http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/ Discussion forum on organic farming cultivation, certification and marketing of organic produce. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:04:41 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/images/styles/agri2/misc/rss.jpg http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/ http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38592-suggest-organic-farming.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:06:18 GMT Dear Sir (Mohite Agrotech), I have 3 and a half acre land in gaigaon area(Akola) in Maharashtra, soil is deep black /black we did boring but only 1... Dear Sir (Mohite Agrotech),
I have 3 and a half acre land in gaigaon area(Akola) in Maharashtra, soil is deep black /black
we did boring but only 1 1/5 inches of water available there. I dont know technically how much, people told me not to install pump there since water is very litte for farming neither we have electricity at present. Alternatively we are also searching land with water and electrictiy available.
Can you suggest me what type of organic farming we can do there with out water as per current situation and with water if we found land.
what could be the yearly income per acre in that case and what would be the investment per year per acre.

Please reply me on [/email]
with all the details

Thanks and Best Regards

Rizwan ]]> Organic Farming rizwan_kh http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38592-suggest-organic-farming.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38337-tulsi-plantation.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:12:46 GMT Hi, I need the details of tulsi plantation and how economic in cultivation, it would be profit then other plantation?. what is the price going in... Hi,
I need the details of tulsi plantation and how economic in cultivation, it would be profit then other plantation?. what is the price going in the market?
Please contact..... ]]> Organic Farming senthika http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38337-tulsi-plantation.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38152-furious-farmers-say-mncs-imposing-bt-brinjal-india.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:10:04 GMT Furious farmers say MNCs are imposing Bt brinjal on India Savita Verma New Delhi, November 5, 2009 Comment Buzz up! Share Facebook! Digg it!... Furious farmers say MNCs are imposing Bt brinjal on India
Savita Verma
New Delhi, November 5, 2009
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The national regulator may have cleared the proposal to release genetically modified Bt brinjal in the market, but the country's farmers haven't quite bought the idea.

A number of farmer groups met in Delhi recently to plan a stir against opening the country to genetically-modified (GM) foods like Bt brinjal.

Under the 'Jan Jagaran Abhiyan', the protesters are also hoping to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as well as the Union agriculture and health ministers.

Farmers claimed Bt brinjal would contaminate traditional varieties of brinjal, and the cultivators would suffer the consequences.

They also alleged that the decision to allow the sale of Bt brinjal - which still awaits the government's nod - was linked with commercial interests.

"We will not be silent spectators. We will take direct action," said Yudhvir Singh, convenor of the Coordination Committee of Indian Farmers' Movements.

"We will hold consultations across the country with farmers. Retailers' shops will be attacked. All states should follow in Kerala's footsteps and declare themselves GM-free." Other farmers said there was no demand for Bt brinjal. The country was already producing so much of the vegetable through traditional means that farmers were feeding it to animals.

Kodihalli Chandrasekhar, president, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, said the adverse health effects of Bt brinjal had already been proved. "All those who are advocating Bt brinjal should first feed it to their children and grandchildren," he said.

Vijay Jawahdhia of the Shetkari Sangathan asserted Bt brinjal would also produce allergic reactions.

"It produces a toxin that kills pests. Sprays containing the same toxin are sold as Bt sprays, and they are known to cause allergic reactions," he said.

"The toxin produced in Bt brinjal is 1,000 times more concentrated. The company says cooking inactivates the toxin. But that does not answer for the safety of the milk produced by the cattle, who would feed on uncooked Bt brinjal." "The technology is being imposed on the country's farmers by multinational seed companies in connivance with the government and seed dealers. The three have also been hyping the success of Bt cotton, the first genetically modified crop in India," another farmer alleged.

As many as 63 companies are producing Bt cotton, and Monsanto, the original producer, gets royalty from each of these, he said.

Yudhvir added: "There are reports from Haryana that milk production in animals fed on Bt cotton has reduced. Animals prefer non-Bt fodder to Bt fodder." Kannaiyan, the organising secretary of Tamizhaga Vyavasayigal Sangham, said Tamil Nadu Agriculture University and Central Institute for Cotton Research had conceded the failure of Bt cotton.

"Farmers were not buying Bt cotton of their own free will. Companies selling non-Bt hybrid seeds have switched to Bt cotton seeds, leaving no option for the farmers," he said. ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38152-furious-farmers-say-mncs-imposing-bt-brinjal-india.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38151-kerala-firms-reject-gm-seeds-urges-prime-minister-not-go-ahead.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:09:23 GMT Kerala firms reject GM seeds, urges prime minister not go ahead South Asia Post (http://www.southasiapost.org/2009/20091031/features.htm#4) IN a... Kerala firms reject GM seeds, urges prime minister not go ahead
South Asia Post

IN a clear and cogent manner the CPM led government in Kerala has rejected GM seeds. In a letter to the prime minister, the chief minister has argued in derail about the dangers of these GM seeds and the threat from the multinationals to Indian bio diversity.

