat OFAL was noe set up to sell organi produce, it was st to promote organic farming, co produce literature and conduct need-based tanings and farmer exchanges, withthe support of other organizations that do likewise, All the work that OFA does is for improving the livelihoods of the farmers, specially che small hol India, Marketing is an aspect that ie deal by PGSOC, of which OFAT is one of che mem: bers farmers in “The Secretary (who is also Ditector of the Cental Secretsat) sid i i dificule co ge quality people to work at OFAI and there isa lange tall cuin-over, Salary is paid to sal ‘Seatesceretriats to asset with the OFA work in chose States. Government Support to Organic Farming Increases ‘The Government of Inds Ministry of Age: culture is promoting organic farming inthe country under the following schemes: Na- ‘ional Projet on Organie Faemsing (NPOF), [National Horticulture Mission (NIM), and [Rasherya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), “The NCOFs six Regional Centres (RCOFs) located at Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Hissar, Tnphal, Jabalpur, and Nagpue, which Belp in implementing the NPOF will now seit it dinate PGS-India, The NPOF project suppor: organic input production infra- structure, technical capacity building of stake holders, human resource development shrough training, eatutory quality control of organic inputs, technology development and dissemi- nation, marker developmene and awareness, ‘Two new innovative components were added fn the projec fom the fn “These were Biological Soil Health Assessment: Tis ditionally, soil health is assessed ehrough al year 2010. physiochemical soil test and addresced mainly ‘through chemical nutrient supplementation in terms of NPK or the so-called major nutients ‘The Nitogen, NCOF and the Ministry of agriculeate have now realised the role ofthe micro-organisms inthe soil and now proposed co atsess the scl also from biological health angle for mak ing appropriate interventions co restore the fertility through organic and biological means. PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) Cer- tification: PGS will also serve ae preparation to third party certification and frets easily sviteh over fom PGS to the ther form *hosphorus and Potasium, of certifiation, The NPOF also provides an ssistance for esting up vermi-compost unite up to so per cen of cost with limie of R.30,000 per beneficiary. OFAT has farmers who are doing extremely good work in vermicutute, Asi: tance of Rss lakh is provided under NPOF toa group of farmers covering an area of 50 Iheetate for organic farming ceriiestion, Thie can be achieved through PGS ‘Local Groups armen! Clubs. The scheme is implemented through State Departments of Agriculture by NCOFIRCOFs [Rasheriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) “The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Ag sncultare with a Bottom-to-Top approach to planning. ‘the Village Panchayat ean develop a project tailored to meet ite need and subsnit it to the District Planning Committee for inclw= sion in the Comprehensive District Agricul ‘ural Plan (CDAD). The only pre-condition is that atleast 49 of the State's annual budget Agricul 0 be cligble for RKVY grants, States ate being a: sisted for atea expansion of organie food crops, capacigy building of farmers and organic input production must be allocate‘The LSeg Med 9 OFAI at IFOAM’s OWC 2011 and General Assembly “The Organie Farming Association of India [OFAI] was sepresented by its President, Sar ‘daman Patel, and Additonal Director, Cental Secretariat, Miguel Braganza, at the 20th Gen- ‘ral Assembly of che Incernational Federation Agriculvure Movements [IFOAM] to which it ie afliated, A resolution of ‘m0- tion’ proposed by OFAL, to 2) congratulate the IFOAM for seting up the INOFO snd a making the Task Force on PGS a permanent CCommitcee as well a 2) co co-opt two farmers 1m continents not represented by members clected to the World Boatd 201114, wat listed inthe Agenda as Motion # 63 for discussion in the Genetal Asembly on 04 October, 20m. “The Motion #63 was discused by IFOAM ‘members, including World Board members a the ‘Motions Bazsa’ held on 03 October, ott, afternoon. While most members were in favour of the congratulatory mention, some had reservations about the quota for co-option while others were opposed fo any ‘presute rou’ taking dominance in the IFOAM pro ‘cess, Hectic negotiations were held by Sar: cleman Patel and Miguel Braganza of OFAL to defend the OFAL motion and to build up support. While the INOFO members fly ‘endorsed the OFAI sponsored motion, it was nat possible co build concensus in favour fof che motion to cross the