September 2012 - National Centre of Organic Farming - dacnet

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Impact of Some Innovative Organic Inputson Soil Properties with and without CropSanjeev Kumari 1* , Jagat Singh 2 P.K. Gupta 31Research Scholar, JJTU, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.2 Regional Centre for Organic Farming, Hisar3 National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation, NashikIntroductionWith the growing awareness for safe andhealthy food, the demand for organicallygrown food is growing. Concern fordeteriorating soil health and increasingcontamination in ground water and surfacewater bodies have also added to the needfor alternative technologies which not onlycan ensure safe and healthy food but arealso environment friendly and contributing tothe long term fertility and sustainability of thesoils. During the last 10 years many farmers,due to various reasons, have switched overto the organic methods of cultivation and arenow successfully growing comparableproductivities with much less costs. In theabsence of any scientific support majority ofthe farmers relied on the traditional wisdomand with some on-farm experimentation hasdeveloped innovative inputs which can beprepared on-farm with local resources.Among these innovative inputs mostcommon and successful inputs arePanchgavya, Jivamruth and vermiwash.To scientifically evaluate their impact on soilproperties an experiment was carried out atBatar Farm, Hansi, Hisar in Haryana State.The paper briefly describes the impact ofthese innovative inputs on some soilproperties with and without crops.Materials and methodsThe present work was carried out at BatarFarm, Hansi, Hisar during 2011-12 on wheatcrop variety C-306. Details of these threeinnovative inputs viz: Panchagavya,Jivamruth and Vermiwash and theirproduction methodology is described below:Panchgavya: Panchagavya is a knowntraditional input among organic farmingfraternity and is being widely used for soilenrichment, plant growth promotion and asprophylactic against some pests. It is madefrom five cow products i.e. –cow dung-5kg,cow urine-2 litre, cow curd-2kg, cow urine-3litre and cow ghee-500 gram. All theseingredients are mixed thoroughly, allowed toferment for one week and then filtered.Jivamruth: It is prepared by mixing cowdung-10kg, cow urine-10litre, Jaggary(Gur)-2kg and Pulse flour- 2kg and fermenting forone week. Filtered extract is used as soilapplication and is believed to enrich soilmicrobiologically through in-numerousbeneficial microorganisms. Jivamruth isreported to contain very large population ofnitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers andsiderophore producers. Microbialfermentation during preparation is alsobelieved to develop some growth promotinghormones which help in better germinationand seedling emergence.Vermiwash: It is the watery extract ofvermicompost. For its preparation water iscontinuously poured drop-by-drop into acontainer containing the vermin-bed rawmaterial and earthworms. Excess waterdraining out from the bottom tap is collectedas vermiwash.Banyan tree soil: Undisturbed soil collectedfrom the underneath of a banyan tree is highin microbial count due to deposition ofmultiple layers of biomass and birds andanimal’s excreta and is considered as anexcellent source of beneficialmicroorganisms.Application of Organic inputs- Theseinputs were applied four times @ 50 Kg/Literper ha at 0, 15, 30 and 45 day intervals assoil application in liquid form. Each of theseinputs were applied in separate plots withcrop and without crop. Experiment was laid5 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Table:7. Average Sulphur of the soil samples with and without crop plots.Traditional Inputs Panchagavya Jivamrit vermiwash Banyantree SoilWith crop 150.03 140.40 155.17 114.03Without Crop 132.07 134.13 157.37 138.33ConclusionThe use of innovative organic inputsreflected different impact in respect ofdifferent parameters. Soil pH was found tobe enhanced under all the treatments in thesoil without crop compared to soil with crop.Electrical conductivity was largely unaffectedunder both situations and by any inputtreatment. Total organic carbon and totalnitrogen contents were observed to behigher in all treatments in soils without crop,compared to soils where crop was grownindicating the consumption by the crop.Available phosphorus and available potashwere higher in soils without crop in plotstreated with Panchgavya, Jivamruth andVermiwash while in case of Banyan tree soiltreatment the soils with crop showed highervalues. Interestingly available sulfur washigher in soils without crop underPanchgavya and Jivamruth treatment andhigher in soils with crop under Vermiwashand Banyan tree soil treatment.In conclusion, it can be stated that themaximum soil parameter values were foundhigher in soils without crop due to nonuptake of minerals by the crop. But in caseof available Potassium the plots without cropunder Jivamruth and Banyan tree soiltreatment showed lower values compared tosoils with crop. Same was also observed incase of Sulphur where Panchgavya andJivamruth treatment showed higher valuesunder crop compared to non-crop soils.Differential behavior of different soilparameters indicate that different nutrientsbehaved differently under differenttreatments with and without crops. In soilswhere crop was grown there was netnegative balance with all the treatments inrespect of organic carbon, total nitrogen andavailable phosphorus, while there was netpositive balance in respect of availablepotassium and sulfur under sometreatments. Rhizospheric interactions maybe responsible for such variable results andneed further exploration of the interactions.References:Criticism O.A. report 2008. Compiled by IFOAM(International Federation of OrganicAgriculture Movements), 2008Jackson,M. L.,1975.Soil chemical analysis,practice hall of India, New Delhi.Olsen,S.R. Cole, C.V., Watanable, F.S., Dean,L.A.,1954. Estimation of available phosphorus insoils by extraction with Sodium Bicarbonate.Circular US department of Agriculture, P: 39.Sharma,V., Singh D.,Lal R.(2011), “Effect ofOrganic Inputs on Seed Yield of GobhiSarson(Brassica napus L.)” in Nationalsymposium cum Brainstorming Workshop onOrganic Agriculture held at CSK HP,KrishiVishavidalaya, Palmpur19-20 April 2011. pp :97.Simard, R.R., 1993.Ammonium acetateextractable Elements. In:Martin,R.,Carter,S.,(eds) soil sampling and methods ofanalysis. Lewis Publisher, Florida, USA pp.39-43.7 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) –A Future FertilizerHari Mohan GuptaSociety for Organic Agriculture Movement (SOAM)26, Gayatri Nagar-B, Farm, Durgarpura,Jaipur-302018, RajasthanPreambleDeclining fertilizer use efficiency, especiallyof phosphorus, and continuous building ofinsoluble phosphorus reserve in soils is agrowing concern world over and efforts arebeing made to replace the use of 100%water soluble phosphorus with that oforganic carbon linked phosphorus. PROMtechnology, in which natural rock-phosphateis being integrated with organic manuresduring composting process, has emerged assuitable alternative to our needs. PROM hasbeen found to be completely replacing theneed for phosphatic fertilizers. Todemonstrate the benefits of using PROM,large numbers of field demonstrations wereconducted on farmer’s fields in 4 districts ofRajasthan. This paper briefly describes theimpact of PROM technology on total yieldand net gains as studied in 8 representativedemonstrations.Methodology used for making PROMFor making PROM sufficient for one ha area200 kg high grade rock phosphate(containing about 30% P 2 O 5 ) was mixed with5 ton of cow dung and crop residue mixture.For enhancing the microbial activity 1 kg ofAzotobacter, 1 kg of Phosphate SolubilizingBacteria (PSB) and 0.5 kg of Decomposingculture was also added to the mixture asslurry. The mixture was allowed todecompose for 90 days in a pit. After 90days, approximately 3.0 tons of maturePROM was harvested, comprising about 30kg N and 60 kg P 2 O 5 . This entire quantity ofPROM was broadcast spread in the fieldfollowed by ploughing with tractor 15 daysprior to sowing. A parallel control plot wasmaintained at each demonstration sitehaving an area of 0.25 ha. The control plotwas treated with either 150 kg DAP or 400kg SSP + 60 kg urea/ha for comparison.Post sowing treatments were similar incontrol as well PROM treated field.ResultsAs is evident from Table 1, the PROM hasyielded higher yields compared to 100%NPK control. The increase in yield wasranging from minimum 3% to maximum10.52%. Net gains in terms of additionalincome in PROM treated plots over controlplots were ranging between Rs. 320 and1850 per ha.As the comparison was between PROM andequivalent grade of chemical fertilizer, it wasestablished that PROM can be an idealsubstitute for DAP. Study besides providingan alternative to DAP also opens up thescope for reducing the cost on costlychemical fertilizers. The rock phosphateavailable indigenously can very well serveas phosphate resource.Integration of phosphorus with organiccarbon not only ensures higher useefficiency of applied phosphorus but alsoadd to the biological life of the soil besidessaving precious foreign currency andburdening subsidy.8 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Table 1. Effect of PROM on yield and net gains in Groundnut crop in comparison withchemical fertilizer control.Sl. Name & Address Yield in Kg/ha % Net profit overNo.Control PROM increase chemicalovercontrolFertilizer in Rs/hector1. Shri Kailash Choudhary Villageand Post-Kiratpura, KotputliJaipur1650 1820 10.30 1820/-2. Shri Girdhari Lal Jat Villageand Post-Kiratpura, Kotputli,Jaipur3. Shri Lal Chand Yadav Villagekasli,Post-kiratpura, KotputliJaipur4. Shri Dharm Singh Village andPost-Kiratpura, Kotputli Jaipur5. Shri Shivram Village and Post-Kiratpura Kotputli Jaipur6. Shri Kailash Village-Jeetpura,Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa7. Shri Prabhu Village-Jeetpura,Post-Kallawas Lalsoth Dausa8. Shri Pusushottam Village-Jeetpura, Post-KallawasLalsoth Dausa1650 1750 06.06 1080/-1950 2150 10.25 1850/-1700 1750 02.90 320/-1600 1750 09.37 1620/-2200 2400 09.09 1500/-2100 2300 09.52 1580/-1900 2100 10.52 1850/-9 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Influence of Microbial Isolates ofBeejamruth on Seed Germination andSeedling Vigour Index of ChilliNemagoudar M.S., Sreenivasa M.N. and Savita P.Department of Agricultural Microbiology,UAS, Dharwad-580005IntroductionNow-a-days organic farming practices aregaining importance as farmers haverealized the benefits of organic farming interms of soil fertility, soil health andsustainable productivity. Farmers are wellaware with the use of organic liquidmanure such as Panchagavya,Beejamruth, Jiwamruth and biodigester inorganic farming. These organic liquidmanures play a key role in promotinggrowth and providing immunity to plantsystem. The spray of Panchagavya onchillies produces dark green colour leaveswithin 