Second review:
Jackson - Add a vertical layout to your garden plan.
Mention the different ways to shape a vegetable bed.
Refer to the artwork in other gardening books and magazines.
Growing mushrooms and bamboo.
Smriti - What makes the book your own? Where is you voice.
Adding your own journey and internal changes would make the book more
approchable and interesting.
Find or create a narraitve through the book. Don't let it become just
another reference book.
Maybe you should state the the sources of your information and provide
links for the reader in more accessible spots. And plan the index well.
Look at The beginners series to see how heavy content has been dealt with
before, in an interesting manner.
Has your definition of "organic" changed? Why don't you show that
transition in understanding.
My thoughts - After the talk with smriti i was wondering if i've been gagging my voice deliberately. I don't think i have... but i guess so far i've been relying on my visual skills to make this "my own". The book definitely needs to have a more interesting and experiential flow in the narrative. This needs some serious thought. NOW. It might change a LOT of what i had planned so far.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
The news
Pesticide news :
It was in February 2001 that Down To Earth broke the story.
A link was established between the unusually high incidence of deformities and diseases in Padre — a village in Kerala’s Kasaragod district — and endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide. The Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK) had been spraying endosulfan since the mid-1970s on its cashew plantations. The people of Padre had long been waging a lonely battle against the spraying of the pesticide. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, revealed that all samples collected from the village contained very high levels of the pesticide that has ironically been either banned or restricted in many countries.
Both the Union and state governments banned aerial spraying of endosulfan. The crusade seemed headed towards its logical conclusion.
Instead, the pesticide lobby opened up a new front as it launched an offensive to fight for its existence. At stake was the fate of an industry worth Rs 4,100 crore. Thus began a virulent campaign that involved top scientists, agriculturalists and officials. The agenda was two-fold: to discredit CSE’s study and prove that endosulfan was safe and harmless. The campaign strategy had three components: disinformation, manufacturing data and influencing government agencies to lift the ban.
Soon articles, interviews and advertisements began appearing in the media painting endosulfan as a safe pesticide.
The endosulfan battle is a litmus test for the industry — a defeat here could not only hurt profits, but also encourage more communities to come out in the open and more pesticides being put on the hit list. For now it seems that their strategy is working. In March this year, the ban on endosulfan was lifted under mysterious circumstances.
May 1, 2004. Pesticides
Beware of these red chillies
16 kilometres from Bellary. Farmers
here do not spray but pour chemicals on to heaps of chilly. These farmers are migrants from nearby Andhra Pradesh and they do not follow the conventional method of chilly cultivation. Following July rains they begin sowing seeds in rows and when they are two weeks old they are transplanted. After mixing manure and water, the spray of chemicals begins. For one peak crop, 15 to 16 sacks
of chemical manure are sprayed in every acre. Uninhibited spraying is carried out irrespective of whether there is pest attack on crops or not. Varieties of pesticides like chloropyriphos, monocrotophos are mixed together and sprayed.
Foreign buyers have detected high chemical content in the chillies and the rejected chillies find way
in to our kitchens. Horticulture officers are supposed to examine the pharmaceutical shops for chemicals
and regulate their use on the crops. But the shop owners manage to dupe the officials.
March 11, 2004. International News.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)- a double indemnity Diethyldimethyltrichloromethane (DDT), one of the most widely used chemical insecticides in the world has banned by many countries including the US and Sweden. A persistent pesticide, DDT is known to survive in the fatty tissue of animals and humans for up to 20 years. Recent evidence shows that it causes irreparable harm to reproductive health. In a study conducted by Tiaan de Jager professor, Department of Health science and Urology, University of Pretoria, men who were exposed to DDT that was used to control malaria, were found to have lower semen volumes. The debate whether it is justified to ban DDT or not continues irrespective of it being a known hazard.
Jan 3, 2002 International News
Poisoned by vegetables
Poisoned by vegetables According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), eating lettuce or other vegetables grown in fields irrigated by the Colorado River may be poisonous to health.Vegetables that use the contaminated irrigated water are known to store high concentrations of the perchlorate, a thyroid toxin that is the explosive main ingredient of rocket and missile fuel. Lettuce is able to take up and store 95 per cent of the perchlorate present in the water. With such high rate of bioaccumulation, lettuce grown in water with even low levels of perchlorate can thus deliver large doses of the toxin to consumers
March 3, 2003 International News
America takes action
Lax policies on fast food, which is usually, junk, high on fat content and almost zero in nutritive
value aids the rise in the obesity epidemic sweeping across America. Almost 43 per cent of elementary schools, 74 per cent of middle schools and all high schools have vending machines offering carbonated soft drinks. Fast food like McDonald's is available in more than 20 per cent of schools at all levels. Schools get payoff from the coke companies and the fast food joints in terms of sports uniforms and scoreboards-, which helps schools cut down on their education budgets. California in the meantime has banned the sale of soda and junk food in elementary schools and has limited their sale in middle school. In Tennessee and Wisconsin, it was the parents protests that made school districts refuse to sign contracts with soft-drink vendors.
March 20, 2002 "Impure" Pure Juice
About 500 bottles of "super size" Tropicana Pure Premimum Calcium Orange Juice have been found to be inadvertently exposed to a cleaning solution during the routine bottle equipment cleaning process. The company has recalled back the entire production run of its 128 oz. juice packaged in plastic bottles which carry the expiration or "best before" date of APR 15 printed on the neck of the bottles.Cleaning solution found in the juice is known to cause mouth and/or stomach distress. April 29, 2002 International news
Cancerous food
A study carried out by Stockholm University and scientists at Sweden's National Food Administration has found that foods such as bread, biscuits, chips and french fries contain high quantities of acrylamide, a substance believed to cause cancer. A white, odourless, flake-like substance, acrylamide is often used in drinking water treatment and also in the making of chemicals and dyes, ore processing and in the construction of foundations and tunnels.
"An ordinary bag of potato chips may contain up to 500 times more of the substance than the top level allowed in drinking water by the World Health Organization (WHO)", says Leif Busk, head of the Swedish administration's research department. A crystalline solid, acrylamide is classified as a medium hazard probable human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It is known to bring about gene mutations and has been found in animal tests to cause benign and malignant stomach tumors. It is also known to cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.
May 14, 2002 International News
Sweet Poison
The American Environmental Safety Institute (AESI) has filed a lawsuit against Nestle, Kraft, Hershey and other chocolate manufacturing companies, saying that they have violated health laws that require warnings on food products containing hazardous chemcials.Chocolates contain trace elements such as lead and cadmimum. Lead is known to threaten the normal development of children and affect their mental faculties. Cadmimum can cause kidney failure and inflammation in the lungs.
Orange drinks with 300 times more pesticide than tap water
Published: 06 Jan 2009 01:22:42 PST
Fizzy drinks sold by Coca-Cola in Britain have been found to contain pesticides at up to 300 times the level allowed in tap or bottled water.
A worldwide study found pesticide levels in orange and lemon drinks sold under the Fanta brand, which is popular with children, were at their highest in the UK.
The researchers tested 102 cans and bottles of soft drinks, bought from 15 countries, for the presence of 100 pesticides. The UK products were bought in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, St Andrews and at Gatwick Airport.
The experts said the levels found were low under the maximum residue levels allowed for fruit, but they were 'very high' and 'up to 300 times' the figure permitted for bottled or tap water.
The chemicals detected included carbendazim, thiabendazole, imazalil, prochloraz, malathion and iprodione. They are mainly applied to fruit after harvest to stop it developing fungal infections and rotting.
A total of 19 products were bought in the UK, all made by Coca-Cola.
Two orange drinks bought in the UK contained imazalil at 300 times the limit permitted for a single pesticide in drinking water.
Two similar products contained 98 times the legal drinking water limit for thiabendazole.
The average level of the total pesticide contamination of the British drinks was 17.4 parts per billion - 34.6 times the EU maximum residue level for water.
Coca-Cola GB insisted the products are safe. A spokesman said: 'All of the drinks tested meet the safety regulations relating to food products made from agricultural ingredients, which include drinks with fruit juice as an ingredient.
'The generally miniscule levels that were detected were well within the acceptable daily intake levels and these findings should reassure consumers there is no safety issue here.'
Japan Detects Pesticide In Frozen Beans From China
Published: 15 Oct 2008 18:56:12 PST
TOKYO (AFP)--Japan Wednesday ordered retailers to pull frozen green beans imported from China off the shelves after a woman fell ill eating them, the health ministry said. The woman felt numb in her mouth Sunday after eating a dish using frozen green beans from China, which she had bought at a Tokyo supermarket, a health ministry official said.
She went to hospital and was released with no apparent health problems after an overnight check, the official said.
The health ministry instructed retailers and importers nationwide to suspend sales of the beans from the Chinese supplier "until the cause of the incident becomes clear," the official said. The Tokyo metropolitan government conducted tests Tuesday and found that the beans had 34,500 times the pesticide residue level permitted by the Japanese government. The importer, Tokyo-based Nichirei Foods, said it procured the beans from a company called Yantai Beihai Foodstuff in eastern Shandong province.
It is the latest scare in Japan about Chinese-made food products.
In December and January, 10 people suffered pesticide poisoning and thousands of others reported feeling sick after eating frozen dumplings imported from China.
China has also been hit by a scandal over milk products tainted with the industrial chemical melamine, which has killed four children and caused at least 53,000 others to become ill.
Food safety has turned into a major political issue in Japan which imports 60% of its food - the highest rate of any rich country.
Special Report
PERCHLORATE IN INFANT FORMULA
CDC researchers have found trace levels of perchlorate, a strong oxidizer best known for its use in rocket fuel, in
several brands of powdered infant formula sold in the U.S. The highest levels of the contaminant were found in
lactose-containing formulas made from cow's milk. The International Formula Council, a trade association,
reassured consumers that the levels of perchlorate detected in infant formula are far below those deemed safe by
FDA and EPA. But the study suggests that the safe daily dose could be exceeded when perchlorate-contaminated
water is used to reconstitute the formula. News of the contaminated formula prompted environmental activists and
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) to urge EPA to set a safe level for perchlorate in drinking water immediately instead
of seeking a study from the National Academy of Sciences, which could take several years. Perchlorate is of concern
because it can interfere with thyroid function. (C&EN, 4/13/09)
Three pesticides found to harm endangered fish
On April 20, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released a Biological Opinion (BiOp) finding that three additional pesticides, carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl, harm salmon and steelhead protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The BiOp prescribes measures necessary to keep these pesticides out of salmon waters in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. It is the second such plan issued in the last six months under a court settlement with fishermen and conservationists, filed by the non-profit law firm Earthjustice. The previous BiOp identified three organophosphate insecticides: chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion.
"These pesticides are designed to kill insects on agricultural crops, but when they get into the water system, they also kill aquatic insects that salmon feed on." said Angela Somma, who heads the NMFS endangered species division.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/carbamate.pdf
Pesticides blamed for some childhood brain cancers
From: Heather Hamlin , Environmental Health News
Published May 8, 2009 10:08 AM
Little is known conclusively about what causes brain cancer in children, but research studies are consistently finding links to prebirth pesticide exposure.
A new study finds that children who live in homes where their parents use pesticides are twice as likely to develop brain cancer versus those that live in residences in which no pesticides are used. Herbicide use appeared to cause a particularly elevated risk for a certain type of cancer.
It is well established that many pesticides cause cancer in animals.
This study highlights a new and compelling reason to avoid or limit pesticide use and take necessary precautions during exposure. It also adds to a growing body of research that finds that pesticide exposure -- especially with farm life and pesticide use -- might be contributing significantly to this deadly disease.
Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children, yet why it develops is not clear. Genetics plays a role in some cases, but researchers believe those not due to associated genes are related to environmental factors and exposures.
The authors explain that "parental exposures may act before the child’s conception, during gestation, or after birth to increase the risk of cancer." Exposures at each time period may trigger different changes that lead to cancers, such as genetic mutations or changes in gene expression or hormone and immune function.
The study evaluated more than 800 fathers and more than 500 mothers that lived in residential areas in four Atlantic Coast states (Florida, New Jersey, New York (excluding New York City) and Pennsylvania). Researchers match and compare every person that is "exposed" to an "unexposed" person of the same age and status. In this case, more than 400 fathers and 250 mothers of exposed children were included.
Autism Rates Tied to Environmental Factors, Not Changing Diagnoses
(Beyond Pesticides, January 23, 2009) A study by researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has found that the seven- to eight-fold increase in the number children born in California with autism since 1990, a trend which shows no sign of abating, cannot be explained by either changes in how the condition is diagnosed or counted, and that environmental factors must be looked at more closely.
The incidence of autism by age six in California has increased from fewer than nine in 10,000 for children born in 1990 to more than 44 in 10,000 for children born in 2000. Some have argued that this change could have been due to migration into California of families with autistic children, inclusion of children with milder forms of autism in the counting and earlier ages of diagnosis as consequences of improved surveillance or greater awareness.
Dr. Hertz-Picciotto and Ms. Delwiche correlated the number of cases of autism reported between 1990 and 2006 with birth records and excluded children not born in California. They used Census Bureau data to calculate the rate of incidence in the population over time and examined the age at diagnosis of all children ages two to 10 years old.
The methodology eliminated migration as a potential cause of the increase in the number of autism cases. It also revealed that no more than 56 percent of the estimated 600-to-700 percent increase, that is, less than one-tenth of the increased number of reported autism cases, could be attributed to the inclusion of milder cases of autism. Only 24 percent of the increase could be attributed to earlier age at diagnosis.
"These are fairly small percentages compared to the size of the increase that we've seen in the state," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. The remaining percentage must then be explained by genetics or environmental inputs. "There's genetics and there's environment. And genetics don't change in such short periods of time," she said.
"Right now, about 10 to 20 times more research dollars are spent on studies of the genetic causes of autism than on environmental ones. We need to even out the funding," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. One recent study of environmental factors linked residential proximity to pesticides and a higher incidence of autism.
Dr. Hertz-Picciotto and her colleagues at the M.I.N.D Institute are currently conducting two large studies aimed at discovering the causes of autism. Dr. Hertz-Picciotto is the principal investigator on the CHARGE (Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and the Environment) and MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) studies.
"We're looking at the possible effects of metals, pesticides and infectious agents on neurodevelopment," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. "If we're going to stop the rise in autism in California, we need to keep these studies going and expand them to the extent possible."
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives
Sexual Disruption Linked to Environmental Pollutants
(Beyond Pesticides, January 22, 2009) A new English study has found that chemicals found in rivers and waste waters could be linked to male infertility. These chemicals, known as anti-androgens, block the action of the male sex-hormone testosterone and could impact the development of male reproductive organs in humans.
"We have identified a new group of chemicals in our study on fish, but we do not know where they are coming from or what they are. We've only been able to measure their testosterone-blocking potential" said Susan Jobling, PhD, of Brunel University, one of the authors of the study.
The scientists analyzed anti-androgenic activity in samples of river water taken near 30 sewage outflows. They were able to demonstrate statistically that this activity could be linked with feminized fish found in the same rivers. Several chemicals in widely-used pharmaceuticals and pesticides are known to have anti-androgenic activity. They include several compounds found in agricultural pesticides.
Relatively high levels of anti-androgenic chemicals were detected near sewage outflows, suggesting they came from domestic sources. One possibility is that drugs excreted from the body may end up in rivers. However, the scientists also believe that the anti-androgens may also be seeping into rivers as run-off from agricultural land.
Feminization of male fish is a phenomena documented in recent decades in many rivers and surface waters in the US and Britain. Studies have long pointed to chemical contaminants such as pesticides and other endocrine disrupting chemicals, as having the potential for wreaking such hormonal chaos. Many pesticides have been implicated, including atrazine, permethrin, glyphosate (Round-Up) and 2,4-D. Other animals like polar bears, big cats, alligators and frogs have been observed with abnormalities in their reproductive organs, which have been attributed to environmental contaminants. Research has also shown that pregnant women exposed to environmental contaminants gave birth to babies with male reproductive defects.
India: Pesticide level in veggies, fruits rises
Time:11 Jun 2009
The presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is getting higher than the maximum permissible levels (MPL), revealed a recent survey by the Union government. Besides, vegetables from some parts of Uttar Pradesh were found presence of banned pesticides. The survey, conducted over a year from November 2007 to October 2008 across the country by the Union agriculture and cooperation ministry, found that 18% vegetables and 12% fruits, both home grown and imported, contained pesticide residues, including banned pesticides.
In 4% vegetables and 2% fruits, these residues are higher than the maximum permissible levels. The survey, which considered water sample and market samples of vegetables, fruits, spices, cereal grains, milk, butter, fish, tea, honey, meat and marine products, for possible presence of pesticide residues, analysed a total of 12,004 samples during the year.
"About 18% (664) of the total 3,648 vegetable samples of brinjal, okra (lady's finger), tomato, cabbage and cauliflower, was found residues. Vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, okra and tomato had the highest amount of pesticide residue," the survey said.
A total of 1,726 samples of apple, banana, grapes, orange, pomegranate, guava and mango were analysed in 15 different laboratories. The pesticides found in fruits mainly included chlorpyriphos, monocrotophos, profenophos and cypermethrin. Banned pesticides were mainly found in the samples analysed by the Lucknow laboratory. These samples were collected from Gorakhpur, Faizabad and Allahabad. About 54% of them were found residues.
The banned pesticides include aldrin, HCH, chlordane, DDT, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos and heptachlor. "Though residues of banned pesticides have not been reported in other parts of the country, these results need to be reconfirmed," the survey said. Phytosanitary experts said banned pesticides, such as DDT, which are still used in the malaria eradication programme, find their illegal way into the agriculture system, while the residue of other banned pesticides can be found due to their presence in the soil and water.
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/taxonomy/term/2645
South Asia hunger back at 1960s famine levels
By David Mark for AM
Posted Wed Jun 3, 2009 10:37am AEST
Updated Wed Jun 3, 2009 1:50pm AEST
An Indian man and woman stand outside their dwelling in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. (AFP/UNICEF: Brian Sokol)
A United Nations report says the number of people going hungry in South Asia has jumped by 100 million in the past two years.
The UNICEF report says the global economic crisis has exacerbated poverty in a region where more than 1 billion people live on less than $2 a day.
The number of people suffering from chronic hunger in South Asia is now the same as it was 40 years ago.
The raw figures are stark. In the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, one third of people are going hungry.
Almost half of all children are underweight, as regional director of UNICEF in South Asia Daniel Toole explains.
"Perhaps the most dramatic impact is that we see that there are about 100 million more people hungry in South Asia than two years ago. That's a huge change," he said.
"It's the biggest number of hungry - almost 400 million people hungry in South Asia - bigger than 30 years ago, bigger than 20 years ago; the biggest since the big famines in the 1960s. So that's a really, really big impact already."
The UNICEF report, 'A Matter of Magnitude', blames rising fuel and food prices, conflicts in the region, and the impact of the global economic meltdown for the dramatic rise.
Canadian Farmer On Global Crusade Against GM Seeds
New Delhi (AFP) Feb 8, 2007
When Monsanto decided to take Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser to court for using its seeds, the US biotech giant didn't know it was creating a folk hero for the anti-GM crop movement. Since losing a series of court battles with Monsanto, Schmeiser has been travelling the world on a crusade against genetically modified (GM) crops and patenting seeds, speaking to environment groups and public gatherings.
"I've always campaigned on the right of a farmer to save and use his own seed," Schmeiser told an anti-GM conference of environmentalists and farmers in the Indian capital this week.
GM crops have become a hot-button issue in India with some seeing it as key to boosting food output while others fear the long-term impact of such a step. "No one should have the right to patent life, it's a mad science," said the 76-year-old Schmeiser.
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said late last year the country needed to "strike a balance between using the potential of biotechnical to meet the requirements of hungry people, while addressing ethical concerns about interferring with nature."
India has so far not allowed cultivation of GM crops for human consumption and cotton is the only such crop grown commercially.
GM critics say there is not enough research to determine that such GM crops are safe for people to eat or for the environment.
"Once you introduce a life form into the environment there's no calling it back. You can't contain the wind, you can't contain the seed movement. You can't contain it and it will spread, says Schmeiser, a third-generation farmer.
"You can't stop birds and bees from moving seed and this means organic and farmers using GM crops can't coexist," Schmeiser said.
Schmeiser's biggest worry now is a package of genes known as the "terminator." When introduced into seeds, the genes make sure the ensuing plants can never produce seeds of their own -- helping solve the seed piracy problem.
However, critics say this would make poor farmers around the world dependent on companies to provide them with the seeds each year. There is a UN moratorium at present blocking commercialisation of terminator seeds.
"It is the greatest assault on life we have ever seen on the face of the planet - seeds that are sterile," Schmeiser said.
India prey to unsafe GM foods: Expert
Charging the Indian government with allowing itself to be swayed by foreign manufacturers of potentially unsafe genetically modified (GM) foods, already rejected by the US and European markets, US-based food expert John Fagan, who is Associate Director, Institute of Science and Technology and Public Policy, Iowa, today warned the government of serious health and climactic hazards posed by these crops. He was delivering a lecture on ‘Food safety and food security in the era of climate change and biotechnology’ at Guru Nanak Dev University.
It was in February 2001 that Down To Earth broke the story.