Here is the Text of the letter.

Shri. Manmohan Singh,
Honourable Prime Minister of India,
South Block, New Delhi.
Greetings from the ‘God’s own country’.

I am addressing an important issue here - the introduction of GM crops and food in the State as well as in the country. I understand our stand on the GM crops and foods was already made very clear to the Union Agriculture Minister, Shri. Sarat Pawar, and to your kind self, by our Agriculture Minister, Shri . Mullakara Ratnakaran and the Chairman of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Dr. V. S. Vijayan respectively.

We are concerned about the introduction of the GM crops into the State. We had conducted a national workshop on the desirability of the GM crops sometime in April 2008 and, at the end of the two day workshop, it had come out with a unanimous resolution that the GM crops and foods should not be allowed in the State and, the resolution further says that we should also try to impress upon the Union Government in banning the GM in the country. A copy of the resolution is enclosed herewith for your ready reference.

May I reiterate that the Kerala State has already taken a policy decision not to allow GM crops, even for trials, until the debate on the issue of GM that is going on the world over is settled for ever. We are convinced with the available information that:


(a) GM crops are not economically viable for the farmers,
(b) GM crops and foods lead to unimaginable health hazards,
(c) GM crops contaminate the local and wild varieties, the damages of which are irrevocable and, such contamination of our traditional varieties cause irreparable damage to food security of the country
(d) GM denies the farmers right to choose what he wants to sow in his own farm, and ultimately,
(e) The country’s sovereignty over food and agriculture will be endangered.

Moreover, we are convinced that the Genetic Modification of crops is not a solution for hunger as has been wrongly advocated by the proponents of the GM, because the genetic modification is done not to increase the productivity, but to control the insect pests or the weeds. I am sure, you would agree with me that there are several cheaper and environment-friendly options to control the pests and weeds.
It may also be noted the Task Force on Application of Biotechnology on Agriculture headed by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan is unambiguous that the mega-diversity centres and biodiversity hotspots like Western Ghats shall be kept free of any GM experiments/ crops.

The Task Force report further recommends that even the transgenic research should not be undertaken in crops/commodities where our international trade will be affected.

In this context, you may please note that Kerala is a State heavily depended on international market for its agricultural commodities. Any contamination from genetic modification can cause further damage in the trade prospects of the State.

Kerala is also an important centre of diversity of medicinal plants and heritage of traditional medicines like ayurveda. Serious concern has already been expressed by the Ayurveda practitioners on GM research being undertaken on various crops.

You would be delighted to note that the State has already declared an Organic Farming Policy, Strategy and Action Plan in 2008. Accordingly, the entire food crops would be converted to organic within five years and the cash crops within another five years. This will, apart from helping to feed the people with non-poisoned food, enhance our export possibilities with a high premium. However, introduction of GM crops will certainly defeat the very purpose of organic farming, because GM crops/foods are more disastrous than those from crops raised using chemical pesticides and fertilisers. It would also kill the State’s trade prospects.

Considering all these, the Government of Kerala has taken a decision to prohibit all environmental release of GMOs and keep the State totally GM free. We would also request the Honourable Prime Minister to reconsider the policy on GM in the national scale and declare a moratorium at least for the next 50 years, so that we could learn the desirability of GM from other countries where it is being practised in large scale.

We would urge the Central Government to respect the well informed decision of the State Government and issue necessary orders to all concerned Ministries not to permit any GM research or release of GMOs within the boundaries of the State. Such an order from the Union Government will further strengthen the federal fabric of our nation as enshrined in the constitution.

With kind regards
Yours sincerely,
V. S. Achuthanandhan
Copy to: Ministry of: Environment and Forests; Agriculture and Cooperation; Science and Technology; Health and Family Welfare; and Department of Biotechnology ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38151-kerala-firms-reject-gm-seeds-urges-prime-minister-not-go-ahead.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38150-mp-come-out-organic-agri-policy.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:08:06 GMT MP to come out with organic agri-policy Shashikant Trivedi / New Delhi/ Bhopal November 06, 2009, 0:49 IST To arrest the alarmingly... MP to come out with organic agri-policy

Shashikant Trivedi / New Delhi/ Bhopal November 06, 2009, 0:49 IST

To arrest the alarmingly increasing rate of chemical fertilisers, the Madhya Pradesh government will soon bring an ‘Organic Agriculture Policy.’