10days. Its role as plant growthpromoter has already been reported bySubhashini et al (2001) and Sreenivasa etal. Though many farmers are getting betteryield by using organic liquid manures,scientific validation has not been carriedout. Hence an attempt has been made toanalyze the microbial load of beejamruthand their influence on seed germinationand seedling vigour index of chilli.Material and methodsInitially beejamruth was prepared by usingcow dung and cow urine collected fromdifferent sources like biofarm, diary farmand local cows. The serial dilution andstandard plate count method was usedfor isolation of total bacteria, fungi andactinomycetes using respective media i.e.nutrient agar, rose Bengal media andKuster’s agar respectively from differentbeejamruth prepared. The plates wereincubated at 28±2 0 C for one week and thecolony counts were recorded. Theseisolates were screened for their efficiencyand functional characters like IAA (Gordenand Paleg 1957), GA (Paleg,1965)production, nitrogen fixation and P-solubilization capacity (phoshomolybdicblue colour method). Five efficient isolateseach from cow fed with organic feed (frombiofarm), exotic breed fed with commercialfeed (from Dairy) and local breed (cow)selected based on N 2 fixing capacity, P-solubilsation and IAA and GA productionwere used for germination study of chilliseeds. Germination test was carried out bydipping chilli seeds in respective culturebroth of microbial isolates of beejamruthafor ten minutes and kept on germinationpaper. On 8 th day, the germinated seedswere counted and the percent germinationwas computed by using the formula. Theshoot length (from collar region to theapex) of ten randomly selected ten day oldnormal seedlings was measured and themean was recorded as shoot length incentimeters. The root length betweencollar region and the tip of root of tenrandomly selected (ten day old normal)seedlings was measured. The mean wascalculated and expressed in centimeters.The seedling vigour index was calculatedadopting the method suggested by Abdul– Baki and Anderson (1973).Seedling vigour index = Germinationpercentage x Seedling length.Ten seedlings were kept in brown paperbags having holes to enable air dryingwere oven dried at 70 o C to achieve10 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½constant weight. Afterwards, the seedlingdry weight was recorded and expressedas total; dry matter (mg/10 seedlings)Results and discussionOut of total bacterial, fungal andactinomycetes isolates from differentbeejamruth, fifteen isolates were selectedfor seed germination and seedling vigorindex test, based on IAA, GA production,N 2 fixation, and P-solubilisation ability(Table I). Among all 16 treatments (Table2), the germination percentage wassignificantly highest in BFBA19 (97.68%)followed by DBA28 (95.07%) while thelowest germination percentage wasobserved in control (82.0%). Seedtreatment with isolates BFF1, LBA22 andBFACT7 resulted in lower germinationpercentage (91.47%, 93.65%and 90.72%)as compared to BFBA19 and DBA28 but itwas higher than control, though they werestatistically on par with each other. Seedtreatment with BFBA19 resulted insignificantly highest root and shoot length(14.13 and 6.25cm.) The lowest root andshoot length was observed in control (9and 4.01 cm) rest of all other treatmentswere statistically on par with each butsignificantly differ from BFBA15 (11.00and 5.50 cm) and control (9 and 4.01cm).The seedling vigour index was found to bemaximum in BFBA 19 (1990) while lowestseedling vigour index was observed incontrol (1066). Out of 15 isolates selectedfor this study the bacterial isolate BFBA19from biofarm source have shownmaximum germination percentage, rootlength, shoot length, seedling vigour indexand seedling dry weight followed byDBA28 as compared to the other isolateswhile in control lowest germination androot length, shoot length, seedling vigourindex and seedling dry weight (Table2)was observed. This may be due toproduction of higher amount of IAA andGA by the bacterial isolates fromBeejamruth prepared from cow dung andcow urine from biofarm source. This is inconformity with the findings of Nagarajand Sreenivasa (2009) and Sreenivasa etal (2010) that few beneficialmicroorganisms present in beejamruthproduced IAA and GA and resulted inimprovement in seed germination,seedling length and seed vigour insoyabean.ConclusionIn Beejamruth prepared by using cowdungand cowurine collected from Biofarm, dairyfarm and local cow, the isolates ofbacteria, fungi and actinomycetes frombiofarm source showed significantimprovement in the seed germination,seedling vigour and dry matter productionof chilli.ReferencesAbdul- Baki, A.A. and Anderson, J.D. (1973)Vigour determination in soybean seed bymultiple criteria. Crop Sci. 13: 630-633Gorden, S.A. and Paleg, L.G. 1957, Quantitativemeasurement of indole acetic acid. PlanPhysiol, 10:37-48.Nagaraj M.N. and Sreenivasa, M.N, 2009,Influence of bacteria isolated fromPanchagavya on seed germination and seedvigour in wheat. Karnataka J Agric. Sci., 22(1): 231-232.Paleg, L.G., 1965, Physiological effects ofGibberellins. Ann. Rev.Plant Physiol.,16 :291-322.Sreenivasa. M.N. Nagaraj Naik and S.N. Bhat.(2009). Beneficial traits of microbialisolates of organic liquid manures - FirstAsian PGPR Congress for sustainableagriculture – 21-24, June 2009, ANGRAU.Hyderabad.Sreenivasa . M.N., Nagaraj Nasik and S.N. Bhat.2010, Organic liquid manures: Source forbenefical microorganisms and plantnutrients. Organic Farming Newsletter6(4):113.Subhashini S, A. Arumugasamy, K. Vijaylakshmiand A.V Balasubramanian (2001).Vrkshayurveda- Ayurveda for plants. Centrefor Indian Knowledge Systems, Chennai,Tamil Nadu.pp 47.11 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Table 1 : Best five efficient isolates selected each from beejamruth prepared by using Cowdung and cow urine obtained from Biofarm , Dairy farm and Local cow based on N2 fixing,P-solubilising. IAA and GA producing capacitySr,No.IsolatesN2 fixation(mg NH 4 +/gC utilized)PSolubilization(%Pi releasedfrom TCPBFBA = Biofarm Bacteria , DBA = Dairy Bacteria, LBA = Local BacteriaBFF = Biofarm Fungi , DFF = Dairy farm fungi , LFF= Local fungiBFACT = Biofarm Actinomycetes, DFACT = Dairy farm ActinomycetesIAA(ug/25ml)GA(ug/25ml)1 BFBA15 13..25 6.25 10.54 4.382 BFBA19 13.58 6.50 10.42 4.273 DBA 28 12.86 5.56 9.16 4.134 DBA 30 11.34 5.49 9.58 4.195 LBA22 8.50 4.17 8.13 4.006 BFACT 7 7.89 5.90 6.45 2.357 BFACT 14 6.56 5.65 6.28 2.288 DACT 4 6.78 5.50 5.98 2.269 DACT18 7.65 5.13 5.56 2.1510 LACT14 4.05 3.18 4.20 2.0111 BFF1 0 9.25 7.98 3.5512 BFF6 0 7.39 7.76 3.2813 DFF11 0 8.28 6.83 3.1914 DFF18 0 9.13 6.68 3.1515 LFF3 0 6.72 6.50 3.02S.E.m+-CD(P=0.01)0.090.260.070.210.080.240.040.11Table 2-Influence of efficient isolates of beejamruth on germination of chilli seedsS Isolates Seed Root Shoot Seedling Seedling SeedlingN.germina length length length vigour dry weighttion andpercent(cm) (cm) (cm) index (mg/10seedling)age%1 BFBA15 88.13 11.00 5.50 16.50 1458 33.712 BFBA19 97.68 14.13 6.25 20.38 1991 46.033 DBA 28 95.07 12.55 6.00 18.57 1765 40.824 DBA 30 87.82 11.50 5.00 16.50 1453 33.55 LBA22 93.65 11.83 5.11 16.94 1586 36.686 BFACT 7 90.72 10.47 5.23 15.70 1424 32.937 BFACT 14 84.30 10.22 5.20 15.42 1301 30.088 DACT 4 85.30 10.50 5.01 15.50 1323 30.609 DACT18 86.00 10.50 5.50 16.00 1377 31.8310 LACT14 83.70 9.78 4.50 14.28 1195 27.6011 BFF1 91.47 10.76 5.51 16.26 1487 34.3912 BFF6 86.00 10.13 5.02 15.15 1304 30.1413 DFF11 87.59 10.00 4.50 14.50 1270 29.3214 DFF18 89.30 9.75 4.62 14.37 1283 29.6715 LFF3 86.50 9.53 4.50 14.03 1214 28.0616 Control 82.00 9.00 4.01 13.00 1066 24.64SEm ±CD (P=0.01)1.012.910.120.360.060.170.180.5216.2662.990.381.0812 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½India Organic NewsSatyamev Jayate: Organic farming, needof the hour - Did you know that there are 67types of pesticides which are banned allover the world, but are still used by Indianfarmers. Everyday, through fruits andvegetables, we consume 400-500% morepesticides than the permissible limit. AamirKhan highlighted the bad effects of chemicalfarming during the eighth episode of histelevision show ‘Satyamev Jayate’. Hespoke to doctors, agricultural scientists,farmers and others during the episode. Toincrease productivity, farmers have beenusing pesticides for agricultural purposesfrom years now. Because of this, thenutritional value of the crop goes down.Now, these pesticides have become a partof our food chain. According to a study by DrRashmi Sanghi, even breast milk contains400-800% more pesticides than thepermissible limits. During the show, manyfarmers confessed that they do not usethese pesticides for the fruits and vegetablesthey separately grow for their ownconsumption. Jurnail Singh a farmer fromJajjal, Punjab claims that excessive use ofpesticides started after the GreenRevolution. Aamir tried to highlight thebenefits of organic farming and alternateways of killing insects during the show. Frommany years, agricultural scientist Dr GVRamanjaneyulu has been working with thefarmers in Andhra Pradesh to teach themcheap and safe ways of getting rid of theinsects. He said, “Not pests, but pesticidesare a bigger problem for the farmers. On anaverage, a village spends nearly Rs 50 lakhevery year on pesticides.” Aamir Khan alsospoke to Pawan Chamling, chief minister ofSikkim on the show. Chamling has bannedall pesticides in the state and is promotingorganic farming. He aims to make Sikkim anorganic state by 2015. It is not possible forall the states to switch to organic farmingovernight, but taking some steps to savepeople’s life is essential now. Through hisshow, Aamir urged audiences to opt fororganic products. He also said that thereshould be a regulating body to monitor theusage of pesticides by the farmers.Organic and inorganic cultivation of chilliand its marketing- An economic analysis- The present study was conducted inBelgaum district, the major vegetableproducing district of north Karnataka. Largenumbers of farmers practice the organiccultivation of chilli in the district. For thestudy, 30 farmers each practice in organicand inorganic cultivation of chilli spread overthe district of Belgaum were selectedrandomly. The data collectedfrom respondents was analyzed usingbudgeting technique. The estimated per acrecost of cultivation of organic and inorganicchilli was ` 18337.00 and `19115.00respectively. Per acre average yield oforganic chilli was 4.10 tonnes as against4.86 tonnes in inorganic chilli. Per tonnemarket prices for organic and inorganic chilliwere Rs 9830.00 and Rs 6300.00,respectively. Transportation cost includingloading and unloading for organic chilli was `265.00 per tonne as against ` 285.00 forinorganic chilli. The per tonne commissioncharges for organic and inorganic chilli wereRs 644.00 and Rs 432.00, respectively. Thetotal marketing cost per acre for organic chilliwas Rs 3726.00 as against Rs 3485.00 forinorganic chilli. The gross returns oforganic chilli were Rs 40290.00 per acre