Environment

If our farmers are happy and comfortable, then we are also happy and comfortable. This agricultural comfort can only come from the practice that is in harmony with the whole universe. - H. H. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values

Bio Dynamic Agriculture

The Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) works closely with faculties of various agricultural universities and the Indian government to provide the best solutions to farmers. One of the key objectives of this program is to provide guidance to farmers to become self-reliant and build their inner confidence, to promote and revive organic farming and to educate farmers on water management and irrigation.

This initiative was taken in response to the increasing farmer suicides in India due to growing debts and economic uncertainties. It also educates farmers in the use of quality agricultural inputs and implements aimed at higher quality yield among others.

The Art of Living Foundation is working closely together with faculties of various agricultural universities and colleges and the Government with the objective to provide best solutions to the farmers and to access available government subsidies.

Bonde høster inn av sitt økologisk og biodynamisk landbruk

Bonde i programmet

Chemical Free Farming & Resource Management

The Art of Living Foundation has influenced and trained farmers to revert to organic (chemical-free) farming, plant more trees, and adopt soil and water conservation measures. It particularly promotes the introduction of organic farming techniques, like vermi-composting and the use of natural pesticides, biofertilizers and effective micro-organisms.

All of this has translated into increased crop yields and augmented incomes.

Primarily, the AOLF:

...conducts specific training programmes for farmers on the actual use of organic pesticides, fertilizers and composting
...encourages the use of indigenous seeds over genetically modified ones, in order to maintain natural biodiversity
...establishes co-operative seed storages, ensuring the effective collection and distribution of seeds

Sri Sri Mobile Agricultural Institute (SSMAI)

Sri Sri Mobile Agricultural Institute was started in October 2003 with the key objective to provide guidance to farmers to become self-reliant and build their inner confidence, to promote and revive organic farming and to educate farmers on water management and irrigation.

Større og høyere kvalitet på avlinger med økologisk og biodynamisk gårdsbruk som er i harmoni med miljøet The SSMAI Institute has been bringing agriculture-related knowledge and information, providing guidance on natural, effective practices, besides instilling self-confidence.

Promoting chemical-free farming and creating awareness amidst farmers– particularly on issues concerning biodiversity, bio-safety, the hazards of genetic engineering and the health risks of using chemical products – lie at the very core of the interventions. Specific training programs are conducted for farmers on the actual use of organic pesticides, fertilizers and composting. Farmers are encouraged to use indigenous seeds over genetically modified ones, in order to maintain natural biodiversity. Also co-operative seed storages have been established, ensuring the effective collection and distribution of seeds.

Urter og planter er naturens medisinkabinett

Medisinplante med mange egenskaper

The SSMAI Institute also distributes improved bullock drawing equipment, crop-protection equipment, irrigation pipelines and sprinkler sets, some of which, are subsidized by the government.

One of the focus areas is the extensive training of village youth leaders in the theoretical and practical aspects of organic farming.

This includes participatory rural appraisal, soil and water conservation, agricultural implements, agricultural and horticultural crop production, dairy development, preparation of vermi-compost, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, value addition and post-harvest technologies.

One of the more recent initiatives of the SSMAI Institute has been the plantation of Lakshmi Taru (Simarouba glauca DC) plants. This evergreen tree provides seceral benefits – oil for baking needs, the fruit pulp provides sugar for preparation of beverages and even the bark and leaves have medicinal uses.