266 Traditional agricultural tools and implements Selected Paper Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 3, 2017 (267-285) 267 energy is a prerequisite for mechanized These indigenous tools and A Critical Discussion on the Methods Currently Recommended agriculture. The geographical constraints implements need to be to Support Organic Crop Farming in India of Sikkim prevent from large-scale use of standardized by blending with farm mechanization methods. In Sikkim, YL Nene modern scientic knowledge in most of the farmers have small and reducing drudgery. Thus, Chairman-Emeritus, Asian Agri-History Foundation; 47 ICRISAT Colony -1, Brig. Sayeed Road, fragmented land holdings and continue to Secunderabad 500009, Telangana State, India (email: [email protected]) use indigenous tools and implements as pertinent information on these they are cheaper, economical, and easily indigenous tools needs to be Date of acceptance: 15 July 2017 available in the local villages. These documented for further scientic indigenous tools and implements need to improvement and modication. Abstract be standardized by blending with modern scientic knowledge in reducing drudgery. Excessive use and abuse of agro-chemicals during the Green Revolution period led to Thus, pertinent information on these References serious concerns about environmental pollution and that resulted in a shift to the reduced indigenous tools needs to be documented Census of India. 2011. Sikkim: District chemical' or non-chemical farming methods. Beginning in 1990s, researchers and farm for further scientic improvement and Census Handbook (North, West, South, and policy makers all over the world, including India, re-focused their attention to organic modication. East districts). Directorate of Census farming. I have described and discussed most of the methods currently recommended in Operations, Sikkim Ministry of Home Affairs, different parts of India. These methods are: (i) The natural way of farming or Do Nothing Acknowledgement Near Tourism & Civil Aviation, Secretariat 5th farming by Fukuoka, (ii) Biodynamic agriculture by Steiner introduced in India, (iii) Mile Tadong P.O. Gangtok 737102, Series- Authors are highly thankful to the Director, Vermi-culture developed by Appelhof introduced in India, (iv) Natueco culture by 12:Part XII-B. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Dabholkar, (v) Zero Budget Natural Farming by Palekar, (vi) Rishi-Krishi by Deshpande, Umiam, Meghalaya for giving us the Das PK and Nag D. 2006. Traditional (vii) Agnihotra by disciples of Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot, (viii) Panchagavya by precious opportunity to work in far-ung agricultural tools: A Review. Indian Journal of Natarajan, (ix) Krishi-suktis and Vrikshayurveda by sages and scholars of ancient and Traditional Knowledge 5(1): 41 46. areas of Sikkim for the welfare of farming medieval India, (x) Compost tea by Ingham introduced in India, and (xi) Bokashi tea by community of Sikkim. We are also Elzubeir AS. 2014. Traditional agricultural Higa introduced in India. I have also discussed potential of all these methods in supporting thankful to Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, tools and implements used in Sudan. food security of India. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences Tadong for providing an opportunity for 4(2): 40 146. taking up this study. Sincere thanks to Modern-day organic farming in ancient times included use of other senior citizen villagers and progressive Sarkar Bikash, Kumar Sundaram Prem, India methods of manuring such as night Dey Amitava, Kumar Ujjwal, Sarma Kamal, farmers of four districts of Sikkim for Since ages in India, the entire industry of penning of sheep, green manuring, and and Bhatt B P. 2014. Traditional Agricultural providing relevant and valuable agriculture was based on using organic applying non-edible oilcakes. I have not Tools used by Tribal Farmers in Eastern India. discussed these methods in this paper. information on indigenous tools and Research Journal of Agricultural Sciences 6(1): techniques, where the fertilizers and implements for agriculture farming. 215219. pesticides were prepared from plant and From 1905 to 1924, the British botanist Sir animal products. Organic farming was the Albert Howard and his wife Gabrielle, backbone of the Indian economy and herself a plant physiologist, worked as owning a number of cows was equated with agricultural advisers and Howard was in- wealth. The cow not only provided milk charge of a government research farm at but also provided bullocks for farm Indore, where they documented traditional operations and dung as fertilizer. In Indian farming practices and came to addition, traditional farming since the regard them as superior to their 268 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 269 conventional agriculture science. Their for its food supply, reduced its imports Agriculture and Development-IFAD, India human cultivation of soil, plowing or research and further development of these every passing year. In the 1990s, India had is now becoming an important tilling are unnecessary, as is the use of methods is recorded in his writings, surplus food grains and had once again international supplier of organic food powered machines; (ii) prepared notably his 1940 book, An Agricultural become an exporter of food grains to the (www.ifad.org). The total organic area in fertilizers, preparing compost, and Testament, which inuenced many rest of the world. Asia is nearly 2.9 million hectares. This weeding are unnecessary, instead only scientists and farmers of the day (Howard, As time went by, extensive dependence on constitutes nine percent of the world's minimal weed suppression with minimal 1943). By and large the British and the chemical farming showed adverse side- organic agricultural land, and 230,000 disturbance; (iii) applications of pesticides other Europeans were unaware of the effects on crops. The land has been losing producers were reported. The leading or herbicides are unnecessary, and pruning excellent practices described in different its productivity, thus increasing the countries are China (1.6 million hectares) of fruit trees is unnecessary. Krishisuktis and Vrikshayurvedas. demand for larger quantities of fertilizers and India (1 million hectares) (Wikipedia, In Japan, where Fukuoka had few During the 1950s and 1960s, the ever- every season. Some serious crop pests have 2017). The history of this modern revival followers or associates, his critics argued increasing population of India, along with developed resistance or immunity to crop- of organic farming was, to a great extent, an that the "inner world and the connection frequent natural calamities, led to a severe pesticides, requiring the farmers to use aftermath of green revolution wherein between humans and nature does not, food scarcity in the country. As a result, the stronger and costlier alternative pesticides there was a growing reliance on new however, exhaust reality". A lot of interest Indian government was forced to import that resulted in polluting the environment. synthetic, non-organic methods. Reverting was generated in Fukuoka's method in food grains from foreign countries. To Due to the increased cost of farming, to organic agriculture began more or less India by a few ecologists, politicians, and increase food security, therefore, the farmers started falling into the trap of high- simultaneously in Central Europe and the mass media. However, the large body government had to take radical steps to interest loans, and their economic India. of Indian farmers are not convinced about increase food production. At this time condition became deplorable beyond any In the following paragraphs, some organic the practicability of Fukuoka's method. Howard's work was placed in cold storage. imagination. The situation therefore farming methods that are currently From the hunter-gatherer stage in The Green Revolution became India's compelled consumers, farmers, voluntary recommended in India are discussed. The human evolution in which the do agship in the mid-1960s. Several hectares organizations, and the policy makers to last paragraph/sin italics contain my nothing farming was in practice, the of additional land were brought under look for alternatives for correcting the assessment of the method in the context of mankind moved to plow agriculture for cultivation. Hybrid seeds and new varieties practices, thereby shifting gradually back India's food security. obvious benet of ensuring food security. of wheat and paddywere introduced. to predominantly organic farming, based To me do nothing farming means to go on innovations in traditional farming The natural way of farming or Natural and organic fertilizers were “Do-Nothing” farming back in time, which just can not happen. signicantly replaced by chemical methods in India. Masanobu Fukuoka (1913 2008), a fertilizers and the traditional pesticides It is believed by many that organic farming Biodynamic agriculture Japanese farmer and philosopher was a were replaced by chemical pesticides. is the much healthier and sustainable Bio-dynamic (BD) agriculture is a form of proponent of no-till, no-herbicide grain Large chemical factories such as the option. Although the health benets of alternative agriculture similar to organic cultivation farming method, traditional to Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizers Ltd. were organic food are yet to be proven fully, farming, but it includes various esoteric many indigenous ultures. This became established. consumers belonging to high income concepts drawn from the ideas of Rudolf known widely as "Natural Farming" or Steiner (18611925), an Austrian Before the Green Revolution, it was groups are willing to pay a higher premium "Do-nothing Farming". Masanobu philosopher, social reformer, architect, and predicted that millions of poor Indians for organic produce. Fukuoka's book, One-Straw Revolution, esotericist. Developed since 1924, it was would die of hunger in the mid-1970s. Many farmers in India are shifting to was rst published in 1978 (Fukuoka the rst of the organic agriculture However, within a few years, the Green organic farming due to the domestic and Masanobu, 1985). movements in Europe. It treats soil fertility, Revolution showed its impact. The international demand for organic food. The principles of Natural Farming are: (i) plant growth, and livestock care as country, which greatly relied on imports According to the International Fund for 268 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 269 conventional agriculture science. Their for its food supply, reduced its imports Agriculture and Development-IFAD, India human cultivation of soil, plowing or research and further development of these every passing year. In the 1990s, India had is now becoming an important tilling are unnecessary, as is the use of methods is recorded in his writings, surplus food grains and had once again international supplier of organic food powered machines; (ii) prepared notably his 1940 book, An Agricultural become an exporter of food grains to the (www.ifad.org). The total organic area in fertilizers, preparing compost, and Testament, which inuenced many rest of the world. Asia is nearly 2.9 million hectares. This weeding are unnecessary, instead only scientists and farmers of the day (Howard, As time went by, extensive dependence on constitutes nine percent of the world's minimal weed suppression with minimal 1943). By and large the British and the chemical farming showed adverse side- organic agricultural land, and 230,000 disturbance; (iii) applications of pesticides other Europeans were unaware of the effects on crops. The land has been losing producers were reported. The leading or herbicides are unnecessary, and pruning excellent practices described in different its productivity, thus increasing the countries are China (1.6 million hectares) of fruit trees is unnecessary. Krishisuktis and Vrikshayurvedas. demand for larger quantities of fertilizers and India (1 million hectares) (Wikipedia, In Japan, where Fukuoka had few During the 1950s and 1960s, the ever- every season. Some serious crop pests have 2017). The history of this modern revival followers or associates, his critics argued increasing population of India, along with developed resistance or immunity to crop- of organic farming