Calendar
Block your calendar now for OFAI’s Biennial Convention -2012
Date: 6 and 7 November 2012
Place: Bhubaneshwar, Odhisa
Contact:
Debjeet Sarangi, Living Farms Plot No. 118/2146 Ratnakarbag – 2 Trankapani Road Bhubaneshwar, Odhisa 751 018
Ph: 0674 5524011
Cell: 09938582616
Email: livingfarms@gmail.com, organicmovement_orissa@yahoo.co.in and ofaiorissa@gmail.com
Or
Dr. Claude Alvares, OFAI (Organic Farming Association of India),
G-8 St. Britto’s Apartments, Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa- 403507
Ph: 0832 – 2263306 / 2256479 Cell: 9552995186
Email: ofaigoa@gmail.com
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Karnataka seed conservators’ First State Convention
(Deliberations on threat to Karnataka’s seed sovereignty and portraying Karnataka’s seed diversity)
Inauguration by Hon. Chief Minister of Karnataka
Date: May 20th & 21st
Venue: NGO Hall, Cubbon Park, Bangalore
Contact: Southern Action on Genetic Engineering (SAGE) – Karnataka
Secretariat- ICRA, No. 22, Michael Palya, New Tippasandra Post, Bangalore- 560 075
Tel: 080-25283370, 25213104. E-mail: icrablr@gmail.com
In August 2010, SAGE-Karnataka has launched the campaign-Andu uppu,Indu beeja ( Salt then seed now). Many meetings, rallies, workshops across the state highlighting the threat to Karnataka seed diversity, the bio-piracy and asserting farmers rights were held as part of the campaign.
From January to March 2012 SAGE – Karnataka in collaboration with farmers’ organizations, civil society groups, individuals, scientists and others conducted a two month state wide jatha ‘Salt Then Seed now”.
The jatha and the campaign covered 14 districts and all the major agro eco-zones of Karnataka. The jatha held meetings in more than 500 villages and had 50 odd press meetings in remote corners of the state.
The jatha highlighted issues like increasing erosion of farmers’ seed, and dependency on bought in seed, company seed, the declining role of KSSC and public extension and the penetration of corporate Seed companies threatening the seed and crop diversity of Karnataka. The sustained attempt to pass the Seed bill and BRAI bill, not only reinforces the process of erosion but legalize it too. The experience of Bt cotton is fresh in many farmers mind. With Bt cotton, in a short span of time a monopoly is created to the extent that the cotton economy is in the hands of a MNC. If this is not neo-colonialism what else is?
Though the rich diversity in many crops\and seed is still intact, the erosion of the diversity in some of the main crops is total. The six main crops which contribute to the cash economy of farmers in Karnataka are totally in the hands of seed companies (mostly foreign companies).
Karnanatka’s Heritage
Karnataka is a state of grand tradition of diverse agricultural practices. It possesses a highly diverse seed base evolved through centuries along with diverse crop systems which caters to multiple needs of its people and animals like food, fodder, fuel, fiber and all other needs of farm families. This local seed diversity began to decline with the advent of ‘high yielding’, hybrid seeds, chemical agriculture and mono cropping systems, pushing farmers in to the clutches of corporate seed companies. However, the diverse crop systems and seed diversity still exists and is practiced by many farmers in all parts of Karnataka. But there has been a systematic effort from corporate sector to take away this seed from farmers and completely destroy farmers’ seed sovereignty.
There has been overwhelming support from farm community to the jatha. In the Jatha the discussion were on the dangers to farmers’ seeds by corporate seed companies, apathy of the extension wing of State government and the thrust of the Agricultural Ministry and its various arms to push GE in Agricultural in the name of food security and production.
Most of the farmers are dejected with seed companies and are in search of alternatives. The diverse seed varieties which we still have would surely provide alternative, if properly supported. Among other things with systematic work, these seeds have the power to combat the increasing variability in climatic and environmental conditions. Most of the farmers feel, these seeds could form the future of or agriculture. But the tragedy is that neither they as a community nor the Department are in a position to organize the “institutional” support and meet the requirement of the seeds to farmers nor any systematic work has been undertaken to further address the issues.