so% voting mask for simple majority of 36 votes co adopt it, specially as there were proxy votes with many ‘members representing the Certifying Bodice and other groups of interests, Ie was resolved to withdraw the motion and conver it 103 ‘Recommendation’ tothe newly elected World Board ater ensuring thatthe OFAI motion and diseusion thereon had a salutary effect on the voting forthe new World Bostd that now had a farmer a# President in Andre Les of ‘Australia and farmer members in Ms, Manjo Sich of Nasnibia and Me. James Cole of Ghana. ‘One of che Vice-Presidente, De. Gabriella Soro from Costa Rica, is coffee grower and has ‘been an onganic farming activist though her principal occupation is that of a Professor at the Tropical Research & Education Centre [CATIE), OFAL member, Mathew John. of Keystone Foundation isthe only member from Asia in the nevly clected World Board of IFOAM, He and Ms. Eva Terramocha of Tels, though not farmers, are closely stoi sted with small holding farmers as members ‘of the Global Committee on PGS of FOAM. Organic is Lie 17th IF@AM OWC 2011 COFAL-CS remaine engaged with the new ‘World Board members to get the organic farmers back atthe centre-rtage of IFOAM activites, The immediate past IFOAM Pres dens, Ms, Katherine diMareo, in he farewell speech made a pointed reference to building of alliances wit farmers organizations now thatthe work of laying down organic stan- dards and harmonizing them for eetieation across country notms has almore been com pleted he Intercontinental Neowork of 7 (FAT President Saredaman Patel maker bis presentation at asesion of INOFO atthe World ‘Onganie Congres 2011 at Sel, Keres, Miguel ‘Braganca of INOFO is moderator trough the intervention of OFAL at the Past ‘Asia Organie Conference in November, 2009, ‘obained a commitment from the Korean ‘Organizing Commirece [KOC] to fund «mall holding organic farmers from economically [poor counties ro attend and participate in the ‘Organic World Congress 201 from OFAL were thus sponsored fone of them was not issued visa to attend. “Two of these OFAL-nominated farmers, ary ddaman Patel and Vikram Singh Rawat, made presentations oftheir best practices vegetables dairy and fraits-vegeabler- dairy oweves ‘cereale {arming respectively, Incidentally, both thee faumets use bindynamie praciees in addition to organie Farming, ages managed by organic farmers, Additional Director of OFAL-CS, Miguel Braganza, who went to Kotea with sponsorship for present tion ofa paper in the Pre-Conference semi nat, aeended the INOFO General Assembly sind was cleted athe new Vice President of TNOFO for Asia for 011-44 ‘OPAL members, Dr. Sujata Lakhani-Goel and Dr. N. Devalsumar also presented their research papers of biological conte ‘method and mlipication of bio-cantel agents, which were well received, The new OFAI NSC member designate from Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Kuldip Singh Thales, also pre sented 3 tesearch paperReports on OFAI’s State-wise activities during 2010-11 KARNATAKA, COFAL-Karnataka members have been mecting petiodically co discuss and plan che OFAL- Karnataka activities and to strengthen Organic Agriculture movement in Karnataka. OFAT- Karnataka is alo joining hande with other ‘organisations in ite campaign against GE in Asriculeuze in Karnal. In July 2010, OFAT organized an innovative programme on Natural Farming, In Kaena taka Subhash Palekar has been promoting his brand of Natural Farming, Thete wat some ‘confusion on vatious aspects of Natural Farm ing and workshop by Raju Titus contributed ‘enotmously to map out the fundamentals of Pulcuoks Nacural Farming. The programme ‘was organised ae Davengere KVK and OFAL NSC member, Mr. Raghava, kindly ofered hie ‘Natural Farm’ for demonstration and for field visit. Around too farmers attended the workshop. The fine blend of theory and dem ‘onstration on Raghava Natural Farm contrib uted immensely tothe leaning process and it was one of the Natural learning experiences of farmers. The wotkshop was designed in such 3 way that afte the Bld visit each of the participants shated their observation on what they sw and what could be improved includ ing schooling of the children, Raju Titus also gave a public tall on Natural Farming and Climate Change in Bangalor. This was well attended. To create more aware to arculate the rights of farmers, 4 yearlong campsign wat launched on sch August, 2010 by SAGE in collaboration with many likemsinded organisstions and people (OFAL-Katnataka has alo joined hands in eis ‘campaign. On asth August protest meetings and dhatnas wete organised in x5 district! taluka head quarter in Kaznataka in which OFAI-Karnataka actively participated. OPAL Karnataka also organized its members meeting in Dharwad in Noy, zor0, Around 40 mem bere attended the mesting Shri D.D, Bharmagoudara chaired the meet ing. "The members discussed the fate plans and how to strengthen the organie movement inthe state and alzo participate in strength atthe Third Biennial Convention in Anand. “They alto discused on recording farmers ex perience, increasing the membership campaign against BT and making Gover tions more accountable. Finally 42 members arcended the convention in Anand, Gujarat In March, 2011 OFAI in asociation with ICRA organived a eraining programme in Kottur, Bellary District for small farmers. 