was, to a great extent, an that the "inner world and the connection frequent natural calamities, led to a severe pesticides, requiring the farmers to use aftermath of green revolution wherein between humans and nature does not, food scarcity in the country. As a result, the stronger and costlier alternative pesticides there was a growing reliance on new however, exhaust reality". A lot of interest Indian government was forced to import that resulted in polluting the environment. synthetic, non-organic methods. Reverting was generated in Fukuoka's method in food grains from foreign countries. To Due to the increased cost of farming, to organic agriculture began more or less India by a few ecologists, politicians, and increase food security, therefore, the farmers started falling into the trap of high- simultaneously in Central Europe and the mass media. However, the large body government had to take radical steps to interest loans, and their economic India. of Indian farmers are not convinced about increase food production. At this time condition became deplorable beyond any In the following paragraphs, some organic the practicability of Fukuoka's method. Howard's work was placed in cold storage. imagination. The situation therefore farming methods that are currently From the hunter-gatherer stage in The Green Revolution became India's compelled consumers, farmers, voluntary recommended in India are discussed. The human evolution in which the do agship in the mid-1960s. Several hectares organizations, and the policy makers to last paragraph/sin italics contain my nothing farming was in practice, the of additional land were brought under look for alternatives for correcting the assessment of the method in the context of mankind moved to plow agriculture for cultivation. Hybrid seeds and new varieties practices, thereby shifting gradually back India's food security. obvious benet of ensuring food security. of wheat and paddywere introduced. to predominantly organic farming, based To me do nothing farming means to go on innovations in traditional farming The natural way of farming or Natural and organic fertilizers were “Do-Nothing” farming back in time, which just can not happen. signicantly replaced by chemical methods in India. Masanobu Fukuoka (1913 2008), a fertilizers and the traditional pesticides It is believed by many that organic farming Biodynamic agriculture Japanese farmer and philosopher was a were replaced by chemical pesticides. is the much healthier and sustainable Bio-dynamic (BD) agriculture is a form of proponent of no-till, no-herbicide grain Large chemical factories such as the option. Although the health benets of alternative agriculture similar to organic cultivation farming method, traditional to Rashtriya Chemical Fertilizers Ltd. were organic food are yet to be proven fully, farming, but it includes various esoteric many indigenous ultures. This became established. consumers belonging to high income concepts drawn from the ideas of Rudolf known widely as "Natural Farming" or Steiner (18611925), an Austrian Before the Green Revolution, it was groups are willing to pay a higher premium "Do-nothing Farming". Masanobu philosopher, social reformer, architect, and predicted that millions of poor Indians for organic produce. Fukuoka's book, One-Straw Revolution, esotericist. Developed since 1924, it was would die of hunger in the mid-1970s. Many farmers in India are shifting to was rst published in 1978 (Fukuoka the rst of the organic agriculture However, within a few years, the Green organic farming due to the domestic and Masanobu, 1985). movements in Europe. It treats soil fertility, Revolution showed its impact. The international demand for organic food. The principles of Natural Farming are: (i) plant growth, and livestock care as country, which greatly relied on imports According to the International Fund for 270 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 271 ecologically interrelated tasks, and Interest in BD agriculture has greatly the morning to prevent burning of the mixture of decomposing vegetable or food emphasizing spiritual and mystical increased over the past ve years among leaves. The application rate of the bio- waste, bedding materials, and Vermi-cast. perspectives. organic farmers in India. There are now dynamic eld spray preparations (i.e., This process is called Vermi-composting. Bio-dynamics has much in common with more than 500 small and big farms 500 and 501) are 300 grams per hectare Vermi-cast (also called worm castings, other organic approaches it emphasizes practicing BD agriculture throughout the of horn manure and 5 grams per hectare worm humus, or worm manure) is the end- the use of manures and composts and country. Three major initiatives located in of horn silica. These are made by product of the breakdown of organic matter excludes the use of manufactured the north and south are promoting BD stirring the ingredients into 20-50 liters by an earthworm. Vermi-compost contains chemicals on soil and plants. Methods, agriculture among 3000 small farms. The of water per hectare for an hour, using a water-soluble nutrients and is therefore a unique to the BD approach, include its Bio-Dynamic Association India prescribed method. nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and a soil Koramangala, Bangalore 560 034, India treatment of animals, crops, and soil as a Benecial outcomes of practicing BD conditioner. Increases in the total nitrogen (BDAI) is committed to provide training single system, an emphasis from its have not been scientically established content in Vermi-compost, an increase in on BD agriculture, to link up with the beginnings on local production and between certied BD agricultural available nitrogen and phosphorus, as well international Bio-dynamic Movement and distribution systems, its use of traditional techniques and similar organic and as the increased removal of heavy metals to promote and support the trade and and development of new local breeds and integrated farming practices. Research from sludge and soil have been claimed. commerce connected with BD agriculture varieties. Some methods use an into BD farming has been complicated by Exotic species of earthworms have been in India through interaction (Rajendran et astrological sowing and planting calendar the difculty of isolating the distinctively used in India for Vermi-composting. al., 2000; www.biodynamics.in). For that was so common in ancient and BD aspects when conducting comparative Internationally, three species have been stimulating humus formation, the BDAI medieval India. Biodynamic agriculture trials. Consequently, there is no strong found more efcient than others; these are recommends two main formulations: uses various herbal and mineral additives body of material that provides evidence of the exotic Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus for compost and eld sprays; these are  500: (cow horn-manure) a humus any specic effect. Acceptance of BD eugeniae, and the endemic Perionix sometimes prepared by controversial mixture prepared by lling the horn of a practice by farmers has been minimal, excavates. There is no need to import methods, such as burying ground quartz cow with cow manure and burying it in and possibly has no future in India. earthworms from elsewhere as in the past; stuffed into the horn of a cow, which are the ground (4060 cm below the local species of earthworms, P. excavatus said to harvest "cosmic forces in the soil". surface) in the autumn. It is left to Vermi-culture and Lampito mauritii, have been found There are certication agencies for BD decompose during the winter and Modern day Vermi-culture was inspired by equally efcient. recovered for use the following spring. Mary Arlene Appelhof (1936-2005), an products, most of which are members of Bhawalkar Earthworm Research Institute American biologist, Vermi-composter, the international bio-dynamics standards  501: Crushed powdered quartz (BERI) was set up in India in 1981 by Uday and environmentalist. As a Michigan group Demeter International. prepared by stufng it into a horn of a Bhawalkar (Sinha et al., 2010). BERI has (USA) biology teacher, Appelhof in 1972- cow and buried into the ground in established six large-scale Vermi- The movement started in India in the early 73 wanted to continue composting in spring and taken out in autumn. It can composting projects, and motivated nearly 1990's. Peter Proctor, a farmer from New winter months even though she lived in a be mixed with formulation 500, but 5,000 farmers in 16 Indian states to use Zealand working in BD agriculture since temperate climate. She ordered worms from usually prepared on its own (mixture of worms in their farming practices. Results 1965, was asked to come to India by Shri a bait shop nearby and set up one of the rst 1 tablespoon of quartz powder to 250 of several experiments have proven that TGK Menon of Indore in 1993 to teach indoor composting systems. She found her liters of water). The mixture is sprayed Vermi-culture can contribute signicantly Indian farmers about BD farming. He & composting system to be a success. Rachel Pomeroy have been coming since under very low pressure over the crop to crop yields and quality, and quadrupling then twice a year to run seminars, during the wet season, in an attempt to Vermi-compost is the product of the grass pasture production. Savings on input workshops, and courses for all farmers in prevent fungal diseases. It should be composting process using various species costs such as fertilizer and water have villages or those running big estates. sprayed on an overcast day or early in of earthworms, to create a heterogeneous dramatically increased prots. 270 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 271 ecologically interrelated tasks, and Interest in BD agriculture has greatly the morning to prevent burning of the mixture of decomposing vegetable or food emphasizing spiritual and mystical increased over the past ve years among leaves. The application rate of the bio- waste, bedding materials, and Vermi-cast. perspectives. organic farmers in India. There are now dynamic eld spray preparations (i.e., This process is called Vermi-composting. Bio-dynamics has much in common with more than 500 small and big farms 500 and 501) are 300 grams per hectare Vermi-cast (also called worm castings, other organic approaches it emphasizes practicing BD agriculture throughout the of horn manure and 5 grams per hectare worm humus, or worm manure) is the end- the use of manures and composts and country. Three major initiatives located in of horn silica. These are made by product of the breakdown of organic matter excludes the use of manufactured the north and south are promoting BD stirring the ingredients into 20-50 liters by an earthworm. Vermi-compost contains chemicals on soil and plants. Methods, agriculture among 3000 small farms. The of water per hectare for an hour, using a water-soluble nutrients and is therefore a unique to the BD approach, include its Bio-Dynamic Association India prescribed method. nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and a soil Koramangala, Bangalore 560 034, India treatment of animals, crops, and soil as a Benecial outcomes of practicing BD conditioner. Increases in the total nitrogen (BDAI) is committed to provide training single system, an emphasis from its have not been scientically established content in Vermi-compost, an increase in on BD agriculture, to link up with the beginnings on local production and between certied BD agricultural available nitrogen and phosphorus, as well international Bio-dynamic Movement and distribution systems, its use of traditional techniques and similar organic and as the increased removal of heavy metals to promote and support the trade and and development of new local breeds and integrated farming practices. Research from sludge and soil have been claimed. commerce connected with BD agriculture varieties. Some methods use an into BD farming has been complicated by Exotic species of earthworms have been in India through interaction (Rajendran et astrological sowing and planting calendar the difculty of isolating the distinctively used in India for Vermi-composting. al., 2000; www.biodynamics.in). For that was so common in ancient and BD aspects when conducting comparative Internationally, three species have been stimulating humus formation, the BDAI