A link was established between the unusually high incidence of deformities and diseases in Padre — a village in Kerala’s Kasaragod district — and endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide. The Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK) had been spraying endosulfan since the mid-1970s on its cashew plantations. The people of Padre had long been waging a lonely battle against the spraying of the pesticide. Laboratory analysis conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), New Delhi, revealed that all samples collected from the village contained very high levels of the pesticide that has ironically been either banned or restricted in many countries.
Both the Union and state governments banned aerial spraying of endosulfan. The crusade seemed headed towards its logical conclusion.
Instead, the pesticide lobby opened up a new front as it launched an offensive to fight for its existence. At stake was the fate of an industry worth Rs 4,100 crore. Thus began a virulent campaign that involved top scientists, agriculturalists and officials. The agenda was two-fold: to discredit CSE’s study and prove that endosulfan was safe and harmless. The campaign strategy had three components: disinformation, manufacturing data and influencing government agencies to lift the ban.
Soon articles, interviews and advertisements began appearing in the media painting endosulfan as a safe pesticide.
The endosulfan battle is a litmus test for the industry — a defeat here could not only hurt profits, but also encourage more communities to come out in the open and more pesticides being put on the hit list. For now it seems that their strategy is working. In March this year, the ban on endosulfan was lifted under mysterious circumstances.
May 1, 2004. Pesticides
Beware of these red chillies
16 kilometres from Bellary. Farmers
here do not spray but pour chemicals on to heaps of chilly. These farmers are migrants from nearby Andhra Pradesh and they do not follow the conventional method of chilly cultivation. Following July rains they begin sowing seeds in rows and when they are two weeks old they are transplanted. After mixing manure and water, the spray of chemicals begins. For one peak crop, 15 to 16 sacks
of chemical manure are sprayed in every acre. Uninhibited spraying is carried out irrespective of whether there is pest attack on crops or not. Varieties of pesticides like chloropyriphos, monocrotophos are mixed together and sprayed.
Foreign buyers have detected high chemical content in the chillies and the rejected chillies find way
in to our kitchens. Horticulture officers are supposed to examine the pharmaceutical shops for chemicals
and regulate their use on the crops. But the shop owners manage to dupe the officials.
March 11, 2004. International News.
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)- a double indemnity Diethyldimethyltrichloromethane (DDT), one of the most widely used chemical insecticides in the world has banned by many countries including the US and Sweden. A persistent pesticide, DDT is known to survive in the fatty tissue of animals and humans for up to 20 years. Recent evidence shows that it causes irreparable harm to reproductive health. In a study conducted by Tiaan de Jager professor, Department of Health science and Urology, University of Pretoria, men who were exposed to DDT that was used to control malaria, were found to have lower semen volumes. The debate whether it is justified to ban DDT or not continues irrespective of it being a known hazard.
Jan 3, 2002 International News
Poisoned by vegetables
Poisoned by vegetables According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), eating lettuce or other vegetables grown in fields irrigated by the Colorado River may be poisonous to health.Vegetables that use the contaminated irrigated water are known to store high concentrations of the perchlorate, a thyroid toxin that is the explosive main ingredient of rocket and missile fuel. Lettuce is able to take up and store 95 per cent of the perchlorate present in the water. With such high rate of bioaccumulation, lettuce grown in water with even low levels of perchlorate can thus deliver large doses of the toxin to consumers
March 3, 2003 International News
America takes action
Lax policies on fast food, which is usually, junk, high on fat content and almost zero in nutritive
value aids the rise in the obesity epidemic sweeping across America. Almost 43 per cent of elementary schools, 74 per cent of middle schools and all high schools have vending machines offering carbonated soft drinks. Fast food like McDonald's is available in more than 20 per cent of schools at all levels. Schools get payoff from the coke companies and the fast food joints in terms of sports uniforms and scoreboards-, which helps schools cut down on their education budgets. California in the meantime has banned the sale of soda and junk food in elementary schools and has limited their sale in middle school. In Tennessee and Wisconsin, it was the parents protests that made school districts refuse to sign contracts with soft-drink vendors.
March 20, 2002 "Impure" Pure Juice
About 500 bottles of "super size" Tropicana Pure Premimum Calcium Orange Juice have been found to be inadvertently exposed to a cleaning solution during the routine bottle equipment cleaning process. The company has recalled back the entire production run of its 128 oz. juice packaged in plastic bottles which carry the expiration or "best before" date of APR 15 printed on the neck of the bottles.Cleaning solution found in the juice is known to cause mouth and/or stomach distress. April 29, 2002 International news
Cancerous food
A study carried out by Stockholm University and scientists at Sweden's National Food Administration has found that foods such as bread, biscuits, chips and french fries contain high quantities of acrylamide, a substance believed to cause cancer. A white, odourless, flake-like substance, acrylamide is often used in drinking water treatment and also in the making of chemicals and dyes, ore processing and in the construction of foundations and tunnels.
"An ordinary bag of potato chips may contain up to 500 times more of the substance than the top level allowed in drinking water by the World Health Organization (WHO)", says Leif Busk, head of the Swedish administration's research department. A crystalline solid, acrylamide is classified as a medium hazard probable human carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). It is known to bring about gene mutations and has been found in animal tests to cause benign and malignant stomach tumors. It is also known to cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems.
May 14, 2002 International News
Sweet Poison
The American Environmental Safety Institute (AESI) has filed a lawsuit against Nestle, Kraft, Hershey and other chocolate manufacturing companies, saying that they have violated health laws that require warnings on food products containing hazardous chemcials.Chocolates contain trace elements such as lead and cadmimum. Lead is known to threaten the normal development of children and affect their mental faculties. Cadmimum can cause kidney failure and inflammation in the lungs.
Orange drinks with 300 times more pesticide than tap water
Published: 06 Jan 2009 01:22:42 PST
Fizzy drinks sold by Coca-Cola in Britain have been found to contain pesticides at up to 300 times the level allowed in tap or bottled water.
A worldwide study found pesticide levels in orange and lemon drinks sold under the Fanta brand, which is popular with children, were at their highest in the UK.
The researchers tested 102 cans and bottles of soft drinks, bought from 15 countries, for the presence of 100 pesticides. The UK products were bought in London, Cambridge, Edinburgh, St Andrews and at Gatwick Airport.
The experts said the levels found were low under the maximum residue levels allowed for fruit, but they were 'very high' and 'up to 300 times' the figure permitted for bottled or tap water.
The chemicals detected included carbendazim, thiabendazole, imazalil, prochloraz, malathion and iprodione. They are mainly applied to fruit after harvest to stop it developing fungal infections and rotting.
A total of 19 products were bought in the UK, all made by Coca-Cola.
Two orange drinks bought in the UK contained imazalil at 300 times the limit permitted for a single pesticide in drinking water.
Two similar products contained 98 times the legal drinking water limit for thiabendazole.
The average level of the total pesticide contamination of the British drinks was 17.4 parts per billion - 34.6 times the EU maximum residue level for water.
Coca-Cola GB insisted the products are safe. A spokesman said: 'All of the drinks tested meet the safety regulations relating to food products made from agricultural ingredients, which include drinks with fruit juice as an ingredient.
'The generally miniscule levels that were detected were well within the acceptable daily intake levels and these findings should reassure consumers there is no safety issue here.'
Japan Detects Pesticide In Frozen Beans From China
Published: 15 Oct 2008 18:56:12 PST
TOKYO (AFP)--Japan Wednesday ordered retailers to pull frozen green beans imported from China off the shelves after a woman fell ill eating them, the health ministry said. The woman felt numb in her mouth Sunday after eating a dish using frozen green beans from China, which she had bought at a Tokyo supermarket, a health ministry official said.
She went to hospital and was released with no apparent health problems after an overnight check, the official said.
The health ministry instructed retailers and importers nationwide to suspend sales of the beans from the Chinese supplier "until the cause of the incident becomes clear," the official said. The Tokyo metropolitan government conducted tests Tuesday and found that the beans had 34,500 times the pesticide residue level permitted by the Japanese government. The importer, Tokyo-based Nichirei Foods, said it procured the beans from a company called Yantai Beihai Foodstuff in eastern Shandong province.
It is the latest scare in Japan about Chinese-made food products.
In December and January, 10 people suffered pesticide poisoning and thousands of others reported feeling sick after eating frozen dumplings imported from China.
China has also been hit by a scandal over milk products tainted with the industrial chemical melamine, which has killed four children and caused at least 53,000 others to become ill.
Food safety has turned into a major political issue in Japan which imports 60% of its food - the highest rate of any rich country.
Special Report
PERCHLORATE IN INFANT FORMULA
CDC researchers have found trace levels of perchlorate, a strong oxidizer best known for its use in rocket fuel, in
several brands of powdered infant formula sold in the U.S. The highest levels of the contaminant were found in
lactose-containing formulas made from cow's milk. The International Formula Council, a trade association,
reassured consumers that the levels of perchlorate detected in infant formula are far below those deemed safe by
FDA and EPA. But the study suggests that the safe daily dose could be exceeded when perchlorate-contaminated
water is used to reconstitute the formula. News of the contaminated formula prompted environmental activists and
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) to urge EPA to set a safe level for perchlorate in drinking water immediately instead
of seeking a study from the National Academy of Sciences, which could take several years. Perchlorate is of concern
because it can interfere with thyroid function. (C&EN, 4/13/09)
Three pesticides found to harm endangered fish
On April 20, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) released a Biological Opinion (BiOp) finding that three additional pesticides, carbaryl, carbofuran, and methomyl, harm salmon and steelhead protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The BiOp prescribes measures necessary to keep these pesticides out of salmon waters in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho. It is the second such plan issued in the last six months under a court settlement with fishermen and conservationists, filed by the non-profit law firm Earthjustice. The previous BiOp identified three organophosphate insecticides: chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion.
"These pesticides are designed to kill insects on agricultural crops, but when they get into the water system, they also kill aquatic insects that salmon feed on." said Angela Somma, who heads the NMFS endangered species division.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/carbamate.pdf
Pesticides blamed for some childhood brain cancers
From: Heather Hamlin , Environmental Health News
Published May 8, 2009 10:08 AM
Little is known conclusively about what causes brain cancer in children, but research studies are consistently finding links to prebirth pesticide exposure.
A new study finds that children who live in homes where their parents use pesticides are twice as likely to develop brain cancer versus those that live in residences in which no pesticides are used. Herbicide use appeared to cause a particularly elevated risk for a certain type of cancer.
It is well established that many pesticides cause cancer in animals.
This study highlights a new and compelling reason to avoid or limit pesticide use and take necessary precautions during exposure. It also adds to a growing body of research that finds that pesticide exposure -- especially with farm life and pesticide use -- might be contributing significantly to this deadly disease.
Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children, yet why it develops is not clear. Genetics plays a role in some cases, but researchers believe those not due to associated genes are related to environmental factors and exposures.
The authors explain that "parental exposures may act before the child’s conception, during gestation, or after birth to increase the risk of cancer." Exposures at each time period may trigger different changes that lead to cancers, such as genetic mutations or changes in gene expression or hormone and immune function.
The study evaluated more than 800 fathers and more than 500 mothers that lived in residential areas in four Atlantic Coast states (Florida, New Jersey, New York (excluding New York City) and Pennsylvania). Researchers match and compare every person that is "exposed" to an "unexposed" person of the same age and status. In this case, more than 400 fathers and 250 mothers of exposed children were included.
Autism Rates Tied to Environmental Factors, Not Changing Diagnoses
(Beyond Pesticides, January 23, 2009) A study by researchers at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has found that the seven- to eight-fold increase in the number children born in California with autism since 1990, a trend which shows no sign of abating, cannot be explained by either changes in how the condition is diagnosed or counted, and that environmental factors must be looked at more closely.
The incidence of autism by age six in California has increased from fewer than nine in 10,000 for children born in 1990 to more than 44 in 10,000 for children born in 2000. Some have argued that this change could have been due to migration into California of families with autistic children, inclusion of children with milder forms of autism in the counting and earlier ages of diagnosis as consequences of improved surveillance or greater awareness.
Dr. Hertz-Picciotto and Ms. Delwiche correlated the number of cases of autism reported between 1990 and 2006 with birth records and excluded children not born in California. They used Census Bureau data to calculate the rate of incidence in the population over time and examined the age at diagnosis of all children ages two to 10 years old.
The methodology eliminated migration as a potential cause of the increase in the number of autism cases. It also revealed that no more than 56 percent of the estimated 600-to-700 percent increase, that is, less than one-tenth of the increased number of reported autism cases, could be attributed to the inclusion of milder cases of autism. Only 24 percent of the increase could be attributed to earlier age at diagnosis.
"These are fairly small percentages compared to the size of the increase that we've seen in the state," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. The remaining percentage must then be explained by genetics or environmental inputs. "There's genetics and there's environment. And genetics don't change in such short periods of time," she said.
"Right now, about 10 to 20 times more research dollars are spent on studies of the genetic causes of autism than on environmental ones. We need to even out the funding," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. One recent study of environmental factors linked residential proximity to pesticides and a higher incidence of autism.
Dr. Hertz-Picciotto and her colleagues at the M.I.N.D Institute are currently conducting two large studies aimed at discovering the causes of autism. Dr. Hertz-Picciotto is the principal investigator on the CHARGE (Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and the Environment) and MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies-Learning Early Signs) studies.
"We're looking at the possible effects of metals, pesticides and infectious agents on neurodevelopment," Dr. Hertz-Picciotto said. "If we're going to stop the rise in autism in California, we need to keep these studies going and expand them to the extent possible."
Source: Environmental Health Perspectives
Sexual Disruption Linked to Environmental Pollutants
(Beyond Pesticides, January 22, 2009) A new English study has found that chemicals found in rivers and waste waters could be linked to male infertility. These chemicals, known as anti-androgens, block the action of the male sex-hormone testosterone and could impact the development of male reproductive organs in humans.
"We have identified a new group of chemicals in our study on fish, but we do not know where they are coming from or what they are. We've only been able to measure their testosterone-blocking potential" said Susan Jobling, PhD, of Brunel University, one of the authors of the study.
The scientists analyzed anti-androgenic activity in samples of river water taken near 30 sewage outflows. They were able to demonstrate statistically that this activity could be linked with feminized fish found in the same rivers. Several chemicals in widely-used pharmaceuticals and pesticides are known to have anti-androgenic activity. They include several compounds found in agricultural pesticides.
Relatively high levels of anti-androgenic chemicals were detected near sewage outflows, suggesting they came from domestic sources. One possibility is that drugs excreted from the body may end up in rivers. However, the scientists also believe that the anti-androgens may also be seeping into rivers as run-off from agricultural land.
Feminization of male fish is a phenomena documented in recent decades in many rivers and surface waters in the US and Britain. Studies have long pointed to chemical contaminants such as pesticides and other endocrine disrupting chemicals, as having the potential for wreaking such hormonal chaos. Many pesticides have been implicated, including atrazine, permethrin, glyphosate (Round-Up) and 2,4-D. Other animals like polar bears, big cats, alligators and frogs have been observed with abnormalities in their reproductive organs, which have been attributed to environmental contaminants. Research has also shown that pregnant women exposed to environmental contaminants gave birth to babies with male reproductive defects.
India: Pesticide level in veggies, fruits rises
Time:11 Jun 2009
The presence of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables is getting higher than the maximum permissible levels (MPL), revealed a recent survey by the Union government. Besides, vegetables from some parts of Uttar Pradesh were found presence of banned pesticides. The survey, conducted over a year from November 2007 to October 2008 across the country by the Union agriculture and cooperation ministry, found that 18% vegetables and 12% fruits, both home grown and imported, contained pesticide residues, including banned pesticides.
In 4% vegetables and 2% fruits, these residues are higher than the maximum permissible levels. The survey, which considered water sample and market samples of vegetables, fruits, spices, cereal grains, milk, butter, fish, tea, honey, meat and marine products, for possible presence of pesticide residues, analysed a total of 12,004 samples during the year.
"About 18% (664) of the total 3,648 vegetable samples of brinjal, okra (lady's finger), tomato, cabbage and cauliflower, was found residues. Vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, okra and tomato had the highest amount of pesticide residue," the survey said.
A total of 1,726 samples of apple, banana, grapes, orange, pomegranate, guava and mango were analysed in 15 different laboratories. The pesticides found in fruits mainly included chlorpyriphos, monocrotophos, profenophos and cypermethrin. Banned pesticides were mainly found in the samples analysed by the Lucknow laboratory. These samples were collected from Gorakhpur, Faizabad and Allahabad. About 54% of them were found residues.
The banned pesticides include aldrin, HCH, chlordane, DDT, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos and heptachlor. "Though residues of banned pesticides have not been reported in other parts of the country, these results need to be reconfirmed," the survey said. Phytosanitary experts said banned pesticides, such as DDT, which are still used in the malaria eradication programme, find their illegal way into the agriculture system, while the residue of other banned pesticides can be found due to their presence in the soil and water.
http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/taxonomy/term/2645
South Asia hunger back at 1960s famine levels
By David Mark for AM
Posted Wed Jun 3, 2009 10:37am AEST
Updated Wed Jun 3, 2009 1:50pm AEST
An Indian man and woman stand outside their dwelling in the eastern Indian state of Bihar. (AFP/UNICEF: Brian Sokol)
A United Nations report says the number of people going hungry in South Asia has jumped by 100 million in the past two years.
The UNICEF report says the global economic crisis has exacerbated poverty in a region where more than 1 billion people live on less than $2 a day.
The number of people suffering from chronic hunger in South Asia is now the same as it was 40 years ago.
The raw figures are stark. In the South Asian countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, one third of people are going hungry.
Almost half of all children are underweight, as regional director of UNICEF in South Asia Daniel Toole explains.
"Perhaps the most dramatic impact is that we see that there are about 100 million more people hungry in South Asia than two years ago. That's a huge change," he said.
"It's the biggest number of hungry - almost 400 million people hungry in South Asia - bigger than 30 years ago, bigger than 20 years ago; the biggest since the big famines in the 1960s. So that's a really, really big impact already."
The UNICEF report, 'A Matter of Magnitude', blames rising fuel and food prices, conflicts in the region, and the impact of the global economic meltdown for the dramatic rise.
Canadian Farmer On Global Crusade Against GM Seeds
New Delhi (AFP) Feb 8, 2007
When Monsanto decided to take Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser to court for using its seeds, the US biotech giant didn't know it was creating a folk hero for the anti-GM crop movement. Since losing a series of court battles with Monsanto, Schmeiser has been travelling the world on a crusade against genetically modified (GM) crops and patenting seeds, speaking to environment groups and public gatherings.
"I've always campaigned on the right of a farmer to save and use his own seed," Schmeiser told an anti-GM conference of environmentalists and farmers in the Indian capital this week.
GM crops have become a hot-button issue in India with some seeing it as key to boosting food output while others fear the long-term impact of such a step. "No one should have the right to patent life, it's a mad science," said the 76-year-old Schmeiser.
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said late last year the country needed to "strike a balance between using the potential of biotechnical to meet the requirements of hungry people, while addressing ethical concerns about interferring with nature."
India has so far not allowed cultivation of GM crops for human consumption and cotton is the only such crop grown commercially.
GM critics say there is not enough research to determine that such GM crops are safe for people to eat or for the environment.
"Once you introduce a life form into the environment there's no calling it back. You can't contain the wind, you can't contain the seed movement. You can't contain it and it will spread, says Schmeiser, a third-generation farmer.
"You can't stop birds and bees from moving seed and this means organic and farmers using GM crops can't coexist," Schmeiser said.
Schmeiser's biggest worry now is a package of genes known as the "terminator." When introduced into seeds, the genes make sure the ensuing plants can never produce seeds of their own -- helping solve the seed piracy problem.
However, critics say this would make poor farmers around the world dependent on companies to provide them with the seeds each year. There is a UN moratorium at present blocking commercialisation of terminator seeds.
"It is the greatest assault on life we have ever seen on the face of the planet - seeds that are sterile," Schmeiser said.
India prey to unsafe GM foods: Expert
Charging the Indian government with allowing itself to be swayed by foreign manufacturers of potentially unsafe genetically modified (GM) foods, already rejected by the US and European markets, US-based food expert John Fagan, who is Associate Director, Institute of Science and Technology and Public Policy, Iowa, today warned the government of serious health and climactic hazards posed by these crops. He was delivering a lecture on ‘Food safety and food security in the era of climate change and biotechnology’ at Guru Nanak Dev University.
GMO
GMOs –
“These organisms are created by scientists, by taking genes from one species and force them into the DNA od a different species in order to transfer a trait.”
A few examples -
Spiders + goats – milk contains spider web protein to create bullet proof vests.
Jellyfish + pigs – for glow in the dark noses.
Pesticide producing genes from bacteria in corn and cotton, such that every cell of the crop produces a toxic pesticide.
80% of GMO crops are designed to take higher and higher dosages of herbicide without dying and to produce their own pesticide.
The farmers and food crisis:
These companies have now come up with some called the “terminator technology” which openly targets the 1.4 billion farmers. They consider these farmer criminals for saving the seeds to replant them. So now, the seeds from these crops with the “terminator seeds” will be sterile and implantable – the aim being to force these farmers to keep coming back to companies time after time to but the seeds.
But what then happens is all the diversity in the seed bank is going to plummet. SO the quality and the quantity of the different crops will shrink even more – making us more susceptible to food crisis during draughts and floods. Ironically these GMOs are out feed the world hunger.