75 ‘organi farmers who are rain fed farmers and practicing organi farming forthe lasts years pattcipated in che training programme which focussed on PGS certification and marketing, (Por a more detailed report, ee 7) (Right) The well attended Organic Farming School organised by OFAT in Haryana. Prime ‘mover wat Dr Raindar Chaudry MADHYA PRADESH. A five day program of OFS was organized a Chhatarpur (M.P) for the farmers and ‘organic promoters of U.P, and M.P fom 37¢h Auigust to 21st August 2ort, The program wat convened by OEAT-Norch India Regional ‘office which has been shifted from Banda to ‘Chhtarput lst yeat for convenience of com: munication, publication and management Gandhi Smarak Nidhi (Gandhi Bhawan) - ‘organie farn/eampus was the obvious choice 18 venue forthe program. Boarding 8 Lodg- ing wae organized at Gandhi Bhawan campus while the resource persons sayed at the OFAL- IN office apartment. Farmers from various distics of M.P. and UL were invited on the basis of their ea. lier willingness to initiate organi farming, stcengthen their efrtscowatde organi farm ing and constiute PGS groups for beter mar keting of thee organie produce. Some ofthe experienced PGS- groups of UP were invited 2s tesource persons to share their experiences ‘of marketing. In addition, Dr. Prt Joshi well known organ farming-scientcs, Dr. Mahesh K. Paiva regional head of Jabalpur centee of National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad (Govt, of India), Shei Raghunath Sontalke a succesfl organic mer of Wardha, were invited as resource persons to guide the par tieipating farmers in cis program, ‘The program was coordinated by Dr, Bhara- tendu Prakash of OFAL-North and assisted swell by Shri Sanjay Singh, the Secretary of Gandhi Smarak Nidhi, Chhatarpus. The pro- gram of OFS war followed almost stiedy as ‘enclosed along with thi report ‘The copies under discussion though focused ‘on the theme, yet, covered broader aspects te lated to organic lifestyles. Some of the salient point were: 1. The basics of organe farming: “The lan, soils, water, scede and the environment 2. Organic processing of various agro- and Fruicvegetable products 3. Participatory Guarantee Systen nizing farmers in groupe to init hhonotable organic marketing. and orga HARYANA “This ie brief teport on the Farmers Training workshop organized by Dr. Rajinder Chaud= hhary at Lakhan Maja village. The meeting was held for 3 days fom Friday May rth 200 to Sunday May sth. I wae able co represent ‘OFAI for one day on Sunday May sth Presenters: Prof. Rajinder Chaudhary ~ ‘Sh, Krishan Rao - Tiaining on techniques for SRL, organic farming, Panchagavya, pest repel- Jane preparations Ashish Gupta - Vercation mechanizms, PGS sind Organie Food Marketing Supply Chain Actendest: Chief Organizer About 250 farmers from Lakshan Majra and adjoining Villagce in Rohtak District - Hary While Iwas not present forthe Fist rw days ‘of the workshop, the discussions on the eizd ay indicated tha the fst «wo days included taining and discussions on Panchgavya, Jeev mut etc. The seconds day Farmers wene on a field viet to another farm which was practice ing organic tradiionally, The third day the meeting entailed, farmers ‘experience and feedback for the sesion# held, Sessions were held on using green man and Dabholkar ing Janiques in land revival, PGS certification and matketing techniques. ‘OFAI membership war mentioned, however ‘was suggested that the membership be done ‘only for farmets who are serious to go through this process. It war suggested that a group bye formed ata loal level which ean take the sociation of OFA forwatd, The group ean hhlp with PGS certification and also aid any farmer who needs information and nexwork ing with other frmers in the councey through OFAL “The farmers mentioned that shey were happy that such a workshop was held for che fret time in their region and zome of them vowed. ‘ows urea aguin in their fieldsReports on OFAI’s State-wise activities HIMACHAL PRADESH. COFAI scretatiat of Himachal Pradesh or- ganized a 5 day organic