Principles of Organic Farming Prilmes.pmd

Acknowledgement We at the NAVDANYA wish to acknowledge the farmers contributions who for centuries have grown and conserved diversity in their fields. In particular, we want to thank all those farmers who, through their participation in our conservation efforts are in effect co-authors of this work and are changing India's farm destiny to one of hope and health. Publication of this volume has been made possible by the support received from The Royal Netherlands Embassy, New Delhi. iii Foreword T he contemporary crisis of Indian agriculture is evident with the epidemic of farmers' suicides due to unpayable debt and the return of hunger and starvation for the first time since 1942. The shift to ecological farming has become necessary for renewal of the earth's vital resources, for lowering costs of production and for increasing food security. We are publishing 'Principles of Organic Farming' to facilitate the transition to an agriculture which is sustainable, guarantees livelihood security and food security. The demand for training in organic farming is increasing day by day. Most of the time the literature for training is available for certain specific aspects of organic farming, for example, dealing only on composting methods, or on pest management. The whole spectrum of technical skills and know-how needed for organic farming is not easily available in one place. Therefore, the present effort is to produce a document that describes the dimensions e.g., biodiversity conservation, seed supply, soil fertility maintenance, pest management, water conservation, issues of trade and distribution etc. of organic farming. Besides, environmental and health impact of chemical agricultue vs organic farming is essential for equipping any one interested in giving up toxic chemicals and shifting to ecological, sustainable farming methods. Thus this manual for training in organic farming provides material for knowhow of organic farming from the seed to the market, from the field to the table. It also combines scientific principles of agro-ecology, soil ecology, and biodiversity conservation with practical tools that all organic farmers need to have. Earlier publications and training manuals on biodiversity conservation and organic farming provided by Navdanya include: The Navdanya team involved in organic farming practices over the last fifteen years comprised of practicing farmers and agro-ecologists. Each learning from the other, so that the farmer's knowledge accumulated over centuries combined with the latest insights in ecology to provide a sound and secure foundation for an organic future. Navdanya is a movement …