Bio diversity ensure that when there is a disease or pest outbreak only a certain variety of crops will be affected by this and the rest will still thrive, but with these companies trying to patent these practices and seed hybrids that these farmers have developed over centuries can be counted as bio piracy. Already, from having 1000’s of varieties of rice within India we now only have 40.
So we are now being fed by a narrow variety of foods being produced by the GM companies.
What’s so wrong about that?
GMO’s work on the simplistic and false notion that genes are like LEGOs that can be snapped from one place and put in another. And they expect the results to be as predictable. But with that one change they mess up the entire DNA structure to the point of mutation.
There is thus, complete change in 100’s of naturally functioning genes. For example – 5% of gene change and 1000s of mutations across its DNA.
We don’t need it – its not precise. Most of the experiments they conduct are in vain. It’s a product of a nascent science that is out to feed the billions across the world. Maybe someday we will be familiar enough with this science to produce something truly constructive, just not today.
What about the test and studies food has to pass before it reaches our mouth? Won’t they ensure its safe?
- The quality and quantity of safety studies of any sorts of food are insufficient.
- GMO companies control their testings and work on very aggressive lobby of disinformation campaign.
They threaten scientists who do test these food to come up with true results which clearly show aggravation in allergies and toxins, new diseases and nutritional problem, terming them inherently unsafe. The few scientists who have publicized these papers have been discredited by these companies, fired by the universities and publicly tarnished. However
Test studies have shown that animals firstly, refuse to eat GM produced crop. When they were force fed these crops more than half their half springs were born dead, there were mutations within the embryos and a massive change in sperm count.
In the markets –
The one study that the FDA in the USA got their hands on –
Killer tomatoes – The animals that these were tested on developed stomach lesion. These products had been in the market already before these tests were leaked.
These were taken off the shelves in the US immediately. However, no one knows which other GM products are present in our markets as they are not required to be labeled.
We do know however, Soy and Corn however is available in almost ALL the processed food that we eat. Not to mention that is what most of the poultry and cattle are being fed as well. And now they are trying to introduce GM sugarcane, so all our sugar is going to be genetically modified as well.
The Bio tech companies have designed their tests such that there is no possibility of finding any problems, having bad science down to a science. They really do believe this is the future, where ALL the food we eat has been genetically modified and the clothes we wear have GMO raw materials as well.
GM food produces something called the bt toxin to protect itself against disease. When farmers were sprayed with these they developed allergies.
Cotton pickers in India – developed allergies and flus simply picking at these crops. Their sheep died grazing on the same. People living around these farms developed skin allergies and intestinal problems simply by breathing in the pollen from these crops.
There was also noted rise in sterility in males and females as well.
The only test ever done on a human being showed that on consumption of GM soy, the gene from the pesticide producing bacteria transferred its characteristics in to the stomach bacteria, where they remained functional and developed a pesticide producing factory with the intestines.
The pollution create by genetic engineering today is self propagating and its effects irreversible and today India contemplates putting the entire population up for a large scale experiment with these foods.
We are looking at the most serious environmental and health risks that we have ever faced and unfortunately most of the experts who do know the truth remain in silence. The media such as the FOX news have been threatened with lawsuits and forced to cancel any main stream media coverage of studies and incidents revealing such findings and writers have been forced to shred their studies and views on this field.
Today, we are the caged chickens and lab rats. Our money, their golden egg.
“These organisms are created by scientists, by taking genes from one species and force them into the DNA od a different species in order to transfer a trait.”
A few examples -
Spiders + goats – milk contains spider web protein to create bullet proof vests.
Jellyfish + pigs – for glow in the dark noses.
Pesticide producing genes from bacteria in corn and cotton, such that every cell of the crop produces a toxic pesticide.
80% of GMO crops are designed to take higher and higher dosages of herbicide without dying and to produce their own pesticide.
The farmers and food crisis:
These companies have now come up with some called the “terminator technology” which openly targets the 1.4 billion farmers. They consider these farmer criminals for saving the seeds to replant them. So now, the seeds from these crops with the “terminator seeds” will be sterile and implantable – the aim being to force these farmers to keep coming back to companies time after time to but the seeds.
But what then happens is all the diversity in the seed bank is going to plummet. SO the quality and the quantity of the different crops will shrink even more – making us more susceptible to food crisis during draughts and floods. Ironically these GMOs are out feed the world hunger.
Bio diversity ensure that when there is a disease or pest outbreak only a certain variety of crops will be affected by this and the rest will still thrive, but with these companies trying to patent these practices and seed hybrids that these farmers have developed over centuries can be counted as bio piracy. Already, from having 1000’s of varieties of rice within India we now only have 40.
So we are now being fed by a narrow variety of foods being produced by the GM companies.
What’s so wrong about that?
GMO’s work on the simplistic and false notion that genes are like LEGOs that can be snapped from one place and put in another. And they expect the results to be as predictable. But with that one change they mess up the entire DNA structure to the point of mutation.
There is thus, complete change in 100’s of naturally functioning genes. For example – 5% of gene change and 1000s of mutations across its DNA.
We don’t need it – its not precise. Most of the experiments they conduct are in vain. It’s a product of a nascent science that is out to feed the billions across the world. Maybe someday we will be familiar enough with this science to produce something truly constructive, just not today.
What about the test and studies food has to pass before it reaches our mouth? Won’t they ensure its safe?
- The quality and quantity of safety studies of any sorts of food are insufficient.
- GMO companies control their testings and work on very aggressive lobby of disinformation campaign.
They threaten scientists who do test these food to come up with true results which clearly show aggravation in allergies and toxins, new diseases and nutritional problem, terming them inherently unsafe. The few scientists who have publicized these papers have been discredited by these companies, fired by the universities and publicly tarnished. However
Test studies have shown that animals firstly, refuse to eat GM produced crop. When they were force fed these crops more than half their half springs were born dead, there were mutations within the embryos and a massive change in sperm count.
In the markets –
The one study that the FDA in the USA got their hands on –
Killer tomatoes – The animals that these were tested on developed stomach lesion. These products had been in the market already before these tests were leaked.
These were taken off the shelves in the US immediately. However, no one knows which other GM products are present in our markets as they are not required to be labeled.
We do know however, Soy and Corn however is available in almost ALL the processed food that we eat. Not to mention that is what most of the poultry and cattle are being fed as well. And now they are trying to introduce GM sugarcane, so all our sugar is going to be genetically modified as well.
The Bio tech companies have designed their tests such that there is no possibility of finding any problems, having bad science down to a science. They really do believe this is the future, where ALL the food we eat has been genetically modified and the clothes we wear have GMO raw materials as well.
GM food produces something called the bt toxin to protect itself against disease. When farmers were sprayed with these they developed allergies.
Cotton pickers in India – developed allergies and flus simply picking at these crops. Their sheep died grazing on the same. People living around these farms developed skin allergies and intestinal problems simply by breathing in the pollen from these crops.
There was also noted rise in sterility in males and females as well.
The only test ever done on a human being showed that on consumption of GM soy, the gene from the pesticide producing bacteria transferred its characteristics in to the stomach bacteria, where they remained functional and developed a pesticide producing factory with the intestines.
The pollution create by genetic engineering today is self propagating and its effects irreversible and today India contemplates putting the entire population up for a large scale experiment with these foods.
We are looking at the most serious environmental and health risks that we have ever faced and unfortunately most of the experts who do know the truth remain in silence. The media such as the FOX news have been threatened with lawsuits and forced to cancel any main stream media coverage of studies and incidents revealing such findings and writers have been forced to shred their studies and views on this field.
Today, we are the caged chickens and lab rats. Our money, their golden egg.
Pesticides
Pesticides pes•ti•cide (pĕs'tĭ-sīd')
n. (plural)
Pesticides are a group of chemicals designed to control weeds, diseases, insects, fungi or other pests on crops, landscape or animals. Insecticides are the most commonly used forms for these chemicals.
These are commonly linked with consumption of these chemicals.
- cancer
- fertility problems
- brain tumor
- childhood leukemia
- non - hodgkins lymphoma
- birth defects
- irritation to the skin and eyes
- hormone endocrine problems
- nervous system damage
Reducing pesticide risk –
- select produce free of dirt, cuts, insect holes or any other signs of spoilage/
- wash thoroughly and try eating a variety of foods, keeping the amounts of each pesticide lower.
Application and health effects of pesticides commonly used in India
S.No. Pesticide Name What it is used for Health impacts
1. DDT Effective against wide variety of insects, including domestic insects and mosquitoes
Chronic liver damage cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, endocrine and reproductive disorders, immuno
suppression, cytogenic effects, breast cancer, Non hodkins lymphoma, polyneuritis.
2. Endosulfan It is used as a broad spectrum non systemic, contact and stomach insecticide,
and acaricide against insect pests on various crops Effects kidneys, developing foetus, and liver
Immuno-suppression, decrease in the quality of semen, increase in testicular and prostate cancer, increase
in defects in male sex organs, and increased incidence of breast cancer. It is also mutatagenic
3. Aldrin Effective against wireworms and to control termites Lung cancer, liver diseases
4. Dieldrin Used against ectoparasites such as blowflies, ticks, lice and widely employed in
cattle and sheep dips. Also used to protect fabrics from moths, beetles and against carrot and cabbage
root flies/ Also used as seed dressing against wheat and bulbfly Liver diseases, Parkinson's &
Alzheimer's diseases
5. Heptachlor It controls soil inhibiting pests. Reproductive disorders, blood dyscariasis
6. Chlordane It is a contact, stomach and respiratory poison suitable for the control of soil
pests, white grubs and termites. Reproductive disorders, blood dyscariasis, brain cancer, Non
Hodkins lymphoma
7. Lindane It is used against sucking and biting pest and as smoke for control of pests in
grain sores. It is used as dust to control various soil pests.such as flea beetles and mushroom flies. It
is effective as soil dressing against the attack of soil insects Chronic liver damage-cirrhosis and
chronic hepatitis, endocrine and reproductive disorders, allergic dermatitis, breast cancer, Non hodkins
lymphoma, polyneuritis.
8. Fenitrothion It is a broad spectrum contact insecticide effective for the control of chewing
and sucking pests- locusts aphids, caterpillars and leaf hoppers. It is also used against domestic
insects and mosquitoes Human epidemiological evidence indicates fenitrothion causes eye effects
such as retinal degeneration and myopia. Chronic exposure to Fenitrothion can cause frontal
lobe impairment. Organo-phosphates are suspected of causing neurologic deficits.
9. Fenthion It is a persistent contact insecticide valuable against fruitflies, leaf hoppers, cereal
bugs, and weaverbirds in the tropics Fenthion may be mutagenic: causing genetic aberrations.
It may be a carcinogen
10. Parathion A contact insecticide and acaricide with some fumigant action. Very effective
against soil insects with high mammalian toxicity Parathion is a possible carcinogen
11. Profenofos Used for control of important cotton and vegetable pests. Used against chewing
and sucking insects and mites, cotton bollworms, aphids, cabbage looper and thrips Cholinesterase
inhibition and the associated neurological and neuromuscular effects
12. Phorate A systemic and contact insecticide employed for the control of aphids, carrot
fly, fruit fly and wireworm in potatoes Cholinesterase inhibition and the associated neurological
and neuromuscular effects
13. Malathion Widely used insecticide and acaricide used for the control of aphids thrips, red
spider mites, leafhoppers and thrips Malathion and its oxygen analog malaoxon are both quite
carcinogenic and have been linked with increased incidence of leukemia in mammals. Chronic
health effects include: suspected mutagen and teratogen, delayed neurotoxin, allergic reactions, behavioral
effects, ulcers, eye damage, abnormal brain waves and immuno-suppression
14. Monocrotofos A powerful contact and systemic insecticide and acaricide with a broad
spectrum of activity used to control pests on crops like cotton, rice, soyabean, maize, coffee, citrus
and potatoes Monocrotophos has also been shown to cause delayed neuropathy
15. Dimethoate. A systemic and contact insecticide and acaricide, effective against red spider
mites and thrips on most agricultural and horticultural crops Dimethoate might have carcinogenicity,
birth defects, reproductive toxicity and mutagenic effects
16. Chlorpyrifos A broad spectrum insecticide used against mosquitoes, fly larvae, cabbage
root fly, aphids, codling and wintermoths on fruit trees. It is also used in homes, restaurants against
cockroaches and other domestic pests. It is also used for the control of termites Chlorpyrifos has
chronic neurobehavioral effects like persistent headaches, blurred vision, unusual fatigue or muscle
weakness, and problems with mental function including memory, concentration, depression, and irritability.
17. Diazinon A contact insecticide effective against a number of soil, fruit, vegetable and
rice pests e.g. cabbage root, carrot and mushroom flies, aphids, spidermites, thrips and scale insects
domestic pests and livestock pests Non Hodkins lymphoma
18. Quinalphos A broad spectrum contact and systemic insecticides applied as a spray to control
pests in cereals, brassicas and other vegetables Anti-choline esterase
19. Triazophos Used against flies and insect pests of cerealos, maize, oilseed rape, brassicas,
carrots, weevils in peas and cut worms in potatoes and other crops Anti choline esterase
20. Ethion Used for the control of aphids and mites Impaired memory and concentration, disorientation,
severe depression, irritability, confusion, headache, speech difficulties, delayed reaction
times, nightmares, sleepwalking, and drowsiness or insomnia. An influenza-like condition with
headache, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and malaise
21. Acephate It is a systemic insecticide effective against chewing and sucking pests. It
is a possible human carcinogen and evidence of mutagenic effects and reproductive toxicity.
22. Fenvalerate It act contact and stomach poison. It controls the pests on crops of cotton, vegetables
and fruits. Reduction in weight.
23. Permethrin It is a stomach and contact insecticide effective against broad range of pests of
cotton, fruit and vegetable crops. Health risks found include genetic damage - cancer potential -
neurotoxic dangers to unborn children - and harm to marine life.
24. Cypermethrin It is a stomach and contact insecticide effective against broad range of
pests of cotton, fruit and vegetable crops. Cypermethrin is a possible human carcinogen.
25. Deltamethrin It is a potent insecticide effective as a contact and stomach poison against broad
range of pests of cotton, fruit and vegetable crops and store products. Potential endocrine disrupter
26. Carbaryl It is a contact insecticide and fruit thinner with a broad spectrum of activity effective
against many pests of fruits, vegetables and cotton. It is also used to control earthworms and
leather jackets in turf. Carbaryl may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. It is a
possible teratogen & may damage the kidneys and nervous systems. Within the stomach produces
N-nitrocarbaryl, a well known carcinogen, Non-hodkins Lymphoma, brain cancer.
27. Carbofuran It is a broad spectrum systemic insecticide, acaricide and nematicide used
against insects, mites and incorporated in soil for control of soil insects and nematodes. Carbofuran
causes cholinesterase inhibition in both humans and animals, affecting nervous system function.
28. Aldicab It is a systemic insecticide, acaricide and nematicide which is formulated as
granules for soil incorporation. It is effective for control of aphids, nematodes,flea beetles, leaf miners,
thrips and white flies on a wide range of crops. Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibitor and so
can result in a variety of symptoms including weakness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, tearing,
sweating, and tremors.
29. Methomyl It is used as a soil and seed systemic insecticide applied as a foliar spray to control
aphids. Inhibition of cholinesterase, resulting in flu-like symptoms, such as weakness, lack of
appetite, and muscle aches.
30. 2, 4-D It is a selective systemic post emergence herbicide used for the control of many annual
broadleaf weeds in cereals, sugarcane and plantation crops. Twofold excess of all cancers
in Swedish railway workers, Non Hodkins Lymphoma
31. Butachlor It controls annual grasses and some broad leaved weeds in transplant and direct
seeded rice. It is applied as pre-emergence in EC formulations and as early post emergence in the
form of granules. Weight loss, weight changes in internal organs, reduced brain size together with
lesions.
32. Paraquat It is used as a plant dessicant effective against grasses. Parkinson's & Alzheimer's
diseases.
33. Simazine &Atrazine It is a persistent soil acting herbicide which in high concentrations acts
as total weed killer and in lower concentrations is used for selective control of germinating weeds
in a variety of crops - maize, sugarcane, pineapple, sorghum. It is also used for long term control of
annual grass and broad-leaved weeds in crops like citrus, coffee, tea and cocoa. Cancer of testes
34. Glyphosate It is a potent non-selective post emergence herbicide which kills mono and
dicotyledonous annual and perennial weeds No adverse effects.
35. Isoproturon It is used to control annual grass weeds in wheat rye and barley. Isoproturon
appears to be a tumour promoter rather than a complete carcinogen.
36. Trifluralin It is used for the control of annual grasses and broad leaved weeds in a wide
range of crops cotton, groundnuts, soyabeans, brassica, beans an cereals. Prolonged or repeated
skin contact with trifluralin may cause allergic dermatitis . Other effects include decreased red blood
cell counts and increases in methemoglobin, total serum lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol. It has
been shown to cause liver and kidney damage in other studies of chronic oral exposure in animals .
37. Mancozeb It is a protective fungicide, effective against a wide range of foliage disease.
Ethylenethiourea (ETU) in the course of mancozeb metabolism and production has the potential to
cause goiter, a condition in which the thyroid gland is enlarged, this metabolite has produced birth
defects and cancer in experimental animals
38. Captan It is a foliage fungicide with protective action . It is mainly used for seed treatment
and soil fungicide. Captan is a possible carcinogen and mutagen
39. Captafol It is a protective, wide spectrum foliage and soil fungicide. Captafol has
oncogenic potential (potential to cause cancer)
40. Carbendazim It is a systemic fungicide which controls wide range of pathogens of cereals ,
fruits, grapes ornamentals and vegetables. It is very effective against leaf and ear disease of wheat.
It disrupts the production of sperm and damages testicular development in adult rats. Carbendazim
is also a teratogen ¬ damaging development of mammals in the womb.
• ITRC has found heavy metals in all the
major rivers of India.
Food commodities :51% contaminated with
pesticide residues, 20% above MRL. (ICMR)
Farmgate vegetables: 55.1% contaminated, 9.5%
over MRL (IARI)
Infant milk: arsenic, cadmium.lead, copper, zinc
detected in 50 to 100% samples. Arsenic and
cadmium 8 times ADI. (ICMR)
Canned fruits: arsenic, cadmium in 15 –32%
samples. Lead, copper, zinc and tin in 81 to 100 %
samples. Lead exceed PFA limits in 4.5% and tin in
2.3%.
Bovine milk: BHC and DDT detected in over 85%
samples, with 21-48% above tolerance limits.
n. (plural)
Pesticides are a group of chemicals designed to control weeds, diseases, insects, fungi or other pests on crops, landscape or animals. Insecticides are the most commonly used forms for these chemicals.
These are commonly linked with consumption of these chemicals.
- cancer
- fertility problems
- brain tumor
- childhood leukemia
- non - hodgkins lymphoma
- birth defects
- irritation to the skin and eyes
- hormone endocrine problems
- nervous system damage
Reducing pesticide risk –
- select produce free of dirt, cuts, insect holes or any other signs of spoilage/
- wash thoroughly and try eating a variety of foods, keeping the amounts of each pesticide lower.
Application and health effects of pesticides commonly used in India
S.No. Pesticide Name What it is used for Health impacts
1. DDT Effective against wide variety of insects, including domestic insects and mosquitoes
Chronic liver damage cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, endocrine and reproductive disorders, immuno
suppression, cytogenic effects, breast cancer, Non hodkins lymphoma, polyneuritis.
2. Endosulfan It is used as a broad spectrum non systemic, contact and stomach insecticide,
and acaricide against insect pests on various crops Effects kidneys, developing foetus, and liver
Immuno-suppression, decrease in the quality of semen, increase in testicular and prostate cancer, increase
in defects in male sex organs, and increased incidence of breast cancer. It is also mutatagenic
3. Aldrin Effective against wireworms and to control termites Lung cancer, liver diseases
4. Dieldrin Used against ectoparasites such as blowflies, ticks, lice and widely employed in
cattle and sheep dips. Also used to protect fabrics from moths, beetles and against carrot and cabbage
root flies/ Also used as seed dressing against wheat and bulbfly Liver diseases, Parkinson's &
Alzheimer's diseases
5. Heptachlor It controls soil inhibiting pests. Reproductive disorders, blood dyscariasis
6. Chlordane It is a contact, stomach and respiratory poison suitable for the control of soil
pests, white grubs and termites. Reproductive disorders, blood dyscariasis, brain cancer, Non
Hodkins lymphoma
7. Lindane It is used against sucking and biting pest and as smoke for control of pests in
grain sores. It is used as dust to control various soil pests.such as flea beetles and mushroom flies. It
is effective as soil dressing against the attack of soil insects Chronic liver damage-cirrhosis and
chronic hepatitis, endocrine and reproductive disorders, allergic dermatitis, breast cancer, Non hodkins
lymphoma, polyneuritis.
8. Fenitrothion It is a broad spectrum contact insecticide effective for the control of chewing
and sucking pests- locusts aphids, caterpillars and leaf hoppers. It is also used against domestic
insects and mosquitoes Human epidemiological evidence indicates fenitrothion causes eye effects
such as retinal degeneration and myopia. Chronic exposure to Fenitrothion can cause frontal
lobe impairment. Organo-phosphates are suspected of causing neurologic deficits.
9. Fenthion It is a persistent contact insecticide valuable against fruitflies, leaf hoppers, cereal
bugs, and weaverbirds in the tropics Fenthion may be mutagenic: causing genetic aberrations.