medieval India. Biodynamic agriculture trials. Consequently, there is no strong found more efcient than others; these are recommends two main formulations: uses various herbal and mineral additives body of material that provides evidence of the exotic Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus for compost and eld sprays; these are  500: (cow horn-manure) a humus any specic effect. Acceptance of BD eugeniae, and the endemic Perionix sometimes prepared by controversial mixture prepared by lling the horn of a practice by farmers has been minimal, excavates. There is no need to import methods, such as burying ground quartz cow with cow manure and burying it in and possibly has no future in India. earthworms from elsewhere as in the past; stuffed into the horn of a cow, which are the ground (4060 cm below the local species of earthworms, P. excavatus said to harvest "cosmic forces in the soil". surface) in the autumn. It is left to Vermi-culture and Lampito mauritii, have been found There are certication agencies for BD decompose during the winter and Modern day Vermi-culture was inspired by equally efcient. recovered for use the following spring. Mary Arlene Appelhof (1936-2005), an products, most of which are members of Bhawalkar Earthworm Research Institute American biologist, Vermi-composter, the international bio-dynamics standards  501: Crushed powdered quartz (BERI) was set up in India in 1981 by Uday and environmentalist. As a Michigan group Demeter International. prepared by stufng it into a horn of a Bhawalkar (Sinha et al., 2010). BERI has (USA) biology teacher, Appelhof in 1972- cow and buried into the ground in established six large-scale Vermi- The movement started in India in the early 73 wanted to continue composting in spring and taken out in autumn. It can composting projects, and motivated nearly 1990's. Peter Proctor, a farmer from New winter months even though she lived in a be mixed with formulation 500, but 5,000 farmers in 16 Indian states to use Zealand working in BD agriculture since temperate climate. She ordered worms from usually prepared on its own (mixture of worms in their farming practices. Results 1965, was asked to come to India by Shri a bait shop nearby and set up one of the rst 1 tablespoon of quartz powder to 250 of several experiments have proven that TGK Menon of Indore in 1993 to teach indoor composting systems. She found her liters of water). The mixture is sprayed Vermi-culture can contribute signicantly Indian farmers about BD farming. He & composting system to be a success. Rachel Pomeroy have been coming since under very low pressure over the crop to crop yields and quality, and quadrupling then twice a year to run seminars, during the wet season, in an attempt to Vermi-compost is the product of the grass pasture production. Savings on input workshops, and courses for all farmers in prevent fungal diseases. It should be composting process using various species costs such as fertilizer and water have villages or those running big estates. sprayed on an overcast day or early in of earthworms, to create a heterogeneous dramatically increased prots. 272 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 273

Over the last 15 years, Maharashtra liquid (Vermi-wash) are 'growth promoters through the empirical wisdom of the ages. climate to assure self-sufciency. It follows Agricultural Bioteks (MAB) in Pune, India and protectors' for crop plants. In Natueco Farming, however, farming is the principles of nature's ecosystem in our done by knowing Nature better through has prompted over 2,000 farmers and Too much Vermi-compost can block the farming systems and emphasizes harvesting critical scientic inquiries and institutions to switch from conventional functions that trigger the positive through a critical application of scientic experimentation. chemicals to the organic fertilizer, Vermi- responses. Another negative feature inquiries and experiments that are rooted in compost. In 1991-92, MAB and the Indian might be that the Vermi-compost with The key features of this Natueco farming the local resources. Department of Science and Technology epigeic earthworms such as Dendrobaena technology of growing crops are: (i) plants Natueco farming has potential for promoted the adoption of Vermi-compost veneta and Perionyx excavatus in soil and are grown on small heaps of Amrut Mitti gardeners and orchardists. It is not technology in 13 states in India. The group compost may aid proliferation of (nectary soil), the Natueco process of suitable for large-scale farms.The has also established a Vermi-compost unit Escherichia coli in early stages of building fertile soil covered with mulch, method may partially contribute to food with Chitrakoot Gramodaya University, contamination, long-term persistence of hence no ploughing, Amrut Mitti is the key security. One should note that the method Madhya Pradesh, which produces ve tons the pathogen appears to be unaffected ingredient - a compost - in the form of takes an important component from of Vermi-compost per month (Jambhekar (Prysor et al., 2006). It is used in small- heaps that are always kept moist, (ii) need- Kunapajala preparation, that is Personal communication). scale, sustainable, organic farming. based sowing and harvesting of crops, (iii) fermentation of Amritjal. Thus, one of The positive effects of Vermi-compost are Vermi-culture has potential to be used by does not need any external input in terms of the components, Amritjal is a variant of due to microbial activities, which aremost farmers on large scale. More studies are the agro-chemicals, (iv) weeds are allowed Kunapajala. likely associated with plant growth needed on this health-related issue to grow until owering and are seen as a regulators and increased levels of humic (Asgrow, 2017). resource, (v) high diversity on a small Palekar's Zero Budget Natural acid and folic acid found in Vermi- piece of land - over 125 crop species with a Farming Natueco culture compost. Increased growth effects were mix of annuals and perennials, (vi) The Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) more frequent and more pronounced at Dabholkar (2001) coined the word trenches around the farm for rain water has 4 key elements; Bejamrita (seed specic concentration levels and Natueco that combines two words harvesting, and (vii) live fencing around treatment), Jiwamrita (microbial culture), together, Natural and ecological. application rates. Optimum germination, each farm created for multiple purposes. Achhadana (mulching), Waaphasa (soil Natueco has been conceived of as a holistic aeration), according to Palekar (2005, growth, owering, and heavier yields Amrutjal (nectary water) is prepared by way to meet our farming and food 2006). Jivamrita is a fermented microbial occurred only in a specic formulation that mixing 10 liters of water, 1 liter of cow requirements. It addresses serious issues of culture, like the Ku n a p a j a l a o f included nutrients other than what is in the urine, 1 kg of fresh cow dung, and 50 grams a farm, like (i) staying in synergy with Vrikshayurveda that is discussed later. It Vermi-compost (Kale Radha and of jaggery. Ferment this mixture for 3 days, Nature, (ii) reducing dependency on provides nutrients, and also acts as a Karmegam, 2010). stirring it well twice or thrice each day. On external inputs to a farm, and (iii) working catalytic agent that promotes the activity of the 4th day, the concentrated suspension is Earthworms restore and improve soil scientically within the available microorganisms in the soil including that ready. One part of this suspension is diluted fertility and signicantly boost crop resources in the surroundings of a farm, of earthworms. During the 48-hour to ten parts with water. Amrut Mitti is productivity. Earthworms excreta (Vermi- without harming its ecology and at the fermentation process, the aerobic and cast) is a nutritive organic fertilizer rich in same time gaining high benets from it. prepared from green and dry plant anaerobic bacteria present in the cow dung biomass, both are dried and crushed well. humus, NPK, micronutrients, benecial According to Dabholkar, the features of and urine multiply as they decompose the The dried biomass is immersed in Amrutjal soil microbes --nitrogen-xing and Natueco culture distinguish it from the organic ingredients (like pulse our). A in a container and then kept as such for 24 phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and Natural Farming and/or Organic handful of virgin soil is also added as native hours. Dabholkar's Natueco method was actinomycetes, and growth hormones Farming; and he calls it Beyond Organic microora. Jivamruta also helps in popularized by Suchde (2011), who auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. Both Farming. He explains that Natural or preventing fungal and bacterial plant earthworms and its Vermi-cast and body Organic farming is done trusting Nature explains that it is possible to create a micro- diseases. Palekar suggests that Jivamruta 272 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 273

Over the last 15 years, Maharashtra liquid (Vermi-wash) are 'growth promoters through the empirical wisdom of the ages. climate to assure self-sufciency. It follows Agricultural Bioteks (MAB) in Pune, India and protectors' for crop plants. In Natueco Farming, however, farming is the principles of nature's ecosystem in our done by knowing Nature better through has prompted over 2,000 farmers and Too much Vermi-compost can block the farming systems and emphasizes harvesting critical scientic inquiries and institutions to switch from conventional functions that trigger the positive through a critical application of scientic experimentation. chemicals to the organic fertilizer, Vermi- responses. Another negative feature inquiries and experiments that are rooted in compost. In 1991-92, MAB and the Indian might be that the Vermi-compost with The key features of this Natueco farming the local resources. Department of Science and Technology epigeic earthworms such as Dendrobaena technology of growing crops are: (i) plants Natueco farming has potential for promoted the adoption of Vermi-compost veneta and Perionyx excavatus in soil and are grown on small heaps of Amrut Mitti gardeners and orchardists. It is not technology in 13 states in India. The group compost may aid proliferation of (nectary soil), the Natueco process of suitable for large-scale farms.The has also established a Vermi-compost unit Escherichia coli in early stages of building fertile soil covered with mulch, method may partially contribute to food with Chitrakoot Gramodaya University, contamination, long-term persistence of hence no ploughing, Amrut Mitti is the key security. One should note that the method Madhya Pradesh, which produces ve tons the pathogen appears to be unaffected ingredient - a compost - in the form of takes an important component from of Vermi-compost per month (Jambhekar (Prysor et al., 2006). It is used in small- heaps that are always kept moist, (ii) need- Kunapajala preparation, that is Personal communication). scale, sustainable, organic farming. based sowing and harvesting of crops, (iii) fermentation of Amritjal. Thus, one of The positive effects of Vermi-compost are Vermi-culture has potential to be used by does not need any external input in terms of the components, Amritjal is a variant of due to microbial activities, which aremost farmers on large scale. More studies are the agro-chemicals, (iv) weeds are allowed Kunapajala. likely associated with plant growth needed on this health-related issue to grow until owering and are seen as a regulators and increased levels of humic (Asgrow, 2017). resource, (v) high diversity on a small Palekar's Zero Budget Natural acid and folic acid found in Vermi- piece of land - over 125 crop species with a Farming Natueco culture compost. Increased growth effects were mix of annuals and perennials, (vi) The Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) more frequent and more pronounced at Dabholkar (2001) coined the word trenches around the farm for rain water has 4 key elements; Bejamrita (seed specic concentration levels and Natueco that combines two words harvesting, and (vii) live fencing around treatment), Jiwamrita (microbial culture), together, Natural and ecological. application rates. Optimum germination, each farm created for multiple