asagainst Rs 30583.00 for inorganic chilli. Thenet returns of organic chilli (Rs. 18227.00)were higher than that of inorganic chilli (Rs7984.00). The B:C for organic chilli was 1.83as against 1.35 for inorganic chilli. Hence itis advisable for the farmers to switch over toorganic farming which minimizes theenvironmental degradation and alsobrings higher net returns (Source-Naik et alKarnataka Journal of AgriculturalSciences, Vol 25, No 2 (2012)Effect of organic farming on productivity,soil fertility and economics of scentedrice-tomato–bottle gourd croppingsystem - Field experiments were conductedduring 2006–2009 to study the effect ofvarious organic sources (computed on 150kg ha −1 N-equivalent basis) forming seventreatments, viz. Azotobacter + FYM, FYM,Goat manure, Vermicompost, Azolla + FYM13 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½and cow urine along with no application(control) in rice (cv Sugandha) and theirresidual effect on productivity of tomato(Swarna Lalima) and bottle gourd (ArkaBahar) crops, soil fertility and economics ofthe cropping system. The highest rice grainyield 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 tha −1 ) and FYM (2.37 t ha −1 ). Among differentorganic sources the rice grain yield wassignificantly lower under goat manure andcow urine. However, vermicompost recordedsignificantly highest yield of tomato as wellas bottle gourd which was at par withAzotobacter + FYM and FYM treatment.Maximum net return of Rs. 3,11,958 ha −1with 3.59 benefit : cost ratio was obtained byvermicompost. It was followed by net returnof Rs.2,98,628/-and B: C ratio of 3.42 byAzotobacter + FYM and net return of Rs.2,77,298/-and B: C ratio of 3.25 by FYM alonetreatment. The continuous application of allthe organic sources to rice for three yearssignificantly improved the soil-organiccarbon, available N, P and K status at theend 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 differentnutrient and crop management practices-A field experiment was conducted duringkharif and rabi seasons of 2007-08 at UAS,Dharwad, Karnataka to study the effect oforganic, chemical and integrated nutrientmanagement (INM) practices on soil fertilitystatus in soybean-wheat, groundnutsorghum,maize-chickpea, potato-chickpeaand chilli + cotton systems. The presentstudy was the fourth year of long term fieldexperiment (LTFE) of Network Project onOrganic Farming at Institute of OrganicFarming, UAS, Dharwad. After harvest ofkharif crops of fourth year (2007-08), theintegrated nutrient management practicerecorded significantly higher available N(278.4 kg/ha), P 2 O 5 (23.4 kg/ha), K 2 O (355.0kg/ha) and S (18.7 kg/ha) when compared tochemical nutrient management practice.Similarly, DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn andCu were significantly influenced byintegrated nutrient management practice(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,P 2 O 5 by 46.3, K 2 O by 9.6 and S by 54.1 percent respectively due to INM. SimilarlyDTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cuincreased by 18.5, 30.6, 36.5 and 30.0 percent respectively due to integrated nutrientmanagement practice over their initialvalues. The available N, P 2 O 5 , K 2 O and Swere significantly higher in legume basedcropping systems during both the season ofthe 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 (TraditionalLiquid Organic Manure) ofVRIKSHAYURVEDA In medicinal plantcultivation - Medicinal plants play animportant role not only as traditionalmedicine but also as trade commodities.With depleting natural resources, cultivationof medicinal plants has become the need ofthe hour to meet the growing demand ofherbal drug requirement in the field ofmedicine. But using chemicals in the form ofpesticide and fertilizers may haveundesirable impact on the quality of theseplants as well as human health. Recentlyvarious state Governments in India havecome up with different schemes to cultivatemedicinal plants through organic farmingand under Good Agricultural Practices(GAP). “Vrikshayurveda” a sub branch ofAyurveda describes a particular type ofliquid organic manure called “Kunapajala” forthis purpose. Scattered references are foundregarding the effect of Kunapajala onmedicinal plant cultivation. This reviewhighlights the importance of organic farmingand results of research works carried out onthe effect of Kunapajala on medicinal plantcultivation. (Source- Bhat Savitha D, AshokB K, Acharya Rabinarayan, and Ravishankar2012, Global Journal of Research onMedicinal Plants & Indigenous MedicineGJRMI, Volume 1, Issue 7, July 2012, 272–279).Long-term effect of nutrient managementon soil fertility and soil organic carbon14 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½pools under a 6-year-old pearl millet–wheat cropping system in an Inceptisolof subtropical India –Long term studieswere conducted to study the effect ofnutrient management on soil fertility and soilorganic carbon (SOC) pools under a 6-yearoldpearl millet–wheat cropping system in anInceptisol of subtropical India. Significantbuild-up in soil fertility in terms of alkalineKMnO 4 -N, Olsen-P, NH 4 OAc-K and CaCl 2 -Sas well as SOC pools namely, total organiccarbon (TOC), Walkley and Black organiccarbon (WBC), labile organic carbon (LBC)and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) weremaintained under FYM and integratednutrient management involving FYM andNPK than unfertilized control plot in 0–15and 15–30 cm soil depths. The highestvalues of TOC (11.48 g kg−1) and WBC(7.86 g kg−1) were maintained in FYMtreated plot, while the highest values of LBC(1.36 g kg−1) and MBC (273 mg kg−1) werefound in FYM + NPK. The magnitude ofchange in pools of SOC in sub-surface (15–30 cm) soil was low as compared to thesurface soil (0–15 cm). Significant increasein all the pools of SOC in FYM treated plotsindicates the importance of application oforganic manure like FYM in maintainingorganic carbon in soil. Highly strongrelationships were exhibited between LBCand MBC with yield, indicating that thesepools are more important for nutrient turnoverand their availability to plants than totalSOC. Carbon management index revealedthat integrated nutrient management couldbe followed for enhancing crop productivity,nutrient availability and soil carbon pools forlong-term. These results conclude that forsustainable crop production and maintainingsoil quality, input of organic manure likeFYM is of major importance and should beadvocated in the nutrient management ofintensive cropping system for improving soilfertility and biological properties of soils.(Source- Moharana, et al, (2012) FieldCrops Research, 136. pp. 32-41)Sequestering carbon through organicmulch- Today’s changing lifestyle has anenormous impact on the environment andalso has an effect on climate change.According to a recent survey, theconcentration of carbon dioxide in theatmosphere is 395.77ppmv (parts per millionby volume) whereas the upper limit foratmospheric CO 2 is only 350ppmv. Climatechange has become one of the majorchallenges for mankind and the naturalenvironment. The study reveals that 1kg ofcarbon released from the soil constitutes3.64kg of CO 2 in the atmosphere. Thereforesoil is one of the largest reservoirs, wherecarbon could be restored. Carbonsequestration in terrestrial ecosystem hasbeneficial effects at small levels. The idea isto prevent carbon emitted due to humanactivities from reaching the atmosphere bycapturing and storing them. Organic mulch,a type of compost made from decayingplants or trees, claims to be one of the mostsustainable approaches in sequesteringcarbon. It aims at covering the soil with anynatural organic matter. The method involvesapplying compost or farm yard manure overthe soil surface followed by adding a layer ofdry organic matter over it. Then a layer ofgreen organic matter is applied to maintainmoisture and improve organic carbon in thesoil. Here, the compost contains an array ofbeneficial microbes, where the dry matter isrich in carbon and the green matter is rich innitrogenous substances. Whendecomposition of these components takesplace the carbon nitrogen ratio in the soilbecomes 10:1, ideal for the proliferation ofmicrobes. In addition, it reducesevaporation, enhances water infiltration andprevents topsoil from being washed awaydue to water run off. Soil managementpractices have the potential to createconsiderable carbon sinks, if good farmingpractices like mulching are employed.(Source- J.K.Mohan Kumar writer is ascience teacher at Chettinad Public School,Managiri, Karaikudi. He has done researchon herbal remedies and has been practicingorganic farming for 10 years. )Solitary cow can help in cultivation of 30acres- K. Gangadharam, a progressiveorganic farmer from Chittor district said thatit is possible to cultivate 30 acres ofagricultural land with the dung and urine of asingle country cow without depending onfertilizers and pesticides. Jiwamrutam, aliquid prepared from cow dung and urine andGhanamrutam, a material in dry form15 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½prepared from same material from just onecow is sufficient to cultivate 30 acres of landwhich would also reduce the burden ofpurchasing expensive chemicals andfertilizers. According to him a country cowproduces 10kg of dung and 10litres of urineper day which is enough to cultivate thefarmland by many small and marginalfarmers. The cow dung and urine should bemixed with 2kg jaggery, 2 kg pulse powder,a small quantity of bund soil and 200litre ofwater. This will become Jiwamrutam in 48hrs. It can be supplied once in a monthalong with irrigation water to the farmlandwhich is sufficient to get a good yield ofany crop. About 500 farmers in ChittorDistrict are following this practice in about300 acres of land and the results areencouraging. While, some are gettingmaterial from others and some farmers arein process of purchasing cows for theirfarms. According to K. Gangadharam manyof these farmers believed that they can get agood crop yield only after using chemicalfertilizers and pesticides which actually isdetrimental to soil health. It will take somemore time to convince the farmers to switchto more environment friendly practices(Source-The Hindu, Wednesday, June 6,2012).NATIONAL CENTRE OF ORGANIC FARMINGKAMLA NEHRU NAGAR, GHAZIABADProforma of application for Subscription of Newsletter/ Change in Mailing AddressTo,The Director,National Centre of Organic Farming,Hapur Road, Near CBI Academy,Kamla Nehru Nagar,Ghaziabad-201 002.Subject : Request for Subscription of Newsletter/ Change in mailing address – regarding.Subs. No. : _____________________ (if request is for change in mailing address).Sir,I wish to subscribed Biofertiliser Newsletter (BFNL – Half Yearly)/ Organic FarmingNewsletter (OFNL – Quarterly) being published by your organization. Kindly include the followingaddress in your mailing list for the subscription of aforesaid newsletter(s).Name : ________________________________________________________________Designation : ___________________________________________________________Office/Residence address : __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________District : ______________________________________Pincode _________________State : ________________________________________________________________Telephone No. (Office)___________________________ (Resi) __________________Fax No.: ________________________________ E-mail : _______________________Field of Interest/work : __________________________________________________Yours faithfully,Date : ______________Place : ______________Signature ________________Name ___________________16 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Two Days National Seminar onOrganic and Biological Inputs – New Innovationsand Quality ControlTwo days National seminar entitled “NationalSeminar on Organic and Biological Inputs –New Innovations and Quality Control’ wassuccessfully organized during 18-19 th July,2012 by the National Centre of OrganicFarming, Department of Agriculture andCooperation, at its new premises located at19, Hapur Road, Ghaziabad – 201 002,Uttar Pradesh, India. The aim of the seminarwas to identify potential technologies andinputs, define minimum ingredients, bioefficacyand bio-safety requirement for newinputs and to formulate strategies fordefining their practically achievable qualityparameters with necessary methods forundertaking such tests. All interested peoplefrom different institutions and organizationswere invited for participation in this seminar.The Seminar forum comprised nearly 200participants from different states in country.The seminar was inaugurated by theAdditional Secretary, Department ofAgriculture, Government of India, Shri ShirajHussain. The distinguished guestspresented on the dias during inauguralceremony included Shri NarendraBhooshan, Joint Secretary (INM), DAC, Govtof India, Shri Ardhendu Sen former ChiefSecretary, Govt of West Benagl andCurrently Director, TERI, Dr. L.N. Verma andDr. P. Bhattacharyya, former DirectorsNCOF, Dr. Krishan Chandra, AdditionalCommissioner (INM), DAC and Dr. A.K.Yadav, Director NCOF. The Chief Guestwhile inaugurating the seminar lauded theefforts of NCOF for successful launch of theseminar and stressed that the country needto put in lot of innovations for ensuring highquality organic inputs and their qualitycontrol. Shri Narendra Bhooshan underlinedthe importance of organic farming in theyears to come and requested the scientificfraternity to concentrate on the efforts fordeveloping appropriate packages forobtaining optimum yields from organicmanagement systems. Shri Ardhendu Senelaborated in the India organic story andclarified that the present day organicagriculture is keeping the pace with time andjust 10% behind the conventional, in spite ofthe fact that country has not made anyinvestments in this direction. If adequateinvestments in terms of research anddevelopment are made this gap can befilled. Inaugural ceremony concluded withthe vote of thanks by Dr. Krishan Chandra.A book dedicated to the occassion entitled“Organic and Biological Inputs – NewInnovations and Quality Control” was alsoreleased during the inaugural session by theChief Guest. The publication comprised oflatest innovations and quality controlinitiatives in the field of organic andbiological inputs.The Seminar forum comprising of nearly 200participants from different States deliberatedon wide range of issues starting fromorganic farming as a whole, its relevance,constraints being faced and its potential infood security to various organic andbiological inputs, new innovations andquality control. Half of the technical sessionswere concentrated on new organic andbiological inputs, their bio-efficacy and activeingredients. Mechanisms of actions of somelesser known inputs were also discussed.Efforts taken up by the NCOF in defining thequality parameters for some inputs werelauded by the participants and industryrepresentatives and suggested that suchinitiatives need to be continued forcontinuous up gradation of quality controlscenario.After thorough deliberations the eminentpanelists during valedictory session framedfollowing recommendations with the requestthat Department of Agriculture andCooperation, Ministry of Agriculture maykindly focus the strategy in 12 th plan onsuggested key issues for the focused17 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½promotion of organic farming in general andpromotion of various organic and biologicalinputs in particular.1. General recommendations forResearch and Education - On review ofvarious research results it has beenrevealed that in spite of practically noinvestment in research and development themodern organic is not very far behind theconventional agriculture in terms of yield.While many studies claim that organicmanagement is capable of yielding similarproductivity, some studies have indicatedreduction in yield to the tune of 10%. Thisclearly indicates that organic agriculture inspite of being a neglected field in researchand development and practically noinvestment in terms of subsidies is just 10%behind the conventional agriculture. Thisgap can be filled through appropriate policyregime, investment in input productioninfrastructure and development of practicesand packages through research. Afterthorough deliberation on these issuesfollowing suggestions are made for theconsideration of DAC and ICAR.i. To support the subject with continuousresearch, there is an urgent need for adedicated “National Research Centre onOrganic Farming Research”. Out comefrom “Network Project on Organic Farmingof ICAR” are so far limited and coverslimited aspects.ii. DAC and ICAR should support at least oneState Agricultural University (SAUs) ineach state for launching “Centre ofExcellence on Organic Farming”.iii. Universities also need to be encouragedfor including at least 2-3 credits on organicfarming in their undergraduate syllabus.iv. DAC and ICAR can also provide necessaryassistance to SAUs for starting specializedDegree/ diploma courses in organicfarming.v. DAC may take up discussion on theseissues with ICAR and include organicfarming as priority issue in DAC-ICARinterface meetings for time to timemonitoring of decisions made.2. Adoption of organic farmingpromotion policy by Central Government- It was noted that while many small andsome of the large states have definedpolicies for promotion of organic farming; thecentral Government has yet to adopt anypolicy initiative. For promotion of any issueof national importance, it is essential that thesubject is part of the national Policy. Thepanelists and experts on the occasionstrongly suggested that the Department ofAgriculture and Cooperation should draft apolicy document and get it ratified by theCabinet with adequate funds during 12 thPlan period.3. Promotion of organic Inputs -Studies and survey reports presented byNCOF and details provided by many otherspeakers during the seminar, it was evidentthat there is an urgent need for qualityassurance system to ensure that onlyapproved and proven efficient inputs aremarketed. The experts noted that although 7biofertilizers and 4 organic fertilizers havebeen covered under FCO, but still there arelarge numbers of undefined inputs beingsold into the market without details on theiractive ingredients and their qualityassessment protocols. In the absence of anyuniversal regulatory system there is nomechanism to assess their quality andregulate sub-standard inputs. Experts alsonoted that many of the existing inputs, inspite of being found effective do not fallunder the category of fertilizers, hence maynot be included in FCO. In view of it; expertswere of the unanimous view that there is anurgent need to institute an organic andbiological input approval system in thecountry. The inputs not falling under thepurview of either FCO or CIB (CentralInsecticide Board) needs to be assessedand approved under such system. Foreffective implementation of such strategyDAC by executive order make it mandatoryfor all organic and biological input producersto obtain approval of marketing of suchinputs.The seminar concluded with the facilitationof Dr A.K. Yadav, Director, NCOF who isexpected to superannuate by the end of thismonth after 34 years of distinguishedGovernment service.18 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Global OrganicCan Organic Food Feed the World? NewStudy Sheds Light On Debate OverOrganic Vs. Conventional Agriculture - Anew study conducted by the researchers ofMcGill University and the University ofMinnesota and published in Natureconcludes that crop yields from organicfarming are generally lower than fromconventional agriculture. That is particularlytrue for cereals, which are staples of thehuman diet -- yet the yield gap is much lesssignificant for certain crops, and undercertain growing conditions, according to theresearchers. The study, which represents acomprehensive analysis of the currentscientific literature on organic-toconventionalyield comparisons, aims toshed light on the often heated debate overorganic versus conventional farming. Somepeople point to conventional agriculture as abig environmental threat that undercutsbiodiversity and water resources, whilereleasing greenhouse gases. Others arguethat large-scale organic farming would takeup more land and make food unaffordablefor most of the world's poor and hungry. "Toachieve sustainable food security we willlikely need many different techniques --including organic, conventional, and possible'hybrid' systems -- to produce more food ataffordable prices, ensure livelihoods tofarmers, and reduce the environmental costsof agriculture," the researchers conclude.Overall, organic yields are 25% lower thanconventional, the study finds. The differencevaries 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 conventionalcrops. What's more, when best managementpractices are used for organic crops, overallyields are just 13% lower than conventionallevels. "These results suggest that today'sorganic systems may nearly rivalconventional yields in some cases -- withparticular crop types, growing conditions andmanagement practices -- but often they donot," the researchers write. Improvements inorganic management techniques, oradoption of organic agriculture underenvironmental conditions where it performsbest, may help close the yield gap, theyindicate. In some cases, organic farmersmay therefore benefit by making limited useof chemical fertilizers instead of relying onlyon manure to supply nitrogen to their crops,"Seufert says. "At the same time,conventional agriculture can learn fromsuccessful organic systems and implementpractices that have shown environmentalbenefits, such as increased crop diversityand use of crop residues." Yields are onlypart of a set of economic, social andenvironmental factors that should beconsidered when gauging the benefits ofdifferent farming systems, the researchersnote. The results point to a need to getbeyond the black-and-white, ideologicaldebates that often