It may be a carcinogen
10. Parathion A contact insecticide and acaricide with some fumigant action. Very effective
against soil insects with high mammalian toxicity Parathion is a possible carcinogen
11. Profenofos Used for control of important cotton and vegetable pests. Used against chewing
and sucking insects and mites, cotton bollworms, aphids, cabbage looper and thrips Cholinesterase
inhibition and the associated neurological and neuromuscular effects
12. Phorate A systemic and contact insecticide employed for the control of aphids, carrot
fly, fruit fly and wireworm in potatoes Cholinesterase inhibition and the associated neurological
and neuromuscular effects
13. Malathion Widely used insecticide and acaricide used for the control of aphids thrips, red
spider mites, leafhoppers and thrips Malathion and its oxygen analog malaoxon are both quite
carcinogenic and have been linked with increased incidence of leukemia in mammals. Chronic
health effects include: suspected mutagen and teratogen, delayed neurotoxin, allergic reactions, behavioral
effects, ulcers, eye damage, abnormal brain waves and immuno-suppression
14. Monocrotofos A powerful contact and systemic insecticide and acaricide with a broad
spectrum of activity used to control pests on crops like cotton, rice, soyabean, maize, coffee, citrus
and potatoes Monocrotophos has also been shown to cause delayed neuropathy
15. Dimethoate. A systemic and contact insecticide and acaricide, effective against red spider
mites and thrips on most agricultural and horticultural crops Dimethoate might have carcinogenicity,
birth defects, reproductive toxicity and mutagenic effects
16. Chlorpyrifos A broad spectrum insecticide used against mosquitoes, fly larvae, cabbage
root fly, aphids, codling and wintermoths on fruit trees. It is also used in homes, restaurants against
cockroaches and other domestic pests. It is also used for the control of termites Chlorpyrifos has
chronic neurobehavioral effects like persistent headaches, blurred vision, unusual fatigue or muscle
weakness, and problems with mental function including memory, concentration, depression, and irritability.
17. Diazinon A contact insecticide effective against a number of soil, fruit, vegetable and
rice pests e.g. cabbage root, carrot and mushroom flies, aphids, spidermites, thrips and scale insects
domestic pests and livestock pests Non Hodkins lymphoma
18. Quinalphos A broad spectrum contact and systemic insecticides applied as a spray to control
pests in cereals, brassicas and other vegetables Anti-choline esterase
19. Triazophos Used against flies and insect pests of cerealos, maize, oilseed rape, brassicas,
carrots, weevils in peas and cut worms in potatoes and other crops Anti choline esterase
20. Ethion Used for the control of aphids and mites Impaired memory and concentration, disorientation,
severe depression, irritability, confusion, headache, speech difficulties, delayed reaction
times, nightmares, sleepwalking, and drowsiness or insomnia. An influenza-like condition with
headache, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and malaise
21. Acephate It is a systemic insecticide effective against chewing and sucking pests. It
is a possible human carcinogen and evidence of mutagenic effects and reproductive toxicity.
22. Fenvalerate It act contact and stomach poison. It controls the pests on crops of cotton, vegetables
and fruits. Reduction in weight.
23. Permethrin It is a stomach and contact insecticide effective against broad range of pests of
cotton, fruit and vegetable crops. Health risks found include genetic damage - cancer potential -
neurotoxic dangers to unborn children - and harm to marine life.
24. Cypermethrin It is a stomach and contact insecticide effective against broad range of
pests of cotton, fruit and vegetable crops. Cypermethrin is a possible human carcinogen.
25. Deltamethrin It is a potent insecticide effective as a contact and stomach poison against broad
range of pests of cotton, fruit and vegetable crops and store products. Potential endocrine disrupter
26. Carbaryl It is a contact insecticide and fruit thinner with a broad spectrum of activity effective
against many pests of fruits, vegetables and cotton. It is also used to control earthworms and
leather jackets in turf. Carbaryl may cause mutations (genetic changes) in living cells. It is a
possible teratogen & may damage the kidneys and nervous systems. Within the stomach produces
N-nitrocarbaryl, a well known carcinogen, Non-hodkins Lymphoma, brain cancer.
27. Carbofuran It is a broad spectrum systemic insecticide, acaricide and nematicide used
against insects, mites and incorporated in soil for control of soil insects and nematodes. Carbofuran
causes cholinesterase inhibition in both humans and animals, affecting nervous system function.
28. Aldicab It is a systemic insecticide, acaricide and nematicide which is formulated as
granules for soil incorporation. It is effective for control of aphids, nematodes,flea beetles, leaf miners,
thrips and white flies on a wide range of crops. Aldicarb is a cholinesterase inhibitor and so
can result in a variety of symptoms including weakness, blurred vision, headache, nausea, tearing,
sweating, and tremors.
29. Methomyl It is used as a soil and seed systemic insecticide applied as a foliar spray to control
aphids. Inhibition of cholinesterase, resulting in flu-like symptoms, such as weakness, lack of
appetite, and muscle aches.
30. 2, 4-D It is a selective systemic post emergence herbicide used for the control of many annual
broadleaf weeds in cereals, sugarcane and plantation crops. Twofold excess of all cancers
in Swedish railway workers, Non Hodkins Lymphoma
31. Butachlor It controls annual grasses and some broad leaved weeds in transplant and direct
seeded rice. It is applied as pre-emergence in EC formulations and as early post emergence in the
form of granules. Weight loss, weight changes in internal organs, reduced brain size together with
lesions.
32. Paraquat It is used as a plant dessicant effective against grasses. Parkinson's & Alzheimer's
diseases.
33. Simazine &Atrazine It is a persistent soil acting herbicide which in high concentrations acts
as total weed killer and in lower concentrations is used for selective control of germinating weeds
in a variety of crops - maize, sugarcane, pineapple, sorghum. It is also used for long term control of
annual grass and broad-leaved weeds in crops like citrus, coffee, tea and cocoa. Cancer of testes
34. Glyphosate It is a potent non-selective post emergence herbicide which kills mono and
dicotyledonous annual and perennial weeds No adverse effects.
35. Isoproturon It is used to control annual grass weeds in wheat rye and barley. Isoproturon
appears to be a tumour promoter rather than a complete carcinogen.
36. Trifluralin It is used for the control of annual grasses and broad leaved weeds in a wide
range of crops cotton, groundnuts, soyabeans, brassica, beans an cereals. Prolonged or repeated
skin contact with trifluralin may cause allergic dermatitis . Other effects include decreased red blood
cell counts and increases in methemoglobin, total serum lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol. It has
been shown to cause liver and kidney damage in other studies of chronic oral exposure in animals .
37. Mancozeb It is a protective fungicide, effective against a wide range of foliage disease.
Ethylenethiourea (ETU) in the course of mancozeb metabolism and production has the potential to
cause goiter, a condition in which the thyroid gland is enlarged, this metabolite has produced birth
defects and cancer in experimental animals
38. Captan It is a foliage fungicide with protective action . It is mainly used for seed treatment
and soil fungicide. Captan is a possible carcinogen and mutagen
39. Captafol It is a protective, wide spectrum foliage and soil fungicide. Captafol has
oncogenic potential (potential to cause cancer)
40. Carbendazim It is a systemic fungicide which controls wide range of pathogens of cereals ,
fruits, grapes ornamentals and vegetables. It is very effective against leaf and ear disease of wheat.
It disrupts the production of sperm and damages testicular development in adult rats. Carbendazim
is also a teratogen ¬ damaging development of mammals in the womb.
• ITRC has found heavy metals in all the
major rivers of India.
Food commodities :51% contaminated with
pesticide residues, 20% above MRL. (ICMR)
Farmgate vegetables: 55.1% contaminated, 9.5%
over MRL (IARI)
Infant milk: arsenic, cadmium.lead, copper, zinc
detected in 50 to 100% samples. Arsenic and
cadmium 8 times ADI. (ICMR)
Canned fruits: arsenic, cadmium in 15 –32%
samples. Lead, copper, zinc and tin in 81 to 100 %
samples. Lead exceed PFA limits in 4.5% and tin in
2.3%.
Bovine milk: BHC and DDT detected in over 85%
samples, with 21-48% above tolerance limits.
DIY part3
DIY part 3 – The bio pest control – companion planting, crop rotation , Good bugs and attracting birds. Knowing your plant diseases – garlic, neem sprays etc.
Tender greens appreciate a little shelter from the scorching summer sun. Constructing this sturdy shade tent is a quick and easy way to extend your harvest of crops that prefer cooler weather. As fall moves in, you can swap out the shade cloth for row-cover fabric to keep your crops out of the cold.
you will need:
• 1/2- or 3/4-inch-diameter durable plastic tubing
• 18-inch bamboo or rebar stakes (2 for each tubing arch)
• 72-inch-wide, 30 to 50 percent shade cloth, cut to the length of the bed
• Garden clips (3 for each tubing arch: medium size for 1/2-inch tubing; large for 3/4-inch tubing)
1. Cut the tubing into 5- to 6-foot lengths, or lengths that will allow the tubing to arch about a foot above your plants.
2. Pound the stakes into the ground along the sides of the bed so that about 10 inches of each stake is exposed. Position them across from each other, every 3 to 4 feet.
3. Arch the tubing over the bed and secure it by sliding the ends over the stakes.
4. Drape your shade cloth over the arches, allowing the fabric to cover the entire bed. Cut to fit.
5. Attach the shade cloth to the tubing with the clips--instant shade in your sunny garden!
Now that plants are up and about, try taking some care of them.
Apart from the mulching and the regular poking around in the garden, you’ll be able to prevent any other problems by knowing what they could be.
Keep these in mind as well –
- feed the plant with fertilizer and water – but do not over feed. Check the soil and plant before you put in either. Water the plants in the sun more frequently.
- Rule of thumb - flowering plants need more light while foliage and ferns do well in shade.
- Repot plants once a year and watch out for them getting too cramped up in the pots. Give the bigger plants bigger pots.
Common bugs and Treatments
Aphids
They are the small white, green, black, brown or organge pest which form clusters on tips of leaves and flower buds.
- a strong spray of water/ a good shower for the plant.
Mealy bugs –
Tiny tufts of white cotton in sheltered are of stems or underside of leaves.
- apply alcohol to individual mealybugs with a cotton swabs.
Scales – Sticky specks on leaves and stems.
- Rub these off or sun the plant out.
Whiteflies – White specks hanging around your plant.
- Spray with neem/ Garlic spray
Mites – Too small to see, but a fine rubbing over damages and mottled, stippled leaves indicates their presence.
- Strong spray of water is enough.
Or prevent these completely by mixing these up with your crops.
To Repel Ants
• Catnip
• Mint
To Repel Aphids
• Catnip
• Chives keep aphids away from tomatoes , grapes
• Dill
• Garlic keeps aphids off roses.
• Coriander
• Mint
• Nasturtiums deter wooly aphids
• Peppermint
• Petunia, not all aphids
To Repel Asparagus Beetle
• Petunia
To Repel Bean Beetles
• Rosemary
To Repel Beetles
• Hemp
• Sage
To Repel Black Fly
• Rhubarb keeps black fly off beans
To Repel Cabbage Moth
• Mint deters white cabbage moth
• Oregano repels cabbage butterfly from broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
• Peppermint deters white cabbage moth
• Rosemary
• Sage
To Repel Cabbage Worm
• Geranium
• Thyme
To Repel Carrot Fly
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Rosemary
• Beetles
To Repel Chinch Bug
• Soybean
To Repel Cucumber Beetle
• Nasturtiums
• Oregano to repel cucumber beetle from cucumber
• Radish
To Repel Fish Moth
• Rue
To Repel Fleas
• Lavender
• Mint
To Repel Flea Beetles
• Peppermint
• Mint
• Rue
• Sage repels black flea beetles
To Repel Flies
• Basil
To Repel Hornworm
•
• Opal Basil
To Repel Japanese Beetle
• Chives
• Garlic
• Geranium
• Soybean
To Repel Japanese Rust Fly
• Chives
To Repel Leafhoppers
• Petunias
To Repel Mexican Bean Beetle
• Petunia
To Repel Mice
• Catnip
• Mint deters rodents
To Repel Mosquitoes
• Basil
To Repel Moths
• Lavendar
To Repel Nematodes
• Marigolds
• Chrysanthemums
• Dahlias
To Repel Onion Maggot
• Rue
To Repel Potato Beetle
• Coriander
• Horseradish
To Repel Root Maggots
• Garlic
To Repel Rust Fly
• Radish
To Repel Slugs
• Rue
To Repel Snails
• Garlic
• Rue
To Repel Spider Mites
• Coriander
• Dill
To Repel Squash Bug
• Nasturtiums
• Radish
To Repel Thrips
• Basil
To Repel Tomato Worms
• Petunia
To Repel Weevils
• Catnip
To Repel Whiteflies
• Nasturtiums
Spiders are beneficial inhabitants of any garden, ecosystem, or home because of their important contributions to biological control of pest insects. Spiders are considered to be the most important terrestrial predators, eating tons of pest insects or other small arthropods every year. Spiders are generalist predators that are willing to eat almost any insect they can catch. They are abundant and found in most habitats. They only need to be left alone!
Get them bugs and them birds.
Some good insects and birds eat up and chase away the rest. And the rest help in pollination, so welcome them into your garden. Here are some things to do –
- Don' t use chemicals around the garden.
- Keep the armies of ants in check with vinegar.
- Add a few shallow bowls of water with pebbles sand and seeds, rice, dry corn and broken wheat around the garden – within the beds and tree branches.
The good bugs – lace wings to kill aphids, praying mantises, bees, lady bugs, wasps and beetles.
Butterflies are nice but the caterpillars aren’t.
Look out for yellow globules on or under the leaves – clean them out or pluck out the leaves.
Bio medicines-
Most bugs can be kept away with few strong sprays of water on the plants. But these make for nice medicinal sprays –
Sulfur, lime, neem, onion, marigolds and garlic.
Spray only the plants that show signs of diseases or infections
To make garlic spray –
Combine 3 part minced garlic cloves with of 1 part mineral oil and soak for 24 hours. Strain and dilute it with water and its ready to use.
A saucer filled with beer in the beds keeps the snails away.
Woodash which makes for a great fertilizer, get it from the dhobis.
Mulching keeps the weeds away and keep the plants from getting too wet.
Rotation of crops can be good to keep diseases in control as well, pretty much in this order –
Legumes (peas and beans) – brassicas (lettuce, broccoli, leafy vegetable) - Heavy crops (tomato, egg plant, capsicum, pumpkin, sweet corn) – root crops (potatoes, carrots etc)
Tender greens appreciate a little shelter from the scorching summer sun. Constructing this sturdy shade tent is a quick and easy way to extend your harvest of crops that prefer cooler weather. As fall moves in, you can swap out the shade cloth for row-cover fabric to keep your crops out of the cold.
you will need:
• 1/2- or 3/4-inch-diameter durable plastic tubing
• 18-inch bamboo or rebar stakes (2 for each tubing arch)
• 72-inch-wide, 30 to 50 percent shade cloth, cut to the length of the bed
• Garden clips (3 for each tubing arch: medium size for 1/2-inch tubing; large for 3/4-inch tubing)
1. Cut the tubing into 5- to 6-foot lengths, or lengths that will allow the tubing to arch about a foot above your plants.
2. Pound the stakes into the ground along the sides of the bed so that about 10 inches of each stake is exposed. Position them across from each other, every 3 to 4 feet.
3. Arch the tubing over the bed and secure it by sliding the ends over the stakes.
4. Drape your shade cloth over the arches, allowing the fabric to cover the entire bed. Cut to fit.
5. Attach the shade cloth to the tubing with the clips--instant shade in your sunny garden!
Now that plants are up and about, try taking some care of them.
Apart from the mulching and the regular poking around in the garden, you’ll be able to prevent any other problems by knowing what they could be.
Keep these in mind as well –
- feed the plant with fertilizer and water – but do not over feed. Check the soil and plant before you put in either. Water the plants in the sun more frequently.
- Rule of thumb - flowering plants need more light while foliage and ferns do well in shade.
- Repot plants once a year and watch out for them getting too cramped up in the pots. Give the bigger plants bigger pots.
Common bugs and Treatments
Aphids
They are the small white, green, black, brown or organge pest which form clusters on tips of leaves and flower buds.
- a strong spray of water/ a good shower for the plant.
Mealy bugs –
Tiny tufts of white cotton in sheltered are of stems or underside of leaves.
- apply alcohol to individual mealybugs with a cotton swabs.
Scales – Sticky specks on leaves and stems.
- Rub these off or sun the plant out.
Whiteflies – White specks hanging around your plant.
- Spray with neem/ Garlic spray
Mites – Too small to see, but a fine rubbing over damages and mottled, stippled leaves indicates their presence.
- Strong spray of water is enough.
Or prevent these completely by mixing these up with your crops.
To Repel Ants
• Catnip
• Mint
To Repel Aphids
• Catnip
• Chives keep aphids away from tomatoes , grapes
• Dill
• Garlic keeps aphids off roses.
• Coriander
• Mint
• Nasturtiums deter wooly aphids
• Peppermint
• Petunia, not all aphids
To Repel Asparagus Beetle
• Petunia
To Repel Bean Beetles
• Rosemary
To Repel Beetles
• Hemp
• Sage
To Repel Black Fly
• Rhubarb keeps black fly off beans
To Repel Cabbage Moth
• Mint deters white cabbage moth
• Oregano repels cabbage butterfly from broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
• Peppermint deters white cabbage moth
• Rosemary
• Sage
To Repel Cabbage Worm
• Geranium
• Thyme
To Repel Carrot Fly
• Garlic
• Leeks
• Rosemary
• Beetles
To Repel Chinch Bug
• Soybean
To Repel Cucumber Beetle
• Nasturtiums
• Oregano to repel cucumber beetle from cucumber
• Radish
To Repel Fish Moth
• Rue
To Repel Fleas
• Lavender
• Mint
To Repel Flea Beetles
• Peppermint
• Mint
• Rue
• Sage repels black flea beetles
To Repel Flies
• Basil
To Repel Hornworm
•
• Opal Basil
To Repel Japanese Beetle
• Chives
• Garlic
• Geranium
• Soybean
To Repel Japanese Rust Fly
• Chives
To Repel Leafhoppers
• Petunias
To Repel Mexican Bean Beetle
• Petunia
To Repel Mice
• Catnip
• Mint deters rodents
To Repel Mosquitoes
• Basil
To Repel Moths
• Lavendar
To Repel Nematodes
• Marigolds
• Chrysanthemums
• Dahlias
To Repel Onion Maggot
• Rue
To Repel Potato Beetle
• Coriander
• Horseradish
To Repel Root Maggots
• Garlic
To Repel Rust Fly
• Radish
To Repel Slugs
• Rue
To Repel Snails
• Garlic
• Rue
To Repel Spider Mites
• Coriander
• Dill
To Repel Squash Bug
• Nasturtiums
• Radish
To Repel Thrips
• Basil
To Repel Tomato Worms
• Petunia
To Repel Weevils
• Catnip
To Repel Whiteflies
• Nasturtiums
Spiders are beneficial inhabitants of any garden, ecosystem, or home because of their important contributions to biological control of pest insects. Spiders are considered to be the most important terrestrial predators, eating tons of pest insects or other small arthropods every year. Spiders are generalist predators that are willing to eat almost any insect they can catch. They are abundant and found in most habitats. They only need to be left alone!
Get them bugs and them birds.
Some good insects and birds eat up and chase away the rest. And the rest help in pollination, so welcome them into your garden. Here are some things to do –
- Don' t use chemicals around the garden.
- Keep the armies of ants in check with vinegar.
- Add a few shallow bowls of water with pebbles sand and seeds, rice, dry corn and broken wheat around the garden – within the beds and tree branches.
The good bugs – lace wings to kill aphids, praying mantises, bees, lady bugs, wasps and beetles.
Butterflies are nice but the caterpillars aren’t.
Look out for yellow globules on or under the leaves – clean them out or pluck out the leaves.
Bio medicines-
Most bugs can be kept away with few strong sprays of water on the plants. But these make for nice medicinal sprays –
Sulfur, lime, neem, onion, marigolds and garlic.
Spray only the plants that show signs of diseases or infections
To make garlic spray –
Combine 3 part minced garlic cloves with of 1 part mineral oil and soak for 24 hours. Strain and dilute it with water and its ready to use.
A saucer filled with beer in the beds keeps the snails away.
Woodash which makes for a great fertilizer, get it from the dhobis.
Mulching keeps the weeds away and keep the plants from getting too wet.
Rotation of crops can be good to keep diseases in control as well, pretty much in this order –
Legumes (peas and beans) – brassicas (lettuce, broccoli, leafy vegetable) - Heavy crops (tomato, egg plant, capsicum, pumpkin, sweet corn) – root crops (potatoes, carrots etc)
Whats on my food?
All that hardwork isn’t in vain. This should give you enough reason to go all out in your garden.
Pick your poison.