Probably first of its kind in India, the policy will be launched after civic body elections. A high-level meeting today decided to submit a report in this regard within 45 days from now. Against the national acreage of organic farming on 5.38 lakh hectare, MP’s share stands at 1.63 lakh hectare.

The acreage went up to 30.89 per cent during 2008-09 in the state. “This indicates how farmers are inclined towards organic farming,” Alok Bhargav, an activist and member of the committee appointed for making the policy, said.

Under the policy, the government may introduce a new system to register organic seeds, certification of organic foodgrain, creation of separate mandis for trade of organic grain and a strategy to motivate farmers that organic farming is better than modern farming, based on lethal chemical fertilisers and its increasing input cost.

“The policy will focus providing a marketing platform to the organic farmers and their agri-produces. Above all the state government will make efforts to add value to all organic produces so that they can be exported to international market,” Bhargav said.

The policy will also encourage farmers to use organic manure made from neem and cow urine. In addition, use of worm-compost will be prime on the agenda so that chemical fertilisers can be used as less as possible.

However, sources inside the government have clued BS that the BJP-ruled government will use some of its home-made non-government organisations and self-help groups to manufacture, brand and market natural compost at government expenses. ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/38150-mp-come-out-organic-agri-policy.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37825-button-mushroom-initial-setup-amount-medium-scale.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:37:16 GMT Dear friend can anybody could tell me what will be the total cost for setting up button mushroom farm in kollam,kerala.we wish to start a farm that... Dear friend can anybody could tell me what will be the total cost for setting up button mushroom farm in kollam,kerala.we wish to start a farm that can have a capacity of 500kg per day.please urgent help needed. ]]> Organic Farming dathu http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37825-button-mushroom-initial-setup-amount-medium-scale.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37570-requiered-organic-agro-product.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:51:44 GMT Dear membar, we r redy to purchase organic certified agro product, like fresh fruits, vegetables, sesame seed, penutt , and all types of agro... Dear membar,
we r redy to purchase organic certified agro product, like fresh fruits, vegetables, sesame seed, penutt , and all types of agro product,
we r manily looking ecocert, one cert and other certified agro product

thanks
girish baldha
baldha incorporation
Please contact..... ]]> Organic Farming baldhainc http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37570-requiered-organic-agro-product.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37569-kerala-encourages.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:19:29 GMT Encourage organic farming, says VS Alappuzha, Wednesday 28 October 2009: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has called for extension of organic... Encourage organic farming, says VS

Alappuzha, Wednesday 28 October 2009: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has called for extension of organic farming across the State.

Speaking after giving away the Akshayasree awards instituted by the Akshaya Trust to farmers who excelled in organic farming at Muhamma near here, Mr. Achuthanandan said the broadening of the organic farming net and encouragement of the concept was necessary to save the soil from the negative impacts of poisonous fertilizers and artificial nutritional supplements.

Though fertilizers and supplements enhanced the yield, the quality of such products was questionable due to the poison content in them.

Many were resorting to use of fertilizers and pesticides without knowing the consequences, he said, adding that only persons who had immense confidence and grit could sow success in organic farming.

The benefits, however, were shared by the entire society, and not just the farmer, he said.

Mr. Achuthanandan also assured that he would look into whatever the State government could do to encourage organic farming and organisations like Akshaya which supported such pioneering efforts.

Later, the Chief Minister gave away the award for the State-level best organic farmer to Narayanan Ottapalam, while district-level awards were presented to Prakashan Mayithara by Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac and to Sarojini, Kalavoor, by Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran.

Kumari Shibulal, chairperson of Akshaya Trust chairperson, K.V. Dayal, coordinator of Kerala Organic Farmers Council, S. Ram Anand, trustee of Akshaya Trust, C.K. Bhaskaran, president of Muhamma grama panchayat and others also spoke. ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37569-kerala-encourages.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37568-organic-farming-nepal-going-organic-school-home-project.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:18:17 GMT Organic Farming in Nepal and 'Going Organic From School to Home' Project

As the main purpose of the project is to motivate farmers towards organic farming, there are plans to develop the above villages as the model village and encourage farmers in other parts of the country to start the same.

By Deepak R. Poudyal

Now-a-days, organic farming is becoming popular worldwide. Conventional farming using huge quantity of chemicals and pesticides are harmful to the environment and human health. People are now conscious about it and moving towards organic farming.

Organic farming is not a new concept of agriculture in Nepal. In ancient times, the farmers had engaged in this farming and gained a lot of knowledge on it. The prime aim of organic farming is applying/using natural materials in agriculture and prohibiting the use of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides which ultimately ruins the land.

