Saturday, October 5, 2013

Rajesh Dave : “Sustainable Yogic Agriculture needs positive thinking, pure feelings and mind power”

We have heard and seen many agricultural practices in Mauritius: hydroponics, drip irrigation, green agriculture and bio vegetables. The latest practice is being brought to us by the Brahma Kumaris- It is called Yogic Agriculture.
What is the definition of Yogic Agriculture?
Sustainable Yogic Agriculture refers to agricultural and farming practices which involve bio-organic and natural inputs along with application of positive thinking, pure feelings and mind power.  Thus it involves not only macro energy and materials but also micro energy as well as metaphysical inputs in terms of positive vibrations right from the stage of seed bed preparation, sowing, till harvesting and storage.

Is it a new agricultural concept? When did it start and by whom and what about putting it into practice and in which country?

Yes, it is a new innovative agricultural concept which involves modern farming with traditional knowledge. It started in 2007 by the few farmers who are also the students of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University at Kolhapur (Maharashtra) India. As these farmers have been integrating meditative practices in their daily lifestyles for many years, the application of mind power for farming was therefore envisaged and eventually implemented with very good results. This farming system has been recognized by Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations Organisation (FAO) and has found a place in business development magazine published after the 2012 Rio Summit on Bio-diversity.

What is the difference between yogic agriculture and bio agriculture?
Yogic Agriculture is a bio agriculture plus approach, which over and above, makes extensive use of positive mind power on seeds, soil, water, microbes, plants, fauna and flora. Scientific studies by agricultural universities (e.x. G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and technology, Uttarakhand, India) have shown improved rate of seed germination, microbial population, plant vigour, nutritional value of crops, shelf life, as a result of the application of yogic vibrations.

Does it have something to do with the protection of the environment? If yes, tell us how does it protect the environment?
Definitely, as explained earlier the yogic agriculture involves the principle of sustainability and preservation of bio diversity which necessarily uses natural and bio inputs along with pure feelings for all the living beings and environment.  Also since local seeds and no chemicals (mostly petroleum based) are used at any stage of the process, the carbon footprint is less.

Today the world is threatened with the invasion of all kinds of insects, not only of grasshoppers. How would farmers manage at keeping pests away from their plantations if ever there is fear of invasion from insects?

As a result of our non judicious application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides the invasions by insects have been found to be more intensive which is because of the ability of living creatures to develop resistance against adversities.  It is advisable to address this issue in a holistic manner like integrated pest management, uses of bio insecticides and bio pesticides along with bio control by crop friendly birds and insects. It has been observed in a research study in S.D North Gujarat Agriculture University, Dantivada that the ecology takes care of the crop protection by itself.  The study came out with a result which asserted the control of insects by natural predators (birds) due to eco friendly yogic farming.

What is the extension of yogic agricultural projects in India and elsewhere?

Presently there are about one thousand farmers located in the state of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana & Andhra Pradesh who have been using yogic farming methods over more than 1500 acres of land.  The capacity building program has been undertaken for representatives of farmers from other countries (Italy, Nepal, Australia, France).

Do you think that such form of agriculture is suitable for Mauritius? If yes when can we expect such produces in our local market?
Definitely yes!  Efforts have already started by Brahma Kumari Centres to sensitise the small farmers namely through AREU, Civil Societies, and the demonstration plots are likely to be identified in association with AREU at various places (Rose Belle, Wooton, Flacq, Goodlands).  However the products can only be expected once the cultivation takes place in the desired acreage.

How can this form of agricultural method help to assure food security in small countries like Mauritius?
Yogic Agriculture involves the principle of sustainability, resource conservation and bio-diversity preservation which enables the exploration of multiple cropping and mixed cropping to a small farmer giving him space to mitigate risks.  Mono crop economy needs to be changed to widely diversified crop economy for ensuring desired food security.

Whenever we produce we always think of market possibilities. Do you think that there is need to educate consumers before starting such production in Mauritius?

Yes.  The market is already sensitised on the advantages of organically grown produces avoiding ill effects of chemicals.  Such products fetch good market price and there is a demand supply gap.  Yogic agriculture is a plus approach and ensures improved nutritional value in agricultural produces (improved protein, energy values and carbohydrates)

What is the impact of food consumption on the Human personality?

 ‘As the food so is the mind’, this principle is reflected through yogic agriculture.  The pure and positive vibrations radiated on the crop results into high nutritional value and easy assimilation of the nutrients. Thus it improves both the health of body and the mind. The grower gets the benefits of low cost, high yield and high quality produces as well as his own character will be built ensuring a better quality of life.
Source:http://www.defimedia.info/news-sunday/interview/item/38364-rajesh-dave-sustainable-yogic-agriculture-needs-positive-thinking-pure-feelings-and-mind-power.html

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