The jatha will formally conclude with a two day State convention of traditional seed keepers on 20th &21st of May, which will be inaugurated by Hon.Chief Minister Shri D.V.Sadanada Gowda.
One of the significant features of the first State Convention of Seed keepers is the sharing and display of Karnataka seed diversity by farmers. Attempts are made to display the seed wealth in almost all the crops, – Cereals, Millets, pulses, oil seeds, vegetable crops, fiber crops, fodder crops etc. Inspite of our efforts what could be organized is a minuscule of the existing diversity in seeds.
The seed diversity of a particular region or eco-systems and the seeds available with the community will be the focus rather than the individual collection of different varieties of a crop. Many land races and heirlooms will also be exhibited. We believe the conservation of seed is a dynamic process and should not be reduced to the level of stamp collection and jewelry exhibition.
The sharing and display of Seed diversity of Karnataka and the insights of farmers on the contribution of seeds in nurturing diverse farming systems and sustaining soil and health of people goes a long way in demolishing the corporate propaganda.
Devinder Sharma well known agriculture analyst will provide the global context to the local process a state where every other day global investors are meeting and competing with each other to invest.
Prof. M K Ramesh form NLSIU will initiate discussion on some of the emerging legal issues around the seedbill and BRAI bill.
This will be followed by presentation and sharing by seed conservators.
Around 50 plus Seed Conservators from across the State will be sharing their work spread over afternoon of first day and first session of the second day. The session will focus on crop and seed diversify and its contribution in ensuring sustainability, food and nutrition security to the people.
The convention will also explore the connections of seed, nutrition and health and how a particular type of Agricultural practices dominated by so called high yielding variety is leading to a scenario where more than half of the population is sick. This is a tragedy in slow motion.
Prof.B.M.Hegde, Dr.Quadir, KC Raghu and others will explore the Health and Nutrition angle to the seed question and introduction of GE in food and farming.
The dialogue between Government officials (Agricultural department, KSSC, UASB.UASD&NSC) and farmers provides another interesting angle with long-term prospects for the sustainability of our Agriculture and protecting our biodiversity and resisting bio-piracy.
The First State Convention of seed keepers, we hope will set in motion of a process to strengthen Karnatakas seed diversity, diverse cropping pattern and bio-diverse Agriculture and will give a further impetus to the movement.
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One day seminar on Farmers Rights over Seeds on 15th May in Hyderabad
Date: 15th May 2012
Time: One Day Seminar at Hyderabad
Venue: Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University,
Contact: Ramanjaneyulu GV - ramoo.csa@gmail.com
Chief Guest: Mr. Nagireddy, Principal Secretary
Organisers Forum for Farmer Seed Rights
by Dr. KR Chowdary and Dr. A. Prasada Rao
Scientists from other universities are also attending.
www.agrariancrisis.in
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Dr. G. V. Ramanjaneyulu
Executive Director
Centre for Sustainable Agriculture
12-13-445, Street no-1, Tarnaka
Secunderabad-500 017
ph:040-27017735, 27014302
www.csa-india.org, www.tolakari.com
www.indiagminfo.org, http://www.takingroots.in
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Millets Mela at Lalbagh, Bangalore
Date: 13th – 15th April 2012
Time: 10.00 am – 7.30 pm
Venue: Dr. Marigowda Memorial Auditorium,
Near Nursery Men’s Cooperative Society
Behind JKS Mall, Lalbagh, Bangalore
Contact: Cell: 9738449133, 9481438384
India, with over 60 million diabetics’, leads the world as the largest population of diabetics. This need not be the case.
People have yet to recognize the power of millets to manage diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Discover the health benefits of millets at the Millet Mela
Take the opportunity to interact with experts.
