Organic state
The Indian state of Sikkim is working towards the goal of 100% organic agriculture by 2015 .
Organic farming combines ecologically-sound modern technology with traditional agricultural practices including crop rotation, green manure and biological pest control to ensure reduction or total elimination of chemical inputs. In several parts of Sikkim, farmers have succeeded in growing completely organic maize, paddy, ginger, cardamom and turmeric while expanding the practices to other horticultural crops.
The first step came in May 2003, when the state government withdrew the subsidy on fertilizers. From 2006-07 onwards, the transport and handling subsidy and commission to the retailer was also withdrawn. Alongside, the government also adopted a seven-year plan to phase out use of chemical fertilizers, by gradually replacing these with organic sources.
“The government had taken the decision because it had seen the adverse impact of chemical fertilizers on our soil, water and on human health, considering ours is a biodiversity hotspot,” says S K Gautam, secretary in the department of food security and agriculture.
Wonderful to see the concerted , sustained , planned efforts to make an entire state organic . Yet another reason to visit this beautiful spot of the pale blue dot we inhabit.
Tags: agriculture, earth art, innovation, organic, sustainable, vision
By planting an extra row of your favorite produce, income-producing cash crops are picked directly from your garden for community customers who are increasing in numbers.
All you need to do is to decide on what degree of these
principles you want to incorporate into your garden design.
High quality water reserves can be used in times
of water shortage (like in droughts) to supplement your main supply of
water and for irrigating landscapes.
There are many waste streams that structures need to “dispose of”.
The fresh air and scenery brings back a sense of belonging with
nature. No matter where one lives or works it
seems like there is always a small patch of soil in
need of landscaping attention and maintenance.