purposes. Achhadana (mulching), Waaphasa (soil Natueco has been conceived of as a holistic aeration), according to Palekar (2005, growth, owering, and heavier yields Amrutjal (nectary water) is prepared by way to meet our farming and food 2006). Jivamrita is a fermented microbial occurred only in a specic formulation that mixing 10 liters of water, 1 liter of cow requirements. It addresses serious issues of culture, like the Ku n a p a j a l a o f included nutrients other than what is in the urine, 1 kg of fresh cow dung, and 50 grams a farm, like (i) staying in synergy with Vrikshayurveda that is discussed later. It Vermi-compost (Kale Radha and of jaggery. Ferment this mixture for 3 days, Nature, (ii) reducing dependency on provides nutrients, and also acts as a Karmegam, 2010). stirring it well twice or thrice each day. On external inputs to a farm, and (iii) working catalytic agent that promotes the activity of the 4th day, the concentrated suspension is Earthworms restore and improve soil scientically within the available microorganisms in the soil including that ready. One part of this suspension is diluted fertility and signicantly boost crop resources in the surroundings of a farm, of earthworms. During the 48-hour to ten parts with water. Amrut Mitti is productivity. Earthworms excreta (Vermi- without harming its ecology and at the fermentation process, the aerobic and cast) is a nutritive organic fertilizer rich in same time gaining high benets from it. prepared from green and dry plant anaerobic bacteria present in the cow dung biomass, both are dried and crushed well. humus, NPK, micronutrients, benecial According to Dabholkar, the features of and urine multiply as they decompose the The dried biomass is immersed in Amrutjal soil microbes --nitrogen-xing and Natueco culture distinguish it from the organic ingredients (like pulse our). A in a container and then kept as such for 24 phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and Natural Farming and/or Organic handful of virgin soil is also added as native hours. Dabholkar's Natueco method was actinomycetes, and growth hormones Farming; and he calls it Beyond Organic microora. Jivamruta also helps in popularized by Suchde (2011), who auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. Both Farming. He explains that Natural or preventing fungal and bacterial plant earthworms and its Vermi-cast and body Organic farming is done trusting Nature explains that it is possible to create a micro- diseases. Palekar suggests that Jivamruta 274 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 275 is needed only for the rst 3 years of the material that will decompose in due Sage-Agriculture), as claimed, is to keep with Amrut Pani. The drenching should be transition to ZBNF, after which the system course, and form humus through the the soil alive forever with the help of between the rows and not directly on the becomes self-sustaining. To prepare activity of the soil biota,(iii) Live mulch cosmic energy, which is the only source of plantings. For seedlings of crops, such as Jivamruta, 200 liters of water are placed in (symbiotic intercrops and mixed crops) - energy for plant growth. There are four chili, tobacco, or fruit trees, small amount a barrel and following materials are added: this is essential to develop multiple steps: (i) Angara (Holy Ash) that of water that is needed to wet the area 10kg fresh local cow dung, 5 to 10 liters cropping patterns of monocots and dicots consists of 15 kg soil from the base of a around; instead use of Amrut Pani is aged cow urine, 2 kg of cane jaggery, 2 kg grown in the same eld to supply all banyan tree (a sacred tree) to increase in the recommended. Excess of Amrut Pani is of pulse our, and a handful of virgin soil. essential nutritive elements to the soil and population of the living organisms in the always benecial and will not harm young The mixture is fermented for 48 hours in crops. Palekar's justication is that the soil. According to Deshpande, such soil is plants; (iii) Beej Sanskar (dressing of seeds the shade. Two hundred liters of Jivamruta legumes (dicots) are nitrogen-xing biologically rich, as it has the excreta of for planting); for dressing of seeds with a were found sufcient for one acre (0.4ha) plants, whereas the monocots such as rice birds, fallen leaves, and the adventitious hard coat such as rice, wheat, corn, bhindi of land. Jivamruta is applied to the crops, and wheat would supply other elements roots have hormones and enzymes for (okra) etc., a thick paste by mixing one kilo twice a month, through irrigation water or like potash, phosphate, and Sulphur. reproduction; conrmed by Patil et al of Angara and sufcient Amrut Pani is as a 10% foliar spray. Whapasa. It is vapor-moisture. Palekar (2015), (ii) Preparation of Amrut Pani prepared; and (iv) Achhadana (mulching), Bijamrita. It is used for seed dressing or challenges the idea that plant roots need a [Amrit (Sanskrit: am ta) is a word that which is similar to that described earlier. root-dipping. Bijamrita is effective in lot of water, thus questioning reliance on literally means "immortality"; in meaning The RKDT has similarities to methods of protecting young roots from soil-borne and irrigation. According to him, roots need somewhat close to ambrosia. Pani is Dabholkar and Palekar. The method is seed-borne pathogens that commonly water vapor. Whapasa is the condition water]. Materials used are one-quarter kilo suitable for farmers with small holdings. affect plants especially after the monsoon where there are both air molecules and ghee from an indigenous cow breed; one- RKDT may contribute food security only period. It is composed of similar water molecules present in the soil.Palekar half kilo of honey; 10 kilos of fresh dung partially. No fermentation as in ingredients as Jivamruta - local cow dung encourages reducing irrigation by from a desi cow; and 200 litres of water. Kunapajala is involved in preparing and cow urine, lime, and soil. Application irrigating only at noon and in alternate The procedure is to thoroughly mix ghee Amrut Pani. It is used fresh after making. of seed dressing is done prior to sowing by furrows. with cow dung and then blend honey with this mixture. Two hundred liters of water Agnihotra adding bijamrita to the seeds of any crop, Palekar's ZBNF is clearly suitable for are added while stirring continuously. The No ancient text on agriculture mentions coating by mixing with hand, and drying small farm operations. It may contribute mixture thus obtained is called Amrut Pani. Agnihotra as a farm-related ritual. them well. For the pulses seed, quick seed- to partial food security. Features similar The blend was prescribed by Kautilya (c. Agnihotra is known as a ritual to seek dipping and drying is done. to methods of Kautilya, Dabholkar, and 300 BCE). Two hundred litres of Amrit prosperity for the family. It is a prayer to Acchadana. (Sanskrit-acchadana means Vrikshayurveda(Kunapajala) are Pani is needed for one acre (0.4 ha). the Vedic God Agni ('Fire'), rst prescribed to cover) means Mulching. According to present. Sugarcane, turmeric, ginger, etc. should be in the Yajurveda (events-c.7000 BCE), and Palekar (2005, 2006), there are three types planted after dipping into Amrut Pani. later elaborated in the Atharvaveda of mulching: (i) Soil mulch -this protects Rishi-Krishi Deshpande Roots of seedlings are dipped into Amrut (c.1000 BCE). Agnihotra was that re that topsoil during tillage-it promotes aeration Technique Methodology (RKDT) Pani before transplanting. While watering was burnt at the time of marriage. The and water retention in the soil, (ii) Straw sugarcane and other crops with canal or person was supposed to carry the re home mulch -straw material usually refers to the This technique is similar to ZBNF of well water, mix Amrut Pani in the main and there after keep it burning till the end of dried biomass waste of previous crops, but Palekar described earlier. Deshpande watering channel stirring all the time. The his life. This re was kept burning all the Palekar also suggests, it can be the compost (2005) claims that the technique is based seeds need dressing for rain-fed or the time without letting it get extinguished. of the dead material of plants, animals, on Vedic literature and cosmic energy monsoon crops. After sowing, when the And every other re that was used in the etc.); this would provide dry organic (Table 1). The aim of Rishi-Krishi (literally soil has moisture, it should be drenched house like cooking, heating and other 274 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 275 is needed only for the rst 3 years of the material that will decompose in due Sage-Agriculture), as claimed, is to keep with Amrut Pani. The drenching should be transition to ZBNF, after which the system course, and form humus through the the soil alive forever with the help of between the rows and not directly on the becomes self-sustaining. To prepare activity of the soil biota,(iii) Live mulch cosmic energy, which is the only source of plantings. For seedlings of crops, such as Jivamruta, 200 liters of water are placed in (symbiotic intercrops and mixed crops) - energy for plant growth. There are four chili, tobacco, or fruit trees, small amount a barrel and following materials are added: this is essential to develop multiple steps: (i) Angara (Holy Ash) that of water that is needed to wet the area 10kg fresh local cow dung, 5 to 10 liters cropping patterns of monocots and dicots consists of 15 kg soil from the base of a around; instead use of Amrut Pani is aged cow urine, 2 kg of cane jaggery, 2 kg grown in the same eld to supply all banyan tree (a sacred tree) to increase in the recommended. Excess of Amrut Pani is of pulse our, and a handful of virgin soil. essential nutritive elements to the soil and population of the living organisms in the always benecial and will not harm young The mixture is fermented for 48 hours in crops. Palekar's justication is that the soil. According to Deshpande, such soil is plants; (iii) Beej Sanskar (dressing of seeds the shade. Two hundred liters of Jivamruta legumes (dicots) are nitrogen-xing biologically rich, as it has the excreta of for planting); for dressing of seeds with a were found sufcient for one acre (0.4ha) plants, whereas the monocots such as rice birds, fallen leaves, and the adventitious hard coat such as rice, wheat, corn, bhindi of land. Jivamruta is applied to the crops, and wheat would supply other elements roots have hormones and enzymes for (okra) etc., a thick paste by mixing one kilo twice a month, through irrigation water or like potash, phosphate, and Sulphur. reproduction; conrmed by Patil et al of Angara and sufcient Amrut Pani is as a 10% foliar spray. Whapasa. It is vapor-moisture. Palekar (2015), (ii) Preparation of Amrut Pani prepared; and (iv) Achhadana (mulching), Bijamrita. It is used for seed dressing or challenges the idea that plant roots need a [Amrit (Sanskrit: am ta) is a word that which is similar to that described earlier. root-dipping. Bijamrita is effective in lot of water, thus questioning reliance on literally means "immortality"; in meaning The RKDT has similarities to methods of protecting young roots from soil-borne and irrigation. According to him, roots need somewhat close to ambrosia. Pani is Dabholkar and Palekar. The method is seed-borne pathogens that commonly water vapor. Whapasa is the condition water]. Materials used are one-quarter kilo suitable for farmers with small holdings. affect plants especially after the monsoon where there are both air molecules and ghee from an indigenous cow breed; one- RKDT may contribute food security only period. It is composed of similar water molecules present in the soil.Palekar half kilo of honey; 10 kilos of fresh dung partially. No fermentation as in ingredients as Jivamruta - local cow dung encourages reducing irrigation by from a desi cow; and 200 litres of water. Kunapajala is involved in preparing and cow urine, lime, and soil. Application irrigating only at noon and in alternate The procedure is to thoroughly mix ghee Amrut Pani. It is used fresh after making. of seed dressing is done prior to sowing by furrows. with cow dung and then blend honey with this mixture. Two hundred liters of water Agnihotra adding bijamrita to the seeds of any crop, Palekar's ZBNF is clearly suitable for are added while stirring continuously. The No