farming school in the Kinnaur Diswrict a Tslang village near Rekong Peo from 9th of June to arth of June ott forthe growers ofthe Sangla valley The Organic Field School was ateending by about 40 growers ofthe region and 23 ofthe frmers and faculty. enrolled as members of OFAL by the end of the OFS District Kinnaus of Himachal Pradesh is at average elevation of 200m above sea level 50% if the district ie high asicude swith litle or no vegetation, Aver ‘age rainfall ir low as compared to the sate ay ‘rage and is uevally around foomm, ‘The only source of water in the region isthe pure lowe 1m melting glacier in summer, The peak of Kinnaur Kailash, 6050 m above sea level, coole the entire region and provides forall the needs fof water Crop growing season runs from June to October, Main cash erop is apple and dy fruits such a¢ almonds, pine nut, walnuts and wild apricots (Chall). In addition, people {103 local varieties of buckwheat, batley, veg cables for local consumption. The 5 day OFS sessions were conducted by \Viksam Rawat and Ashish Gupta of OFAL Secretatiats ax well ar two scientist of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK of Dr ¥ § Patmar Un versity of Horticulture) Dr. Bhupesh Gupea (Plane Pathology specialist) and Dr Rakesh Sharma (Soil Sens) “The workshop was conducted as a series of interactive sessions with farmers leading the discussions an ‘were not availible among the farmers in the peer group. The fist session stared with the discussion about the idea of “iv Farming aterm sed in preference to "Organie Agricul tue” a8 has a more specific teference t life and biodiversiy: including mizobial diversi. [A special focus was on the steuctute and fane tioning of local and urban markets and eheie ‘requirements. There was a common miscon- ception that Jaivik Farming is done only to ‘bain premium price in the marke, specially yugh exports. Ie was discussed thas the ides ‘of proit could alto be understood in terme ‘of input core reduction while maintaining the level of production and hence increaze in net profi, Thie was accepted asa valid explanation boy the growers, “The Farmers needed information on how mar- leting is done for Jaivik produce. The "PGS ‘Organic Produce’ label and ite mechanism of ‘operation was explained to the farmers. Panchgawya can be formulated on cach farm, The growers were happy to keow that some thing which is easily available a each fcr could be mad at an effective decoction for use as a pest repellant and plant growth promoter. In addition, the farmers were aso shown how to make Sanjivak which is an easy and effecive alternative in cae ingredients like curd, cow urine or ghee for panchagavya ate not available or thee cast prohibicive. Dr. Rakesh demonstrated om how to effec tively male and use vermicompost and how it can be used to effetively increase sil organic content manifold, Cheap and local methods ‘on making vermicompost heaps were di cessed such as sing loeal pine needles asa coveting over the heap to retain moisture, The ‘cutent government subsidy in making pucea ‘cemented vermicompost tanks was a complete failure wich Farmers having co invest and then wait fr rleae of subsidy. The heap method was simple and flexible in terms of land use. ‘The members mee with 52 frmere led by Vidys Karan Negi of Sustainable Himalayan Development Movement who isa ell known grower ofthe rogion as well as nodal person for promotion of farm home stays and Os ‘ane Farming. Report by Vikram Rawat and Achich Gupta Iranian farmers complete training visit to India ‘A team of Iranian farmers and officials in volved in agriculture visited India in Octo ‘om OFAL “The visi which commenced on October 14th their tour of north India, “The team also visited Hyderabad, where they wete introduced to the theoty and practice of [NPM agriculture promoted so succesfully by ‘Cente for Sustainable Agriculture. The visi in Hyderabad was hosted by CSA. “The Irian team war headed by Hosscin, Heidari ‘Other members included Farzad Jalili, Fatshid Karkoodi, Abbas Bourbous, Re soul Zare, Ms Shahnaz Miraci, Me Afianch Heidai, Me Fatemeh Mircace, Mohamad Mirlobi, Ms Fahimeh Gholamzadeh Mahabadt and Ms Susan Sadeghian. “The emtte programme of the visit was pre pated by the Central Secretariat of OFAT, The Iranian team bote all the costs of the visic ro India “The other Indian organisations that also played hoee during the vise inchided Grace roots in Usarakhand, Grassroots made sure the Irsniane visited several other NGOs alo inwolved in organic agrculeure and marketing of organie produce in the region including $08 and INHERE. “The Iranians were exeremely happy with the visi, che interactions with Indian farmers, and she