Learn how people have used millets to combat health problems such as gestational diabetes, cardio vascular diseases, fibromyalgia, back pain etc
Experience the Millets: Jola, Sajje, Raagi , Navane, Saame, Haaraka, Baragu, Oodara
Learn to cook delicious and healthful millet recipes from experts
Taste mouth watering dishes and sweets at the exclusive Millets Food Court
Interact with millets’ nutrition, processing technology and cultivation experts
Understand why millets are missing from our staple diet regimes
Relate to the history of these robust grains so that you make millets a part of your regular shopping list
Organisers:
Earth360 Eco Ventures (P) Limited
3-196 APIIC Industrial Park
Kadiri – 515591
Andhra Pradesh
Phone: (0)8494 221265
Cell: 09440870875 / 09481438384
Website: www.earth360.in
Grameena Natural
No.85, 1st floor,
Cauvery Lay out,
Nagar Bhavi Main Road,
Bangalore – 560040
Cell: 9738449133 / 9483048984
Email: mhs.sridhar@gmail.com
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From ‘Seed to Seed’ workshop
Date: 14th April 2012
Time: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm
Venue: Annadana Soil and Seed Savers; Ishana,Gopathi farms, Bangalore
Contact: Pavithra-+91 9632680564
Email: funfarming@annadana-india.org
Fees: Rs.1200/- per person
(Inclusive of organic refreshments & a bio-diversity gift of seeds)
Route map link
http://www.annadana-india.org/roadmap.jpg
Limited seats- Book early to avoid disappointment
Annadana Soil and Seed Savers Network conducts
‘Learn how to save vegetable seeds in just 4 hours’
Be it on a terrace, kitchen garden or a farm
“We are, what we eat!” Our food determines our health and well being”
Seed is the origin of our food chain, but when seeds get contaminated our whole food chain and environment gets toxic resulting in disease.
“Without seed integrity, food integrity is impossible”
We unravel how you can take charge of your organic vegetable seeds and therefore avoid pesticide laden vegetables
Saving seeds is a magical and easy process
Our methods of farming are completely natural and totally devoid of any chemicals
We conserve over 150 varieties of native vegetable seeds, including some flowers and cereals
Programme Schedule
Registration at 09.00 am – 09.30 am
A. Introduction 09.30 am – 10.00 am
• Annadana’s mission- 10 mins
• Short talk on how to grow your vegetables safely – 20 mins
B. On the field at 10.00 am -11.00 am
• Maintaining varietal purity
• Right time to harvest vegetables for seed extraction
Refreshments – 11.00 am – 11.15 am
C. Seed saving techniques of diverse vegetable varieties 11.15 am – 12.45 pm
Two methods adopted for seed extraction- Wet and dry techniques
Wet extraction technique
• Seed extraction practical- Brinjal
• Seed extraction practical- Tomato
Dry extraction technique
• Seed extraction practical- Basil
• Seed extraction practical- Carrot
• Seed extraction practical- Chilly
• Seed extraction practical- Corn
• Seed extraction practical- Lettuce
• Seed extraction practical- Onion
• Seed extraction practical- Spinach
D. Role of seed bank at 12.45 pm – 1.00 pm
• Visit to Annadana’s Seed Bank
Account details
Name of the organisation: Annadana Soil and Seed Savers Network, Bangalore
Bank name: State Bank of India
Branch name: Jalahalli East
Account no: 30235939314
Type of Account: Savings Bank Account
IFSC Code: SBIN0000963
Cheques are not accepted
Participants who are doing cash deposit additional Rs.25/- should be added
Our mailing address is:
Annadana
Ishana in Gopathi Farms,
Village singapura
Bangalore 0
India
Please pass this on to others who are interested in participating.
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Desi Rice Mela
Date: 6, 7 and 8 April 2012
Venue: Basava Bhavana, Chalukya Circle, Near Vidanasouda, Bangalore
Organisers: ‘Save Our Rice Campaign’ in collaboration with NABARD, Pristine Organics and Arya foods
Contact: Sahaja Organics -7483088144, Manohara Shenoy – 9945382209
‘Desi Rice Mela’ is a celebration of rice diversity that is grown with care for our health and the health of our environment. It is grown by farmers who carefully preserve diversity by conserving different varieties of rice.
India had two lakh varieties of rice before the Green Revolution. Only a few varieties are in cultivation now. Laboratory studies have shown that rice has anti-cancer properties and the potential to treat conditions such as diabetes, kidney stones and heart disease. For example Karibatha is used for curing herpes and Karikalave, a special among the medicinal varieties is served to nursing mothers because of its high calcium content. Navara, a variety from Kerala has anti-carcinogenic properties and used in the treatment of breast cancer
The astounding range of varieties of rice from different regions of the state of Karnataka will be exhibited at the mela. Rice products and freshly cooked delicacies would be available on sale.