pit advocates of organicand local foods against proponents ofconventional agriculture, Prof. Foley adds."By combining organic and conventionalpractices in a way that maximizes foodproduction and social good while minimizingadverse environmental impact, we cancreate 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 AgriculturalUniversity, Peshawar, Pakistan, in June2008 and 2009 using a randomizedcomplete block design. Plots were coveredwith transparent polyethylene films fordifferent periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10weeks). The temperature inside the film wasabout 10°C greater than the atmospherictemperature. Solarization increased nitrogen(N) and organic-matter levels in both years,probably because of decomposition of plantresidues. Increasing the period ofsolarization decreased weed density andboth fresh and dry biomass. Theeffectiveness of solarization was speciesspecific. In 2008, Cirsium arvense L. wascontrolled in the solarized soil, whereasVicia sativa germination was stimulated bysolarization. In 2009, suppressed weedsincluded Sorghum halepense whereas19 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Chenopodium album L., Cyperus rotundus,and Rumex crispus L. were unaffected.Solarization increased yield of cauliflower(Brassica oleracea L.) in both years. Theseresults suggest that solarization should bepracticed before planting horticultural cropsin areas with a hot climate. (Source – Khanet al 2012 Communications in Soil Scienceand Plant Analysis 43(13).Short-term residual effects of variousamendments on organic C and N, andavailable nutrients in soil under organiccrop production - Two 3-year (2008-2010,wheat-pea-barley) field experiments wereconducted on certified organic farms nearSpalding (Dark Brown Cher- nozem-TypicHaploboroll) and Star City (Gray Luvisol-Typic Haplocryalf) in northeastern Saskatchewan,Canada, to determine theresidual effects of compost, alfalfa pellets,wood ash, rock phosphate, Penicilliumbilaiae, gypsum and MykePro on organic Cand N (total organic C [TOC], total organic N[TON], light fraction organic C [LFOC], lightfraction organic N [LFON]) and mineralizableN (Nmin) in the 0-15 cm soil layer, andammonium-N, nitrate-N, extractable P,exchangeable K and sulphate-S in the 0 -15, 15 - 30 and 30 - 60 cm soil layers inautumn 2010. Compared to the un-amendedcontrol, mass of TOC, TON, LFOC andLFON increased with compost and alfalfapellets in both soils. However, the increaseswere much more pronounced for LFOC (by125% - 133%) or LFON (by 102% - 103%)than TOC (by 19% - 29%) or TON (by 25% -40%). The Nmin also increased in these twotreatments compared to the control, but theincreases were much smaller for compostthan alfalfa pellets. In general, residualnitrate-N increased with increasing rate ofcompost and alfalfa pellets in the 0 - 15 and15 - 30 cm layers in both soils. Extractable Pincreased with compost and exchangeable Kwith alfalfa pellets, but only in the 0 - 15 cmsoil layer. Sulphate-S increased withcompost, but mainly in the 30 - 60 cm soillayer. Soil pH usually increased withcompost and more so with wood ash, but noeffect of any amendment on ammonium-N.Overall, the quantity of organic C and N, andavailable nutrients in soil increased withcompost and/or alfalfa pellets, but themagnitude varied with amendment and/orsoil type. In conclusion, findings suggest thatsoil quality and fertility can be improved withthese organic amendments, suggestingsustainability of production from organiccrops. (Source – Malhi 2012, AgriculturalSciences Vol.3, No.3, 375-384).Does organic farming increase soilsuppression against Fusarium wilt ofmelon? - Under Israeli organic farmingconditions, compost (mostly made of animalmanure) is annually applied as a source ofplant nutrients, to enhance soil microbialactivity and nutrient cycling and to improvesoil structure. Composts are also known fortheir suppressive properties against soilbornediseases. The objective of the presentstudy was to assess the level ofsuppressiveness against Fusariumoxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM) that maydevelop in soils with a history of organicfarming as compared with conventionalfarming. Pairs of organic vs. conventionaltaxonomically identical soil samples werecollected from adjacent plots, at varioussites throughout the main agricultural areasin Israel. Out of 15 pairs, four of theorganically managed soils were significantlymore suppressive than their correspondingconventional plots. On the average, the areaunder the disease progress curve and thefinal disease incidence of the inoculatedplants grown in conventionally managedsoils were higher at 12% and 21%,respectively, than those of the plants grownin the organically managed soils. Bothdifferences were significant when examinedusing two-factor ANOVA test (site andfarming system). Microbial activity of theorganic soils, as expressed by heatproduction rate, was positively correlatedwith soil suppressiveness and wassignificantly higher by a factor of 2.2 ascompared with the conventionally managedpaired soils. It is suggested that organicfarming practices and especially compostapplication may lead, with time, to somereduction of the problems caused by FOM.This beneficial effect of organic farmingseems non-specific to soil type or climaticregion in Israel. (Source - Yogev et alOrganic Agriculture, 2011, Volume 1,Number 4, Pages 203-216).20 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Integrated approaches to root diseasemanagement in organic farming systems- Conventional agriculture has had majorenvironmental impacts, in particular withrespect to soil degradation. Soil structure,fertility, microbial and faunal biodiversityhave declined, and root diseases arecommon unless genetic resistance, soilfumigation and/or seed treatments are used.Primarily for environmental reasons andincreasing demands for safe and healthyfood from the public, farmers have switchedover to organic production at an increasingrate. During a transition period of about 5years, organic farmers may face problemswith yield losses and pest or diseaseproblems. However, in well-managed, longtermorganic farms, soil borne diseasesneed not be a problem. Several studies inwhich disease severity was compared inorganic and conventional farming systems(or with soils from those systems) showedthat root diseases are generally less severein organically than conventionally managedsoils. The reasons for reduced root diseaseseverity have seldom been investigated,although relationships with nitrogen supplyor microbial diversity have sometimes beenfound. Crop protection in organic farming isgenerally not directed at controllingparticular pathogens or pests but atmanagement of the environment so thatplants are able to withstand potentialattacks. Resistant cultivars adapted to thelocal conditions are in demand amongorganic farmers. However, the mainpractices that contribute to disease controlare long, balanced rotations, organicamendments and reduced tillage, all gearedtowards maintenance of the soil organicmatter content and fertility. Organic farmerscan make use of biological control agentsand natural toxic compounds in plantextracts. However, these practices aremethods of last resort. (Source – Arietia et alAustralasian Plant Pathology 2003, 32,Number 2 : 141-156)The crop yield gap between organic andconventional agriculture - A key issue inthe debate on the contribution of organicagriculture to the future of world agricultureis whether organic agriculture can producesufficient food to feed the world.Comparisons of organic and conventionalyields play a central role in this debate.Authors therefore compiled and analyzed ameta-dataset of 362 published organic–conventional comparative crop yields.Results show that organic yields of individualcrops are on average 80% of conventionalyields, but variation is substantial (standarddeviation 21%). In dataset, the organic yieldgap significantly differed between cropgroups and regions. The analysis gavesome support to hypothesis that theorganic–conventional yield gap increases asconventional yields increase, but thisrelationship was only rather weak. Therationale behind this hypothesis is that whenconventional yields are high and relativelyclose to the potential or water-limited level,nutrient stress must, as per definition of thepotential or water-limited yield levels, be lowand pests and diseases well controlled,which are conditions more difficult to attainin organic agriculture. Authors discussfindings in the context of the literature on thissubject and address the issue of up-scalingresults to higher system levels. Authorshypothesize that due to challenges in themaintenance of nutrient availability inorganic systems at crop rotation, farm andregional level, the average yield gapbetween conventional and organic systemsmay be larger than 20% at higher systemlevels. This relates in particular to the role oflegumes in the rotation and the farmingsystem, and to the availability of (organic)manure at the farm and regional levels.Future research should therefore focus onassessing the relative performance of bothtypes of agriculture at higher system levels,i.e. the farm, regional and global systemlevels, and should in that context payparticular attention to nutrient availability inboth organic and conventional agriculture.(Source - Tomek de Ponti et al 2012,Agricultural Systems, 108, Pages 1–9)Are specific testing protocols requiredfor organic onion varieties? Analysis ofonion variety testing under conventionaland organic growing conditions - Organicgrowers need information on varietyperformance under their growing conditions.A 4-year onion variety research project wascarried out to investigate whether setting upa variety testing system combiningconventional and organic variety trials is21 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½feasible and efficient rather than organizingseparate variety trials under the twomanagement systems. During 4 yearscommercial onion cultivars were tested at acertified organic and a non-organic location.Both systems were managed withoutchemical pest, disease and sproutingcontrol, but differed in fertility management(organic manure in autumn versus syntheticfertilizer), soil cultivation and weedmanagement (mechanical weeding versusapplication of herbicide). Managementsystem significantly affected plant density,thickness of neck, and proportion of smalland large bulbs. Variety × managementsystem interactions were significant for bulbuniformity, earliness, proportion of largebulbs, dormancy and relative storagesuccess but did not change the ranking ofthe varieties. Authors conclude that organicgrowers can profit from a more consciousvariety choice when conventionally fertilizedtrials would refrain from using pesticides,fungicides, herbicides and sprout inhibitors.However, this would require an adaptation ofthe management protocol in such a way thattrials might no longer represent conditions ofconventional farmers. Furthermore,assessments of leaf erectness, diseaseresistance to downy mildew and leaf blightshould be included in the protocols fororganic use. Authors advocate bettercommunication between breeders andgrowers on specific variety characteristicscontributing to improving yield stability underlow-input, organic growing conditions.