Indore, the long road, and organic farming

Paul and I arrived in Indore on Sunday morning, where we were greeted by the project manager of an organic farming project. We then went pretty much directly from Indore to our destination, which was in village outside of Indore, to visit an organic farm. Although the village was only around 150 kms outside of Indore, it ended up taking us about 6 hours to get there. I guess it was because of the single lane road for a substantial part of the way, our 2 stops at temples along the way (Jain temples that our host implied he was hoping would inspire us to convert to his religion) one tea stop, and one lunch stop. Also I think the 800 sheep, 150 goats, 80 camels and 45 cows that took over the road at different points along the way had something to do with the slow going as well. A visual feast, although very bumpy and windy. Needless to say, we were both very happy to get out of the car after the way there, as well as after the way back, the following day.

The organic farm we visited was very interesting and added yet another layer to the picture on organic farming. Our host stated that he believes that organic cotton farming will (not only can, but will) replace conventional cotton farming within 20 years time. This gives us great hope! The reason why he holds this belief is because it is so clear that conventional cotton farming is unsustainable, and cannot continue as it is going without addressing major issues of soil fertility. The concept of applying chemicals to plants and soil to kill pests, which in addition kills all of the beneficial insects, harming the birds which feed on those insects, the essential benefical bacteria and enzymes in the soil which give life to the soil, and the worms which add numerous benefits to the soil including the ability for the soil to retain water- in light of these effects of the application of chemicals, it seems absolutely necessary that organic farming practices replace conventional practices.

Conventional cotton farming, which relies heavily on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, has only been around for a few decades. Prior to this, all farming was based on organic means, so it is not that far off, however, India has seen quite a change in farming practices in that short period. The "Green Revolution" which happened in India in the 60's and 70's, turned farmers on to chemical methods of controlling pests, which in turn requires the use of synthetic fertilizers. The use of chemicals has resulted in infertile soil which lacks the ability to sustain itself, thus becoming dependant on the application of very strong and expensive chemicals. As the soil becomes uninhabitable for worms, so it also becomes very dry and not as able to hold moisture. Thus rains fall yet are not absorbed, and more water is needed to irrigate the soil. Also, as pests become immune to the pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides, new, stronger concoctions are required to keep them at bay. This in turn makes the soil even less fertile which creates a downward spiral. In the worst case, which is not uncommon, it leads the farmer to such despair that he chooses to take his own life. Farmer suicides in India are linked to conventional cotton farming practices, and "at least 500 cotton farmers have committed suicide in the state of Maharashtra since June 2005."- source:http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/may2006/indi-m12.shtml) This shocking reality is another clear indicator that change is needed.

Some concepts of organic farming:
The principles of Bio-Dynamics seem to have been embraced throughout India in the organic farming movement. This is a very fascinating philosophy and approach to organic farming which I am still learning about. For more info, check out the website: http://www.biodynamics.com/biodynamics.html. This website explains bio-dynamism so eloquently that I can only say: go check it out! All three of the organic farms I have visited in India have embraced the principles of bio-dynamism. Using cow's manure, cow's urine, wormy peat, wormy wash (water drained from the wormy peat), fermented buttermilk, fermented neem leaves, and a whole range of other fermented ingredients, concoctions are created to bring life back to the soil, and to ward off pests. Bio-dynamism is essentially a spiritual approach to organic farming, which seems to be readily embraced in India by a land that seamlessly ties the spiritual into everyday life. Gods, Goddesses, prayers, flowers, ceremonies, and incense- everywhere in India the spiritual is celebrated in the everyday. Even in the rickshaws little shrines are displayed as shiny stickers and strings of flowers along the dash. An organic approach just fits here. Of course, chemicals also seem to fit in very well, as India is also a paradox. It will take committment and perseverance to make that organic vision a reality.