ancient text on agriculture mentions coating by mixing with hand, and drying small farm operations. It may contribute mixture thus obtained is called Amrut Pani. Agnihotra as a farm-related ritual. them well. For the pulses seed, quick seed- to partial food security. Features similar The blend was prescribed by Kautilya (c. Agnihotra is known as a ritual to seek dipping and drying is done. to methods of Kautilya, Dabholkar, and 300 BCE). Two hundred litres of Amrit prosperity for the family. It is a prayer to Acchadana. (Sanskrit-acchadana means Vrikshayurveda(Kunapajala) are Pani is needed for one acre (0.4 ha). the Vedic God Agni ('Fire'), rst prescribed to cover) means Mulching. According to present. Sugarcane, turmeric, ginger, etc. should be in the Yajurveda (events-c.7000 BCE), and Palekar (2005, 2006), there are three types planted after dipping into Amrut Pani. later elaborated in the Atharvaveda of mulching: (i) Soil mulch -this protects Rishi-Krishi Deshpande Roots of seedlings are dipped into Amrut (c.1000 BCE). Agnihotra was that re that topsoil during tillage-it promotes aeration Technique Methodology (RKDT) Pani before transplanting. While watering was burnt at the time of marriage. The and water retention in the soil, (ii) Straw sugarcane and other crops with canal or person was supposed to carry the re home mulch -straw material usually refers to the This technique is similar to ZBNF of well water, mix Amrut Pani in the main and there after keep it burning till the end of dried biomass waste of previous crops, but Palekar described earlier. Deshpande watering channel stirring all the time. The his life. This re was kept burning all the Palekar also suggests, it can be the compost (2005) claims that the technique is based seeds need dressing for rain-fed or the time without letting it get extinguished. of the dead material of plants, animals, on Vedic literature and cosmic energy monsoon crops. After sowing, when the And every other re that was used in the etc.); this would provide dry organic (Table 1). The aim of Rishi-Krishi (literally soil has moisture, it should be drenched house like cooking, heating and other 276 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 277 domestic application was basically coming offerings include those that are material village groups. The method can banana, tender coconut, and water. When from that original Agnihotra re. And the and symbolic such as grains, claried contribute only a little to food security. suitably mixed and used, Natarajan claims people who were following this kind of butter, milk, incense, and seeds. If cow Smoke was prescribed in Vriksh- miraculous effects on treated crops. rituals were called as Agnihotris. dung and ghee are readily available they ayurvedas. The following items are mixed and should be used in greater quantity when In 1969, Param Sadguru Shri Gajanan Panchagavya fermented, in a large container, in steps, for Maharaj of Akkalkot, Maharashtra State, doing Agnihotra. The Agnihotra copper- 30 days; cow dung - 7 kg; cow ghee - 1 kg; For the Hindus, the formulation and use of India (1918 - 1987), widely known as pyramid is believed to be a generator of cow urine - 10 liters; water - 10 liters; cow fresh Panchagavya has been well-known, Shree, initiated Vasant Rao Paranjpe and life-sustaining energies (www. agnihotra. milk - 3 liters; cow curd - 2 liters; tender since the time of Puranas (c. 200 BCE to MG Potdar, in his spiritual path. Mr Potdar org., 2015). coconut water - 3 liters; and cane jaggery - c.750 CE) for house purication after propagated Agnihotra message right from According to the followers of Paranjpe, 3 kg. The mixture is stirred well. This is deaths, etc. It's use as a fermented product 1963 to 1974 i.e. till his passing away from treating seeds by following the Homa called stock solution. Natarajan insists with adjuvants such as cane jaggary and this world. He worked with farmers mainly Therapy can make them more disease and on products from Indian breeds of cow, coconut water has only recently been in Central India. On orders from the pest resistant that would give an initial and avoiding products from buffalos. extended for use in crop farming. Sadguru, Paranjpe went to Peru in 1972 to boost. For backyard plantings/small Generally, Panchagavya is recommended Dr. K Natarajan, [President, Rural spread Agnihotra over there. The reason gardens: (i) placing seeds in cups or jars for all the crops, as foliar spray at 3% level Community Action Center (RCAC), for Paranjape's going to a far-off land to and labeling each container with the name (3 liters Panchagavya in 100 liters of Kodumudi 638151, Tamil Nadu], a demonstrate Agnihotra are not disclosed. of the seed, (ii) covering seeds with cow's water), in irrigation water (50 litres for one physician and a disciple of Swami In 1996, Paranjpe selected in Nueva urine and soaking them for one to two ha), as dipping seed and planting materials, Jeevananda, thought of using Requena, Peru, an area of three hectares of hours, depending on the size and nature of or before seed storage. bananas, which was seriously affected by the seed; large seeds for 2 hours and small Panchagavya, after he had read the books the Sigatoka-black disease and looked seeds for one hour, and (iii) removing the of Fukuoka and Carson. Theories and Panchagavya has gained popularity with nearly dead. It was claimed that the disease seeds and covering them in moist cow dung concepts of organic agriculture were farmers in several states of India, was completely controlled. and the Agnihotra ash spreading before developed and popularized under different especially southern India. It has excellent names, viz., organic agriculture, green potential to contribute to food security. It There are plausible reasons for the semi-drying them. The mixture can then be culture, natural farming, and do-nothing should be noted that Panchagavya, as benecial inuence of Agnihotra. crushed and sown. farming, etc. The enlightened public modied by Natarajan, is essentially Knowledge that we have today reveals that Ash from other Homas may be used in started demanding toxin free food Kunapajala minus esh. Thus, we could the materials used in Agnihotra sacrice addition to Agnihotra ash in compost or products. The market demand for organic call it a Kunapajala variant. produce and release biochemicals to the applied directly onto the eld. Agnihotra produce gave further momentum to the atmosphere through smoke, which could ash is believed to be the key to success; Krishi- suktis and Vrikshayurveda organic movement, all this stimulated eliminate or reduce harmful bio-pollutants, Agnihotra ash water solution is very useful Natarajan to use Panchagavya in farming. The Indian science of health management, and thereby purifying the environment for natural control of difcult pests and Ayurveda, was well-documented by the (Nene, 2014). enhancing plant growth. The ash contains According to Natarajan (2003), time of Susruta (c.400 BCE), a surgeon, Panchagavya, also spelled as Panchkavya, Paranjape's Agnihotra is the basis of Homa oxides of silicon, sodium, potassium and and Charak (c.700 BCE), a physician. an organic product has the potential to play Farming. (Homa is a Sanskrit word that magnesium; carbonates are also formed by Cotemporary physicians began applying the role of promoting growth and providing refers to a ritual, wherein an oblation or any the oxides reacting with the carbon dioxide the knowledge of Ay u r v e d a t o immunity in plant system. Panchagavya religious offering is made into re). The Agnihotra farming method, adapted domesticated animals and the garden consists of nine products viz. cow dung, However, Homa is more accurately a for use in farming only recently can be plants, especially the perennials such as cow urine, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee, "votive ritual". The re is the agent, and the practiced by individual orchardists or shrubs and trees. Our ancient and medieval 276 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 277 domestic application was basically coming offerings include those that are material village groups. The method can banana, tender coconut, and water. When from that original Agnihotra re. And the and symbolic such as grains, claried contribute only a little to food security. suitably mixed and used, Natarajan claims people who were following this kind of butter, milk, incense, and seeds. If cow Smoke was prescribed in Vriksh- miraculous effects on treated crops. rituals were called as Agnihotris. dung and ghee are readily available they ayurvedas. The following items are mixed and should be used in greater quantity when In 1969, Param Sadguru Shri Gajanan Panchagavya fermented, in a large container, in steps, for Maharaj of Akkalkot, Maharashtra State, doing Agnihotra. The Agnihotra copper- 30 days; cow dung - 7 kg; cow ghee - 1 kg; For the Hindus, the formulation and use of India (1918 - 1987), widely known as pyramid is believed to be a generator of cow urine - 10 liters; water - 10 liters; cow fresh Panchagavya has been well-known, Shree, initiated Vasant Rao Paranjpe and life-sustaining energies (www. agnihotra. milk - 3 liters; cow curd - 2 liters; tender since the time of Puranas (c. 200 BCE to MG Potdar, in his spiritual path. Mr Potdar org., 2015). coconut water - 3 liters; and cane jaggery - c.750 CE) for house purication after propagated Agnihotra message right from According to the followers of Paranjpe, 3 kg. The mixture is stirred well. This is deaths, etc. It's use as a fermented product 1963 to 1974 i.e. till his passing away from treating seeds by following the Homa called stock solution. Natarajan insists with adjuvants such as cane jaggary and this world. He worked with farmers mainly Therapy can make them more disease and on products from Indian breeds of cow, coconut water has only recently been in Central India. On orders from the pest resistant that would give an initial and avoiding products from buffalos. extended for use in crop farming. Sadguru, Paranjpe went to Peru in 1972 to boost. For backyard plantings/small Generally, Panchagavya is recommended Dr. K Natarajan, [President, Rural spread Agnihotra over there. The reason gardens: (i) placing seeds in cups or jars for all the crops, as foliar spray at 3% level Community Action Center (RCAC), for Paranjape's going to a far-off land to and labeling each container with the name (3 liters Panchagavya in 100 liters of Kodumudi 638151, Tamil Nadu], a demonstrate Agnihotra are not disclosed. of the seed, (ii) covering seeds with cow's water), in irrigation water (50 litres for one physician and a disciple of Swami In 1996, Paranjpe selected in Nueva urine and soaking them for one to two ha), as dipping seed and planting materials, Jeevananda, thought of using Requena, Peru, an area of three hectares of hours, depending on the size and nature of or before seed storage. bananas, which was seriously affected by the seed; large seeds for 2 hours and small Panchagavya, after he had read the books the Sigatoka-black disease and looked seeds for one hour, and (iii) removing the of Fukuoka and Carson. Theories and Panchagavya has gained popularity with nearly dead. It was claimed that the disease seeds and covering them in moist cow dung concepts of organic agriculture were farmers in several states of India, was completely controlled. and the Agnihotra ash spreading before developed and popularized under different especially southern India. It has excellent names, viz., organic agriculture, green potential to contribute to food security. It There are plausible reasons for the semi-drying them. The mixture can then be culture, natural farming, and do-nothing should be noted that Panchagavya, as benecial inuence of Agnihotra. crushed and sown. farming, etc. The enlightened public modied by Natarajan, is essentially Knowledge that we have today reveals that Ash from other Homas may be used in started demanding toxin free food Kunapajala minus esh. Thus, we could the materials used in Agnihotra sacrice addition to Agnihotra ash in compost or products. The market demand for organic call it a Kunapajala variant. produce and release biochemicals to the applied directly onto the eld. Agnihotra produce gave further momentum to the atmosphere through smoke, which could ash is believed to be the key to success; Krishi- suktis and Vrikshayurveda organic