Sahaja Samrudha Organic Producer Company Ltd
No 569, Sajjan Rao Road , Near Times of India office,|
V.V.Puram, Bangalore- 560 004 Phone: 080-26612315/ 7483088144
Email: info@sahajaorganics.com
www.sahajaorganics.com
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Consultative meeting on farmer’s participatory experiments for enhancing wheat yield in ecological agriculture
Date: 3 and 4 April, 2012
Place: Saholi village, Patiala, Punjab
Expertise: Experiment Protocol developed and guided by Dr Om Prakash Rupela, Former Principal Scientist ICRISAT, Hyderabad.
This is the second visit of Dr Rupela in two months. He will remain in Punjab for 3
days. A group of selected 20 farmers has been invited to these two days deliberations. Also, Dr Rajinder Chaowdery has nominated 2 to3 farmers from Haryana to attend the meeting.
Contact:
Umendra Dutt
Executive Director
Kheti Virasat Mission
Jaitu-151202
District-Faridkot, Punjab
Phones: Resi – 01635-503414
Fax – 01635- 503415
Mobile – 09872682161
umendradutt.blogspot.com
http://www.khetivirasatmission.org/
http://www.facebook.com/BabaKudratDass
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Natural Farming and Environment Festival
Date: 11, 12 and 13 May 2012
Venue: Teachers Home, Bathinda, Punjab
Organised by: Kheti Virasat Mission(KVM)
In collaboration with: Organic Farming Association of India, Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture, Coalition for GM Free India
Partner Organizations: Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Centre for Science and Environment,South Asian Dialogue on Ecological Democracy
Programmes:
1. Traditional Foods – Bebe Di Rasoi
2. Cultural Programmes from different states
3. Exhibition of paintings and photographs by children
4. Sale of organic products
5. Discourses with eminent experts in ecological farming
6. Practical training in natural and ecological Farming
7. An exhibition on natural farming, environment and health
8. Stalls for traditional and native seeds
9. Drama, plays and film shows
10. Literary congregation
Ideological edges and concerns, enthusiasm and joy shall be the indivisible part of this gathering. When society works for exploring answers and for ways of mitigating imminent challenges, it is always associated with serious effort and community awakening.
KVM works on sustainable farming and environmental health crisis in Punjab. This has been possible with the support and cooperation of many well wishers. KVM is a small organization with limited resources; therefore the programme is possible only with dynamic and active support of participants and well wishers.
Contact:
Umendra Dutt
Executive Director
Kheti Virasat Mission
Jaitu-151202
District-Faridkot, Punjab
Phones: Resi – 01635-503414
Fax – 01635- 503415
Mobile – 09872682161
umendradutt.blogspot.com
http://www.khetivirasatmission.org/
http://www.facebook.com/BabaKudratDass
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Kolkata Seed Festival
Venue: premises outside Earthcare Books at 10 Middleton Street, Kolkata – 700 071
Date: Friday, 27th April to Sunday, 29th April
Contact: Bharat Mansata, Cell: 09967371183 Phone: 033 22296551 / 22276190 Email: earthcarebooks@gmail.com
Proposed (tentative) schedule:
Friday, 27th April: 10.30 to 1 pm: Seminar on ‘Agro-biodiversity and Ecological/Organic Agriculture’ (venue to be decided) 3.30 to 5 pm: Press Conference at Press Club, featuring 10-15 minute introductory talk on the Seed Festival and its aim; then 5 minute self-introductions be each seed saving participant group and the work they are doing; followed by questions from media 5 pm onwards: open slot for media interviews
Saturday, 28th April: 10.30 am: Inauguration of Kolkata Seed Festival, including exhibition of seeds, posters and relevant literature, together with parallel talks/presentations/film shows/discussions in the Banquet Hall at the same venue (capacity: about 80 to 100) 6.00 to 7.30 pm: participatory cultural programme of song and music 7.30 pm: close for the day
Sunday, 29th April: 10.30 am: Continuation of Kolkata Seed Festival with features as above 4.00 pm: Open Meeting 6 to 7 pm: Concluding ceremony
Theme: It is proposed that the Kolkata Seed Festival be around the broad theme of ‘Agro-biodiversity and Ecological Agriculture,’ as the two are closely inter-related. While the various threats to our agro-biodiversity need to be resisted, a broader, positive and holistic effort is necessary for effective conservation and regeneration of such diversity and related knowledge and culture. This would thus remain the major focus of the Seed Festival.