The development of Science and Technology has made huge changes in various sectors resulting in tremendous development in the world economy. Agriculture is such a sector which has played vital role in this regard. Different countries of the world became successful in mass production in agriculture by applying the latest technology, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thus raising their economic standard. The immense use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been the usual practice of modern farming in most of the countries for growing agricultural production. This practice has also been a compulsion for all to increase agricultural production and feed their ever increasing population. However, though this has solved the problem for now, it does not bode well for the future with the point of view of human health and destruction of eco-system of the globe. The heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has affected and will certainly affect, directly and indirectly, the surrounding land, water, flora and fauna and insects and animals.

With the use of chemical fertilizers, in the beginning, there is a huge increase in production from the land, but after a while of regular use, the production capacity of the land decreases reaching to a point where one day the production capacity may reach zero – resulting in cascading economic problems and lack of food in certain areas.

Though it may take a while to embrace organic farming, we must surely move in that direction. The move has slowly begun in Nepal with some farmers embracing it. The government of Nepal is also paying attention towards this and making various programs in this direction.

"Going Organic from School to Home" is a project launched to educate the community and students of Sankhu Suntole VDC Ward No. 8 Palubari and Ward No 9 Bishambhara about the benefit of organic farming and supported by Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF), Nepal.

A memorandum of agreement was made with Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF) and Hoste Hainse in July 2008 to run the project in the above villages. The main objective of the project is to:

• provide appropriate training and informational resources to the community about the sustainable practices of organic farming

• educate the community about the effects of conventional farming on their health and the environment

• integrate a new curriculum focusing primarily on key issues such as safe and sustainable farming practices, nutrition, health, usage of clean water, environmental science and global climate change

• provide hands on lesson and activities to the community of Sankhu and surrounding areas

• provide vocational training about organic farming to the students of Sankhu Palubari Community School grade six to eighth

• train the villagers about organic farming so that it helps every individual and the overall community to generate income source for their survival

When the project started, it began creating awareness about organic farming in the community for the improvement of the livelihoods and environment. Different training was provided to farmers taking up organic farming.

At the same time, various awareness programmes were initiated. Project staff and volunteers visited the households of Palubari and Bishambhara villages informing people about the project activities and the advantages of organic farming. Hoarding boards were prepared with the purpose of disseminating information to the farmers about seasonal vegetables for organic farming.

Nineteen organic groups have been formed so far. A model community farm and training centre has been established in Palubari village. A community resource and information centre (CRIC) has also been set up. The CRIC is also used as an office by the project staff as well as a training room and informal education classroom for the community.

One of the most important achievements of the project is the initiation of Sankhu Palubari Cooperative Limited that has started providing micro-loans to the needy people for organic farming, at a very low interest rate. So far, the cooperative has provided loans to 45 farmers of the area.

A draft of organic farming curriculum for grade six to eighth school students has been made with the coordination of the Curriculum Development Centre. The Curriculum Development Centre has made assurance that the draft will be finalized and implemented by next academic year as far as possible.

Four organic clubs have been formed in the schools of Sankhu Palubari and Bishambhara with the purpose of teaching students about the advantages of organic farming, as well as creating awareness about the environment. Additionally, the process to form these types of clubs in other schools of the surrounding areas has begun.

Sankhu Palubari Community School students and their teachers also visit the training centre on a weekly basis. These types of visits assist in the hands on training aspect of the organic farming curriculum for the students. Meanwhile, informal classes on organic farming have also begun at the training centre.

Sankhu Palubari Cooperative Ltd has also started collecting various types of non-pesticide vegetables from the community people of Sankhu and selling them in the market of Kathmandu city.

As the main purpose of the project is to motivate farmers towards organic farming, there are plans to develop the above villages as the model village and encourage farmers in other parts of the country to start the same.

(Poudyal is a Masters Degree holder in information and communication science from India. Presently he is engaged as team leader of the above project and can be reached at poudyaldr@hotmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article. Please send your write-ups to editors@mos.com.np This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37568-organic-farming-nepal-going-organic-school-home-project.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37562-biofach-newsletter.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:34:52 GMT 1. Jamaica: Natural and organic agriculture policy being planned

Head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries' Agro-Investment
Corporation, Dr. David Lowe, has said that there is scope for the
development and growth of natural and organic agriculture in Jamaica
through a national policy framework for the sector. He was speaking at
the opening session of a two-day workshop on business opportunities in
the European natural and organic products market. The workshop was
organized by the Jamaica Wellness Cluster in collaboration with Organic
Monitor. The Cluster's objectives are to identify new and competitive
products, and to brand Jamaica as a premier location for health and
wellness. The workshop was conducted by Founder and Director of Organic
Monitor, Amarjit Sahota. Topics discussed at the workshop included:
Major Product Groups and Categories, Market Drivers and Restraints,
Product Trends, Standards and Certification Issues and Market Entry
Routes.

Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service

2. Malaysia: Organic certification scheme to boost local aquaculture

The Fisheries Department is developing an organic certification scheme
under the Malaysian Aquaculture Farm Certification Scheme to help boost
the local aquaculture industry. Its Director-General, Datuk Junaidi Che
Ayub, said the move was in line with the government's aim to be among
the main contributors of organic fish and shrimps in Asean. Currently
all farms producing aquaculture products under the Common Fund for
Commodities/Food and Agriculture Organisation/INFOFISH -
CFC/FAO/INFOFISH Organic Aquaculture Project were getting certification
from Thailand's Organic Aquaculture Farms and Products Certification
Centre (OAPC), he said.

Malaysian National News Agency :: BERNAMA

3. Switzerland: Helvetas campaign for organic cotton

The development organization Helvetas organized a campaign in mid
October to attract attention to the fact that thousands of people die
every year due to pesticides used on cotton fields. It called upon
fashion suppliers and consumers to support organic cotton. The staff of
Helvetas had laid out some 30 stylized corpses of white cotton material
in the city centre of Bern. “20,000 people a year die as a result of
pesticides used on cotton fields,” was written in blood-red letters on
the symbolic victims. The organization has developed an online card tool
to help consumers find shops that stock clothing made of organic and
fair trade cotton.

Helvetas - Schweizer Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (Helvetas - Schweizer Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit) and BIO-FAIR.ch | Fashion shop finder
(BIO-FAIR.ch | Fashion shop finder)

4. MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award

The MUNDUSvini BioFach International Organic Wine Award will be
presented for the first time at BioFach 2010. NürnbergMesse, the
organizer of BioFach, and the MUNDUSvini Wine Academy are combining
their expertise and interests to organize this competition.

MUNDUSvini is the biggest international wine competition in Germany and
the aim of the award is to boost communication of the outstanding
qualities of wine from all the winegrowing regions of the world.

All producers of organic wines have this unique opportunity to use an
international wine award to present their wine to the public. The
closing date for entries is 7.11.2009. The advantages: a sensory
assessment by international tasters and presentation of the
award-winning wines at BioFach and in a variety of trade publications.

Online registration is possible at www.webpass-online.com
(http://www.webpass-online.com).
Information: +49 (0)63 21 89 08 95 00

MUNDUS Vini

5. IFOAM: How to feed the world in 2050

On the occasion of the World Food Day, the agro-industry proposes a
second green revolution based on genetic engineering. This suits their
interests but does not contribute to feeding the poor. Organic
Agriculture based on its encouraging concepts, experience and examples
proposes a paradigm shift in food security policies to ensure that
hunger is history by 2050. IFOAM advocates a paradigm shift in
agricultural policies and offers its practices and systems to policy
makers for adoption especially in the global south and for regions with
food insecurity. Organic Agriculture puts the needs of rural people and
the sustainable use of natural resources at the centre of the farming
system. The slightly lower yields of Organic Agriculture in favorable,
temperate zones are compensated with approximately 10 - 20% higher
yields in difficult environments such as arid areas.

ifoam.org | International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements

6. USA: New data on organic supply chain

Unlike conventionally grown agricultural products, there is very little
information on organic production and marketing channels. Thus, many
organic producers are required to make decisions based on incomplete
information. The USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) has released
data results from their 2004 and 2007 Nationwide Surveys of Organic
Manufacturers, Processors and Distributors. The survey covers a variety
of topics related to the procurement and contracting of organic products
and ingredients. Data is available for nine commodity groups and 45
commodities. The procurement data also includes information from 1,038
facilities in 2004 and 1,013 facilities in 2007 and details what
handlers are looking for from their suppliers, as well as what
assistance they offer to their suppliers. The data makes it possible for
farmers to better manage their marketing risk, while also giving
policymakers and researchers the first systematic look at the organic
supply chain.

USDA Economic Research Service - Home Page

7. Association founded for organic pesticides

The manufacturers of organic pesticides in Germany and Austria have
founded their own German-speaking national association within the
International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA). Some 350
people work in the production of organic pesticides in Germany and
Austria alone. The customers not only include organic farms, but also
the areas used for the rest of agricultural production and for
ornamental plants and horticulture. The 19 association members are
innovative, mostly small enterprises, often spin-offs of universities,
which have initiated a dynamic, global interest group within the IBMA.