warm and generosity of OFAI members and the village communitie they visited. At the end of the visit all the members insisted fon becoming members of OFAL so that they remained in contact with the aetoiaton for farther advice on onganic agriculture “The report of their vst will be published in the next ise of The Living Field The LSog Meld 5 Events Held and February 2011 PGS Training at Andiyur, Tamil Nady. “Local Groups" under PGS forme: ‘oth March 2011 PGS Trainng workshop held at Kuttor, Bellary District, Karnataka for SHG and UG leaders Local Groupe” formed 28th April 201 (FAI 2th NSC Meeting held in Goa 2oth April 201 Sarvdaran Patel naupurates BSG's “Konkan uit Fest”, NSC members Mr. 8, Mural, Me ‘Ashish Gupta and the Himachal Pradesh team particpate 3oth April 2011 PGS - OC now registered In Goa, holds is fist National Counell meeting and elects 3 new Managing Committee (cee report on p) 10 May 2011 (OFAI selects 4 Candidates for OWC - Korea, 13-45 May 2011 farmers Training Workshop organised by Dr Rajinder Chaudhury at Lakhan Mara village g-11June 2011 ‘Organic Feld School at Taiangivilage, Rekong Peo, Kinnaut Dist, Himachal Pragesh 17-21 August 2071 ‘Organi Farming Schoo! held by North India (OFAI Secretaria. 28 September - 1 October 2011 ‘Organic World Congres, Korea, OFAL wat represented by its President 2 October 2011 General Assembly of INOFO in Seoul, Kocea 3 October to 5 October 20 FAL Presiden votes to lee new IFOAM ‘World Board 2011-2014. OFATs motion #63, sddopeed ae “Recommendation October 14-23, 2011 ‘OFAL hoses vse by Irant IPM Farmers interesced fn converting to fully organ. October 30-31, 2011 OFALICRA Workshop for organic farmers wat ing thie own histories, Upcoming December 26,2011 Course in Biodynamic and Organic Agricul sue a the farm of Sarvdaman Pace, near ‘Anand in Gujarat.6 he Ling Ral Organic Farmer Proile Rajendra Singh Rathore Rajendra Singh Rathore is an organic farmer turned writer from Ratlam, He is alto an lected member of the National Stecting Commitee of OFAL and of its Managing Commitcee ‘We ate profiling this unusual and dynamic “organi farmer because he provides an inter ‘xting example of how pioneering organic farmers spread organi faring in thei acae of work Rajendra Singh Rathore isa resident of Amba village in Raclamn, Madhya P ‘ace following che philosophy of Fukuoka's One Straw Revolution of navural farming for the lat twenty ive years with impressive results eee what he preaches and sity Protection Centre’ at Amba, Ratlam, a Mecea for newly initiated organic farmers He experiences a deep sense of creativity in his vocation as an organic farmer. Tis creative iny can be seen in his writing as well atin his farming, He attended the thee day organic farmer convention organized by the Organic ng Assocation of India (OF was held from 1sth December 2010 to 17 Many farmers come to such conferences, but Rajendra Rathore with hie enthusiastic pen ‘aptured the essence of the convention by me Uieulously chronicling the day to day discus sons in his diary: His graphie account of the ‘conference in chaste Hindi, tells us that he has thoroughly absotbed the theory and practice of organic farming. He comer through as a productive farmer and ‘awit in hie nen right. Such documentation ica welcome trond in epreading the message of ‘organi faming in Indis, Hs peers wold cer tainly benefit from his detailed diary: What he says in his diary goes a long way to establish his commitment as an organie farm, expei menting datingly in his own lite farm and hazing his experiences with other farmers. Rajendra Rathore is uncompromising in his practice of ig. He believes in the core valuce of harmonious farming where man and natute have become equal partner rather than master and servant, No tiling, no chemical fertilizers, no extza efforts to under take composting, no pesticides, employing mixed farming techniques in hie farm and ‘sing only rainwater asthe soutce of itigaion For his fam, ee, ate the values, he chinks, ate absolutely non-negotiable, He believes that a farmer who follows these guiding principles ‘can make sufficient profi through hie organic farm, His farm is a nucleus around which organic farmers from Ratlam region can converge and got the necessary impute for their own ‘experimentation, His ‘Suraj’ Farm has become a dlssemination cent forthe fatmers and students, Rajendea Singh with his gushing en ‘eagy has been taking up issues which concerns the ordinary farmers of the region and fllows them up with the government authorities, “The farmers of Ratlam region ate harassed by Due bulls, a species of antelope. These hfiy mammals have a huge appetite for standing crops. Their grazing i feared mose