Participation and Organisation: Most of the seed saving groups from different states, who participated in the Mumbai-Pune Seed Festival, have confirmed their participation in the Kolkata Seed Festival as well. Other seed-saving groups interested in participating are requested to contact the undersigned. In case of possible space constraints, priority would presently be given to seed saving groups from eastern and north-eastern India over those from other parts of the country. Organizationally, it is proposed to continue the Seed Festival as a broad, collaborative effort of many co-organizing/support groups and individuals concerned with ecological, agricultural and biodiversity issues. Presently, Earthcare Books and DRCSC (Development Research Communication and Services Centre) have confirmed their support as co-organizers. Other local groups are expected to join. Nationally, support is requested from other networks and organizations, including ASHA (Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture), GM Free India, OFAI (Organic Farming Association of India), Greenpeace and others committed to the broad policy frame outlined in the Seed Declaration. _________________________________________________________________________
Vithum Kaikottum Kerala Seed Fest 2012
Date: April 11 to 13
Venue: Kelakam village, Kannur district, Kerala
Vithum Kaikottum Kerala Seed Fest 2012 is being organized by Fair Trade Alliance Kerala with the firm belief that it can recapture the food security of the farming households and community only if it can achieve Seed Swaraj in its truest sense. Seed Fest 2012 Organising Committee, FTAK District Office, Kelakam, Kannur, Kerala 670674 Ph: 0490-2412933 (office) Mob: 9447665357 (Thomas Kalappura – Gen. convenor)
Fest brochure with complete details: Seed Fest Note pdf ____________________________________________________________________________
Organic Bazaar, Paddy and Rice Festival at Thrissur, Kerala
Venue: Pandi Samooha Madham Hall, Pazhaya Nadakkavu, Thrissur
Date: 9 to 12 April 2012
Organisers: Alter media
Gathering experience from its twenty-five years of proactive campaigning for environmental protection, health-security and organic-agriculture, Alter media is organising its 6th annual Organic Bazaar from 9 to 11 April, 2012 at Pandi Samooha Madham Hall, Thrissur.
We are presenting a rich array of organically produced rice, wheat, pulses, millets, spices etc… in the Organic Bazaar. Apart from these a range of eco-friendly products of everyday use made from clay, wood, bamboo and jute including toys, bags, and grass mats will be on display for sale. Rice festival will showcase diversity of indigenous paddy varieties from all over Kerala besides display and sale of organically produced rice and varieties of exceptional rice based folk-food preparations. Please do come and share the enthusiasm and don’t forget to bring your family.
Expect an exciting range of delicious Rice based folk-food preparations at the rice festival: Jack fruit Ada, Jack fruit Unni appam ,Vattepam(Kallu appam) Kozhukatta with fillings of semame, coconut and urid, Rice coffee Ari mani, Avalose podi, Avalose unda, Andi unda (ball of rice, cashew & jiggery) Ari pappadam, Ari kondattam, Ari vazha pindi kondattam, Ari vada Ari murukku, Kai murukku, Ari halwa, Ari chakkara, Nombu ada, Thendu, Bella cheeda, Cheeda Peruvalnga, Mullu murkku, Then kuzhal, Athirasam, Manoharam, Rice groundnut unda Variety of Choru/pulav including Elumicham sadam (lemon rice), Puliyodara (Tamrind rice), Coconut rice, Gingelly rice Idly varieties such as Ramasseri idli, Kanjeepuram idli Varieties of Payasam: Aval payasam, Kunjinellu payasam, Ambalappuzha pal payasam Kinds of preparations using Aval: Poha, Aval+ potato, Puli aval, elumicham aval, Samba aval, Sarkkara ava and more
Contact: Alter media Organic Shop Above the Music park, MG Road Thrissur Ph. 0487 242294, 9495026478 ______________________________________________________________________________
PGS Organic Council meeting
Venue: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pastapur, Andhra Pradesh
Date: 3-4 April, 10 AM
For details contact: PGS Organic India Council c/o Secretariat at IIRD 54, Kanchan Nagar Nakshatrawadi Aurangabad – 431002, Maharashtra, INDIA email: pgsoic.sec@gmail.com www. http://www.pgsorganic.in ______________________________________________________________________________
10 years of Bt cotton: whether other cotton?
