Saturday, December 25, 2010

Third Biennial Convention (TBC) organized by Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI).
























Karsog Valley Farmers Group (KVFG) participated in the Third Biennial Convention (TBC) organized by Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI). If you recall we had held 3 day conference on Water Conservation and Organic Farming. Various growers from Sartyola, Churag, Bakhrot and Kalashan village participated in the TBC convention. In addition we were joined by Dr. Bhupesh Gupta scientist associated with KVK, Kinnaur and Dr. Kuldeep Thakur scientist of COH-Nouni. The farmers also presented farmers of other parts of India with Organic Kinnauri apples, walnuts, dry apricots and pulses. Our group was well received and this event was a memorable experience for a lifetime.
TBC saw participation of over 700 farmers, scientists and activists associated with the Organic Farming movement. The theme of the convention is “Cool Farming for a Hot Planet,” reflecting the widely held conviction that organic farming not only eliminates or minimizes contributions from agriculture to green house gases (when contrasted with chemical agriculture), but also actively helps in keeping more carbon in the soil.

The convention was held at Bhaikaka Krishi Kendra, outside Anand at Village Ravipura, which is one of the best organic farms in the country. Managed by Sarvdaman and Meena Patel, the farm was a veritable garden in paradise. The central area was the”Bamboo Cathedral” created by selective removal of bamboo clumps from an acre of bamboo grove. Th over-arching bamboos provided shade and warmth to the stage and the main auditorium of the convention. The path leading to it was embellished with flowerbeds of marigolds, chrysanthemums, balsams and other flowering plants lending extraordinary colour for the delegates to enjoy.
More details of the convention can be found at OFAI this blog.