by the ‘unsuspecting farmers. These bulls aca che standing crops in large numbers and ues ally et up about fifty to vagy percen of the standing crop in one single nigh, leaving she farmers ofthe region high and dry. Blue bulls are the mort dangerous pests around. Rajendra Singh Rathore has mobilized farmers ‘of his region agains this predatory atcack by the mammals, The existing Wild Life Protec tion Act and Rules forbid killing or hunting of chese predators, This has posed a very big problem for the farmers. The poor farmers saffer huge lasses every year because the law doce allow farmers to bunt these pests, Ra- thore haz mobilized farmers and hae aricuat- cd thei cll vance with a force and conviction ofa social activist, His petition tothe concerned government authorities to allow farmets co hunt down the blue bulls encroaching upon ther farms ita compelling read. He has summed up the legal clauses and suggested amendinents to tectity che anomaly of Wild Life Protection Rules, His arguments ate based upon the victims’ testimonies and their collective lees. The petition ie signed by ten petit crs Ie beats the thumb impressions ofthe notin the regular ink, but in blood. The fact that farmers have signed this petitions with their own blood brings out the anxiety of the farmers, Accan Rajendra Singh has created an energetic cam- ppaign ganas the menace of blue bulls, He is not just an organi Farmer, he i and a writer. Suraj Farm not only instruct ‘but inepitee the farmers ofthe region. Rajen- dra Singh hae converted hie organic farming initative into a hoistie pursuit of farmers wel, He cam be reached atthe fllowing addres: ‘Suraj Prakrucic atm and Jaiva Vividhta San- Budget Speech 2011 "While the need to maximize crop yields ro meet the growing demand for food grains is ctiscal, we have to sustain agricultural produc- tivigy in the Jong run, There has been deterio- ration in soil health due so removal of crop residue and indiceriminate use of chemical ferilizers, aided by distorted prices "Ta address these issues, the Government pro poses to promote organie Farming methods combining modern technology with tation al farming practices like green manuting, bio logical pest contol and weed management.” Biodynamic Farming Course / Workshop and December to Tuesday) 6th December, rox (Friday Inaugural Sesion: 2 December 2011 @ 9.00 am, Closure of the ixining: 6 December 2011 @ 430 pm Venue Bhaikaka Krishi Kendra, Ravipura [Anand Sojiea Road), District Anand, Gujarat Fees Re, 100001- (nelusve of course fees, study material, all meals, tansportation & addition al activites) Note: If financial consideration is hindeance co your participation, you ean aval a discount of up to 30% on the fee. Payment Please pay 100% in advance through DD or at par cheque in favour of “Sarvdaman Patel, payable st Anand. Bank details: Bank of Baroda, branch: Vallabh Vidyanagat, Ae No .97550100005899 Seats come, free cerved basis Accommodation ‘Tents - Rs. asol- per day Note: This i very russcfbasc but clean tent accommodation on itself with open toilets and not ree- repellent. Hotels - Rs. so0!- to Rs. ro0o!- pet day on a owin sharing basis Note: This will be srranged in mid-range hotels in Vidyanagar ot ‘Anand & will be bated on availabilty (se list bbelow). Please note thatthe rates ae subject to change after November 15, Please se thelist of hotels below if you wish co make the bookings fon your awn, ‘Course Coordinator Sarvdsman Patel How to Register Please download the x. org and send i following address - IATAN VINOBA ASHRAM, GOTRI, VADODARA: 390 021 Gujarat PHONE:0265-2371420, FAX:0265-2371850, E-MAIL: jtanteust@gmail.com (if email to be ‘used for this course, applicants are requested use “BD_BKK_DEC son” as subject You will receive a email confirmation. Addisional Contact Information, Sarvdsman Patel (Phonet9825045730) istration from wow. long with a DD to the (Exallorganichategmail. com) Ravi Koushik (Phone#98866550:5) (Email-ravikoushikee yahoo.com)‘The LBog Meld 7 PGS Organic Certification Gains Widespread Acceptance KOTTUR, KARNATAKA, PGS Organie Council assisted with a PGS workshop for small mers organised by ICRA. Ms, Gayati, Mr, Shankar and Me (Chanda of ICRA facilitated the interac- sion which saw the patticipation of many vety highly motivated small holding farmers in Koeeur town, Most of them were alieady organic or in transition and membre of Sel Help Groupe [SHGs] which could be convert. cd into PGS “Local Groupe” or LG. Some ‘were in parallel production, was impreszed by their work and also the dligence with which they participated in the actual conducs of the “Local Group” forma: tion meeting farm appraisal vist and the meeting of the