(Source - Lammerts van Bueren et al 2012Euphytica 184 (2), 181-193)Weed management in organic cereals:advances and opportunities - Cereals areamong the most competitive of crops, butunder organic management, weeds remainthe foremost production problem.Understanding the ecology of both weedsand cereals is paramount to developing nonchemicalstrategies that limit yield loss dueto weeds whilst suppressing weed growthand weed seed deposition. Key mechanismsfor weed management include enhancingthe cereal crops’ competitive advantagethrough practices that (1) reduce weeddensity, e.g. through use of a ‘falseseedbed’, and cultivation, possibly thoughthe use of selective weed control with interrowcultivation, and (2) increase interspecificcompetition, including increased seedingrates, precise fertilizer placement, andpromoting quick canopy closure. Thechallenge is to find combinations of weedmanagement tactics that simultaneouslyprovide acceptable levels of weed control,reduce weed seed return to the seed bank,are economically advantageous, and canovercome variability in weather. Presently,the best options for in-season weedmanagement in organic cereals areincreasing the seeding rate or thecomparatively less common use of inter-rowcultivation for selective weed control. Ascultivation technology improves, increasingaccuracy and bringing down costs, thispractice may become more widely adopted.Further research should focus on identifyingpractices that maximize net returns andweed suppression whilst being cognizant ofpotential interactions with other pests,organic production issues, and weedmanagement tactics. These efforts shouldalso provide insight to the efficacy ofpotential strategies in the larger context ofthe farming system as parameters includingthe size of the weed seed bank will dictatewhat practices are likely to be successful.(Source - Kolb and Gallandt 2012, OrganicAgriculture)Bhutan Plans Transition to 100% OrganicAgriculture - The Kingdom of Bhutan hasdecided it will pursue its goal for allagriculture to become organic. TheHimalayan nation, which borders India andChina, plans for its food production tobecome 100% organic by 2020, an aimenshrined in Bhutan’s National Frameworkfor Organic Farming. At the United NationsConference on Sustainable Development inRio, Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley explainedthat his government is developing a fullfledged‘National Organic Policy’ and istraining agricultural extension officers inorganic methods. Farmers opting for organicagriculture will be given priority in technicalassistance. At an event organised by theInternational Federation of OrganicAgriculture Movements (IFOAM) Mr Thinleystated that “going organic will create neweconomic opportunities for farmers and ruralcommunities, adding value to what theyproduce and reducing the costs of farming22 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½as they’ll no longer have to pay forexpensive imported seeds, pesticides,fertilisers and other chemicals.” According toIFOAM President Andre Leu, an adviser tothe Bhutanese Government, the completetransition to an organic agricultural system isfeasible: “I don't think it's going to be thatdifficult given that the majority of theagricultural land is already organic bydefault”. Only a minority of Bhutan’s farmershave access to synthetic chemicals andfertilisers because they cannot afford them.Most of them, however, are not currentlyofficially certified as organic farmers.(Source- Terraced fields in Tongsa, BhutanGlobal Agriculture, Agriculture at acrossroads)IFOAM and FiBL announce GlobalOrganic Research Network- TheInternational Federation of OrganicAgriculture Movements (IFOAM) and theResearch Institute of Organic Agriculture(FiBL) announced at the UN Rio+20Conference the formation of the IFOAMGlobal Organic Research Network (IGORN).The IFOAM Global Organic ResearchNetwork will be a dynamic global networkenabling world-class collaboration onorganic food and farming science,knowledge, and technology innovation withinthe global organic movement and with awide range of science partners throughoutthe world. The network will focus onfostering research capacity in developingcountries where food security is critical. Theorganizers and partners will use this networkas a platform to address key priorities thatwill enhance the sustainability of allagriculture based on the principles oforganic agriculture, health, ecology, careand fairness—with an emphasis on reducingpoverty for small-scale food producers.Once in operation, it will facilitate theecological and social intensification ofagriculture and food and nutrition security forall. IFOAM and FiBL plan to launch theIFOAM Global Organic Research Network atthe BioFach Organic Trade Fair andCongress in Nuremberg, Germany inFebruary 2013. Following the launch, thepartnering institutions and key stakeholderswill develop projects and collaborativeagreements to conduct, implement anddisseminate research throughout the world.(Source- International Research Network,Research Institute of Organic Agriculture(FiBL) Frick Switzerland)Apple thinning with potassiumbicarbonate - New environmentallyfriendly method available - Apple thinninghas been a major problem for farmersseeking to transition from conventional toorganic production. Consumers expectorganic apples to have comparable size andquality to non-organic fruit, and thinning isneeded to achieve that goal. Also, manyapple varieties will bear heavily in someyears and less heavily in the following yearin an alternate bearing pattern. Thinning inthe heavy years will increase yield in thelight years. Organic farmers are not able touse most plant hormones and instead relyon time-consuming and expensive handlabor to thin their trees. In Europe, organicfarmers also use mechanical methods, aswell as lime-sulfur and molasses. Theseother methods are not as effective as handthinning and can damage trees. Now,scientists at the Research Institute ofOrganic Agriculture (FiBL) have found a wayto thin trees using an ingredient commonlyfound in kitchens. By applying potassiumbicarbonate, a substance used in baking, totrees at a key times in the growing season,organic farmers can efficiently regulate cropload better than hand thinning and the otheralternatives currently used in organicproduction. The results were consistent for11 varieties treated over a three year period.Potassium bicarbonate has the advantage ofbeing very environmentally friendly. In 2012,Swiss authorities approved the commercialproduct, Armicarb © , for use as an applethinner based on FiBL’s research. (Source-Weibel et al 2012 European Journal ofHorticultural Science, 77 (4), pp. 145-153(17.08.2012)Swiss DOK trial: Sensory, yield andquality differences by production system- Organic, biodynamic and conventionalwheat compared -Scientists at theResearch Institute of Organic Agriculture(FiBL) in Switzerland found sensorydifferences in double-blind taste testsbetween flour grown biodynamically andnon-organically. Winter wheat (cultivarRunal) was grown under the different23 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½farming systems as part of the long-termFiBL "DOK" comparison trial near Basel,Switzerland in the years 2006, 2007 and2009. Organic and biodynamic wheat hadlower dry matter yields, lower protein contentand smaller kernel sizes. The Triangle Test,a widely used sensory testing method, wasused to prevent bias. Two separate panelsof 30 persons each tasted freshly milledwheat flour. Testing of dry whole meal waschallenging for the panelists, as opposed tosampling porridge or bread, but the methodeliminated the possible sensory effectsresulting from slight differences in cooking orbaking. When the data from the three yearsand two panels were aggregated, it becameevident that the number of correct answersin the tests was significantly highest whenbiodynamically and conventionally grownsamples were compared. Furtherinvestigation is needed to determine ifproduction method influences consumerpreferences with final prepared products.(Source - Christine et al 2012 Journal of theScience of Food and Agriculture)Norwegian study characterizes organicfood consumption by pregnant women(Methodological challenges identified)-Pregnant women participating in theNorwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study(MoBa) were surveyed about their foodconsumption patterns and other lifestylechoices. The study was led by the Divisionof Environmental Medicine in the NorwegianInstitute of Public Health and the NationalInstitute for Consumer Research. Resultswere based on the responses of 63'808women who answered two questionnaires inthe years 2002-2007 during theirpregnancies. The first was a general healthquestionnaire at the beginning of the secondtrimester followed by a food frequencyquestionnaire completed before the thirdtrimester. Women reported the frequency oforganic food use in six main food groups:milk/dairy, bread/cereal, eggs, vegetables,fruit and meat. Frequent consumption oforganic food was reported by 9.1% of therespondents. Women who ate organic foodtended to eat more vegetables, fruits, andwhole grain products than women in theoverall population. In general, the pregnantwomen who included organic foods in theirdiets were more likely to follow dietaryguidelines established for pregnant women.However, the cause and effect are not clear.Do women who eat organic foods tend tohave more healthy diets, or are women whoare more conscientious about their dietsmore likely to eat organic food? Thecorrelation has a methodological effectknown as 'collinearity' that makes it moredifficult to determine how much organic foodhelps improve the health of women andchildren, and how much is related to ahealthier diet in general. The authorsconclude that pregnant women who eatorganic food have lifestyles that are healthierand more sustainable in general. As theirresearch proceeds, identifying the roleplayed by organic food will be amethodological challenge. (Source- Torjusenet al 2012, BMC Public Health 12: 612)Organic wheat quality improved bycultural techniques - Reduced tillage,intercropping beneficial for bread wheat -As the demand for organic bread expands,farmers and bakers are concerned aboutquality and safety. Farmers are interested incultural techniques to improve the bakingquality and reduce mycotoxin contaminationin the production of wheat. Plant availablenitrogen and weed pressure are the twobiggest limiting factors in production. TheCORE Organic project "Agronomical andTechnological methods to improve organicwheat quality" (AGTEC-Org) assessedreduced tillage, organic fertility managementand intercropping with legumes in 11 longtermfield trials and 12 farmers' field trials inAustria, Denmark, France and Switzerland.Reduced tillage worked best in fields whereweed pressure was relatively low. Quality ofwheat grown with reduced tillage wascomparable to that of traditional plowing.Mycotoxin levels were generally low inreduced tillage systems and increased whenwheat followed corn or lupine, but not inother cases. Intercropping with peas did nothave a significant adverse effect on yield inmost cases, reduced weed pressure andimproved wheat quality.