Investigations and experience on truth of natural plant life surrounding us revealed that 1) soil is living, 2) health of cattle influences biodiversity as well as recycling of biomass and 3) quality of water. It is "soul" content of alternate farming.

Stagnating yields, negative impact on environment, soil health and farmers' economy were some of the side effects of green revolution and provided fuel to search new and unexploited areas to ensure increased productivity through eco-friendly or evergreen farming.

New Delhi Concerned over the adverse impact of fertilisers on soil and crops, government plans to reduce subsidy on them and divert funds to organic manures, bio-fertilisers, green manures and promotion of organic farming.

“During the first Green Revolution, productivity was increased by 50% with the help of fertilisers. But today balanced fertilisers are needed. Urea is being used by farmers in high quantity which is affecting productivity,” agriculture minister Sharad Pawar informed Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

Numerous reports have emphasized the need for major changes in the global food system: agriculture must meet the twin challenge of feeding a growing population, with rising demand for meat and high-calorie diets, while simultaneously minimizing its global environmental impacts. Organic farming—a system aimed at producing food with minimal harm to ecosystems, animals or humans—is often proposed as a solution.

A meta-analysis of agricultural systems shows that organic yields are mostly lower than those from conventional farming, but that organic crops perform well in some contexts. Agricultural scientists discuss whether the conclusions of the study should change farming practices and management.

A decade ago, Chandra Pradhani, a Paraja tribal of Nuaguda village in Kundra block of Odisha's Koraput district, would migrate to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to earn a living as a brick kiln worker. He no longer does this. Today, he is feted by the nation. He was one of the tribal farmers honoured by prime minister Manmohan Singh at the 99th Science Congress held in Bhubaneswar in January. It is the hard labour and traditional agricultural techniques of tribal families that have helped put Koraput on the map of world agriculture.

Farmers Diary - Recalling biodiversity, farming the Agnihotra way. Homa farming is a system which comes from ancient science of Vedas. Homa is a Sanskrit word used here synonymously with Yajnya. Yajnya is the technical term from the Vedic science of bio energy denoting the process of removing the toxic conditions of the atmosphere through the

KOCHI: If all goes well, Kochiites will soon be able to savour quality-rich organic vegetables. ‘Zero Waste and Safe-to-Eat Vegetables’, a major project by the district administration in association with District Agri- Horticultural Society and the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council (VFPCK), will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on May 7.

KOCHI: In an effort to encourage Kochiites to treat biodegradable waste at the source itself, Kochi Corporation and Yashoram Charitable Trust have launched an ‘Organic Garbage Degradation and Organic Farming’ drive in the city on Thursday.

The drive involves utilisation of degraded organic garbage as manure for fruiting plants and vegetables. “Though the process might look tedious, it is actually very practical.

This new report by UNEP provides a review of policies and initiatives promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production. It reviews 56 case studies, highlights the best practices and offers recommendations to scale up and replicate them worldwide.

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