LG to approve the appraisal teport and decide on whether to grane PGS Organic’ status or not. Ie was not really a ‘mock demonstration’ because they cok up & live’ example for appraisal Mr Naganna, OFAIs NSC member form Take was so inspired by thei that he has decided to form a PGS Local Group of vegetable growers in Tumkur. “The credit forthe events success goss to the organizational ability of Ms. Gayatri, Mr. Shankar, Mr Chandraju and the local coordi- nators. [only shared a few tips fiom my expe- rience of PGS in Goa, Hyderabad, Erode, Lanka and Bhs Ik is my considered view that we do not have to TEACH the farmers anything because they alteady KNOW what to do. All that needs 10 be done isto REMIND, REVISE and RE- KINDLE the deste to be ORGANIC again without secking PREMIUM prices because LEISA means low input cose and beter qual: fny produce without reduction in yield. The farmers and I understood each other, though I speak very lite Kannada. Miguel Bragensa Small farmers who attended the succeufil PGS raining at Koreurorganited by ICRA with OFAI-CS assitance EASTERN BHUTAN In February 2012, PGS invaded Bhutan! The Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative [SJ] was launched in December, 2030, by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Mr. Jigme ¥. Tinley. in the presence of the Distict Governor and Me Kerang Tshomo, Coordinator of NOP, SJL is led by Tashi Ronald Coleman and Dasho Tashi D (On a5 February, 201, che PM met the SIL and OFAI members and teviewed the sus- tained activities of SIL. He complimented it forthe unflagging enthusiasm in activites ro fomote GNII through organic agriculeuze and collective marketing. The PM's statement daring the Mid-Term Review [MTR] of the at Somdrup Jonghhar town on. had speci references to organic agrculure COFAT joined the SII to condet a series of lcture-demonstrations and Q & A sessions fiom 18 to 27 February, 201 help promote Organic Agriculture [OA] and Participatory Guarancee Syrems [PGS] as a means co reach mn of Gross ‘National Happiness [GNH] in harmony with all living ‘The approach war to enhance the utiliza sion of the Ministry of Agriculeate & Forests [MoAF] and National Organie Programme INOP} schemes through efective communi cation of avilable information and eapacity building among the farmers through day-long workshops with emphasis on method dem- double phy Q&A sessions failated through local leadership. Piccorial posters of MaAF/RNR Extension fochures content was extensively used in the village workshops by the SUOFAL TEAM, an abbreviation for "Together Everyone Achieves More The farmers in mot villages of Samdrup Jong hat Daongkhag ate organic by tadition and only a few used any synthetic frien like ‘rea of sprayed any pesticides provided by che Bhutan Government agencies. Farmers knew ‘many organic practices, including preparation of Panchagavya’ ured in some religious rituals in Bhuran asin neighbouring India Dasho Tashi Doi initially t provided the local context the lecture demonstrations by OFAT faculty ‘members and, towards the end of the ten day programme conducted some ofthe lect demonstrations independently in Orang, ‘Wooling and Dewathang without any need of the OFA TEAM. members from India, A local expert had been enabled and em: powered co sustain che process of conversion of ‘natural farming’ solely dependent on the goodness of Mother Nature to ‘organic fr ing! where man assisted Nature to help boost productivity in harmony with natural pro- snd humour to Mr Ashok Kamar Pradhan, Extension Su: pervisor-r, with long experience in Khate Bhangrar/Somdrup and curt rang village also evinced kee both, the preparaions of oxganic formulations for enhancement of plane growth, eduction of diseaze infection and insect pest management in oranges and maize a well asthe NOP of Bhutan Other RNR Extension may be given similar hands-on exposure to organic farming met tds and visits to otganie fatms in India to be convinced that OA is beter than the best oF industrial agriculture, hae surtained high production levee forall crops and a a fraction ofthe cos, “The Low External Input Sustainable Agriul- ture (LEISA] ‘organi’ produce with credible local label such as PGS Organi¢ ean actu ally be marketed 3 prices lower chan those of industil agree8 he Ling ald Books on Organic Farming “The One Straw Revolution By Masanobu Fukuoka Other India Books Bs330) Now into ite sand edition Regenerating the Soil By Claude Bourguignon Other India Books sas} 1, Thie book is widely seen ae the natural successor to Albert Howard's An Agricultural Tetament (also all able with Other India Bookstore) Now into its second edit Diary of an Organic Farmer By Gautam Vora