Food product Contaminant pesticides
Apples Diphenylamine, Captan, Endosulfan, Phosmet, Azinphos-methyl
Bananas Diazinon, Thiabendazone, Carbaryl
Bell Peppers Methamidophos, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethoate, Acephate, Endosulfan
Broccoli DCPA, Methamidophos, Demeton, Dimethoate, Parathion
Cabbage Methamidophos, Dimethoate, Fenvalerate, Permethrin, BHC
Cantaloupes Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Chlorothalonil, Dimethoate, Methyl Parathion
Carrots DDT, Trifluralin, Parathion, Diazinon, Dieldrin
Cauliflower Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Dimethoate, Chlorothalonil, Diazion
Celery Dicloran, Chlorothalonil, Endosulfan, Acephate, Methamidophos
Cherries Parathion, Malathion, Captan, Dicloran, Diazinon
Corn Sulfallate, Carbaryl, Chlorpyrifos, Dieldrin, Lindane
Cucumbers Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Dieldrin, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethoate
Grapefruit Thiabendazole, Ethion, Methidathion, Chlorobenzilate, Carbaryl
Grapes Captan, Dimethoate, Dicloran, Carbaryl, Iprodione
Green Beans Dimethoate, Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Acephate, Chlorothalonil
Lettuce Mevinphos, Endosulfan, Permethrin, Dimethoate, Methomyl
Onions DCPA, DDT, Ethion, Diazinon, Malathion
Oranges Methidathion, Chlorpyrifos, Ethion, Parathin, Carbary
Peaches Dicloran, Captan, Parathion, Carbaryl, Endosulfan
Pears Azinphos-methyl, Cyhexatin, Phosmet, Endosulfan, Ethion
Potatoes DDT, Chlorpropham, Dieldrin, Aldicarb, Chlordane
Spinach Endosuslfan, DDT, Methomyl, Methamidophos, Dimethoate
Strawberries Captan, Vinclozolin, Endosulfan, Methamidophos, Methyl Parathion
Sweet Potatoes Dicloran, DDT, Phosmet, Dieldrin, BHC
Tomatoes Methamidophos, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorothalonilo, Permethrin, Dimethoate
Watermelon Methamidophos, Chlorothalonil, Dimethoate, Carbaryl, Captan
Whys that so bad?
Trade name Long-term effects
Camphechlor Cancer suspect, toxic to fish, very persistent
Chlordane/Heptachlor Leukemia suspect, toxic to wildlife, very persistent
Chlordimeform Cancer suspect, bladder damage, toxic to wildlife
DBCP Cancer risk, male sterility, persists in water
DDT Cancer causing, damage to liver, nerve, brain, extremely persistent, toxic to wildlife
Aldrin/Dieldrin/Endrin Cancer suspect, birth defects, very persistent, toxic to wildlife
EDB Potent cancer cause, birth defects, lung, liver damage, very persistent
BHC/Lindane Proven cancer cause, miscarriage, leukemia suspect, very persistent, toxic to fish
Paraquat No antidote, lung scarring
Endosulfan Nervous system damage
PCP Nervous system damage, liver damage, skin disease
2,4,5-T Potent cancer cause, birth defects, toxic to fish, very persistent
In Memory.
Pick your poison.
Food product Contaminant pesticides
Apples Diphenylamine, Captan, Endosulfan, Phosmet, Azinphos-methyl
Bananas Diazinon, Thiabendazone, Carbaryl
Bell Peppers Methamidophos, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethoate, Acephate, Endosulfan
Broccoli DCPA, Methamidophos, Demeton, Dimethoate, Parathion
Cabbage Methamidophos, Dimethoate, Fenvalerate, Permethrin, BHC
Cantaloupes Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Chlorothalonil, Dimethoate, Methyl Parathion
Carrots DDT, Trifluralin, Parathion, Diazinon, Dieldrin
Cauliflower Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Dimethoate, Chlorothalonil, Diazion
Celery Dicloran, Chlorothalonil, Endosulfan, Acephate, Methamidophos
Cherries Parathion, Malathion, Captan, Dicloran, Diazinon
Corn Sulfallate, Carbaryl, Chlorpyrifos, Dieldrin, Lindane
Cucumbers Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Dieldrin, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethoate
Grapefruit Thiabendazole, Ethion, Methidathion, Chlorobenzilate, Carbaryl
Grapes Captan, Dimethoate, Dicloran, Carbaryl, Iprodione
Green Beans Dimethoate, Methamidophos, Endosulfan, Acephate, Chlorothalonil
Lettuce Mevinphos, Endosulfan, Permethrin, Dimethoate, Methomyl
Onions DCPA, DDT, Ethion, Diazinon, Malathion
Oranges Methidathion, Chlorpyrifos, Ethion, Parathin, Carbary
Peaches Dicloran, Captan, Parathion, Carbaryl, Endosulfan
Pears Azinphos-methyl, Cyhexatin, Phosmet, Endosulfan, Ethion
Potatoes DDT, Chlorpropham, Dieldrin, Aldicarb, Chlordane
Spinach Endosuslfan, DDT, Methomyl, Methamidophos, Dimethoate
Strawberries Captan, Vinclozolin, Endosulfan, Methamidophos, Methyl Parathion
Sweet Potatoes Dicloran, DDT, Phosmet, Dieldrin, BHC
Tomatoes Methamidophos, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorothalonilo, Permethrin, Dimethoate
Watermelon Methamidophos, Chlorothalonil, Dimethoate, Carbaryl, Captan
Whys that so bad?
Trade name Long-term effects
Camphechlor Cancer suspect, toxic to fish, very persistent
Chlordane/Heptachlor Leukemia suspect, toxic to wildlife, very persistent
Chlordimeform Cancer suspect, bladder damage, toxic to wildlife
DBCP Cancer risk, male sterility, persists in water
DDT Cancer causing, damage to liver, nerve, brain, extremely persistent, toxic to wildlife
Aldrin/Dieldrin/Endrin Cancer suspect, birth defects, very persistent, toxic to wildlife
EDB Potent cancer cause, birth defects, lung, liver damage, very persistent
BHC/Lindane Proven cancer cause, miscarriage, leukemia suspect, very persistent, toxic to fish
Paraquat No antidote, lung scarring
Endosulfan Nervous system damage
PCP Nervous system damage, liver damage, skin disease
2,4,5-T Potent cancer cause, birth defects, toxic to fish, very persistent
In Memory.
DIY part 2
8. DIY part2 – Lists of plants and trees to grow in the frontyard, backyard, herb garden, Build frame for creepers, Plant saplings into trays, Potatoes in tyres – How to transplant young plants and Trees. Building raised beds, rockeries. Build your vegetable shade for the summer.
Parts of a plant.
Roots- Absorption of water and minerals. Root hairs increase surface area for more absorption of water.
Stem - Contains vessels that transport water and other nutrients from the roots upwards and food from the leaves downwards.
Leaves - Produce food with the aid of sunlight, water and air. Also contain pores through which the plant breathes.
Flowers - The reproductive organs of the plant.
Fruits - The child bearing the seed. To feed the rest.
The human - To eat and spread the seeds around.
Parts of a flower -
The female - pistil (stigma, style and ovary)
The male - Stamen
Pollination- When the pollen is transferred from the insects or the wind from the anther of the stamen to the stigma of the pistil thus fertilizing the ovaries. Thus the fruit and the seed are formed.
The human body and structure.
Both were created to live, breathe and produce till eternity in harmony with the laws of nature.
Nutrients needed by the plant - these from the sun and the soil.
Nitrogen - For the green.
Potassium - For the colors and immunity. It aids the development of sugar and starches in the plant.
Phosphorous for a healthy root system - young plants and seedlings need it the most.
Stages of plant growth - THE seed, Seedling, The plant.
Stages of human growth - The unborn child, The child, The person.
Label your garden – Plant a paper.
To choose the perfect plants – Take a walk around nearby botanical gardens and nursery to see which plants grow well around.
There are many kinds of gardens –
Roof gardens, lawn gardens, pot garden.
An urban garden in a big house could be planned something like this –
(you can pick and choose and adjust according to time and space constraints – most of everything other than bigger trees can be grown in pots and raise beds)
There are various ways to shape your beds as well.
A few examples –
Rectangular – this is a classical way of doing things by planting things in rows. It isn’t too great for tight spaces.
Hillock – Is a better way of using up space and calls for intensive planting of crops.
Keyhole – Uses a circular mandala pattern and expands from the centre outwards.
Frontyard plants and trees.
Ornamental Trees – Potato tree, Champa, gulmohar, cork.
Groundcover – Wandering Jew, Sweet potato, Green gram.
The tiny plants –
Impatiens – perennial / shade plant
Chrsanthemums – perennial/ sunlight
Dahlia (grown from bulbs) – perennial/ sunlight
Candy tufts – annual/ sunlight
Marigolds – Ditto
Cosmos – Ditto
Taller plants
Hollyhocks – annual/ sunlight
Bushes (smaller and low lying) – do well in rockeries, hanging pots and make for excellent groundcover)
Zinias – Annual/ sunlight
Petunias – Annual/ Sunlight
Nasturtiums – Annual/ sunlight
Creepers – (Train these along walls and fences, around taller trees or around columns of the house)
Bouganvillea – perennial/ sunlight
Jackmontia – ditto
Rangoon creeper – ditto
Jasmine creeper – ditto
Passion flower.
Bigger bushes and plants.
Hibiscus (fountain, Hawaiian hybrid, Orleander), Heleconias, Poinsettias.
Aromatic plants –
Chameli
Rat ki rani.
Air cleaning plants –
These plants filter most of the air pollutants and provide fresh clean oxygen for the house. So plant them in and around the house in pots.)
Areca palms, rubber plant, dwarf date palm.
Your front yard would look something like this.
The rockery and the pool –
Build your rockery –
- Gather big stones and rocks.
- Lay them around to outline the shape you want for your rockery.
- Fill up the hollow with soil, mulch and compost.
Layer this with smaller rocks on top and fill with soil for higher level planting.
Level one – low lying shrubs and ferns. Nasturtium, impatiens are great for these.
Palms – bananas and papayas – grow a heleconia next to it.
If you want a little pool – grow lilies and lotuses.
The strawberries and bamboo patches can form one side of the house.
Strawberries – perennials – can be grown easily from seeds or saplings.
Plant the seeds nice and deep in well drained soil. These can be grown in concrete pots, planting one or two plants in each pot. These can be grown in the same patch as greem grams or other legumes. Fertilize the soil with nitrogen before planting and once after the crop begins to grow and once after the first fruit comes in.
There are different kinds of strawberries and Bangalore has a variety named after itself. So go and choose the ever bearers or the Bangalore variety. Water and mulch well. Enjoy yummy sweet strawberries.
Bamboos – Easily grown from root clippings. These spread easily over the beds and appreciate space, plenty of mulch and water.
Rule of thumb – never plant the seed in a hole deeper than thrice its size.
Cover lightly with soil and compost.
The creeper vegetables –
Build an archway to look something like this.
Or simply provide the creeper with strong support and train them against the walls.
Bottle gourd,
Cucumber,
Ridge gourd,
Bitter gourd.
These annuals can be planted directed into the pot or narrow strips of soil.
- Grow in sandy to loam soil - takes 55 - 70 days to mature and can be grown in pots, rows - 2ft apart in rows 4-6' apart.
The trees to grow
- Mango
- Guava/ pomegranate
- Drumsticks + lemon/ curry leaves tree.
All of these are hardy and can be grown from a bought young plant or seed.
To transplant a tree from pot to its bed, crack open the clay pot, keep all the soil around the roots, and make sure the young tree isn’t buried too deep in the ditch, none of the leaves should be buried under or touching the soil.
For the Vegetable bed –
These need to be grown in trays till they are tiny little plants and then transplanted to pots or beds.
These need to be grown in trays till saplings bear a few true leaves: (bush)
The saplings are grown in shade and then shifted to pots/ beds.
The ideal time to make this shift would be when the plant is 4 - 6'' high.
Refer back to page. For ideal soil for pots and trays.
Brinjals, Capsicum, Chillies and Celery are other bush vegetable which needs transplanting from trays to pots/ beds.
Tomatoes- 2-3 months maturation period, warm weather crops... the plants are deeply rooted. They need 6- 8 weeks in the nursery - mulch well, provide suppost for young plants and keep them away from legumes. Not too many nutrients are needed.
(Petunia’s grown in tomato beds would do the crop some good)
Eggplants - (similar to tomatoes) - 3- 4 weeks germination period, The period of wait from sowing to trasplanting to pot/ beds - 10 weeks. Takes 3 months to mature - Eggplants are ornamental plants as well... Harvest the crop regularly.
Celery- Cool weather crop, Plant in mid summer in a shaded area and harvest in cool fall weather. The plants should be grown in a nursery for 10 weeks before shifting to pots/ beds. Plant in well drained moist soil. Give the crop 8 inch deep cavities and plant the sapling nearer to the surface 8 - 10'' apart.
Leeks- (similar to onions) - Grow first in trays - 100 days maturation period - Transplant when 4'' high - 4'' apart and give a steady supply of water. No fertilization is necessary.
Chillies and capsicums can be grown similarly.
These can be planted directly as seeds/ bulbs into the beds or pots.
Onions - Sandy to loam soil, needs Bone meal and potassium as inputs and can be grown from bulbs or seeds. The seeds have a longer maturation period ( 4 months)... Dry onion bulbs mature in 95 days.
Plant in rows 15 - 18'' apart. Steady supply of water. when the top leaves being to yellow simply bend the plant over to the ground.
Peas - sow directly into the soil in winter - 60 to 80 days of maturation period. loamy soil, well drained- water the soil before planting the seeds. Harvest regularly and use garlic spray.
Radishes- cool weather crop - And takes three weks to a month to mature. Require light sandy to loam soil. Sow in early spring or when cooler weather begins.
Liquid fish/ bloodmeal - 1: gallon of water if the soil is infertile.
Spinach and fenugreek- Light well dug bed - cool, The sowing period should be cool and moist - 45-50 days maturing period. Like lettuce these can be sown repeatedly every 2 weeks
Beans - warm weather crop - plant inch deep in soil, 3'' apart, rows should be 2 - 3' apart. Mulch and fertilize only till the beans start growing. (2 - 3 months)
Beetroots - cool weather crop, mild winters are good too. Fertilize soil with bone meal before planting. 55- 80 days maturation period. Plant 3'' apart and sprinkle with water regularly. These require light fertilization and mulching. The plants are 5- 6'' high.
Carrots - Similar to beets, can endure warmer weather - they mature 65- 75 days from sowing. They need light sandy - loam soil... fed well with organic matter.
Pumpkin patch and melon beds for the corners
Squash and Pumpkins- Same soil as cucumbers - summer cros takes 60 - 65 days to mature and the winter crop takes twice as long. The summer crop should be harvested a little before the squash matures.
Water the summer squash well in rows 5' apart and the seeds should be planted 2' apart.
Melons - grown in rounded raised beds - sandy to loam soil, well watered. Plant the seeds 6'' - 10'' apart and 6'' deep.
Light mulching and avoid too much watering after the fruits appear.
Some tips :
Interplant root crops (carrots, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes) with crop plants.
Intersperse these with herbs, nasturtiums, petunias and marigolds to keep insects and diseases away.
Marigolds in melon and pumpkin patches are great as well.
Grow leafy vegetables with mint/oregano/ thyme.
Your herb garden in the kitchen.
Ideal soil for herbs – 1 part soil, 1 part coarse sand, 1 part peat moss/ mulch/ compost.
Pack the soil in loosely and fertilize with bone meal before planting.
Coriander – Grow in pots/ beds with chillies on the periphery.
Basil – Tall herb – give it a slightly deeper pot. Choose a Sunny – semi shaded spot.
Goes great with tomatoes.
To store – dry and crumble.
Chives – These are pretty and grass like with real pretty flowers. Plant in rows 1/8 in deep with one seed every two inches.
To store – cut and freeze.
Yummy on omelettes, and sourcream on bread.
Dill – Again a tall herb, These are annual so have to plan them each year. Plant them in pots with 8 in diameter – 10- 12 inches deep. Plant 6 – 8 in one pot, 1 inch apart. Water once a week.
Dry, store and freeze.
Yum yum in chicken broth and roasts.
Mint – This grows better outdoors, don’t pluck them till they are 10 – 12 inches high.
Don’t store it.
Tastes better infused fresh into dips, dishes and drinks.
Parsley – Grow this herb in pots and use mulch well.
Use this to garnish soups, salad s and chop them up and use in egg sandwiches.
Freeze them to keep them fresh.
Rosemary – This grows in dryer soil – use humus, water once a week till its 3 – 4 inches high. And then once every two week.
Dry and store.
Use in meats and gravies.
Thyme – These are happy herbs to have around and grow pretty flowers. They appreciate loamy soil, plenty of sunlight and good weather.
Plant the seeds ¼ inches deep, 2 inches apart, keeping the rows 18 inches apart. Mulch regularly and water every few weeks.
Use with fish and chicken.
Sources – My own herb garden – Allan A. Swenson.
Sunset’s guide to organic gardening.
Potatoes in tyres/ large empty barrels.
These are cool season plant . Cool season plants.
Bury cut up eyes of the potato in a soil trench and cover with mulch, ferlizer and light and loamy soil. As the sprout appears over the soil cover up with soil again. Repeat process till the soil fills up till the top. You now have a barrel full of potatoes.
Tips from a certain gardener –
You can easily gather seeds from vegetable like tomatoes, beans and chillies. Simply store the harvested crop till its slightly soggy and inedible, break open and spread into the soil.
For beans, Dry them up first within the pods, break the pods open and dry the beans within again and then plant back into the soil.
For garlic, simply take one clove, plant it into the soil the thinner side up.
Parts of a plant.
Roots- Absorption of water and minerals. Root hairs increase surface area for more absorption of water.
Stem - Contains vessels that transport water and other nutrients from the roots upwards and food from the leaves downwards.
Leaves - Produce food with the aid of sunlight, water and air. Also contain pores through which the plant breathes.
Flowers - The reproductive organs of the plant.
Fruits - The child bearing the seed. To feed the rest.
The human - To eat and spread the seeds around.
Parts of a flower -
The female - pistil (stigma, style and ovary)
The male - Stamen
Pollination- When the pollen is transferred from the insects or the wind from the anther of the stamen to the stigma of the pistil thus fertilizing the ovaries. Thus the fruit and the seed are formed.
The human body and structure.
Both were created to live, breathe and produce till eternity in harmony with the laws of nature.
Nutrients needed by the plant - these from the sun and the soil.
Nitrogen - For the green.
Potassium - For the colors and immunity. It aids the development of sugar and starches in the plant.
Phosphorous for a healthy root system - young plants and seedlings need it the most.
Stages of plant growth - THE seed, Seedling, The plant.
Stages of human growth - The unborn child, The child, The person.
Label your garden – Plant a paper.
To choose the perfect plants – Take a walk around nearby botanical gardens and nursery to see which plants grow well around.
There are many kinds of gardens –
Roof gardens, lawn gardens, pot garden.
An urban garden in a big house could be planned something like this –
(you can pick and choose and adjust according to time and space constraints – most of everything other than bigger trees can be grown in pots and raise beds)
There are various ways to shape your beds as well.
A few examples –
Rectangular – this is a classical way of doing things by planting things in rows. It isn’t too great for tight spaces.
Hillock – Is a better way of using up space and calls for intensive planting of crops.
Keyhole – Uses a circular mandala pattern and expands from the centre outwards.
Frontyard plants and trees.
Ornamental Trees – Potato tree, Champa, gulmohar, cork.
Groundcover – Wandering Jew, Sweet potato, Green gram.
The tiny plants –
Impatiens – perennial / shade plant
Chrsanthemums – perennial/ sunlight
Dahlia (grown from bulbs) – perennial/ sunlight
Candy tufts – annual/ sunlight
Marigolds – Ditto
Cosmos – Ditto
Taller plants
Hollyhocks – annual/ sunlight
Bushes (smaller and low lying) – do well in rockeries, hanging pots and make for excellent groundcover)
Zinias – Annual/ sunlight
Petunias – Annual/ Sunlight
Nasturtiums – Annual/ sunlight
Creepers – (Train these along walls and fences, around taller trees or around columns of the house)
Bouganvillea – perennial/ sunlight
Jackmontia – ditto
Rangoon creeper – ditto
Jasmine creeper – ditto
Passion flower.
Bigger bushes and plants.
Hibiscus (fountain, Hawaiian hybrid, Orleander), Heleconias, Poinsettias.
Aromatic plants –
Chameli
Rat ki rani.
Air cleaning plants –
These plants filter most of the air pollutants and provide fresh clean oxygen for the house. So plant them in and around the house in pots.)
Areca palms, rubber plant, dwarf date palm.
Your front yard would look something like this.
The rockery and the pool –
Build your rockery –
- Gather big stones and rocks.
- Lay them around to outline the shape you want for your rockery.
- Fill up the hollow with soil, mulch and compost.
Layer this with smaller rocks on top and fill with soil for higher level planting.
Level one – low lying shrubs and ferns. Nasturtium, impatiens are great for these.
Palms – bananas and papayas – grow a heleconia next to it.
If you want a little pool – grow lilies and lotuses.
The strawberries and bamboo patches can form one side of the house.
Strawberries – perennials – can be grown easily from seeds or saplings.
Plant the seeds nice and deep in well drained soil. These can be grown in concrete pots, planting one or two plants in each pot. These can be grown in the same patch as greem grams or other legumes. Fertilize the soil with nitrogen before planting and once after the crop begins to grow and once after the first fruit comes in.
There are different kinds of strawberries and Bangalore has a variety named after itself. So go and choose the ever bearers or the Bangalore variety. Water and mulch well. Enjoy yummy sweet strawberries.