Date: 29 March 2012
Place: Bangalore
A one day workshop on cotton biodiversity is being organized by Shaja Samrudha and Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA)
Contact:
Kavitha Kuruganti
Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA)
Office: A-124/6, First Floor, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi 110 016
Residence: # 301, Subiksha Apartments, 6th Cross, Gupta Layout, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560 008
Phone: +91-9393001550
or
Krishna Prasad
Sahaja Samrudha – ‘Nandana’, No.7, 2nd Cross, 7th Main, Sulthanpalya, Bangalore – 560 032
Phone: +91 80 2365 5302 Mobile: (0)98808 62058 Email:sahajasamrudha@gmail.com
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Agro-biodiversity Consultation Meeting
Date: 26 and 27 March, 2012
Venue: Pastapur, Andhra Pradesh
Organisers: Deccan Development Society (DDS), Hyderabad and Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai.
Agro biodiversity represents a wide array of food, fodder and fibre crops as well as farming practices that have evolved as the heritage of local communities in diverse ecological spaces. These farmer-led and self-sustaining forms of cultivation have been centered on practices of seed and knowledge exchange over generations. In many parts of India small and marginal farmers have continued with extremely inspiring and scientific agro-biodiverse cropping patterns with the central philosophy of seed control and conservation of agro-ecological habitats. However there are several looming threats to the conservation of agro-biodiversity and practices which support it. The three key objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) are related to conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of this use. These provide both opportunities and challenges in order to take forward the agenda of agro-biodiversity. While India’s Biological Diversity Act, 2002 has had a limited focus on agro-biodiversity, several approvals granted by the concerned authorities have a critical bearing on food and farming cultures of the country. At the same time there are provisions related to Biodiversity Heritage Sites and sui generis system of traditional knowledge protection as well as other policy matters which can be plugged into by organisations to take forward the goals for agro-biodiversity conservation.
In the light of the CBD – COP 11 (http://www.bnhs.org/events/cop-11.html) in Hyderabad in October 2012, there is a need felt to:
- Arrive at possible strategies to highlight the needs and voices from grassroots conservation efforts related to agro-biodiversity
- Explore common focus areas, platforms and activities which can be taken forward as a common voice to this important international gathering.
The Indian National Forum on CBD (INFC) had been proposed as one such common platform where several such thematic discussions and common agendas can be organized and explored. In this regard a meeting is proposed under the INFC banner to essentially bring together groups and individuals who are deeply concerned about agro-biodiversity issues and its continuance for farmer and food sovereignty.
For details contact: P V Satheesh Deccan Development Society (DDS) 101, Kishan Residency, Street No 5, Begumpet, Hyderabad – 500016. Andhra Pradesh, India. Tel : 040-27764577 / 27764744 Email: ddshyderabad@gmail.com www.ddsindia.com
(Source: Communication with OFAI)
Organic farmers’ gathering, April 6 to 8, at Bordi
Venue: 5-6 km south of Bhaskar Save’s farm
IFOAM is having a 13 day gathering of participants from various Asian countries at another venue closer to Bhaskarbhai’s farm. This is the culmination of IFOAM’s year-long ‘Asia Organic Leaders’ course. They particularly chose this venue to draw inspiration from Bhaskar Save at his farm. On Sunday, 8th April, it is proposed to have a day-long interaction and sharing between our Indian organic farmers and those coming from all over Asia. Later that evening, we plan to have a two-hour open public meeting at Bordi beach camping ground. This would include local farmers and public (anyone interested) in addition to Indian organic farmers and the IFOAM Asia group. A proposed revised schedule for the gathering (subject to modification through mutual consultation) is given below:
6th April (Friday): 10.30: Registration (with tea/breakfast on the sidelines) 11 am to 1 pm: brief two-minute self-introductions and expectations of each participant, followed by open consultation for deciding our agenda for the rest of the gathering 1 pm: lunch break: 2 to 4 pm: Talks/presentations by those who would like to share any experiences/ideas/thoughts that may be helpful to others present. (These may be about 10 to 30 minutes each, depending on the expressed need and available time.) 4 pm: tea-break 4.30 to 7.30 pm: Continuation of Session 2, followed by dinner and informal interaction/relaxation.