(Source- David et alISARA - Institut supérieure de l'agricultureLyon, Lyon, France. 24.07.2012).24 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½National and International EventsKisan 12 - India’s largest Agri Show - Thetwentieth Kisanfair –“Kisan” India’s largestAgri Show is going to happen in Pune during12-16 th December 2012.The Indian farmer isturning agriculture into a resurgent andvibrant industry, besides using innovativetechniques, new technologies are beingexplored and newer benchmarks are beingset each day. India’s largest trade show,KISAN too is turning a new leaf. 20 th editionof KISAN has many exciting initiatives linedup. Keeping pace with the changing timeKISAN will be showcasing exciting initiativesdedicated for the farming community. Onewill discover a vault of opportunities rightfrom the time he decides to participate inKISAN. Apart from the trade fair, one canalso utilize KISAN’s highly versatile andflexible digital marketing infrastructure.Attractions in KISAN 12 are:1. Knowledge Park- This is an ideal forumfor farmers to access the very best andlatest knowledge, trends and insights inagriculture. National level agriculturaluniversities and reputed researchinstitutes will highlight their latest workwith the help of interactive sessions,films, demonstrations and functionalmodels. KISAN will also host the lecturesby eminent agriculture scientists,experienced farmers and various experts.KISAN will also coordinate knowledgetour i.e. an opportunity to visit renownedagri-research institutions around Pune.2. KISAN film festival –Another highlight forthis year will be a dedicated auditorium toscreen agricultural films. Each screeningwill be followed by interactive discussionsand question and answers sessions. Thefilm festival has proven to be one of theKISAN’s biggest attraction over time.3. 3. Online B2B Platform-In partnershipwith Kisan .com, exhibitors can host theirprofiles, contact information and theirschedules during exhibitions. This willsave a lot of time and is a free andconvenient and a great way to find likeminded partners, customers andsuppliers.4. Idea Expo-It is ideas which driveagriculture today. It helps brings new agriideas and concepts to life. Allstakeholders from farmers,entrepreneurs, scientists, domain expertsto agri. Students make it a point to attendthis expo. (Please visithttp://enterprise.kisan.in to know moreabout the same)BioFach, India 2012 -international tradefair Together with India Organic -BioFach, India 2012, an International tradefair Together with India Organic shall beorganized during 29 November to 1 stDecember 2012 at Bangalore, India, atPalace Ground, Shri Krishna Vihar, MekhriCircle. In November 2011, 171 (2010:103)satisfied exhibitors and 7529 highlyinterested visitors (2010:2860) includingtrade buyers from Germany and France –witnessed last Biofach India in Bangaloreand supported the decision to relocate it.The whole diversity of the Internationalorganic community was shown in the heartof IT metropolis and garden city ofBangalore on three lively and colorful daysof exhibition characterized by business talksand professional and intercultural exchange.Visitors left with super impressions ofBiofach India, which was really comparablewith other European events. Bangalore isIndia’s third largest city and the capital of thestate of Karnataka. Its stunning developmentinto India’s key centre for the IT and otherhigh-tech industries has led to a highlyqualified middle class population being veryopen to modern and health conscious lifestyle and spending over proportionate onnutrition and personal care products. Its avery good opportunity to invest into IndianOrganic Market and to promote organicproducts at high quality platform for organicindustry. Biofach India together with Indiaorganic is hosting all Indian organic playersand offers communication, education andlast but not the least business. It’s a B-to-Bplatform and all trade visitors promotional25 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½activities are targeting domestic andinternational decision makers andprofessional buyers from sectors likecatering business, convenience stores, foodbeverage wholesale, food manufacturingand processing, import and export,specialized organic shop, supermarkets,department stores, specialized chain stores,service companies etc. Bangalore offersexcellent air connections both tointernational and all major domestic cities.Biofach Germany 2013 World OrganicTrade Fair - Biofach 2013 world organictrade fair shall be organized in Nurnberg,Germany, during 13.2.2013 to 16.2.2013.Here the visitors will certainly enjoy thewhole variety of a world leading exhibition.Organic products are constantly capturingnew segments world wide. No wondermaking certified organic product successfulon the international market has alwaysneeded maximum innovative power andquality awareness, just as much assuccessful networking between suppliers,decision makers, global and local players,trade, media and politics. The organic sectorsets sustainable accents at its world leadingexhibition BioFach. One can present theirinnovations and products to a highlyqualified professional audience. Fromspecial areas to Romania as country of theyear 2013, from the largest internationalcongress to tempting tasting areas for wine,olive oil, coffee and fish. According to therecord of success of 2012 among thesatisfied exhibitors 92% could make newbusiness connections, 93% met their keytarget group at Biofach. Successfulexhibition duo Biofatch and Vivaness 2012was witnessed by 2420 exhibitors (included70% international) and 40315 visitors amongwhich 43% were international visitors andnet display area was 44851sq mt.The 2nd IFOAM Animal HusbandryConference - Building on the first IFOAMconference in the US in 2006, farmers andscientists will once again have theopportunity to exchange information andbuild new partnerships at the 2nd IFOAMInternational Organic Animal Husbandry.Although organic livestock production hasmade significant advances over the last fewdecades, navigating complex regulatoryframeworks and dealing with otherchallenges facing the sector, organiclivestock systems will benefit from anexchange at the international level. Thisconference will concentrate on health andfood safety in organic livestock productionsystems, marketing trends, innovation inorganic livestock production systems andlivestock breeding strategies. Key figuresfrom around the world will present thediversity of organic livestock systems,including opportunities and challenges onthe horizon. Topics will relate to a widerange of livestock species: cattle, poultry,pigs, small ruminants, fish, bees, rabbits etc.The conference will be held in Hamburg, oneof the most exciting cities of NorthernEurope at the Bio-Center of the University ofHamburg: September 12 to14, 2012,Hamburg Germany.Middle East Natural & Organic ProductsExpo 2012 - The Middle East Natural &Organic Product Expo 2012 shall beorganized during November 27-29, 2012 atDubai, United Arab Emirates, DubaiInternational Convention and ExhibitionCentre. The Middle East Natural & OrganicProduct Expo is a “never to be missed”expo in the region as it attracts high qualitytrade buyers from all over the worldespecially from GCC, Middle East andAfrican countries. The overwhelmingresponse from the trade community in theregion is a clear example that there is a highdemand for organic products in the MiddleEast market. Significantly, the show is heldin Dubai, the cosmopolitan city-state of theUAE. Dubai offers a vantage point tocompanies for regional penetration with thecity being the trading and export hub for thewhole of Middle East and Africa. Exhibitorprofile includes Organic Food & Beverages,Organic food, fruits & vegetables, Fineorganic foods, Agricultural products,Specialty / Gourmet products, Baby food,Non-alcoholic beer / wine, Condiments,Spices / Seasonings, Ethnic foods, Culinaryherbs, Fiber / Energy Snacks, Functionalfoods & beverages, Green foods & Juices,Meat & meat substitute, Organic dairyproducts, Dry fruits, Tea & Coffee,Cosmetics & Personal Care products, Bathproducts, Beauty products, Beauty Parlors,26 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Cosmetics, Skin care, Baby care, Sun careproducts, Essential oils / fragrance etc. TheDubai International Convention andExhibition Centre is a 15-minute drive fromthe Dubai Airport. The Dubai InternationalConvention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC)is a world-class venue with more than oneenviable advantage. The Centre offers atotal of 60,000 square meters of flexible andversatile exhibition space, equipped to meetthe most demanding expectations. MiddleEast Natural & Organic Product Expo is thenumerouno show for natural and organicproducts in the Middle East. Over the lastnine years and more, MENOPE hasremained a salient platform for scores ofglobal companies to enter the Middle Eastmarket. The 2012 MENOPE will be theexhibition’s 10th edition. MENOPE is anacknowledged show and has been part ofthe entry strategy of many global companiesscouting for growth opportunities in theMiddle East market for many years. The2012 show will build on the success of the2011 expo, which attracted a stream ofserious trade visitors from the wider MiddleEast, Africa, CIS and many Asian countriesincluding from the Sub Continent. MENOPEis held every year in the cosmopolitan city ofDubai in the UAE and has carved a nichefor itself as a dynamic buyer-seller meetingground in the organic and natural-productrealm.The recently concluded MENOPEevent attracted scores of trade visitors withthe enthusiastic response affirming onceagain the significance of the show as abuyer-seller meeting ground.Suscon 2012 - an Internationalconference on sustainable business andconsumption. SusCon– InternationalConference on Sustainable Business andConsumption will be taking place in the UNCity of Bonn during November 27-28, 2012at World Conference Center Bonn,Germany. For the third time SusCon willbring together decision-makers frombusinesses, NGOs, Governments and UNorganisations that strive for the concreteimplementation of an “inclusive greeneconomy”. It will consider which economicmodel we should adopt for the future andwhat, in practice, constitutes a “greeneconomy”? Six reasons to attend thisconference are to Develop practicalapproaches for sustainable solutions,Discover the role of business within theemerging Green Economy, Benefit from thevisions and insights of world class