movement, all this stimulated eliminate or reduce harmful bio-pollutants, Agnihotra ash water solution is very useful Natarajan to use Panchagavya in farming. The Indian science of health management, and thereby purifying the environment for natural control of difcult pests and Ayurveda, was well-documented by the (Nene, 2014). enhancing plant growth. The ash contains According to Natarajan (2003), time of Susruta (c.400 BCE), a surgeon, Panchagavya, also spelled as Panchkavya, Paranjape's Agnihotra is the basis of Homa oxides of silicon, sodium, potassium and and Charak (c.700 BCE), a physician. an organic product has the potential to play Farming. (Homa is a Sanskrit word that magnesium; carbonates are also formed by Cotemporary physicians began applying the role of promoting growth and providing refers to a ritual, wherein an oblation or any the oxides reacting with the carbon dioxide the knowledge of Ay u r v e d a t o immunity in plant system. Panchagavya religious offering is made into re). The Agnihotra farming method, adapted domesticated animals and the garden consists of nine products viz. cow dung, However, Homa is more accurately a for use in farming only recently can be plants, especially the perennials such as cow urine, milk, curd, jaggery, ghee, "votive ritual". The re is the agent, and the practiced by individual orchardists or shrubs and trees. Our ancient and medieval 278 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 279 agricultural texts basically describe what management of water reservoirs, stresses Surapala's procedure involves collecting the traditionally applied organic matter we now label as organic farming and also participation of people of all castes in and storing animal wastes as and when (Neff et al., 2003). It is only the farmers described the operations required for farm-related activities, efcient soil available. Although wastes from dead boar and sages of ancient India who took pains production of all kinds of crops - grain, management, and cattle management were mentioned rst, Surapala (Sadhale, to formulate and use improved organic ber, sugar, fruit, vegetable, and others. (Sadhale, 2004). Manures were similar to 1996) expanded the source of wastes to manure mainly for perennial plants. Rigveda includes references to eld those described by Parashara. other animals, especially those with horns. Spraying diluted Kunapajala, with agriculture and animal husbandry (Nene The rst mention of Vrikshayurveda is The wastes are cooked and then stored after excellent sprayers, is a modern innovation. and Sadhale, 1997). Sanskrit texts on found in Kautilya's Arthsastra (c.300 mixing husk. When needed for use, Valmiki's insecticide- Indsafari is a farming of eld crops and animal BCE; Shamasastry R. 1961 but even by the addition of sesame oil cake, honey, and fermented product of 'safari', a tiny weed management were called Krishi-suktis time of Varahamihira (505 587CE), who soaked black gram, and nally the ghee. sh, in cow urine (Ayangarya, 2005). This (Sukti is a Sanskrit word which means compiled BrihatSamhita (Bhat, 1981), the The suggestion to store animal wastes preparation is in line with the Wise Saying, good or friendly speech, science of Vrikshayurveda was in early underground (anaerobic?) was possibly to recommendation of Chakrapani Mishra in Verse, or Stanza). The rst well-known stages. The rst systematic text on contain foul odor, as also to protect Vishvavallabha (Chapter VIII, Verse 39), text on Krishi-sukti was Krishi-Parashara Vrikshayurveda was written in Sanskrit by materials from omnivorous scavengers. wherein to control external insects, (c. 400 BCE). Another one was Surapala (c. 1000 CE). It's translation in Surapala has mentioned that wastes from powders of the barks of aragvadha (Cassia Kashyapiyakrishisukti by Kashyapa (c. English was published rst time by the other animals such as cow, porpoise, cat, stula), arishta (Sapindus emarginatus), 800 CE; Ayachit, 2002). A few texts Asian Agri-History Foundation (AAHF) in deer, elephant, etc. can be used. In addition karanja (Pongamia pinnata), saptaparna written in later centuries have also been 1996. Almost around the same time, to these, animal skin was suggested by (Alstonia scholaris), and bidanga unearthed. Lokopakara (1025 CE) in old Kannada Chakrapani. Kunapajala can be prepared (Embelia ribes) soaked overnight in cow was compiled by Chavundaraya in from virtually any animal waste and, urine, are pasted on affected parts. The Krishi-Parashara (KP) is probably the therefore, gives exibility to farmers in rst-ever 'textbook' on agriculture in which Kalyani, near Bidar in northern Karnataka saphari sh was suggested as manure for (Ayangarya, 2006). Subsequently, texts on preparing Kunapajala according to their rice by Kautilya (Nene, 2002). Cow urine information is logically organized in convenience. chapters. KP deals in details the parts of Vrikshayurveda with titles, such as contains chemical labeled as plow and other implements of the time, Upavanavinoda, Vishvavallabha, etc., It is generally accepted that plant roots bioenhancer that increases efcacy of agronomic practices and management - in were compiled. utilize chemical fertilizers faster than the drug/active principle mixed withcow principle similar to modern ones, cattle All ve Vrikshayurvedas emphasized organic manures. This is true when the urine (Khanuja et al., 2003). sanitation, health, and nutrition, seed health, gardening, raising and managing herbs, organic manures, which are soft and semi- Indsafari is sprayed on foliage for control and prediction of seasonal rainfall based owers, fruits, and vegetables. Most dry, are scattered in the eld. Application against all sorts of insect pests, and in astrological models that are followed by practices followed were similar to the of Kunapajala is different from those of particular the Looper caterpillar thousands of farmers even today. Manures modern ones. The most signicant other organic manures. Kunapajala is a (caterpillars of three major species, used were the stored cow dung and excreta innovation, probably rst time in world liquid and therefore ready to reach root Hyposidra talaca, H. inxaria, and Buzura from other farm animals; and then small agri-history, was the development of zone in a short time. Secondly, the suppressaria). Cow urine is also used to balls of the manure were placed in seed- fermented liquid manures from organic ingredients of Kunapajala have been ferment Polygonum aviculare, a weed with sowing furrows (Sadhale, 1999). wastes Kunapajala (literally lthy uid) fermented, which means the mass swollen knobby joints on its stems that is or Kunapambu (fermented lth). (proteins, fats, etc.) is already broken down found in abundance in the tea-growing The text of Kashyapiyakrishisukti covers into simple low molecular weight practices followed in growing irrigated Kunapajala could be used for seed- regions of the north east. The resulting dressing, soil drench, or for sprinkling on products, and therefore, these would liquid is sprayed against Red- spider mites. rice, advises rulers to provide strong become available to plants faster than from support to farmers and their activities, plants. To control the tea-mosquito, Parmar 278 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 279 agricultural texts basically describe what management of water reservoirs, stresses Surapala's procedure involves collecting the traditionally applied organic matter we now label as organic farming and also participation of people of all castes in and storing animal wastes as and when (Neff et al., 2003). It is only the farmers described the operations required for farm-related activities, efcient soil available. Although wastes from dead boar and sages of ancient India who took pains production of all kinds of crops - grain, management, and cattle management were mentioned rst, Surapala (Sadhale, to formulate and use improved organic ber, sugar, fruit, vegetable, and others. (Sadhale, 2004). Manures were similar to 1996) expanded the source of wastes to manure mainly for perennial plants. Rigveda includes references to eld those described by Parashara. other animals, especially those with horns. Spraying diluted Kunapajala, with agriculture and animal husbandry (Nene The rst mention of Vrikshayurveda is The wastes are cooked and then stored after excellent sprayers, is a modern innovation. and Sadhale, 1997). Sanskrit texts on found in Kautilya's Arthsastra (c.300 mixing husk. When needed for use, Valmiki's insecticide- Indsafari is a farming of eld crops and animal BCE; Shamasastry R. 1961 but even by the addition of sesame oil cake, honey, and fermented product of 'safari', a tiny weed management were called Krishi-suktis time of Varahamihira (505 587CE), who soaked black gram, and nally the ghee. sh, in cow urine (Ayangarya, 2005). This (Sukti is a Sanskrit word which means compiled BrihatSamhita (Bhat, 1981), the The suggestion to store animal wastes preparation is in line with the Wise Saying, good or friendly speech, science of Vrikshayurveda was in early underground (anaerobic?) was possibly to recommendation of Chakrapani Mishra in Verse, or Stanza). The rst well-known stages. The rst systematic text on contain foul odor, as also to protect Vishvavallabha (Chapter VIII, Verse 39), text on Krishi-sukti was Krishi-Parashara Vrikshayurveda was written in Sanskrit by materials from omnivorous scavengers. wherein to control external insects, (c. 400 BCE). Another one was Surapala (c. 1000 CE). It's translation in Surapala has mentioned that wastes from powders of the barks of aragvadha (Cassia Kashyapiyakrishisukti by Kashyapa (c. English was published rst time by the other animals such as cow, porpoise, cat, stula), arishta (Sapindus emarginatus), 800 CE; Ayachit, 2002). A few texts Asian Agri-History Foundation (AAHF) in deer, elephant, etc. can be used. In addition karanja (Pongamia pinnata), saptaparna written in later centuries have also been 1996. Almost around the same time, to these, animal skin was suggested by (Alstonia scholaris), and bidanga unearthed. Lokopakara (1025 CE) in old Kannada Chakrapani. Kunapajala can be prepared (Embelia ribes) soaked overnight in cow was compiled by Chavundaraya in from virtually any animal waste and, urine, are pasted on affected parts. The Krishi-Parashara (KP) is probably the therefore, gives exibility to farmers in rst-ever 'textbook' on agriculture in which Kalyani, near Bidar in northern Karnataka saphari sh was suggested as manure for (Ayangarya, 2006). Subsequently, texts on preparing Kunapajala according to their rice by Kautilya (Nene, 2002). Cow urine information is logically organized in convenience. chapters. KP deals in details the parts of Vrikshayurveda with titles, such as contains chemical labeled as plow and other implements of the time, Upavanavinoda, Vishvavallabha, etc., It is generally accepted that plant roots bioenhancer that increases efcacy of agronomic practices and management - in were compiled. utilize chemical fertilizers faster than the drug/active principle mixed withcow principle similar to modern ones, cattle All ve Vrikshayurvedas emphasized organic manures. This is true when the urine (Khanuja et al., 2003). sanitation, health, and nutrition, seed health, gardening, raising and managing herbs, organic manures, which are soft and semi- Indsafari is sprayed on foliage for control and prediction of seasonal rainfall based owers, fruits, and vegetables. Most dry, are scattered in the eld. Application against all sorts of insect pests, and in astrological models that are followed by practices followed were similar to the of Kunapajala is different from those of particular the Looper caterpillar thousands of farmers even today. Manures modern ones. The most signicant other organic manures. Kunapajala is a (caterpillars of three major species, used were the stored cow dung and excreta innovation, probably rst time in world liquid and therefore ready to reach root Hyposidra talaca, H. inxaria, and Buzura from other farm animals; and then small agri-history, was the development of zone in a short time. Secondly, the suppressaria). Cow urine is also used to balls of the manure were placed in seed- fermented liquid manures from organic ingredients of Kunapajala have been ferment Polygonum aviculare, a weed with sowing furrows (Sadhale, 1999). wastes Kunapajala (literally lthy uid) fermented, which means the mass swollen knobby joints on its stems that is or Kunapambu (fermented lth). (proteins, fats, etc.) is already broken down found in abundance in the tea-growing The text of Kashyapiyakrishisukti covers into simple low molecular weight practices followed in growing irrigated Kunapajala could be used for seed- regions of the north east. The resulting dressing, soil drench, or for sprinkling on products, and therefore, these would liquid is sprayed against Red- spider mites. rice, advises rulers to provide strong become available to plants faster than from support to farmers and their activities, plants. To control the tea-mosquito, Parmar 280 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Discussion on organic crop farming in India 281