IBMA-D/A

8. dm drugstore turnover up 11 %

The drugstore chain dm completed another successful year of business in
2008/2009 at the end of September. The subgroup Austria together with
the associated countries in Central and Southeast Europe achieved a
turnover of 1.4 billion EUR, which is up 11.7 % (currency-adjusted). The
company operates in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania and Bulgaria and also
stocks a wide range of organic groceries in these countries.
The subsidiaries in Southeast Europe with a turnover of 884 million EUR
already contribute 60 % of the subgroup turnover in Austria. The
turnover of the whole group grew by more than 11.6 % to 5.2 billion EUR.

ots.at: dm drogerie markt zieht erfolgreiche Geschäftsjahresbilanz - ANHÄNGE =

9. Household goods of renewable raw materials

The newly developed material PROGANIC® offers an ecological alternative
to conventional plastic products. The wear-resistant biopolymer consists
of renewable raw materials and minerals, so it can be recycled naturally
without residues. The pilot product line from Propper comprises a
classic indoor watering can and decorative plant pots in various sizes
and colours. The material is water-resistant, approved for use with food
and can replace all common plastic household products. The new organic
line PROGANIC® is to be launched globally in spring/summer 2010.

Propper - Klebehaken, Verschlüsse, Giesskannen und vieles mehr...

10. Cross-border organic farming initiative

Organic associations from Baden-Württemberg and Alsace have launched a
cross-border initiative for developing joint statistics on the
profitability of organic farming (e.g. dairy farmers, winegrowers). The
data originate from 50 German and 50 French farms and vineyards from the
region and are to serve as the basis for persuading more conventional
growers to convert to organic. The number of organic units in Alsace
increased by almost 24 % in 2008 compared with the previous year. More
than 1,260 hectares – approx. 10 % – of the vineyards there are
cultivated to organic standards.

DailyGreen.de - Ökostrom, Biogas, Hybrid-Antrieb, Biosprit

11. Italy: Natural cosmetics benefit from Bio Eco Cosmesi certification

Italian consumers are discovering the value of natural and organic
beauty products: pharmacies and herbalist shops have actually recorded
growth (+3 % and +2 % respectively), while the cosmetics market as a
whole has experienced a setback in the first half of 2009. ICEA launched
the Bio Eco Cosmesi standard in 2002 (in the same period that the Soil
Association presented its own standard) and it was soon welcomed by AIAB
(Italian organic agriculture association). Today the turnover generated
by companies certified by Bio Eco Cosmesi (113 in Italy and 30 abroad,
also present in Japan and the U.S., for a total of 2,774 products) is
worth about 7 million euros. In line with the forecasts of Uniparo
(Italian association of cosmetics businesses), their market share is
growing.

Greenplanet.net - organic food natural lifestyle

12. Latvian ecological cosmetics brand successful in Japan

The Latvian brand Madara Ecological Cosmetics successfully entered the
Japanese market in 2009. Lotte Tisenkopfa-Iltnere, Cosmetics Director
and co-owner of the ecological cosmetics producer Madara, said the
company has established contacts with its cooperation partner in Japan,
Mitoku Co. Madara products are currently sold in Japanese department
stores and ecological cosmetics outlets. The Japanese customers value
Madara products for their quality and design. Japan is the country from
which Madara has received the most distribution offers.

The Baltic Course | Baltic States news & analytics ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37562-biofach-newsletter.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37414-cheapest-easiest-fastest-way-cultivate-more-quantity-quality-milky-mushrooms.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:17:46 GMT Dear friend those who wish to know more about this please "Visit dathu's homepage" from the dropdown menu.MILKY MUSHROOM CULTIVATION NOW EASIER THAN NEVER BEFORE. ]]> Organic Farming dathu http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37414-cheapest-easiest-fastest-way-cultivate-more-quantity-quality-milky-mushrooms.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37306-sikkims-farmers-demand-fertiliser-subsidy-reforms.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:19:51 GMT Sikkim's farmers demand fertiliser subsidy reforms

(Source: IANS)
Published: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 at 21:50 IST Click Image to Enlarge

Gangtok: The farmers' community and the Sikkim government on Monday demanded fertiliser subsidy reforms, saying the state, which has adopted organic agriculture policy, is not benefiting from the central government's policy of providing subsidy for chemical fertilisers.

Expressing their disappointment, farmers in the state have urged the central government to extend its fertiliser subsidy support to organic fertilisers too, while implementing the newly proposed direct subsidy system.

"We welcome the central government's move to give fertiliser subsidy directly to the farmers, but we are concerned that the farmers of Sikkim will not be benefited from this scheme since it covers only chemical fertilizers," said Food Security and Agriculture Development Minister Dawcho Lepcha.

Sikkim is planning to go completely organic by 2015. The state has adopted a plan to phase out the use of chemical fertilisers by 2010-11.

Obum Dorji, a representative of farmers, said it was more important that the centre extended the policy so that it could encourage other states to go for "eco-friendly" organic farming.