speakers,Acquire valuable information for makingresponsible and innovative decisions, Learnhow to create transparency for stakeholderson the value chain, Benefit from uniquenetworking opportunities. Ninety-nine percent of attendees at SusCon 2010 reportedhow valuable the meeting was for thecompany or organisation they represented."Eco-sustainable agriculture can providefood security and improve rurallivelihoods for farmers" - Natural farmingand environment festival organized byKheti Virasat Mission at Bathinda, Punjabin May 2012 - Eco-sustainable agriculturecan provide food security and improve rurallivelihoods for farmers. This was the mainconclusion of the Natural Farming andEnvironment Festival by Kheti VirasatMission held during May 11-13 2012 atBathinda, Punjab. Kheti Virasat Mission, anon-profit and conscious civil-societyorganization, based at Jaitu in Faridkot,Punjab has been promoting sustainable,ecological farming practices as well as theconservation and regeneration of naturalwater resources, to re-establish thetraditional wisdom and practices related towater. Evidence suggests that our soils andwater are getting increasingly polluted withhighly poisonous and toxic substancesgenerating an environmental crisis. Thefestival attended by hundreds of farmers andorganic farming experts from states such asPunjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Gujarat andMaharashtra sought to raise some hardquestions related to environmental healthand ecological crisis and tried to bringecological farming at the center stage. TheKheti Virasat Mission (KVM) is of the viewthat issues concerning environmental andhealth crisis must reflect in the farmers’movements and Kisan Unions must supportnatural farming. The event was thereforemarked by talks by political and trade unionleaders apart from eminent experts andpractitioners. The direction of farmer’smovement in the present context wasdiscussed. The event was also marked by acelebration of traditional foods through“Bebe di Rasoi”, a sale of organic products27 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½particularly indigenous farmer owned seedsand cultural programme from various states.Reports suggest that the organic salescounters were able to sell organic produceworth over Rs 1 lakh at the fest. There werediscourses with eminent experts inecological farming and practical training innatural and ecological farming. The successof organic farming in western and southernstates were shared with the farmers ofPunjab and they learnt about how to cut theuse of pesticides that poison soil, water, andcrop. Angrej Singh Bhullar, a farmer fromBhullar village in Muktsar district discussedaspects related to harvesting to marketing oforganic crop. He benefitted from organicfarming in 8 acres and uses vermicompostproduced in his own farm. He has his ownplant to pack organic paddy, which enableshim to sell the output in the market at Rs. 70per kg. He grows organic vegetables in 2.5acres. Also Subhash Sharma of Dorli villagein Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, anexpert in organic farming shared how he hasbeen growing organic vegetables, moong,banana, and other crops on his 20 acrefarm. In agrarian crisis ridden Vidarbha, thishas helped him secure good profits andrepay his debts. Suresh Desai, a farmerinnovator from Belgaum, Karnataka foundedan Organic Farmers Club in the area wherehe encourages people to take upexperiments with organic practices. Heshared with the participants about hisexperience of shifting to organic farming, inparticular water efficient sugarcane. Hissystem has helped reduce water usage by75 to 80 percent in comparison with theconventional usage. Sugarcane isconventionally grown in three-year cyclesand takes a year and a half to mature. It isthen harvested and a ratoon crop is left togrow. Suresh Desai felt that the nutrientscontained in the ashes are leached out withthe first irrigation whenever he burnt thesugarcane residue. He started venturing intoexperiments in his sugarcane fields andstarted using organic materials. Hecomposted the organic residues and used itto fertilize his sugarcane crop and laterincorporated organic residues into the fieldin situ and thereby saved on time and labourconsiderably. He cut down his fertilizerapplication considerably and was still able tomaintain production levels. He is stated tohave trained over a lakh farmers in organicfarming. He appealed to the farmers ofPunjab to go for multi-cropping systems andgreen manuring. He shared how he hasadopted zero tillage methods and was yetable to get 100 tonnes/ hectare of yield. Hediscussed at length about the manner inwhich he stimulates tillering by the"snapping method" and about the methodfollowed in intercropping sugarcane with dryland food crops (wheat and paddy inrotation). He also grows kitchen-gardencrops such as onion, soybean, paddy,turmeric (haldi), and pulses (like moong). Onthe second day a women’s convention washeld on environment, health and food. Adiscussion on opportunities and problems formarketing of organic produce in Punjab wasalso held. The meeting concluded with aresolve to develop a strategy forenvironmental health and mitigateagricultural and ecological crisis in the state.The Kheti Virasat Mission will organize thenext Kudrati Kheti-Vatavaran Utsav inOctober this year at Jalandhar. (Source- Areport by Amita Bhaduri on July 23, 2012 -18:22) Contact details: Umendra Dutt,Executive Director, Kheti Virasat Mission,Jaitu151202, Faridkot, Punjab.28 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Book ReviewNew Agriculture: A Permaculture point ofview - ‘New Agriculture: a permaculturepoint of view’ is a compilation of extractsfrom the Late Dr. Venkat’s jottings onpermaculture made during the few monthsbefore his demise. (He passed away inAugust 2011, at the age of 89) Thesejottings bring out the essence of his thinkingon permaculture design. The central themebeing: actions for treading softly on thisplanet. Venkat, the permaculture man ofIndia, was a deep thinker. However, being aman of few words he was able to make hisjottings extremely brief. Written in an easy –to –read style, the 54 page book with ampleillustrations is good introductory manual forunderstanding permaculture. Hisapprehensions about the environmental andfood crisis globally and possibleinterventions through chapter such as“Designing for Regeneration of Farmland,”“New Roots for the Agriculture of theFuture”, “Dynamics of New Agriculture” and“the Goal”. Other chapters that are morepractical in nature deal with soils, water,pests and trees. The book also contains anote on Dr. Venkat as a person and a noteon his famed home garden. Just publishedin March 2012, the book is modestly pricedat Rs. 30. It is available fromManchipustakam, Secundarabad and theOther India Press, Goa. An e-copy of thebook may be obtained by writing toinfo@manchipustakam.in or can be downloaded from the OFAI website. Contact :-Suresh Kosaraju at ManChipustkam : CellNo- 09490746614.New Organic Farming Sourcebook (5 thedition) by Claude Alvares ,pp.460 Rs.500- The Organic Farming Sourcebook iswritten and edited by Claude Alvares withthe assistance of Nyla Coelho. The bookcontains almost everything connected withorganic farming in India, including a vastdirectory of organic farmers Packed withpictures, the book now include new chapteron GM seeds, farm animals, especiallyindigenous cows, and a comprehensive listof green or organic stores from all thedifferent states.New book on organic agriculture in theBalkans - Organic agriculture in theBalkans is still in its early stages, though italready acts as a fundamental stimulus tosustainable rural development in the region,Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso reports.Through a comparative analysis of organicfarming in the countries of South EastEurope, the book "Organic Balkans.Stakeholders, policies, and institutions: aregional perspective" (140 pages,paperback, 14 x 21 cm) provides originalinsights into the process of Eurpean UnionIntegration. The autor Matteo Vittuari, PhD inInternational Cooperation and Policy forSustainable Development, is a scholar ofsustainable agricultural and rural policiesand transitions in the Balkans. Lecturer atthe Faculty of Agriculture of the University ofBologna, he has carried out post-doctoralresearch at the Center for InternationalDevelopment at the University of Harvard.The forewords are written by Dacian Ciolos -EU Commissioner for Agriculture and RuralDevelopment; Natalija Bogdanov - Professorof Agricultural Economics, BelgradeUniversity; Andrea Segrè - Dean of theFaculty of Agriculture, Bologna University."Organic Balkans. Stakeholders, policies,and institutions: a regional perspective" iswritten in English (with Italian and Serbo-Croatian extracts on the website). It ispublished by the Osservatorio Balcani eCaucaso within the SeeNet II Programme ofDecentralised Cooperation between Italyand SouthEast Europe. Source :Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso(30.08.2012).29 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½Top 10 Reasons to Eat Organic Food by Roxanne KingTop 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, healthyplants that taste great. Conduct your own taste test!2. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature: Organic agricultural respects the balancedemanded of a healthy ecosystem: wildlife is encouraged by including forage crops inrotation 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 thehealth of the soil.4. Protect water quality: The EPA estimates that pesticides pollute the primary source ofdrinking water for more than half the country's population.5. Support a true economy: Organic foods might seem expensive; however your tax dollarspay for hazardous waste clean up and environmental damage caused by conventionalfarming.6. Protect future generations: Children receive four times more exposure than adults tocancer 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 longbefore extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Organicagriculture 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 tripledfarm production between 1950 and 1970, but the lack of natural diversity of plant life hasnegatively affected soil quality.9. Save energy: More energy is now used to produce synthetic fertilizers than to till, cultivateand harvest all the crops in the U.S.10. Help small farmers: Although more and more large scale farms are making theconversion to organic practices, most organic farms are small, independently owned andoperated family farms. USDA reported that in 1997, half of U.S. farm production camefrom only 2% of farms. Organic agriculture can be a lifeline for small farms because itoffers an alternative market where sellers can command fair prices for crops.30 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)

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tSfod [ksrh lwpuk i=] flrEcj 2012 % 8¼3½32 Organic farming Newsletter, September 2012 : 8(3)