Table 1. A Summary of methods of crop farming in India. (2017) formulated fermented solution of Kunapajala does produce phenomenal Vitex negundo or Clerodend rum and interesting results. The Kunapajala Method Innovator/year Constituents Scope/Future Other infortunatum, the plants commonly found preparation and application techniques Comments growing by the roadside across West need to be researched more Bhat et al. “Do Nothing” Fukuoka, 1978. Nothing except It will not be Impossible to Bengal, the Northeast, and Nepal. This (2012). Japanese farmer and minimal weeding widely accepted have food concoction is very effective in controlling philosopher. security Other concoctions Biodynamic Steiner, 1924. Cow horn manure Very limited No major Helopeltis theivora. Austrian Philosopher. and cow horn following contribution to Compost tea. It is claimed by Brehaut The liquid organics Panchagavya and quartz (silica) food security (1933) that methods for brewing compost Kunapajala individually as well as in Vermi-culture Ms Applehoff 1972- Use of Has potential for Can contribute to teas date back to early Roman, Greek and 73. Michigan biology earthworms to use on large scale. food security combination proved their efcacy in teacher and enrich compost promoting the growth and yield attributes Egyptian times. Names of Cato the Elder environmentalist. with nutrients of vegetables crops (Sarkar et al., 2014). (234 BCE 149 BCE) and Pliny the Elder Natueco-culture Dabholkar, 1967. Mulching-no Has the potential Can partially The degree of efciency of individual (AD 23 AD 79) have been mentioned as Mathematician in plowing; Amrut for gardeners and contribute to the documenters. No further details are Sangli (MS) who Mitti-a name orchardists. Not food security. treatments varied but Panchagavya + inspired organic given by Late OP suitable for large Fermented liquid Kunapajala together were found to be available in the literature for verication of farming method. Rupela; compost scale farms. is a variant of best in better utilization of leaf nitrogen, this 'history'. strips made for Kunapajala raising crops; efcient photosynthetic activity, and in The Compost tea received a boost since Amrut-Jal- improving yields. In the modern-day late 1990s; this specic term and technique fermented cow dung and urine farming, with increase in organic inputs was developed by Dr. Elaine Ingham, well- with jaggary. in the of high value vegetable crops, use of known soil scientist. Use of Compost tea is Applied as nutrient liquid. such growth promoters through soil popular in the West. It is a liquid extraction drenching, will be efcient and Zero budget Palekar, 2005-06 Four key For small scale Partial food of nutrients and microorganisms from Natural farming elements: operations security. economically better choice for the nished compost or worm castings used as Beejamrita-seed Features similar farming community. At the same time a foliar spray or soil amendment. Compost treatment, to Kautilya, Panchagavya+ Kunapajala can be used Jevamrita- Dabholkar, and tea can be made by leaching the nutrients fermented Kunapajala are as prophylactic measure against the and microorganisms with aeration. Often, microbial culture, present. disease incidence of vegetable crops.It is Achhadana- other supplements are added during the to be noted that fermented Panchagavya mulching, and steeping process to aid in the proliferation Waaphasa; no is also a variant of Kunapajala. of the benecial microorganisms and irrigations Kunapajala of Surapala contains esh bacteria. Molasses are added as a food Rishi-Krishi Deshpande,1970. Four steps: Has similarities to Can contribute to unlike Panchagavya. Panchagavya plus Science graduate Angara-soil from methods of partial food source for feeding the bacteria (Ingham, Kunapajala, no wonder, gave better majoring in Banyan tree Dabholkar and security. No 1999). mathematics. With trunk; Amrit-Pani Palekar. Suitable fermentation. results than either of them (Sarkar et al., his land in district [ghee, honey, for small farmers. 2014). Kunapajala can be benecial in Bokashi tea. Dr. Teuro Higaof Japan, Kolhapur (MS), he cow dung in developed around 1982 a technology using developed a passion water; Beej growth of medicinal plants with probably for experimental Sanskar [seed minimal toxic effects on human body when Effective Microorganisms (EM), which is agriculture, dressing with compared to chemical fertilizers. also called Bokashi composting, (bokashi paste of Angara and Amrit-Pani, and Achhadana [mulch]. 280 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Discussion on organic crop farming in India 281

Table 1. A Summary of methods of crop farming in India. (2017) formulated fermented solution of Kunapajala does produce phenomenal Vitex negundo or Cleroden drum and interesting results. The Kunapajala Method Innovator/year Constituents Scope/Future Other infortunatum, the plants commonly found preparation and application techniques Comments growing by the roadside across West need to be researched more Bhat et al. “Do Nothing” Fukuoka, 1978. Nothing except It will not be Impossible to Bengal, the Northeast, and Nepal. This (2012). Japanese farmer and minimal weeding widely accepted have food concoction is very effective in controlling philosopher. security Other concoctions Biodynamic Steiner, 1924. Cow horn manure Very limited No major Helopeltis theivora. Austrian Philosopher. and cow horn following contribution to Compost tea. It is claimed by Brehaut The liquid organics Panchagavya and quartz (silica) food security (1933) that methods for brewing compost Kunapajala individually as well as in Vermi-culture Ms Applehoff 1972- Use of Has potential for Can contribute to teas date back to early Roman, Greek and 73. Michigan biology earthworms to use on large scale. food security combination proved their efcacy in teacher and enrich compost promoting the growth and yield attributes Egyptian times. Names of Cato the Elder environmentalist. with nutrients of vegetables crops (Sarkar et al., 2014). (234 BCE 149 BCE) and Pliny the Elder Natueco-culture Dabholkar, 1967. Mulching-no Has the potential Can partially The degree of efciency of individual (AD 23 AD 79) have been mentioned as Mathematician in plowing; Amrut for gardeners and contribute to the documenters. No further details are Sangli (MS) who Mitti-a name orchardists. Not food security. treatments varied but Panchagavya + inspired organic given by Late OP suitable for large Fermented liquid Kunapajala together were found to be available in the literature for verication of farming method. Rupela; compost scale farms. is a variant of best in better utilization of leaf nitrogen, this 'history'. strips made for Kunapajala raising crops; efcient photosynthetic activity, and in The Compost tea received a boost since Amrut-Jal- improving yields. In the modern-day late 1990s; this specic term and technique fermented cow dung and urine farming, with increase in organic inputs was developed by Dr. Elaine Ingham, well- with jaggary. in the of high value vegetable crops, use of known soil scientist. Use of Compost tea is Applied as nutrient liquid. such growth promoters through soil popular in the West. It is a liquid extraction drenching, will be efcient and Zero budget Palekar, 2005-06 Four key For small scale Partial food of nutrients and microorganisms from Natural farming elements: operations security. economically better choice for the nished compost or worm castings used as Beejamrita-seed Features similar farming community. At the same time a foliar spray or soil amendment. Compost treatment, to Kautilya, Panchagavya+ Kunapajala can be used Jevamrita- Dabholkar, and tea can be made by leaching the nutrients fermented Kunapajala are as prophylactic measure against the and microorganisms with aeration. Often, microbial culture, present. disease incidence of vegetable crops.It is Achhadana- other supplements are added during the to be noted that fermented Panchagavya mulching, and steeping process to aid in the proliferation Waaphasa; no is also a variant of Kunapajala. of the benecial microorganisms and irrigations Kunapajala of Surapala contains esh bacteria. Molasses are added as a food Rishi-Krishi Deshpande,1970. Four steps: Has similarities to Can contribute to unlike Panchagavya. Panchagavya plus Science graduate Angara-soil from methods of partial food source for feeding the bacteria (Ingham, Kunapajala, no wonder, gave better majoring in Banyan tree Dabholkar and security. No 1999). mathematics. With trunk; Amrit-Pani Palekar. Suitable fermentation. results than either of them (Sarkar et al., his land in district [ghee, honey, for small farmers. 2014). Kunapajala can be benecial in Bokashi tea. Dr. Teuro Higaof Japan, Kolhapur (MS), he cow dung in developed around 1982 a technology using developed a passion water; Beej growth of medicinal plants with probably for experimental Sanskar [seed minimal toxic effects on human body when Effective Microorganisms (EM), which is agriculture, dressing with compared to chemical fertilizers. also called Bokashi composting, (bokashi paste of Angara and Amrit-Pani, and Achhadana [mulch]. 282 Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 283

Method Innovator/year Constituents Scope/Future Other and actinomycetes. In this consortium, displacing native microorganisms and Comments each microorganism has its own benecial nutrients, which may be harmful to the Agnihotra /Homa Potdar Inspired and Ghee, grains, Can be practiced Can contribute a role in nutrient cycling, plant protection survival of native plant species (Smith, farming Paranjpe by milk, piece of by individual little to food “Sadguru”. 1970 to dried cow dung orchardists or a security. Smoke and soil health and fertility enrichment. 2001). This may be true, and more 2000. burnt in copper village group. was prescribed in Organic fertilizer that was inoculated and research is required on soiltructure at pyramid. Smoke Vrikshayurvedas. local levels. purifies the air fermented with a microbial inoculant (EM) around. contained large populations of propagated Panchagavya K Natarajan, 2003, a Mixing 5 Panchagavya has Excellent Lactobacillus spp. Actinomycetes, photo- References physician, Kodumudi, products of cow, gained popularity potential to Asgrow. 2017. https://www.pinterest.se/ Tamil Nadu. coconut water with farmers in contribute to synthetic bacteria, and yeasts; high and cane jaggery. several states of food security. concentrations of organic acids and amino pin/453315518723507323; https:// Fermented for 30 India composting.ces.ncsu.edu/2015-soybean- acids (intermediate compounds); 0.1% of days. Seed dip, yield-results-sponsors[Consulted by the author soil drench, foliar mineral nitrogen mainly in the ammonium July 2017]. paste. (NH +) form, and 1.0% of available 4 Ayachit SM (Tr.). 2 0 0 2 . Krishi-suktis Parashara [c.400 Sound practices Kunapajalahas Excellent phosphorus; and a C: N ratio of 10 (Xu et and BCE], Kashyapa [c. for raising of gained limited potential to Kashyapiyakrishisukti (A Treatise on Vrikshayurveda 800 CE], Surapala [c. crops. Animal popularity because contribute to al., 2008). Agriculture by Kashyapa). Agri-History 1000 CE] dung manure to use of flesh is food security. field crops and unacceptable to Also waste The EM inoculation to both Bokashi and Bulletin No. 4. Asian Agri-History Foundation, Kunapajala [KJ] most people. management. chicken manure increased fruit yield of Secunderabad 500009 India. 