Bamboos – Easily grown from root clippings. These spread easily over the beds and appreciate space, plenty of mulch and water.
Rule of thumb – never plant the seed in a hole deeper than thrice its size.
Cover lightly with soil and compost.
The creeper vegetables –
Build an archway to look something like this.
Or simply provide the creeper with strong support and train them against the walls.
Bottle gourd,
Cucumber,
Ridge gourd,
Bitter gourd.
These annuals can be planted directed into the pot or narrow strips of soil.
- Grow in sandy to loam soil - takes 55 - 70 days to mature and can be grown in pots, rows - 2ft apart in rows 4-6' apart.
The trees to grow
- Mango
- Guava/ pomegranate
- Drumsticks + lemon/ curry leaves tree.
All of these are hardy and can be grown from a bought young plant or seed.
To transplant a tree from pot to its bed, crack open the clay pot, keep all the soil around the roots, and make sure the young tree isn’t buried too deep in the ditch, none of the leaves should be buried under or touching the soil.
For the Vegetable bed –
These need to be grown in trays till they are tiny little plants and then transplanted to pots or beds.
These need to be grown in trays till saplings bear a few true leaves: (bush)
The saplings are grown in shade and then shifted to pots/ beds.
The ideal time to make this shift would be when the plant is 4 - 6'' high.
Refer back to page. For ideal soil for pots and trays.
Brinjals, Capsicum, Chillies and Celery are other bush vegetable which needs transplanting from trays to pots/ beds.
Tomatoes- 2-3 months maturation period, warm weather crops... the plants are deeply rooted. They need 6- 8 weeks in the nursery - mulch well, provide suppost for young plants and keep them away from legumes. Not too many nutrients are needed.
(Petunia’s grown in tomato beds would do the crop some good)
Eggplants - (similar to tomatoes) - 3- 4 weeks germination period, The period of wait from sowing to trasplanting to pot/ beds - 10 weeks. Takes 3 months to mature - Eggplants are ornamental plants as well... Harvest the crop regularly.
Celery- Cool weather crop, Plant in mid summer in a shaded area and harvest in cool fall weather. The plants should be grown in a nursery for 10 weeks before shifting to pots/ beds. Plant in well drained moist soil. Give the crop 8 inch deep cavities and plant the sapling nearer to the surface 8 - 10'' apart.
Leeks- (similar to onions) - Grow first in trays - 100 days maturation period - Transplant when 4'' high - 4'' apart and give a steady supply of water. No fertilization is necessary.
Chillies and capsicums can be grown similarly.
These can be planted directly as seeds/ bulbs into the beds or pots.
Onions - Sandy to loam soil, needs Bone meal and potassium as inputs and can be grown from bulbs or seeds. The seeds have a longer maturation period ( 4 months)... Dry onion bulbs mature in 95 days.
Plant in rows 15 - 18'' apart. Steady supply of water. when the top leaves being to yellow simply bend the plant over to the ground.
Peas - sow directly into the soil in winter - 60 to 80 days of maturation period. loamy soil, well drained- water the soil before planting the seeds. Harvest regularly and use garlic spray.
Radishes- cool weather crop - And takes three weks to a month to mature. Require light sandy to loam soil. Sow in early spring or when cooler weather begins.
Liquid fish/ bloodmeal - 1: gallon of water if the soil is infertile.
Spinach and fenugreek- Light well dug bed - cool, The sowing period should be cool and moist - 45-50 days maturing period. Like lettuce these can be sown repeatedly every 2 weeks
Beans - warm weather crop - plant inch deep in soil, 3'' apart, rows should be 2 - 3' apart. Mulch and fertilize only till the beans start growing. (2 - 3 months)
Beetroots - cool weather crop, mild winters are good too. Fertilize soil with bone meal before planting. 55- 80 days maturation period. Plant 3'' apart and sprinkle with water regularly. These require light fertilization and mulching. The plants are 5- 6'' high.
Carrots - Similar to beets, can endure warmer weather - they mature 65- 75 days from sowing. They need light sandy - loam soil... fed well with organic matter.
Pumpkin patch and melon beds for the corners
Squash and Pumpkins- Same soil as cucumbers - summer cros takes 60 - 65 days to mature and the winter crop takes twice as long. The summer crop should be harvested a little before the squash matures.
Water the summer squash well in rows 5' apart and the seeds should be planted 2' apart.
Melons - grown in rounded raised beds - sandy to loam soil, well watered. Plant the seeds 6'' - 10'' apart and 6'' deep.
Light mulching and avoid too much watering after the fruits appear.
Some tips :
Interplant root crops (carrots, radishes, potatoes, sweet potatoes) with crop plants.
Intersperse these with herbs, nasturtiums, petunias and marigolds to keep insects and diseases away.
Marigolds in melon and pumpkin patches are great as well.
Grow leafy vegetables with mint/oregano/ thyme.
Your herb garden in the kitchen.
Ideal soil for herbs – 1 part soil, 1 part coarse sand, 1 part peat moss/ mulch/ compost.
Pack the soil in loosely and fertilize with bone meal before planting.
Coriander – Grow in pots/ beds with chillies on the periphery.
Basil – Tall herb – give it a slightly deeper pot. Choose a Sunny – semi shaded spot.
Goes great with tomatoes.
To store – dry and crumble.
Chives – These are pretty and grass like with real pretty flowers. Plant in rows 1/8 in deep with one seed every two inches.
To store – cut and freeze.
Yummy on omelettes, and sourcream on bread.
Dill – Again a tall herb, These are annual so have to plan them each year. Plant them in pots with 8 in diameter – 10- 12 inches deep. Plant 6 – 8 in one pot, 1 inch apart. Water once a week.
Dry, store and freeze.
Yum yum in chicken broth and roasts.
Mint – This grows better outdoors, don’t pluck them till they are 10 – 12 inches high.
Don’t store it.
Tastes better infused fresh into dips, dishes and drinks.
Parsley – Grow this herb in pots and use mulch well.
Use this to garnish soups, salad s and chop them up and use in egg sandwiches.
Freeze them to keep them fresh.
Rosemary – This grows in dryer soil – use humus, water once a week till its 3 – 4 inches high. And then once every two week.
Dry and store.
Use in meats and gravies.
Thyme – These are happy herbs to have around and grow pretty flowers. They appreciate loamy soil, plenty of sunlight and good weather.
Plant the seeds ¼ inches deep, 2 inches apart, keeping the rows 18 inches apart. Mulch regularly and water every few weeks.
Use with fish and chicken.
Sources – My own herb garden – Allan A. Swenson.
Sunset’s guide to organic gardening.
Potatoes in tyres/ large empty barrels.
These are cool season plant . Cool season plants.
Bury cut up eyes of the potato in a soil trench and cover with mulch, ferlizer and light and loamy soil. As the sprout appears over the soil cover up with soil again. Repeat process till the soil fills up till the top. You now have a barrel full of potatoes.
Tips from a certain gardener –
You can easily gather seeds from vegetable like tomatoes, beans and chillies. Simply store the harvested crop till its slightly soggy and inedible, break open and spread into the soil.
For beans, Dry them up first within the pods, break the pods open and dry the beans within again and then plant back into the soil.
For garlic, simply take one clove, plant it into the soil the thinner side up.
Shahnaz and Navzer
Shahnaz and Navez at NAVADARSHANAM (Graphic Novel bit 3) – Stories about the small time farmer; the way they treat their crops and the hardships they face, their current setup and interesting stories and bits about their lives- their view on pesticides, Bt poultry etc. - Bt poultry and Meat - Jaime Oliver.
Tips for urban gardeners – being a green gardener.
Destination Experience 1 –
The Kothwala residence.
Location – Navdarshanam, Ganganahally hamlet, Gumalapuram village.
How to get there – Volvos and buses everyday from Majestic Bus stop.
What to expect at 150/- per person per day:
Experience in:
• Organic methods and maintenance of vegetable, fruit and ornamental gardening.
• Kitchen activities include cooking all meals as part of the routine, sharing and adding your own ethnic flavor to the menu. Making of bread, cottage cheese, clarified butter, jams, sauces and pickles (with seasonal fruits and vegetables) for home consumption.
• Amazing home cooked food, straight from the garden.
• A complete insight into simple living.
The Family – Shahnaz, Navzer, The cats, The dogs, The ducks, The pigeons, The chickens, The cows.
Occasional Vistors – Elephants, Snakes, Panthers.
Me: so you pretty much started from scratch here right?
Navzer: Well yes, we both had some experience in gardening but this required us to give up completely on some things we took for granted in the city. We had to teach ourselves to live completely separated from the grids and the energy systems.
For a whole year we lived on gas lamps, while we waited for the solar panels to kick in, the soil was terrible, only wild sparsely leaved trees growing. We took it by the day though and we managed setting up a power system, a gobar gas line, bought chickens and cows for eggs and milk and worked on our garden.
It was hard at first and this place a bit frightening with snakes turning up. By that time we our helpers move in and help us around the farm and worried for them as well. But things turned out pretty fine. Didn’t they Shahnaz?”
Shahnaz has been smiling at her cats and me serenely. We are now in her vegetable garden as she plucks tomatoes and okra off their stalks and pockets them. She walks though her flowery garden with water lily ponds and weaver birds flying back to their nests.
“I was happy to have all this land to work on… This is my high, Plucking fruits and vegetables and then be able to eat this or cook them into jams and preserves. Its like having a new friend to talk and listen to everyday. The hard times get forgotten when all my flowers are in bloom”
Navzer: Its not sun and smiles though, the night creatures come and remind us of their presence once in a while.
A while back, Our dog got attacked and dragged away by a panther. We heard the struggle and we ran but we were obviously not fast enough. And just a few nights back something almost terrifying happened. We were sleeping, we put our lights out early at night. And we heard this scratching, groaning and grunting noise outside. It was the elephants, they had broken through the electrical barrier and the gates and they were outside our house, just few feet away devouring our sweet, ripe papaya.
We stayed up waiting for more chaos, but they just ate and left… like most of our guests.
Me: So the nights are scary?
Navzer : Oh no, not really. Nothing has ever harmed any of us living here. Even the dogs and the snakes have an understanding. What does bother me are the lights you can see night moving through the forests. Poaching and felling of timber happens abundantly over here. The corruption of it all is more terrifying than most things we have encountered. But we keep to ourselves and make our garden work.
Me : How do you make your garden work… and is it really organic?
Navzer – We like to call it a “sustainable garden”. There isn’t just one way of doing things in an organic garden – there’s different techniques apart from the rest. There is Bio dynamic which is based on the movement and placement of start and other heavenly bodies and the gardening is done according to these cycles. Then there is Do- Nothing famring – Which is Fukuoka’s method – who said let nature take the reins. Don’t prune, don’t disturb the soil… like gardening for a lazy man.
Organic gardening of course is feeding the soil and creating this diverse eco system within your garden and then there is permaculture which is similar, but involves the use of sustainable means of energy, water renewal and each element in the farm is supposed to add something to the garden.
We do a little of all. I read a lot and Shahnaz goes with her intuition and then we mix things up.
Shahnaz is by now fiddling around in the kitchen making us a salad.
“You know its heart breaking to see how these farmers are treated and in turn how they treat their crops. The amounts of pesticides and fertilizers they use are horrendous. They amounts of water they waste everyday are even more horrifying and then come the ones who are suffering because of this, their land are dying and they have no other sources of income.
I have seen the way these farmer treat these carrots they grow… There is this one lake nearby where they take their baths, they wash their clothes, they use that place as their toilet as so their animals. And it is in this water that the carrots are washed… and as if that’s not enough, to make them look orange and shiny and clean they scrubs these against the wet rocky lakeside under their feet.”
Treating industry produced food at home –
Wash and peel EVERYTHING. The loss of nutrients is better than eating poison and gunk.
Navzer : We’ve employed a whole family and more and they’ve gotten so attached to the garden as well. We make sure they get whatever they want from the garden as well. They mostly take care of the chickens and the cows. We’ve only kept the indigenous varieties of both. These modified chicken lead horrible lives, caged up with grotesquely shaped bodies and they can’t even walk, all this so they lay more and more eggs and produce bigger and fatter meat. These chickens are piled on top of each other, pooping on each other and are obviously more prone to diseases.
Our chickens are only brought into their coops at night, to keep them safe from predators, and they lay these beautiful brown eggs. We hatch some, and we eat some.
The omelettes go beautifully with Shahnaz’s home baked brown bread and her mulberry jams. Mmmm.
A quick brown bread recipe :
• 2 cups whole wheat or white flour or a combination
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons yeast or 1 packet of yeast
• 1/3 cup dry milk powder
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 medium egg
• 1 cup warm tap water
In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast and dry milk powder. Mix it up with a whisk or a fork until it is well blended. Add the oil, egg and warm tap water. Stir again, making a nice smooth mixture, along the consistency of cake batter. Turn the batter into a well oiled 8 or 9-inch, square or round pan. Set the pan aside in a warm place and allow the yeast to work for about 30 minutes. It won’t look like it has risen very much. That is alright. Bake the bread at 400° for about 20 minutes. It will rise up golden brown and very pretty. Remove it from the oven when the top is medium dark brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Cut the bread into 12 pieces and serve hot with margarine. This yeast bread has a texture similar to muffins. You could even bake it in a muffin pan if you were so inclined.
Mulberry/ plum/ peach jam –
1 kg of fruit, 1 kg of sugar/ molasses, a large vessel and storage jars.
Deseed and wash the fruit, cut into chunks.
Boil the sugar and fruit in water. There should be water enough to immerse the entire mixture in. Stir continuously and keep adding water till the fruit is cooked and the entire mixture reaches a jelly like consistency. Add lime juice/ organge juice to this mixture and stir in in.
Pour this hot liquid into the jars and then immerse these jars in water to cool them down. The jam will be ready to use in just a few days.
Finish up fast and make smaller batches. You can put these jams into cute jars and containers and gift them off as well.
Tips for urban gardeners – being a green gardener.
Destination Experience 1 –
The Kothwala residence.
Location – Navdarshanam, Ganganahally hamlet, Gumalapuram village.
How to get there – Volvos and buses everyday from Majestic Bus stop.
What to expect at 150/- per person per day:
Experience in:
• Organic methods and maintenance of vegetable, fruit and ornamental gardening.
• Kitchen activities include cooking all meals as part of the routine, sharing and adding your own ethnic flavor to the menu. Making of bread, cottage cheese, clarified butter, jams, sauces and pickles (with seasonal fruits and vegetables) for home consumption.
• Amazing home cooked food, straight from the garden.
• A complete insight into simple living.
The Family – Shahnaz, Navzer, The cats, The dogs, The ducks, The pigeons, The chickens, The cows.
Occasional Vistors – Elephants, Snakes, Panthers.
Me: so you pretty much started from scratch here right?
Navzer: Well yes, we both had some experience in gardening but this required us to give up completely on some things we took for granted in the city. We had to teach ourselves to live completely separated from the grids and the energy systems.
For a whole year we lived on gas lamps, while we waited for the solar panels to kick in, the soil was terrible, only wild sparsely leaved trees growing. We took it by the day though and we managed setting up a power system, a gobar gas line, bought chickens and cows for eggs and milk and worked on our garden.
It was hard at first and this place a bit frightening with snakes turning up. By that time we our helpers move in and help us around the farm and worried for them as well. But things turned out pretty fine. Didn’t they Shahnaz?”
Shahnaz has been smiling at her cats and me serenely. We are now in her vegetable garden as she plucks tomatoes and okra off their stalks and pockets them. She walks though her flowery garden with water lily ponds and weaver birds flying back to their nests.
“I was happy to have all this land to work on… This is my high, Plucking fruits and vegetables and then be able to eat this or cook them into jams and preserves. Its like having a new friend to talk and listen to everyday. The hard times get forgotten when all my flowers are in bloom”
Navzer: Its not sun and smiles though, the night creatures come and remind us of their presence once in a while.
A while back, Our dog got attacked and dragged away by a panther. We heard the struggle and we ran but we were obviously not fast enough. And just a few nights back something almost terrifying happened. We were sleeping, we put our lights out early at night. And we heard this scratching, groaning and grunting noise outside. It was the elephants, they had broken through the electrical barrier and the gates and they were outside our house, just few feet away devouring our sweet, ripe papaya.
We stayed up waiting for more chaos, but they just ate and left… like most of our guests.
Me: So the nights are scary?
Navzer : Oh no, not really. Nothing has ever harmed any of us living here. Even the dogs and the snakes have an understanding. What does bother me are the lights you can see night moving through the forests. Poaching and felling of timber happens abundantly over here. The corruption of it all is more terrifying than most things we have encountered. But we keep to ourselves and make our garden work.
Me : How do you make your garden work… and is it really organic?
Navzer – We like to call it a “sustainable garden”. There isn’t just one way of doing things in an organic garden – there’s different techniques apart from the rest. There is Bio dynamic which is based on the movement and placement of start and other heavenly bodies and the gardening is done according to these cycles. Then there is Do- Nothing famring – Which is Fukuoka’s method – who said let nature take the reins. Don’t prune, don’t disturb the soil… like gardening for a lazy man.
Organic gardening of course is feeding the soil and creating this diverse eco system within your garden and then there is permaculture which is similar, but involves the use of sustainable means of energy, water renewal and each element in the farm is supposed to add something to the garden.
We do a little of all. I read a lot and Shahnaz goes with her intuition and then we mix things up.
Shahnaz is by now fiddling around in the kitchen making us a salad.
“You know its heart breaking to see how these farmers are treated and in turn how they treat their crops. The amounts of pesticides and fertilizers they use are horrendous. They amounts of water they waste everyday are even more horrifying and then come the ones who are suffering because of this, their land are dying and they have no other sources of income.
I have seen the way these farmer treat these carrots they grow… There is this one lake nearby where they take their baths, they wash their clothes, they use that place as their toilet as so their animals. And it is in this water that the carrots are washed… and as if that’s not enough, to make them look orange and shiny and clean they scrubs these against the wet rocky lakeside under their feet.”
Treating industry produced food at home –
Wash and peel EVERYTHING. The loss of nutrients is better than eating poison and gunk.
Navzer : We’ve employed a whole family and more and they’ve gotten so attached to the garden as well. We make sure they get whatever they want from the garden as well. They mostly take care of the chickens and the cows. We’ve only kept the indigenous varieties of both. These modified chicken lead horrible lives, caged up with grotesquely shaped bodies and they can’t even walk, all this so they lay more and more eggs and produce bigger and fatter meat. These chickens are piled on top of each other, pooping on each other and are obviously more prone to diseases.
Our chickens are only brought into their coops at night, to keep them safe from predators, and they lay these beautiful brown eggs. We hatch some, and we eat some.
The omelettes go beautifully with Shahnaz’s home baked brown bread and her mulberry jams. Mmmm.
A quick brown bread recipe :
• 2 cups whole wheat or white flour or a combination
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons yeast or 1 packet of yeast
• 1/3 cup dry milk powder
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 medium egg
• 1 cup warm tap water
In a mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast and dry milk powder. Mix it up with a whisk or a fork until it is well blended. Add the oil, egg and warm tap water. Stir again, making a nice smooth mixture, along the consistency of cake batter. Turn the batter into a well oiled 8 or 9-inch, square or round pan. Set the pan aside in a warm place and allow the yeast to work for about 30 minutes. It won’t look like it has risen very much. That is alright. Bake the bread at 400° for about 20 minutes. It will rise up golden brown and very pretty. Remove it from the oven when the top is medium dark brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Cut the bread into 12 pieces and serve hot with margarine. This yeast bread has a texture similar to muffins. You could even bake it in a muffin pan if you were so inclined.
Mulberry/ plum/ peach jam –
1 kg of fruit, 1 kg of sugar/ molasses, a large vessel and storage jars.
Deseed and wash the fruit, cut into chunks.
Boil the sugar and fruit in water. There should be water enough to immerse the entire mixture in. Stir continuously and keep adding water till the fruit is cooked and the entire mixture reaches a jelly like consistency. Add lime juice/ organge juice to this mixture and stir in in.
Pour this hot liquid into the jars and then immerse these jars in water to cool them down. The jam will be ready to use in just a few days.
Finish up fast and make smaller batches. You can put these jams into cute jars and containers and gift them off as well.
while setting up the garden
WHILE GETTING THINGS SET UP - shop organic, shop smart - where from in bangalore, reliable stores and products - Namdhari's, ERA organics and the twice a month sale of Navdarshanam. Processed foods to avoid and organic foods to buy organic from supermarkets. Navdarshanam’s list of healthy foods.
Organic foods are expensive. Why?
- Low demand in the country.
- No subsidies to thr farmers from the government.
- No fundings for further research into bettering the techniques and practices involved.
- Current certification bodies overcharge as well.
You can avoid getting fleeced by shopping for these at the right places and ensuring that you buy the right things.
Tip ~ Shop for things grown and produced locally – that way you pay lesser for the transportation costs.
Shopping tips:
• A basket of imported organic food, containing 26 regular shopping items, will travel almost
250,000 kilometres to reach the supermarket shelf.
• In commercial salad production systems over 11 chemical pesticides are sprayed on lettuces, more than any other vegetable crop!
• Many tomatoes sold on supermarket shelves (besides being sprayed with a concoction of chemicals whilst they are growing) are given a dose of phosphonic acid before they are picked to accelerate
uniform ripening.
• 70% of food miles are created by the consumer driving out to buy food. Why not grow and pick
some from your own garden?