7th April (Saturday): 8 am to 12 noon: Visit to the farm of Bhaskar Save and also perhaps to the farm of his son, Naresh Save 1 pm: lunch 2 to 4.30 pm: Open discussion based on previous day’s talks/presentations as well as the morning’s farm visit 4.30 pm: tea-break 5.30 to 7.30 pm: Meeting and interaction between Indian organic farmers and the IFOAM Asia group, followed by a joint dinner, and possibly some singing, music, or just chatting. 9 am to 10.30 am: Joint session of talks/presentations by experienced Indian farmers as well as speakers from the Asia IFOAM group. 10.30 am: tea-break 11 am to 1 pm: continuation of the morning session 1 pm: lunch 2 pm to 4 pm: open discussion on morning talks/presentations 4 pm: tea-break 5 pm to 7 pm: open public meeting (about 2 hours) at Bordi beach camping ground. This would include local farmers and public in addition to Indian organic farmers and IFOAM Asia group.
8th April (Sunday): 9 am to 10.30 am: Joint session of talks/presentations by experienced Indian farmers as well as speakers from the Asia IFOAM group. 10.30 am: tea-break 11 am to 1 pm: continuation of the morning session 1 pm: lunch 2 to 4 pm: open discussion on morning talks/presentations 4 pm: tea-break 5 to 7 pm: open public meeting (about 2 hours) at Bordi beach camping ground. This would include local farmers and public in addition to Indian organic farmers and IFOAM Asia group.
A contribution of Rs 1,000 for the 3 days (or Rs 350 per day) per participant may be requested to cover costs, including accommodation, food, local transportation and any other expenses, such as rental of meeting area, or shamiana construction on open space. ______________________________________________________________________________
Permaculture Design Certification Course at Bodhgaya, India
Date: 25 March to 8 April 2012
Venue: Sikkim House/Monastery, Bodhgaya.
Permaculture is a ecological design science which helps us to understand nature, and natural systems, and try to use that understanding to model human systems such as agriculture, cities, families, etc. These classes are offered all over the world, but seem to be somewhat sparse in india, so I thought that I would share one that is coming up in the near future, for you to know and share with your friends. Also, there is a 10% discount if you book in person (on phone) by Feb 5th. Check out the website here: http://www.livingmandala.com/Living_Mandala/Permaculture_Design_Certification_Course_India_2012.html or their facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/175031495944083/
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The 2nd African Organic Conference (AOC2) ”Mainstreaming organic agriculture in the African development agenda” May 2-4, 2012/Lusaka, Zambia
The conference will promote mainstreaming of organic agriculture in African Government policies, in African intergovernmental organizations as well as among development partners. It will provide evidence on the benefits of organic agriculture and its contributions to the challenges and needs in Africa. It will • present successful small-scale organic agriculture projects and case studies in organic production including biodiversity and seed production, livestock, climate mitigation, demonstrating impacts on food security; • present successful organic agriculture projects and case studies in marketing and trade of organic products, including how organic guarantee systems can be shaped to be supportive of both local, regional and external trade; and • highlight successful initiatives and case studies in public policy, research and sector development. Based on this it will propose ways ahead for organic agriculture to reach its full potential and contribute substantially to the African Agriculture and development agenda.
1 May, pre-conference tours 1 May Side meetings and events
2 May Press conference, inauguration of exhibition and pre- meetings ; Opening ceremony in the evening
3 May Conference and exhibition
4 May Conference, exhibition and official closing
5 May Side meetings and events
See you in Zambia!
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