"By extending the subsidy to organic farming, we will be greatly benefited. Continuous use of chemical fertilisers make the soil lose its nutrients and the centre should discourage it," Dorji said.

Added Gopikrishna, an activist of Greenpeace India: "The central government, while reforming the subsidy policy should adopt a holistic approach encompassing various aspects of production systems including bio-dynamics, organic farming, natural farming."

"Crores of rupees spent every year on fertiliser subsidy should also be made available to farmers who adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices," he added. ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37306-sikkims-farmers-demand-fertiliser-subsidy-reforms.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37305-organic-farming-rajasthan-wins-experts-approval.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:17:11 GMT Organic farming in Rajasthan wins experts’ approval The Hindu Prof. V.S. Vyas(left), Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory... Organic farming in Rajasthan wins experts’ approval

The Hindu

Prof. V.S. Vyas(left), Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, and other experts interacting with the farmers who have taken up organic farming at Ajitgarh village in Sikar district of Rajasthan. Photo Rohit Jain Paras
Large-scale organic farming at Ajitgarh and half-a-dozen surrounding villages in Sikar district of Rajasthan has improved the quality of fruits and vegetables, increased the yield, used lesser amount of water and strengthened biodiversity in the region, drawing the attention of agricultural experts who perceive it as a useful experiment at the grassroots.

About 80 farmers of the region have formed a group to generate awareness among the rural communities about the advantages of organic farming and develop market linkages. The members of the informal group regularly share among themselves indigenous methods to get better results and develop seeds for providing a stable crop pattern.

Distinguished agricultural economist and Member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Prof. V. S. Vyas, interacted with the small and marginal farmers engaged in bio-farming here over the weekend to identify the difficulties confronting them and find out their preparedness for this year’s rabi crop season.

Farmer Jagdish Prasad Pareek, who initiated the organic farming movement in the backward village – situated 80 km from Jaipur – three decades ago, told Prof. Vyas that though the output in his two-hectare field had convinced other farmers, the initial high investment, slow results and lack of remunerative prices for the farm produce were acting as “inhibiting factors”.

Mr. Pareek has been growing vegetables such as cauliflower, brinjal, chillies, round-gourds, sweet-gourds and lemons as well as several fruits with impressive weight and size on his farm. Having started drip irrigation for the papaya and pomegranate plants grown this year, he plans to cultivate more vegetables in the space left between the fruit-bearing trees.

Prof. Vyas, accompanied by the Director of Jaipur-based Kumarappa Institute of Gram Swaraj, Awadh Prasad, J. S. Mishra of Rajasthan Agricultural University’s Horticulture Department and Kalyan Singh Kothari of the One World-South Asia, evinced a keen interest in the techniques applied to increase the yield and save water.

The farmers told the visiting experts that they themselves prepare the organic compost and introduce earthworms in the soil while taking care not to allow the chemical fertilisers to pollute the land. “Our productivity has increased manifold, while the agricultural produce have a high nutritive value,” said Madanlal Gujjar of Jugrajpura village.

Farmers like Mali Ram Raigar, Banwari Lal, Pooran Mal and Dhuda Ram drew Prof. Vyas’ attention to the issue of financial support to the agriculturists going in for organic farming, saying the huge amounts of subsidy on chemical fertilisers were saved following the gradual shift to bio-farming. The money saved in this manner should be paid as an incentive to the farmers, they said.

The farmers also highlighted the difficulties in purchasing seeds, high investment on water and power for irrigation and lack of infrastructure for marketing of organic farm produce. They said they had imported seeds from as far as Taiwan and Jordan and were also preparing their improved varieties.

Prof. Vyas observed that the financial condition of farmers had deteriorated over the years because of factors such as division of land, lack of remunerative prices, constant escalation in prices of agricultural resources and a fragile agricultural marketing network.

The noted economist said the organic farming initiative in Ajitgarh had shown that even one-hectare agricultural land could be self-sufficient for the small farmers and produce enough food grain for one family if the farming was done in a methodical way: “Investment at the initial stage and technical guidance to farmers for various activities hold the key to an impressive agricultural production.”

Dr. Awadh Prasad said the Kumarappa Institute would shortly provide space to farmers on its campus at Bapu Nagar opposite Rajasthan University in Jaipur to directly sell their organic fruits, vegetables and crops to the consumers. The institute will also help out the farmers in standardisation, grading, marketing and technical inputs of agricultural experts. ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37305-organic-farming-rajasthan-wins-experts-approval.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37226-would-like-start-organic-farming.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:47:26 GMT Hi, I am Mr Pankaj Currently I am working in MNC company. My father is retired person, he would like to start organic/any other farming as an... Hi,
I am Mr Pankaj Currently I am working in MNC company.
My father is retired person, he would like to start organic/any other farming
as an occupation.
Do let me know how should he begin. We have our own 5 acres land in native
place/small town (Maharashtra).