Har-Anand Publications (HB) Rs:795 pp.328 Why take to organi farming? Do you think ‘organi farming could help farmers become independent of external inputs? Yes argues renowned author Dr Gautam Vohea in his yet to be releaed book “Diaty of An Organic Farmer”, based on the field work done by DRAG among the tribal community in Maha rashera and the farmers of Manger village In his 325-page book, the auchor no ino the various organic farming techniques, for which the reader has many’ other sources, Focutesto show what i takes to initiate and “stain an organie firming projec. Adopting 4 natrative approach, the author touches upon the realism that vividly reflect the frustrations and the perseverance needed to set up a project by one whose aspirations aze to work on the ground in every sense of the word and slowly develop project together swith the villages With Sor of the farms in India ate two acres and les, the author chrough project-based natrative approach tries to demonstrate chat if such a plot can be made sustainable, a major dent will have been made on hunger i ‘councrysde, New Organic Farming Sourcebook (5th edition) This i ll ehe more relevant within a scenario where the land it poot, which is true of the vast stietches of n-ittgated land in India "Organie faring should be supported be cause it makes the farmer independent of ex: ternal inputs. For itis his inability wo pay for fertilizers and pesticides, including the higher dosage of wate, and power to lift the water that is required, chac ha led to his indebeed- rnc, The inability of ome to pay their debts haa led to suicides,” argues Dr Vohsa deviating from the “higher return on yield” thoory of the National Commission on Farmers Pointing out chat governments poverty redue tion effort and fie play co liberalisation and trade have not benefited the small and mat- inal armets and chat malnourishment in thar segment has only increased pose reforms, Ds Vohra aserts that the solutions lie not in producing more cereals in the regions of the country, regions whore potential thas begun to be exhausted, but in promoting its production in - 2) the dry land, monsoon fed areas and 2) wastelands - fallow land, pasture and grating land, degraded forests, cultivable wastelands Allin alla no holds barred account through a recording of the regular visits to the farm {get the project going, acquiring kabza (posses- sion), digging a cube-well, fencing the and, security sapling, ensuring that they survive the scorching summer month - all form part of a dealed narrative told with candour chat will caprvate the reader. This book thas brings ‘out the travel and tavale of a wannabe ‘organic farmer would be useful for researchers, policy makers and most importandly common reader, who are keen to have an insight on the long-term benefits af organic Fatming, S Sayanarayanan, ‘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 dlitcctory of organic farmers, Packed with pewres, the book now includes new chap- ters on GM seeds, farm animals, especially indigenous cows, and a comprehensive list of green or organic stores fom all the dif- Pp.460 Rs.s00 (post and packing fee) Payment by DD only, drawn in favour of "Other India Bookstore,” payable at Mapusa 403507 Goa For asistance in getting a copy, call o852- 2255913 (Jenessey) or email: myofai@egmall com or simply write a postcard to: OFAI Central Secretaras, G-8 St Brist's Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa 403507 Goa or Other India Bookstore, Next co New Ma pusa Clinic, Mapusa 403507 Goa Attention All OFAI Members Allindividual members of OFAl who wed ther member have not yet ship ate requested to deposit their an nual fees in favour of Organi Farming Association of India" payable in $B A/c 'No.18001010002991 7 at Mapusa-Goa branch of AXIS Bank @Rs.100 per year uj ‘a maximum of 10 years, Do not forget to intimate OFAL-Central Secretariat by letter oF email to myofalg {gmallcom or call Jenessey on 0832 2255913 during normal office hours Please send information as ner profotms below, Membership proforma (can also be used by those applying for first ye membership) Name (OFA! ID No. Address: H.No. Post Vilage Taluka/ Mandal Di stat PIN Phone Email Address Total Farm Area (Ha/Ac) Crops Grown Renewal for, Newsletter: English / Hindi Signature The expenses in printing and posting The Living Field ar appreciate some support inthe form of guite high and we would renewed membership or donations. Those. who do not send in ther subscriptions may that this willbe the last issue of The Living Field or Shashya Shamala they wil be The Living Field is OPAL for private ci bers only aicor: Claude Alves ited and published by ulation to OFAT mera-