Nutritional and Food Security through Organic Agriculture
Two Day Training for farmers held at the Anisha Resource Centre on the 18th and 19th of March 2023
With the assistance of NABARD, the National Bank for agriculture and Rural Development
Day 1: The day began with a very positive note, as all the participants and the resource persons were on time. It is usually an issue with the farmers who are far flung in valleys of the rugged hills of Male Mahadeshwara Hill ranges. The training was inaugurated by elderly farmers through lighting a lamp. There were 49 participants from Kadaburu, Bidarahalli, Martalli and other far-off villages like Lokkanahalli and Hanur of Hanur Taluk in Chamarajanagar District. A.o. a Power Point Presentation on soil science was given and consequently the farmers who had each brought 1 kg of soil from their farms, tested the fertility and water holding capacity of their soils by soil texture analysis, a simple but effective method that helps to make the right choice of crop. The samples showed a water retention capacity of 15% to 21%. A good organic soil would have up to 50% of water retention capacity. To test the amount of Carbon in the soil, a kit was used.
Day 2: All participants were picked up at various points to travel to Sathyamangala, a town in the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu, to visit the farm of Sundara Raman, who has practiced organic farming for the last 40 years and who'se farm is now a Training Centre. Participants were aksed to go around the farm with bare feet to be able to feel the spongy nature of the soil. Explanations were given on the importance of organic farming and we all understood that it cannot be done in a single leap but that we gradually move inch by inch away from chemicals and get closer to nature. For the full report, please go to Two Day Training Report on Nutritional and Food Security through Organic Farming
Two Day Training for farmers held at the Anisha Resource Centre on the 18th and 19th of March 2023
With the assistance of NABARD, the National Bank for agriculture and Rural Development
Day 1: The day began with a very positive note, as all the participants and the resource persons were on time. It is usually an issue with the farmers who are far flung in valleys of the rugged hills of Male Mahadeshwara Hill ranges. The training was inaugurated by elderly farmers through lighting a lamp. There were 49 participants from Kadaburu, Bidarahalli, Martalli and other far-off villages like Lokkanahalli and Hanur of Hanur Taluk in Chamarajanagar District. A.o. a Power Point Presentation on soil science was given and consequently the farmers who had each brought 1 kg of soil from their farms, tested the fertility and water holding capacity of their soils by soil texture analysis, a simple but effective method that helps to make the right choice of crop. The samples showed a water retention capacity of 15% to 21%. A good organic soil would have up to 50% of water retention capacity. To test the amount of Carbon in the soil, a kit was used.
Day 2: All participants were picked up at various points to travel to Sathyamangala, a town in the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu, to visit the farm of Sundara Raman, who has practiced organic farming for the last 40 years and who'se farm is now a Training Centre. Participants were aksed to go around the farm with bare feet to be able to feel the spongy nature of the soil. Explanations were given on the importance of organic farming and we all understood that it cannot be done in a single leap but that we gradually move inch by inch away from chemicals and get closer to nature. For the full report, please go to Two Day Training Report on Nutritional and Food Security through Organic Farming
Training at Anishas Resource Centre Demonstrating various soil nutrients Bio Digester Unit at Sundara Ramans farm
Ongoing Organic Farming Trainings at Anisha since 2008
|
In this short video, Nagraj describes how his soil changed once he started using the organic fertilizers he learned to prepare
|
Anisha trains farmers in organic farming methods that save them money and bring health and fertility to their soil. Using readily available materials, such as cow urine, manure, and dead leaves, Anisha teaches farmers how to make organic fertilizers, pesticides and compost and how to test soil fertility eventually. These trainings cover practical methods, giving farmers an option to use the techniques that work best for their resources and land.
Trainings occur during the meetings of Anisha’s Community Self-Help Groups or at its Resource Center. More than 2.600 local and other farmers have been trained since Anisha started its programmes in 2008. 270 have continued to farm primarily using organic methods, while most of the others are using some organic practices. Anisha provides input to farmers whenever there is need, be it in the form of advice or seeds. |
Naganah, Anisha's groundskeeper, sprays a completely organic pesticide on the crops. Anisha trains farmers to make this pesticide, which consists of ingredients that are found on all farms.
|
John Joseph, a farmer in Anisha's programs, checks on one of the several types of organic fertilizers and pesticides he has made.
|
OTHER PROGRAM AREAS
NATIVE SEED BANK
|
KITCHEN GARDENS
|
SELF-HELP GROUPS
|
INCOME GENERATION
|
MAILING ADDRESS: Anisha . Kadabur Village . Odaradotti . Martalli Post . Kollegal Taluk . Pin Code 571444 . Chmarajnagar District . Karnataka State . India
E-MAIL: [email protected] . PHONE: (91) 9448872207
E-MAIL: [email protected] . PHONE: (91) 9448872207
@Website, videos and photos by Myra Margolin. Additional design by Osanna Favre and additional photos by Anisha, the Human Force Volunteer Camp, Renee Zimmer
and Aminah Herrman. Updates Renee Zimmer and Valli Krishnaswamy, eMail Renee: [email protected]
and Aminah Herrman. Updates Renee Zimmer and Valli Krishnaswamy, eMail Renee: [email protected]