Do let me know if anyone could guide me with this one.


Regard's
Pankaj ]]> Organic Farming pankajrchavan http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37226-would-like-start-organic-farming.html http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37112-biofach-india-18-20-november.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:22:54 GMT BioFach India 2009 and India Organic Trade Fair: India’s successful duo for the international organics products market First BioFach India... BioFach India 2009 and India Organic Trade Fair:
India’s successful duo for the international organics products market

First BioFach India from 18 - 20 November 2009 in Mumbai
Bio-Fach network extended to include key raw materials market



The long-standing, good contacts with the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture, ICCOA, organizer of the IOTF, are bearing fruit: from 18 - 20 November the premiere of BioFach India 2009 will be held parallel to, and in conjunction with the fifth India Organic Trade Fair. The co-organizer of the trade fair duo is the ICCOA. Local players and market experts from all over the world agree: the time has come to offer India's high organic products potential its own platform and provide the Indian market with an even stronger international networking. India's government is supporting the organic products sector with financial packages and funding programmes aimed at rapidly further expanding it. The target by 2012: 2,000,000 hectares of certified organic farming land and organic products sales of one billion US Dollars.

Mukesh Gupta, President of the ICCOA, and Petra Wolf, since 01.08.2009 member of management board, NürnbergMesse, agree: the merging of these two experienced partners will not only generate key impulses for the Indian organic products market. Indian exhibitors, international suppliers as well as trade visitors can concentrate on one central organic products
trade fair.

The sponsor of the BioFach subsidiary in Mumbai is the IFOAM, which in addition to BioFach Nuremberg, is already the honorary sponsor of the four other international subsidiaries of the world’s leading trade fair for organic products in Japan, the USA, Brazil and China. In 2008 the parent fair in Nuremberg along with its subsidiaries abroad brought together around 4,000 exhibitors and approximately 100,000 trade visitors.

Indian tradition and culture meet international organic product enjoyment
India is endeavouring on several levels to further develop production, further processing and marketing. The government is supporting organic agriculture in 26 federal states with a funding programme, explains Dr. Gouri, head of the organic products sector at the state-run export promotion company APEDA. In addition, a whole series of companies are already intensively further extending their organic products lines and presenting products which are tailored to European and US taste and requirements. The ranges have long since ceased focusing on high-quality raw materials in the foodstuff and textile sectors and are now also servicing the demand for convenience food and made-up products in organic cotton.

The state Indian organic product seal meets the high requirements of international organic products markets and is set to receive legal legitimization before the end of this year. However, the best precondition for the future of organic-based agriculture in India is the close linking of the ecological landscape with tradition and culture: hundreds of thousands of peasant farmers maintain this agricultural culture and view modern industrial agriculture and genetic technology with scepticism. Currently almost 90 organic products in 15 different categories are exported, in 2008 sales, according to estimates by APEDA, increased to 100 million US Dollars. From 2005 to 2008 the export value quadrupled. By 2012 the market is expected to grow six to seven times faster than previously and reach the billion-mark, according to the ambitious planning by the National Centre for Organic Farming, NCOF, which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture. The most important export goods include organic cotton, currently accounting for a 25%-share of sales, followed by tea (20%), dry fruits (18%), basmati rice (13%) and honey (10%).

BioFach India and India Organic will impress the trade visitors in 2009 with a seminar programme featuring top-ranking speakers and participants. The theme spectrum extends from political guidelines and organic certification through to the current market trend and export conditions for Indian products up to the value-added chain in the organic agriculture sector.

Other BioFach dates 2009/2010:


BioFach America, Boston 24–26 September 2009


BioFach Japan, Tokyo 7–9 October 2009


BioFach América Latina/Expo Sustentat, São Paulo 28–30 October 2009


BioFach und Vivaness, Nuremberg 17–20 February 2010


BioFach China, Shanghai 27–29 May 2010



Contact partner for international participation:
Miriam Hempel
Nürnberg Global Fairs
Messezentrum
90471 Nürnberg
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 9 11. 86 06-86 92
biofach@ngfmail.com


Contact partner for participation in India:
Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Tanu Ailawadi
Tel.: +91 (0)11. 26 87-87 21
tanu@indo-german.com

Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Ruby Vatcha
Tel.: +91 (0) 22. 66 65-21 30
ruby@indo-german.com ]]> Organic Farming S.Annadana http://www.agricultureinformation.com/forums/organic-farming/37112-biofach-india-18-20-november.html