158pp. mainly for Fermented tomato plants. Concentrations of sugars Ayangarya Valmiki S. 2005. INDSAFARI perennial crops. Panchagavya does KJ is a fermented not have flesh and and organic acids were higher in fruit of An organic pesticide for tea. Asian Agri- liquid manure therefore readily plants fertilized with Bokashi than in fruit History 9:317 319. prepared from acceptable. flesh, animal and of other treatments. Vitamin C Ayangarya Valmiki S. (Tr.). 2006. Lokopakara plant wastes, and concentration was higher in fruit from [For the Benet of People]. Agri-History cow products. chicken manure and Bokashi plots than in Bulletin No. 6. Asian Agri-History Foundation, Compost tea Elaine Ingham, soil Liquid extraction Anaerobically Has gained those from chemical fertilizer plots. Both Secunderabad 500009, India. 133pp. and Bokashi tea scientist.1990s of nutrients and composted animal popularity in microbes from and plant wastes, several countries. fruit quality and yield could be Bhat MR. 1981. Varahamihira's BrhatSamhita. finished compost, bran, inoculated Can contribute to signicantly increased by EM inoculation Part 1. Motilal Banarasidas. Delhi 110 007, molasses added. with “effective food security. India. pp. 527535. (Reprint, 1992). microbes” to the organic fertilizers and application directly to the soil (Yamada and Xu, 2001). Bhat Savitha D, Ashok B K, Acharya RN, and Ravi Shankar B. 2012. Global Journal of in Japanese means or gradation or waste, including meat and dairy. It is a safe The use of Effective Microorganisms fermented organic matter). It is claimed soil builder and nutrient-rich tea. The Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous (EM) is certainly a technology that Medicine. 1 (7): 272279. that Bokashi composting, originate in the inoculum is a consortium culture of deserves considerable and serious Bio-Dynamic Association India (BDAI). far east, with many researchers specifying different effective microbes commonly attention. Its benecial potential for 2009. Koramangala, Bangalore 560 034. Japan or Korea as the rst country to use. occurring in nature. Most important among creating a sustainable world is too Brehaut E. (Tr.). 1933. Cato the Censor on The truth is that Kunupajal was rst them are: N2-xers, P-solubilizers, promising to be ignored (Freitag and Farming" Original not available. formulated in 1000 CE. photosynthetic microorganisms, lactic Meihoefer, 2000). An argument raised by The EM or Bokashi composting is an acid bacteria, yeasts, plant growth eco-purists is the fact that the Dabholkar SA. 2001. Plenty for All Prayog Pariwar Methodology. Mehta publishing anaerobic process, which relies on promoting rhizobacteria, and various fungi introduction of EM into soils alters the House, Pune, India. 272pp. inoculated bran to fermented kitchen natural chemical composition of the soils, 282 Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 283

Method Innovator/year Constituents Scope/Future Other and actinomycetes. In this consortium, displacing native microorganisms and Comments each microorganism has its own benecial nutrients, which may be harmful to the Agnihotra /Homa Potdar Inspired and Ghee, grains, Can be practiced Can contribute a role in nutrient cycling, plant protection survival of native plant species (Smith, farming Paranjpe by milk, piece of by individual little to food “Sadguru”. 1970 to dried cow dung orchardists or a security. Smoke and soil health and fertility enrichment. 2001). This may be true, and more 2000. burnt in copper village group. was prescribed in Organic fertilizer that was inoculated and research is required on soiltructure at pyramid. Smoke Vrikshayurvedas. local levels. purifies the air fermented with a microbial inoculant (EM) around. contained large populations of propagated Panchagavya K Natarajan, 2003, a Mixing 5 Panchagavya has Excellent Lactobacillus spp. Actinomycetes, photo- References physician, Kodumudi, products of cow, gained popularity potential to Asgrow. 2017. https://www.pinterest.se/ Tamil Nadu. coconut water with farmers in contribute to synthetic bacteria, and yeasts; high and cane jaggery. several states of food security. concentrations of organic acids and amino pin/453315518723507323; https:// Fermented for 30 India composting.ces.ncsu.edu/2015-soybean- acids (intermediate compounds); 0.1% of days. Seed dip, yield-results-sponsors[Consulted by the author soil drench, foliar mineral nitrogen mainly in the ammonium July 2017]. paste. (NH +) form, and 1.0% of available 4 Ayachit SM (Tr.). 2 0 0 2 . Krishi-suktis Parashara [c.400 Sound practices Kunapajalahas Excellent phosphorus; and a C: N ratio of 10 (Xu et and BCE], Kashyapa [c. for raising of gained limited potential to Kashyapiyakrishisukti (A Treatise on Vrikshayurveda 800 CE], Surapala [c. crops. Animal popularity because contribute to al., 2008). Agriculture by Kashyapa). Agri-History 1000 CE] dung manure to use of flesh is food security. field crops and unacceptable to Also waste The EM inoculation to both Bokashi and Bulletin No. 4. Asian Agri-History Foundation, Kunapajala [KJ] most people. management. chicken manure increased fruit yield of Secunderabad 500009 India. 158pp. mainly for Fermented tomato plants. Concentrations of sugars Ayangarya Valmiki S. 2005. INDSAFARI perennial crops. Panchagavya does KJ is a fermented not have flesh and and organic acids were higher in fruit of An organic pesticide for tea. Asian Agri- liquid manure therefore readily plants fertilized with Bokashi than in fruit History 9:317 319. prepared from acceptable. flesh, animal and of other treatments. Vitamin C Ayangarya Valmiki S. (Tr.). 2006. Lokopakara plant wastes, and concentration was higher in fruit from [For the Benet of People]. Agri-History cow products. chicken manure and Bokashi plots than in Bulletin No. 6. Asian Agri-History Foundation, Compost tea Elaine Ingham, soil Liquid extraction Anaerobically Has gained those from chemical fertilizer plots. Both Secunderabad 500009, India. 133pp. and Bokashi tea scientist.1990s of nutrients and composted animal popularity in microbes from and plant wastes, several countries. fruit quality and yield could be Bhat MR. 1981. Varahamihira's BrhatSamhita. finished compost, bran, inoculated Can contribute to signicantly increased by EM inoculation Part 1. Motilal Banarasidas. Delhi 110 007, molasses added. with “effective food security. India. pp. 527535. (Reprint, 1992). microbes” to the organic fertilizers and application directly to the soil (Yamada and Xu, 2001). Bhat Savitha D, Ashok B K, Acharya RN, and Ravi Shankar B. 2012. Global Journal of in Japanese means or gradation or waste, including meat and dairy. It is a safe The use of Effective Microorganisms fermented organic matter). It is claimed soil builder and nutrient-rich tea. The Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous (EM) is certainly a technology that Medicine. 1 (7): 272279. that Bokashi composting, originate in the inoculum is a consortium culture of deserves considerable and serious Bio-Dynamic Association India (BDAI). far east, with many researchers specifying different effective microbes commonly attention. Its benecial potential for 2009. Koramangala, Bangalore 560 034. Japan or Korea as the rst country to use. occurring in nature. Most important among creating a sustainable world is too Brehaut E. (Tr.). 1933. Cato the Censor on The truth is that Kunupajal was rst them are: N2-xers, P-solubilizers, promising to be ignored (Freitag and Farming" Original not available. formulated in 1000 CE. photosynthetic microorganisms, lactic Meihoefer, 2000). An argument raised by The EM or Bokashi composting is an acid bacteria, yeasts, plant growth eco-purists is the fact that the Dabholkar SA. 2001. Plenty for All Prayog Pariwar Methodology. Mehta publishing anaerobic process, which relies on promoting rhizobacteria, and various fungi introduction of EM into soils alters the House, Pune, India. 272pp. inoculated bran to fermented kitchen natural chemical composition of the soils, 284 Discussion on organic crop farming in India Asian Agri-History Vol. 21, No. 4, 2017 285

Deshpande MS. 2005. Ahimsak Rishi-Krishi Natarajan K. 2003. Panchakavya A Manual. (1): 54-64. DOI: https://doi.org/ Sinha R, Agarwal S, Chauhan K, and Valani Deshpande Farming Technique [See Suchade Other India Press, Mapusa 403 507, Goa, India. 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2006.00142.x D. 2010. The wonders of earthworms & its below]. 32 pp. Rajendran TP, Venugopalan MV, and Vermicompost in farm production: Charles Freitag David G and Meihoefer H. 2000. The Neff JC, Chaplin III FS, and Vitousek PM. Tarhalkar PP. 2000. Organic Cotton Farming Darwin's 'friends of farmers', with potential to Use of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in 2003. Breaks in the cycle: Dissolved organic in India. Central Institute for Central Institute replace destructive chemical fertilizers. Organic Waste Management. Sustainable nitrogen in terrestrial ecosystems. Frontiers in for Cotton Research, Nagpur, CICR Technical Agricultural Sciences, 1, 7694. doi: Community Development, L.L.C. 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The Retrieved 27 November 2015. [Internet] Nene YL. 2014. Fumigation of Plants in (Agriculture by Parashara). Agri-History Trust Handouts. Howard A. 1943. An Agricultural Testament Vrikshayurveda. Asian Agri-History18: 2341. Bulletin No. 2. Asian Agri-History Foundation, Secunderabad 500 009, India. 94 pp. Wikipedia. 2017. The free encyclopedia. (PDF), Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, Palekar S. 2005. The Philosophy of Spiritual www.agnihotra.org. 2015. What Is Homa retrieved 9 August 2010 pdf per Special Rodale Farming (Zero Budget of Natural Farming-Part Sadhale Nalini (Tr.). 2004. Vishvavallabha Organic Farming? On Internet. Press Edition, 1976. Wikipedia, the free 1). Publ. Amol Subhash Palekar, Chanda S (Dear to the World: The Science of Plant Life). encyclopediaJune15, 2017; author's Palekar Memorial Charitable Trust, Amravati Agri-History Bulletin No. 5. Asian Agri- www.biodynamics.in June 2017. consultation. 444601. India. 200pp. History Foundation, Secunderabad 500 009, Xu Hui-Lian, Wang R, and Mridha MAU. Ingham ER. 1999. The Soil Biology Primer - India. 134 pp. Palekar S. 2006. The Philosophy of Spiritual 2008. [Published online October 20]. Effects of Chapter 1. The Soil Foodweb. NRCS Soil Sarkar S, Kundu SS, and Ghorai D. 2014. Farming (Zero Budget of Natural Farming-Part organic fertilizers and a microbial inoculant on Quality Institute, USDA. 48pp. Validation of ancient liquid organics 2). Publ. Amol Subhash Palekar, Chanda S leaf photosynthesis and fruit yield and quality Panchagavya and Kunapajala as plant growth Jambhekar H. Maharashtra Agricultural Palekar Memorial Charitable Trust, Amravati of tomato plants. Journal of Crop Production Bioteks Society, Near Sane Guruji Smarak 444601. India. pp. 201244. promoters. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 13: 398403. pp. 173182. Pune, 411 030. [Personal Communication]. Parmar VS. 2017. Organic Tea - Our Yamada K and Xu HL. 2001. Properties and Kale Radha D and Karmegam N. 2010. The Experience and Suggestions for Research and Shamasastry R. 1961. Kautilya's Arthasastra. applications of an organic fertilizer inoculated Role of earthworms in tropics with emphasis on Development. Proceedings National Seventh Edition. Mysore Printing and with effective microorganisms. Journal of Crop Indian ecosystems. Applied and Environmental Symposium on the Role of Vrikshayurveda and Publishing House, Mysore, India. 482 pp. Production 3: 255 268. Soil Science, Volume 2010, Article ID 414356, Traditional Practices in Organic Agriculture, (First Edition published in 1915). 16 pp. March 6-8, 2017 at Udaipur (under PRINT). Khanuja SPS, Alok K, and Darorkar MP. Patil VD, Cheke AS, and Shrivastava AK. 2003. Scientic Studies on Utilization of 2015. Studies on rhizosphere hybridization and Biological Activities of Cow Urine and its Arka nutrients dynamics in sweet orange growing (Distillate) for Agriculture and Health. Nat. soil. Indian Journal of Plant and Soil 2(2): Seminar on Cow in Agriculture and Human 8186. Health. 16 December 2003, Kota, Rajasthan. Prysor WA, Roberts Paula, AveryLisa M, Souvenir and Abstracts. The Rajasthan Chapter KillhamK, and Jones DL. 2006. Earthworms of Asian Agri-History Foundation, Udaipur- as vectors of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soil 313001, p.93. and Vermicompost. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 58