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What is Bio-Dynamic Agriculture?
Bio-dynamics, derived from two Greek words, bios life and dynamos energy, refers to the agriculture science that recognizes basic principles at work in nature and applies this knowledge of life forces to bring about balance and healing in the soil. In other words, it recognizes the biological values in the soil, as well as, the chemical values - hence, bio-dynamic agriculture. It is a method of farming that aims to treat the farm as a living system which interacts with the environment, to build healthy living soil, and to produce food that nourishes and vitalises and helps to develop humanity. The methods are based on a series of eight lectures given by Dr. Rudolf Steiner,an Austrian philosopher and scientist, in 1924 at the request of German farmers. He showed how the health of soil, plants and animals depends on reconnecting nature with the creative forces of the cosmos. The practical methods he outlined are intended above all, to revitalize the natural forces being depleted through modern agricultural techniques. Bio-dynamic methods produce a living soil with increased biological activity, in alignment with planetary cosmic rhythms, particularly those of the sun, moon and planets in the fixed constellations. Cosmic energies can work strongly through a living soil down into the plant. The coordinated working together of earthly and cosmic energies is what brings about healthy and nutritious plants. Bio-dynamics is a complete holistic outlook on agriculture.
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BD Agriculture & Organic Farming
Bio-dynamic agriculture is an advanced form of organic farming, with techniques to 'farm the air' as well as farm the soil, and is the oldest organic farming movement practiced in over 20 countries in the world. It includes the normal organic farming practices, such as the use of compost, green manures, and crop rotation. In addition, Bio-dynamic agriculture uses a series of Preparations numbered from 500 to 508 which are based on various mineral, plant, and animal substances. These enhance all the bacterial, fungal and mineral processes that are found in the organic farming system. Placing great importance on the auspicious positions of the moon, sun and planets, a Planting Calendar is used for applying the biodynamic preparations, sowing seeds, planting plants, applying liquid manures, spraying fruit trees and crops, and other farming activities. Experience has shown that use of the Bio-dynamic techniques can make all organic farming processes work more quickly and better.
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Why a Bio-Dynamic Association India?
The primary objective of the BDAI is to promote and coordinate the Bio-Dynamic Movement in India. The Movement started in India in the early 90's. Peter Proctor, a farmer from New Zealand working in Bio-dynamic agriculture since 1965, was asked to come to India by Shri T.G.K. Menon of Indore in 1993 to teach Indian farmers about Bio-dynamic farming. He & Rachel Pomeroy have been coming since then twice a year to run seminars, workshops and courses for all farmers - in villages or running big estates. Interest in BD agriculture has greatly increased over the past five years among organic farmers in India. There are now more than 500 small and big farms practicing Bio-dynamic agriculture throughout the country. Three major initiatives, located in the north and south are promoting BD agriculture among 3000 small farms. The BDAI is committed to provide training on BD agriculture, to link up with the international Bio-dynamic Movement and to promote and support the trade and commerce connected with Bio-dynamic Agriculture in India through interaction with International. & Demeter India (DI)
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Links to other organizations
A movement such as Bio-dynamic Agriculture finds its success within a group effort of like-minded organizations. Active cooperation, support and frequent exchange of ideas and methods between these 'family members' is crucial to the accomplishment of our shared aims & objectives. Click for links to the websites of some of our co-workers.
See the new link just added (March 2009):
BD Journal, a new blog site set up to investigate the Biodynamic Planting Calendar. It is intended to be used as a research tool. Join the discussions!!!
Click here for information on training programmes offered by the Anthroposophical Initiatives in India.
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