• Supermarket bagged salad is often washed in chlorine at a level twenty times higher than the average swimming pool which disinfects out the taste of the leaves.
What to buy Organic :
The dirty dozen – These foods have been sampled for the highest pesticide residues amongst all the rest.
Rice – Tested for over forty pesticides.
Stone fruits – Peaches, plums and other nectarines.
Baby food- make your own; its mashed bananas and boiled cereals.
Milk and other dairy – the cows have been pumped with antibiotics and been fed pesticide sprayed feed.
Apples, Sweet bell peppers, Strawberries, Pears, Spinach, Lettuce, Potatoes, Carrots, Green breans, Cucumbers, Raspberries, Oranges.
Processed foods –
“Produced with a set of techniques and methods used to transform raw ingredients into food for consumption by humans. Food processing takes clean harvested/slaughtered and uses these to produce attractive and marketable food products. What it creates are non- foods with a lot of eye candy value and less taste and nutrition value.”
What makes them bad – Hidden sugars, artificial colours, emulsifiers, stabilizer, bleach, texturisers, softeners, preservative, deodorizer, flavourants. Flavoured milk has 6000 chemicals including ammonium sulphate.
These foods have been linked to cancer, obesity and heart diseases.
What to avoid –
Ready to eat breakfast cereals- have high contents of High fructose corn syrup and sugar. Granola bars are terrible health foods and can easily be replaced with any candy bar.
Buy cooking oats/ broken wheat instead. Boil/ roast and add sugar and milk to make your own cereal.
Juices – Excessive use of sugar and no fiber.
Juice your own fruits and drink up.
Frozen dinners/ ready to eat packets.
Fish sticks, chicken burger patties and other processed meat. ( sausages, luncheon meats, hot dogs, salami, ham)
Buy these at a local butcher shop instead where they make them fresh.
Rule of thumb – If you don’t recognize the ingredients mentioned on the packaging – don’t buy it.
The where :
Shops around Bangalore.
Namdhari fresh near Bengaluru
This store is great for vegetables – everything from zucchini to herbs to tomatoes, cheeses from Auroville and Navdarshanam health food products.
#576, 30th Main, Banagiri Nagar, Near Devegowda Petrol Bunk, BSK, 3rd Stage, , Banashankari, Bangalore
133, MM Road, Bengaluru, Bangalore
# 821, Kusal Arcade, 20th Main Road, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala, Bangalore
# 774, 7th Cross, 2nd Stage, 16th Main, BTM Layout, Bangalore
# 717/60A, 5th Cross, 6th Main, Vijaynagar, Bangalore
# 849/7, A-Block, Sahakarnagar, Bangalore
Bangalore Club, Residency Road, Bangalore
# 529/3, 10th Main Road, 5th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore
# 134, Doopanahalli Road, 60 feet Domlur Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore
#The Woodrose, Campus, 7th Phase, Puttenahalli, Brigade Millennium, JP Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560078 - 09900490252
24 Lettered Mantra
686, 16th Main, 39th Cross, 4th T Block, Jayanagar,
Tel: +91 80 4146 7737/38
24 Lettered Mantra
Belandur, Outer Ring Road,
Tel: +91 80 4148 6611/22
Era Organics
This is a one stop shop for all organic goodies.
Vegetables, Fruits Cereals, Pulses, Spices retailing, reference books, vermicompost, organic fertilizers, earthworm, arts and crafts products, clothes, candles, incenses, masalas, nuts, beverages so pretty much everything you would want to pick up at a supermarket.
No. 348, Dollars Colony,
RMV Club Double Road,
RMV Second Stage,
Bangalore
Tel:080 9900543881
email: info@eraorganic.com
Green Channel
20/1, Ali Asker Road (off Cunningham Road).
Tel: 41235739
email: green channelbangalore@gmail.com
Green Channel
20/1, Ali Asker Road (off Cunningham Road).
Tel: 41235739
email: green channelbangalore@gmail.com
Health Food Stores
.Sadashiv Nagar
Tel- 2360-1777, 2360-0630
Jaiva
8, Hospital Road (parallel to Infantry Road), next to Subway,
Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Holiday: Tuesday
Tel- 94484-70353
Khandige
Spices, Coconut oil, Sesame oil, Jaggery, Beauty Products, Ayurvedic medicines
68/1, Jaraganahalli, Near Sarakki Gate, Kanakpura Main Road,
Tel : +(91)-(80)-26714599, Fax : +(91)-(80)-26714599
Email : vikasb@satyam.net.in , pureherbs@vsnl.net
Ostara Shop
3201,3201, 7th Main (Along Shirdi Sai Baba Road), HAL II Stage
Tel- 2521-5707/2520-1616
Open: 10am - 8.30pm. Open all days
Sahaja Samruddha
'Nandana', No.7, 2nd Cross, 7th Main, Sulthanpalya, Bangalore
(Paddy, Sapota, Guava, Banana, Mango)
Ph: 080-23650744
savayavasiri@gmail.com
Navdarshanam –
This sustainable society located in Gomulapuram a little outside of Karnataka sells health food items ranging from cereals and grains to sweets, pickles, papads and snacks.
On the SECOND SATURDAY of every month:
At “Buoyancee”, 52, Diagonal Rd., JAYANAGAR 4TH BLK (between Post Office and Ganesha Temple) – from 4 to 6 pm.
On the SECOND SUNDAY of every month:
At the home of N.S.Hema, 23, 17th Cross (between 6th and 8th Main- opp. Sri Sri Ravi Shanker Vidya Mandir), MALLESWARAM - from 10: 30 am to 12:30 pm.
Organic foods are expensive. Why?
- Low demand in the country.
- No subsidies to thr farmers from the government.
- No fundings for further research into bettering the techniques and practices involved.
- Current certification bodies overcharge as well.
You can avoid getting fleeced by shopping for these at the right places and ensuring that you buy the right things.
Tip ~ Shop for things grown and produced locally – that way you pay lesser for the transportation costs.
Shopping tips:
• A basket of imported organic food, containing 26 regular shopping items, will travel almost
250,000 kilometres to reach the supermarket shelf.
• In commercial salad production systems over 11 chemical pesticides are sprayed on lettuces, more than any other vegetable crop!
• Many tomatoes sold on supermarket shelves (besides being sprayed with a concoction of chemicals whilst they are growing) are given a dose of phosphonic acid before they are picked to accelerate
uniform ripening.
• 70% of food miles are created by the consumer driving out to buy food. Why not grow and pick
some from your own garden?
• Supermarket bagged salad is often washed in chlorine at a level twenty times higher than the average swimming pool which disinfects out the taste of the leaves.
What to buy Organic :
The dirty dozen – These foods have been sampled for the highest pesticide residues amongst all the rest.
Rice – Tested for over forty pesticides.
Stone fruits – Peaches, plums and other nectarines.
Baby food- make your own; its mashed bananas and boiled cereals.
Milk and other dairy – the cows have been pumped with antibiotics and been fed pesticide sprayed feed.
Apples, Sweet bell peppers, Strawberries, Pears, Spinach, Lettuce, Potatoes, Carrots, Green breans, Cucumbers, Raspberries, Oranges.
Processed foods –
“Produced with a set of techniques and methods used to transform raw ingredients into food for consumption by humans. Food processing takes clean harvested/slaughtered and uses these to produce attractive and marketable food products. What it creates are non- foods with a lot of eye candy value and less taste and nutrition value.”
What makes them bad – Hidden sugars, artificial colours, emulsifiers, stabilizer, bleach, texturisers, softeners, preservative, deodorizer, flavourants. Flavoured milk has 6000 chemicals including ammonium sulphate.
These foods have been linked to cancer, obesity and heart diseases.
What to avoid –
Ready to eat breakfast cereals- have high contents of High fructose corn syrup and sugar. Granola bars are terrible health foods and can easily be replaced with any candy bar.
Buy cooking oats/ broken wheat instead. Boil/ roast and add sugar and milk to make your own cereal.
Juices – Excessive use of sugar and no fiber.
Juice your own fruits and drink up.
Frozen dinners/ ready to eat packets.
Fish sticks, chicken burger patties and other processed meat. ( sausages, luncheon meats, hot dogs, salami, ham)
Buy these at a local butcher shop instead where they make them fresh.
Rule of thumb – If you don’t recognize the ingredients mentioned on the packaging – don’t buy it.
The where :
Shops around Bangalore.
Namdhari fresh near Bengaluru
This store is great for vegetables – everything from zucchini to herbs to tomatoes, cheeses from Auroville and Navdarshanam health food products.
#576, 30th Main, Banagiri Nagar, Near Devegowda Petrol Bunk, BSK, 3rd Stage, , Banashankari, Bangalore
133, MM Road, Bengaluru, Bangalore
# 821, Kusal Arcade, 20th Main Road, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala, Bangalore
# 774, 7th Cross, 2nd Stage, 16th Main, BTM Layout, Bangalore
# 717/60A, 5th Cross, 6th Main, Vijaynagar, Bangalore
# 849/7, A-Block, Sahakarnagar, Bangalore
Bangalore Club, Residency Road, Bangalore
# 529/3, 10th Main Road, 5th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore
# 134, Doopanahalli Road, 60 feet Domlur Road, Indiranagar, Bangalore
#The Woodrose, Campus, 7th Phase, Puttenahalli, Brigade Millennium, JP Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560078 - 09900490252
24 Lettered Mantra
686, 16th Main, 39th Cross, 4th T Block, Jayanagar,
Tel: +91 80 4146 7737/38
24 Lettered Mantra
Belandur, Outer Ring Road,
Tel: +91 80 4148 6611/22
Era Organics
This is a one stop shop for all organic goodies.
Vegetables, Fruits Cereals, Pulses, Spices retailing, reference books, vermicompost, organic fertilizers, earthworm, arts and crafts products, clothes, candles, incenses, masalas, nuts, beverages so pretty much everything you would want to pick up at a supermarket.
No. 348, Dollars Colony,
RMV Club Double Road,
RMV Second Stage,
Bangalore
Tel:080 9900543881
email: info@eraorganic.com
Green Channel
20/1, Ali Asker Road (off Cunningham Road).
Tel: 41235739
email: green channelbangalore@gmail.com
Green Channel
20/1, Ali Asker Road (off Cunningham Road).
Tel: 41235739
email: green channelbangalore@gmail.com
Health Food Stores
.Sadashiv Nagar
Tel- 2360-1777, 2360-0630
Jaiva
8, Hospital Road (parallel to Infantry Road), next to Subway,
Open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Holiday: Tuesday
Tel- 94484-70353
Khandige
Spices, Coconut oil, Sesame oil, Jaggery, Beauty Products, Ayurvedic medicines
68/1, Jaraganahalli, Near Sarakki Gate, Kanakpura Main Road,
Tel : +(91)-(80)-26714599, Fax : +(91)-(80)-26714599
Email : vikasb@satyam.net.in , pureherbs@vsnl.net
Ostara Shop
3201,3201, 7th Main (Along Shirdi Sai Baba Road), HAL II Stage
Tel- 2521-5707/2520-1616
Open: 10am - 8.30pm. Open all days
Sahaja Samruddha
'Nandana', No.7, 2nd Cross, 7th Main, Sulthanpalya, Bangalore
(Paddy, Sapota, Guava, Banana, Mango)
Ph: 080-23650744
savayavasiri@gmail.com
Navdarshanam –
This sustainable society located in Gomulapuram a little outside of Karnataka sells health food items ranging from cereals and grains to sweets, pickles, papads and snacks.
On the SECOND SATURDAY of every month:
At “Buoyancee”, 52, Diagonal Rd., JAYANAGAR 4TH BLK (between Post Office and Ganesha Temple) – from 4 to 6 pm.
On the SECOND SUNDAY of every month:
At the home of N.S.Hema, 23, 17th Cross (between 6th and 8th Main- opp. Sri Sri Ravi Shanker Vidya Mandir), MALLESWARAM - from 10: 30 am to 12:30 pm.
diy part 1
5. DIY part 1 – Initial investments + Tools – Pots, Trays, Soil, Compost, Peat moss etc. Tools needed –Being a green gardener – Parts of a plant - Know your soil – Soil structure – types of soil, Compost, Mulch and Fertilizers (nutrients needed). Make your own compost bin – different ways to compost.
While you compost : Plan your garden – mark trees, bushes, pots/containers, creepers, beds for vegetable patches.
Alternative for place with space constraints- growing in pots, building raised beds.
Ideal soil for trees – double digging. Ideal soil for pots. Ideal soil for trays.
Working organic matter into the soil. – leave for 15 days.
Initial investments –
First the tools >
Basic tools for gardening
Primary tools -
Spade (kulhari) :
Mostly for initial preparation, digging out soil and incorporating organic matter into it. Useful for preparing beds for trees and vegetable patches.
Rake :
For tidying up the garden and to gather leaves for mulch.
Trowel (khurpi) :
For digging small hole and working on smaller areas. Its available in a variety of sizes and kinds of blades.
Garden Scissors and Sickle:
For pruning and weeding respectively
Spray can:
For medicinal sprays and water.
Hose Pipe :
For watering larger areas.
Watering can :
For watering individual plants, trees and saplings.
Bamboo/ Banana strings and fibers – For the purpose of tying young plants to stakes.
Also essential:
A Head –
Brain: For observing and comprehending patterns in behavior of the garden.
Eyes, nose, ears and tongue. – These are useful to sense anything out of normal in the whereabouts. Useful in the garden as well.
Hands – Finger and palms – The soil and plants appreciate human touch.
Feet – Your footprints serve as the best fertilizer around the garden.
The Containers:
Pots- Clay pots – Work well for ornamental plants, come in various shapes and sizes.
Cement pots – Work well for vegetables and fruits, larger plants grow better in these containers.
Trays- Used mainly for growing seeds that need more care during the growing stages.
Pans – To keep under smaller pots and plants inside. They to gather any water that leaks out of the pots.
Hanging Baskets – For ornamental plants, small shrubs. Ideal for porches and balconies.
Sources listed on page ___.
Soil. Manure. Compost. Mulch. (more on these a bit ahead, Pages x-y)
SOIL – (function ~ provides plant with nutrients, root hold, water, microorganisms, worms, warmth and protection for the roots and the plant)
Structure of soil – Top soil – Sub soil – Parent soil.
Types of Soil – Clay: holds on to things, Low/ no drainage, clumpy, hard when wet, harder when dry.
Repair this soil – Mulch, digging in compost and manure, introducing worms and moderate watering, gypsum and lime.
Loam (ideal soil) – Ideal drainage, holds enough water, crumbly, moistened soil.
Sandy – Drains completely, doesn’t hold together, loosely packed.
Repair this soil - Mulch, manure, fertilizers, peat moss.
Detox your soil from Metals – Lead, Arsenic, Radiation poisoning ~ Cabbase + Ferns + Sunflowers + Alfa Alfa, Pigweeds, Germanium, Dandelions.
Feed your soil –
Compost – (provides soil with air + water+ carbon + nitrogen)
Build your own compost bin –
wood-
Build a cubical wooden frame (3ft*3ft*3ft) that looks like this. – you’ll need waste strips of wood and wire mesh for ventilation.
Plastic- Take a plastic bin or a tub about 3ft*3ft*3ft. Provide with a lid. Drill holes on the side of the tub for ventilation.
Pit – Dig a pit into the soil and line with lime/ stone walls, bricks. Whatever. Use as instructed, keep covered with cardboard lid.
Compost like so –
Layer 1 - start with a dry bedding (leaves, newspaper, grassclippings), kitchen scraps and wastes , shred to smaller pieces, repeate layer, instsperse with soil and worms to fasten up the process. Stir every three day. Always keep covered with dry bedding. Keep moist by sprinkling with soil. If its too wet – add dry bedding. If its still wet, add MORE dry bedding. Introduce worms to fasten up the process.
Neem powder and chilly powder to keep maggots away. Cardboard keeps most of the smell away.
Compost readies in about 30 – 60 days. You’ll know its done when you are faced with dark, sweet smelling crumbly matter with no recognizable chunks of kitchen matter.
Use as 3 parts compost to 7 parts of soil.
70 % of household waste can be composted –
Do not compost :
- Pet waste
- Mayonaisse, peanut butter, salad dressing, oily food stuff.
- Coloured, glossy paper.
- Chemically treated wood.
- Dairy, mouldy cheeses are okay.
- Grain and carbs.
- Lint
- Weeds.
Mulch: Provides nutrient, avoids over evaporation of moisture from exposed soil, keeps weeds out.
Comprises of pebbles, crushed rock, leaves, bark, grass clippings, peat moss.
Used in and on garden soil. For perfect mulching, Upturn empty pot over the young plant and spread mulch around it.
Bio fertilizers such as –
Bone meal, wood ash, fish emulsions for - Nitrogen, Potassium and phosphorous.
Straight from the kitchen –
Banana peel – potassium. Throw into soil as it is or run it through the food processor with water and pour it around the plant.
Coffee grounds – Nitrogen and minerals, calcium, copper, potassium. 1 tbsp for pots and 1 cup for pots. Or Mix coffee grounds in water and spray in on the soil. Or Mix coffee grounds and egg shells and spread around radishes, cabbages etc to keep away slugs.
Egg shells – Wash and dry out shells, Crush into a powder and sprinkle around plants.
Urine – Pee on it… or store your urine, dilute with water and pour it on the soil. Seriously.
Preparing soil for
Choose a cold/ sunny fine and dry day to work the soil.
Trees beds: Ideal size 3ft by 3 ft by 3 ft and then feed the spade’s depth regularly. (measure approximately as spade’s depth)
Double digging is required for deeper beds – Dig out two spade’s depth of the soil, layer pit in with mulch, soil, compost. Mix well. Water well everyday before planting anything in. For feeding the soil, Spread in organic matter evenly with the spade kept at an angle make semi circular patterns on the soil.
Grow the seeds nearer to the surface and cover only with top soil OR a better idea would be to grow the tree in a container till the leaves of the tree provide shade to the soil. Then shift to bed.
Make a ring around transplanted plant for better moisture retainment around the roots. Pebbles and rocks around the roots of a grown tree keeps root zone cool. Mulch only after a week of transplantation.
Pots:
Ideal soil mix for trees from seeds – the 1st two layers are organic matter, layer with soil, plant seed, cover with thin layer of soil.
Rule of thumb – Never plant seed in a hole deeper than thrice its size.
Ideal soil mix – 1 part soil, 1 part leaf mould.
Mix well and water regularly when using clay pots.
Feed the soil when it feels too dry and grainy or hard and clumpy by removing top two centimeters of soil and replacing it with compost. Caution : do not disturb the fibrous roots of the plants. Mulch regularly.
Layer the bottom of the pot with broken clay pot bits.
Trays:
Ideal soil mix - 2 parts garden soil, 1 part sand, 1 part compost and Leaf mould.
These are used to raise little saplings from seeds and kept in a shades and protected area, ideally in nurseries.
Building raised beds : (These are great for urban dweller and is a quick fix option for places with toxic soil.
– A 2ft deep rectangular frame made out of wood, The bottom should be covered with a wire mesh. Same soil as the tree beds.
Plan Your Garden –
Tips for urban gardens –
- Plan your garden before you begin
- Don’t lose heart, have patience
- Read more on gardening.
- Keep it simple and keep away from fussy details.
- Use as many pots as possible as they are always good in places with space constraints.
Planning basic structure of the garden.
Start by marking out spaces for trees, creepers, vegetable beds and bushes.
Take this garden for example. Do the digging and the soil preparation.
Leave the beds to themselves for fifteen nights – mulch and water regularly.
While you compost : Plan your garden – mark trees, bushes, pots/containers, creepers, beds for vegetable patches.
Alternative for place with space constraints- growing in pots, building raised beds.
Ideal soil for trees – double digging. Ideal soil for pots. Ideal soil for trays.
Working organic matter into the soil. – leave for 15 days.
Initial investments –
First the tools >
Basic tools for gardening
Primary tools -
Spade (kulhari) :
Mostly for initial preparation, digging out soil and incorporating organic matter into it. Useful for preparing beds for trees and vegetable patches.
Rake :
For tidying up the garden and to gather leaves for mulch.
Trowel (khurpi) :
For digging small hole and working on smaller areas. Its available in a variety of sizes and kinds of blades.
Garden Scissors and Sickle:
For pruning and weeding respectively
Spray can:
For medicinal sprays and water.
Hose Pipe :
For watering larger areas.
Watering can :
For watering individual plants, trees and saplings.
Bamboo/ Banana strings and fibers – For the purpose of tying young plants to stakes.
Also essential:
A Head –
Brain: For observing and comprehending patterns in behavior of the garden.
Eyes, nose, ears and tongue. – These are useful to sense anything out of normal in the whereabouts. Useful in the garden as well.
Hands – Finger and palms – The soil and plants appreciate human touch.
Feet – Your footprints serve as the best fertilizer around the garden.
The Containers:
Pots- Clay pots – Work well for ornamental plants, come in various shapes and sizes.
Cement pots – Work well for vegetables and fruits, larger plants grow better in these containers.
Trays- Used mainly for growing seeds that need more care during the growing stages.
Pans – To keep under smaller pots and plants inside. They to gather any water that leaks out of the pots.
Hanging Baskets – For ornamental plants, small shrubs. Ideal for porches and balconies.
Sources listed on page ___.
Soil. Manure. Compost. Mulch. (more on these a bit ahead, Pages x-y)
SOIL – (function ~ provides plant with nutrients, root hold, water, microorganisms, worms, warmth and protection for the roots and the plant)
Structure of soil – Top soil – Sub soil – Parent soil.
Types of Soil – Clay: holds on to things, Low/ no drainage, clumpy, hard when wet, harder when dry.
Repair this soil – Mulch, digging in compost and manure, introducing worms and moderate watering, gypsum and lime.
Loam (ideal soil) – Ideal drainage, holds enough water, crumbly, moistened soil.
Sandy – Drains completely, doesn’t hold together, loosely packed.
Repair this soil - Mulch, manure, fertilizers, peat moss.
Detox your soil from Metals – Lead, Arsenic, Radiation poisoning ~ Cabbase + Ferns + Sunflowers + Alfa Alfa, Pigweeds, Germanium, Dandelions.
Feed your soil –
Compost – (provides soil with air + water+ carbon + nitrogen)
Build your own compost bin –
wood-
Build a cubical wooden frame (3ft*3ft*3ft) that looks like this. – you’ll need waste strips of wood and wire mesh for ventilation.
Plastic- Take a plastic bin or a tub about 3ft*3ft*3ft. Provide with a lid. Drill holes on the side of the tub for ventilation.
Pit – Dig a pit into the soil and line with lime/ stone walls, bricks. Whatever. Use as instructed, keep covered with cardboard lid.
Compost like so –
Layer 1 - start with a dry bedding (leaves, newspaper, grassclippings), kitchen scraps and wastes , shred to smaller pieces, repeate layer, instsperse with soil and worms to fasten up the process. Stir every three day. Always keep covered with dry bedding. Keep moist by sprinkling with soil. If its too wet – add dry bedding. If its still wet, add MORE dry bedding. Introduce worms to fasten up the process.
Neem powder and chilly powder to keep maggots away. Cardboard keeps most of the smell away.
Compost readies in about 30 – 60 days. You’ll know its done when you are faced with dark, sweet smelling crumbly matter with no recognizable chunks of kitchen matter.
Use as 3 parts compost to 7 parts of soil.
70 % of household waste can be composted –
Do not compost :
- Pet waste
- Mayonaisse, peanut butter, salad dressing, oily food stuff.
- Coloured, glossy paper.
- Chemically treated wood.
- Dairy, mouldy cheeses are okay.
- Grain and carbs.
- Lint
- Weeds.
Mulch: Provides nutrient, avoids over evaporation of moisture from exposed soil, keeps weeds out.
Comprises of pebbles, crushed rock, leaves, bark, grass clippings, peat moss.
Used in and on garden soil. For perfect mulching, Upturn empty pot over the young plant and spread mulch around it.
Bio fertilizers such as –
Bone meal, wood ash, fish emulsions for - Nitrogen, Potassium and phosphorous.
Straight from the kitchen –
Banana peel – potassium. Throw into soil as it is or run it through the food processor with water and pour it around the plant.
Coffee grounds – Nitrogen and minerals, calcium, copper, potassium. 1 tbsp for pots and 1 cup for pots. Or Mix coffee grounds in water and spray in on the soil. Or Mix coffee grounds and egg shells and spread around radishes, cabbages etc to keep away slugs.
Egg shells – Wash and dry out shells, Crush into a powder and sprinkle around plants.
Urine – Pee on it… or store your urine, dilute with water and pour it on the soil. Seriously.
Preparing soil for
Choose a cold/ sunny fine and dry day to work the soil.
Trees beds: Ideal size 3ft by 3 ft by 3 ft and then feed the spade’s depth regularly. (measure approximately as spade’s depth)
Double digging is required for deeper beds – Dig out two spade’s depth of the soil, layer pit in with mulch, soil, compost. Mix well. Water well everyday before planting anything in. For feeding the soil, Spread in organic matter evenly with the spade kept at an angle make semi circular patterns on the soil.
Grow the seeds nearer to the surface and cover only with top soil OR a better idea would be to grow the tree in a container till the leaves of the tree provide shade to the soil. Then shift to bed.
Make a ring around transplanted plant for better moisture retainment around the roots. Pebbles and rocks around the roots of a grown tree keeps root zone cool. Mulch only after a week of transplantation.
Pots:
Ideal soil mix for trees from seeds – the 1st two layers are organic matter, layer with soil, plant seed, cover with thin layer of soil.
Rule of thumb – Never plant seed in a hole deeper than thrice its size.
Ideal soil mix – 1 part soil, 1 part leaf mould.
Mix well and water regularly when using clay pots.
Feed the soil when it feels too dry and grainy or hard and clumpy by removing top two centimeters of soil and replacing it with compost. Caution : do not disturb the fibrous roots of the plants. Mulch regularly.
Layer the bottom of the pot with broken clay pot bits.
Trays:
Ideal soil mix - 2 parts garden soil, 1 part sand, 1 part compost and Leaf mould.
These are used to raise little saplings from seeds and kept in a shades and protected area, ideally in nurseries.
Building raised beds : (These are great for urban dweller and is a quick fix option for places with toxic soil.
– A 2ft deep rectangular frame made out of wood, The bottom should be covered with a wire mesh. Same soil as the tree beds.
Plan Your Garden –
Tips for urban gardens –
- Plan your garden before you begin
- Don’t lose heart, have patience
- Read more on gardening.
- Keep it simple and keep away from fussy details.
- Use as many pots as possible as they are always good in places with space constraints.
Planning basic structure of the garden.
Start by marking out spaces for trees, creepers, vegetable beds and bushes.
Take this garden for example. Do the digging and the soil preparation.
Leave the beds to themselves for fifteen nights – mulch and water regularly.
jackson at drishya
History of food :
Organically grown food was the only kind of food existent in India and most of world till about the 1950’s. Infact, the practices associated with organic farming were developed over centuries of humans practicing agriculture.
In around the 1950’s we faced some of the most severe famines, as did most of the world. Apparently. Norman Borlaug spawned the Green Revolution in Mexico in 1945. He set out to save the world’s hunger – with modified grains and cereals and chemical fertilizers and pesticides for all.
The revolution worked, really well for a long time, with food production going into surplus. The produce increased, as did the population and seemingly their appetites for the chemically infused foods and the old ways were conveniently forgotten.
And then, the real effects of the revolution began to show – deadened lands, farmers in debt and poison being pumped into the environment everyday. Everyone talks about Organic farming saving the day – but its hard to feed the population of billions from a farm that relies purely on nature…
ACKSON AT DRISHYA (graphic novel bit 2) - About Jackson, the real deal on use of pesticides. – Types of sustainable gardening, Statistics on amounts of pesticides and fertilizers kg/ ha used in countries, and number of organic farms in countries. Time line mapping the progress agriculture and food sector up until the recent years. The Drishya plants – what’s grown and the process – The grey water system being built.
J: That’s pure bullshit I hope you know. Well, most of it is.
Me: No its not, that’s how it happened, things were organically grown from the ancient times, things got bad because of draughts and famines and the green revolution fed the hungry… And its still popular because organic farming can’t pro…
Jackson shakes his head dismissively.
J: The green revolution and this crap about feeding the hungry is a bag full dog crap. Yes the hybrid seeds were great for a while and worked real good with the insecticides, pesticides and the fertilizers and we jumped over the pot hole, but we did that only to land into a larger one.
Me: There were famines! One can look up any history and see that…
J: Yes, There were famines, but there were plenty of draughts and famines before that, ever wonder why the green revolution didn’t come before? And the practices of organic farming were lost way before the green revolution began – The industrial revolution itself changed the way crops were cultivated. Monoculture had permeated the farming circles leaving the crops susceptible to diseases and very vulnerable during any changes in weather patterns.
Me: Okay, so the green revolution didn’t come about to help the poor and the hungry… why did come around then?
Jackson: First of all there isn’t anything called the green revolution. It’s a false terminology coined to sell off these so called “revolutionary inventions” to farmers around the world.
See after the second world war ended the governments of the countries at war esp. the USA, were left with these tremendous surplus of warfare chemicals, mostly ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate also happens to be an excellent source of nitrogen for plants. Now they needed to keep the chemical companies runninf, incase of another war and yet do away with the sulplus. So first they thought of spraying America’s forests with the surplus chemical, to help out the timber industry. But agronomists in the Department of Agriculture had a better idea: Spread the ammonium nitrate on farmland as fertilizer. They ofcourse started the xperimentation OUTSIDE their soil, in mexico – where the “green revolution” first started. People had also been working on producing better and hardier hybrids of grains by then. So armed with these better grains Norman Borlaug, sowed the seeds of chemical agriculture in Mexico. Ofcourse the produce increased with the better seed varieties and the diseases subsided for the time being, so the whole world, especially the third world countries picked up on the revolution.
Jackson waits for me to ask a vaguely intelligent question as I stumble over words and thoughts.
Me: w – what?... So what we’re wating today was used to kill people before – I mean all the nerve gasses and the bomb constituents?...
J: Didn’t really stop there, the Vietnam war introduced even deadlier chemicals which are not used in lawns – ever heard of agent orange?...
I shake my head and look pretty much petrified.
J: well its sold as 2- 4- d, mostly banned in the USA by now, but India still uses it pretty thoughtlessly. This chemical was used as a part of “herbicidal warfare” in Vietnam. They sprayed the entire forest and villages with this chemical and people developed cancers and grotesque mutations…
Me: (shudders) – Alright I get it. So, If we know all of this why not just change? I mean I know the yields are smaller in an organic farm …
J: again, not true – the same yields of grains can be grown organically with lesser energy and no pesticides… In fact right now in India you have enough food produce to feed each member of the population sufficiently. Just most of it is lost because of negligence during storage and transportation.
Me: really? Then why are we still stuck here?
J: Because the market has already introduced crops into the agricultural sector that are highly dependant on these pesticides and fertilizers and all these year of monoculture have sapped whatever fertility and nutrition was there in the soils. And even if someone does start farming organically, the water system already has tones of chemical pumping into it and cross pollination always happens and the winds carry these chemicals across…
Me: well yeah, that’s why the farmers now are in such huge debt – nothings growing and they have to keep buying more and more fertilizers and new seeds. Wow, and all those mutations up in Punjab and farmer villages up north!! You think…
J (shrugs): quite possibly…
Alright, now stop walking around on the newly laid bricks…
Me : Whoops, what exactly are you working on out here?
J: A grey water system. Now go help out in the garden. Shoo.
Me: Hmmm, I’ll be back with more questions later though.
J: (grunts).
The grey water system.
The garden.
Agricultural timeline :
Neolithic/ prehistoric age - 10000 B.C onwards This was the age of agricultural innovations as many new tools and practices were invented due to compulsion of planting, sustaining and harvesting the crops. Use of wooden and earthen tools as well as some domesticated animals are major highlights of this period.
- first evidence of crop harvest
- 7000 BC – Cattle and Poultry Farming.
- American agriculture develops
Religious references -
- Ramayana – “All dead things – rotting corpse/ vile garbage returned to earth are transformed into whole some things that nourish the earth. Such is the alchemy of mother earth.”
- Mahabharata (5500 bc) – “The celestial cow provides the soil with fertility.”
Historical age – 2500 BC onwards It marks the introduction of metals in agricultural tool making.
Mechanicals improvements in agricultural implements and development of storage and irrigation method marks the highlight of this age. For the first time, trade in agriculture also started, becoming the precursor to modern agribusiness industry.
- Windmills built in Babylon.
- Rig veda – “Feed the soil as you feed yourself.
Feudal age – 500 BC – 1700 AD This period is chiefly characterized by expansion of agriculture and irrigation and consolidation of agricultural methods. Use of fertilizers, in form of natural manures to boost production was a major breakthrough of this period.
-alcohol, sugar, coffee and other such processed foods were introduced to the world.
- Holy Quran – “Give back to the soil a part of what you take from it.”
Scientific Age : 1800 onwards The world was seeing a rapid rise in its population. This was also the age of imperial expansions in Asia, Africa, Americas and oceanic countries.
These led to exploration of new methods and practices in agriculture. It also resulted in increased attention on commercial form of agriculture that was based solely on profit than subsistence purposes. Agriculture trade assumed global proportions and many new economies thrived on specialized production of one or other agricultural products. The modern inventions in biotechnology and genetics that have completely changed the form of agriculture production. New variants of seeds and plants are manufactured in laboratories and genetically modified to suit particular consumption and commercial needs.
1860 – 70 – Louis Pasteur – pasteurization of milk
1945 – WW2 ends, Green revolution in Mexico.
1972 – International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement.
2000 – GMO goes world wide.
2000 – 2005 – world population doubles.
2005 – 2006
26 mn hectares on land is under organic agriculture in the world.
It’s a 36 billion US $ industry.
2.5 mn hectares are in India, With most of it being exported to the US where 30% of the demand stems from.
2008 - 2009 – N Korea using the highest amount of fertilizers in the world faces complete starvation of its population. India, Bangaladest and countries in south and Eouth East Asia are headed for similar times.
2005
Pesticide use kg/ha
USA – 1.50
Japan – 10.80
Korea – 16.60
China – 2.25
India – 0.38
2002-03
Country Fertilizer used (kg/ ha) Population (billion)
Korea 357 0.004
Japan 247 0.012
Netherlands 172 0.001
Bangladesh 158 0.014
Germany 153 0. 08
Pakistan 109 0.014
UK 106 0.005
India 89 1.049
China 71 1.302
USA 47 0.030
Australia 5 0.001
Karnataka – 2nd highest fertilizer use in the country - 74.90 kg/ha
Organically grown food was the only kind of food existent in India and most of world till about the 1950’s. Infact, the practices associated with organic farming were developed over centuries of humans practicing agriculture.
In around the 1950’s we faced some of the most severe famines, as did most of the world. Apparently. Norman Borlaug spawned the Green Revolution in Mexico in 1945. He set out to save the world’s hunger – with modified grains and cereals and chemical fertilizers and pesticides for all.
The revolution worked, really well for a long time, with food production going into surplus. The produce increased, as did the population and seemingly their appetites for the chemically infused foods and the old ways were conveniently forgotten.
And then, the real effects of the revolution began to show – deadened lands, farmers in debt and poison being pumped into the environment everyday. Everyone talks about Organic farming saving the day – but its hard to feed the population of billions from a farm that relies purely on nature…
ACKSON AT DRISHYA (graphic novel bit 2) - About Jackson, the real deal on use of pesticides. – Types of sustainable gardening, Statistics on amounts of pesticides and fertilizers kg/ ha used in countries, and number of organic farms in countries. Time line mapping the progress agriculture and food sector up until the recent years. The Drishya plants – what’s grown and the process – The grey water system being built.
J: That’s pure bullshit I hope you know. Well, most of it is.
Me: No its not, that’s how it happened, things were organically grown from the ancient times, things got bad because of draughts and famines and the green revolution fed the hungry… And its still popular because organic farming can’t pro…
Jackson shakes his head dismissively.
J: The green revolution and this crap about feeding the hungry is a bag full dog crap. Yes the hybrid seeds were great for a while and worked real good with the insecticides, pesticides and the fertilizers and we jumped over the pot hole, but we did that only to land into a larger one.
Me: There were famines! One can look up any history and see that…
J: Yes, There were famines, but there were plenty of draughts and famines before that, ever wonder why the green revolution didn’t come before? And the practices of organic farming were lost way before the green revolution began – The industrial revolution itself changed the way crops were cultivated. Monoculture had permeated the farming circles leaving the crops susceptible to diseases and very vulnerable during any changes in weather patterns.
Me: Okay, so the green revolution didn’t come about to help the poor and the hungry… why did come around then?
Jackson: First of all there isn’t anything called the green revolution. It’s a false terminology coined to sell off these so called “revolutionary inventions” to farmers around the world.
See after the second world war ended the governments of the countries at war esp. the USA, were left with these tremendous surplus of warfare chemicals, mostly ammonium nitrate. Ammonium nitrate also happens to be an excellent source of nitrogen for plants. Now they needed to keep the chemical companies runninf, incase of another war and yet do away with the sulplus. So first they thought of spraying America’s forests with the surplus chemical, to help out the timber industry. But agronomists in the Department of Agriculture had a better idea: Spread the ammonium nitrate on farmland as fertilizer. They ofcourse started the xperimentation OUTSIDE their soil, in mexico – where the “green revolution” first started. People had also been working on producing better and hardier hybrids of grains by then. So armed with these better grains Norman Borlaug, sowed the seeds of chemical agriculture in Mexico. Ofcourse the produce increased with the better seed varieties and the diseases subsided for the time being, so the whole world, especially the third world countries picked up on the revolution.
Jackson waits for me to ask a vaguely intelligent question as I stumble over words and thoughts.
Me: w – what?... So what we’re wating today was used to kill people before – I mean all the nerve gasses and the bomb constituents?...
J: Didn’t really stop there, the Vietnam war introduced even deadlier chemicals which are not used in lawns – ever heard of agent orange?...
I shake my head and look pretty much petrified.
J: well its sold as 2- 4- d, mostly banned in the USA by now, but India still uses it pretty thoughtlessly. This chemical was used as a part of “herbicidal warfare” in Vietnam. They sprayed the entire forest and villages with this chemical and people developed cancers and grotesque mutations…
Me: (shudders) – Alright I get it. So, If we know all of this why not just change? I mean I know the yields are smaller in an organic farm …
J: again, not true – the same yields of grains can be grown organically with lesser energy and no pesticides… In fact right now in India you have enough food produce to feed each member of the population sufficiently. Just most of it is lost because of negligence during storage and transportation.
Me: really? Then why are we still stuck here?
J: Because the market has already introduced crops into the agricultural sector that are highly dependant on these pesticides and fertilizers and all these year of monoculture have sapped whatever fertility and nutrition was there in the soils. And even if someone does start farming organically, the water system already has tones of chemical pumping into it and cross pollination always happens and the winds carry these chemicals across…
Me: well yeah, that’s why the farmers now are in such huge debt – nothings growing and they have to keep buying more and more fertilizers and new seeds. Wow, and all those mutations up in Punjab and farmer villages up north!! You think…
J (shrugs): quite possibly…
Alright, now stop walking around on the newly laid bricks…
Me : Whoops, what exactly are you working on out here?
J: A grey water system. Now go help out in the garden. Shoo.
Me: Hmmm, I’ll be back with more questions later though.
J: (grunts).
The grey water system.
The garden.
Agricultural timeline :
Neolithic/ prehistoric age - 10000 B.C onwards This was the age of agricultural innovations as many new tools and practices were invented due to compulsion of planting, sustaining and harvesting the crops. Use of wooden and earthen tools as well as some domesticated animals are major highlights of this period.
- first evidence of crop harvest
- 7000 BC – Cattle and Poultry Farming.
- American agriculture develops
Religious references -
- Ramayana – “All dead things – rotting corpse/ vile garbage returned to earth are transformed into whole some things that nourish the earth. Such is the alchemy of mother earth.”
- Mahabharata (5500 bc) – “The celestial cow provides the soil with fertility.”
Historical age – 2500 BC onwards It marks the introduction of metals in agricultural tool making.
Mechanicals improvements in agricultural implements and development of storage and irrigation method marks the highlight of this age. For the first time, trade in agriculture also started, becoming the precursor to modern agribusiness industry.
- Windmills built in Babylon.
- Rig veda – “Feed the soil as you feed yourself.
Feudal age – 500 BC – 1700 AD This period is chiefly characterized by expansion of agriculture and irrigation and consolidation of agricultural methods. Use of fertilizers, in form of natural manures to boost production was a major breakthrough of this period.
-alcohol, sugar, coffee and other such processed foods were introduced to the world.
- Holy Quran – “Give back to the soil a part of what you take from it.”
Scientific Age : 1800 onwards The world was seeing a rapid rise in its population. This was also the age of imperial expansions in Asia, Africa, Americas and oceanic countries.
These led to exploration of new methods and practices in agriculture. It also resulted in increased attention on commercial form of agriculture that was based solely on profit than subsistence purposes. Agriculture trade assumed global proportions and many new economies thrived on specialized production of one or other agricultural products. The modern inventions in biotechnology and genetics that have completely changed the form of agriculture production. New variants of seeds and plants are manufactured in laboratories and genetically modified to suit particular consumption and commercial needs.
1860 – 70 – Louis Pasteur – pasteurization of milk
1945 – WW2 ends, Green revolution in Mexico.
1972 – International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement.
2000 – GMO goes world wide.
2000 – 2005 – world population doubles.
2005 – 2006
26 mn hectares on land is under organic agriculture in the world.
It’s a 36 billion US $ industry.
2.5 mn hectares are in India, With most of it being exported to the US where 30% of the demand stems from.
2008 - 2009 – N Korea using the highest amount of fertilizers in the world faces complete starvation of its population. India, Bangaladest and countries in south and Eouth East Asia are headed for similar times.
2005
Pesticide use kg/ha
USA – 1.50
Japan – 10.80
Korea – 16.60
China – 2.25
India – 0.38
2002-03
Country Fertilizer used (kg/ ha) Population (billion)
Korea 357 0.004
Japan 247 0.012
Netherlands 172 0.001
Bangladesh 158 0.014
Germany 153 0. 08
Pakistan 109 0.014
UK 106 0.005
India 89 1.049
China 71 1.302
USA 47 0.030
Australia 5 0.001
Karnataka – 2nd highest fertilizer use in the country - 74.90 kg/ha
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