The International Training of Trainers on Biodynamic Agriculture seminar has officially started in Puthu Mandhu, near Udhagamandalam in the Nilgiris district. Spanning six days, the event aims to educate delegates and organic farming enthusiasts worldwide. Organisers claim this is Asia’s first such programme focused on biodynamic agricultural practices.

The seminar has attracted participants from various countries, including India, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines. The event is being led by the Indian Bio-Dynamic Association’s President, Chandrasekharan, with the organisation being facilitated by Mahesh Melvin, the Organising Secretary.

Chandrasekharan expressed the goal of the training by highlighting a six-phase programme intended to create master trainers who can disseminate knowledge both theoretically and practically. He noted that biodynamic agriculture is a step beyond organic farming and involves specific techniques such as compost preparation.

Objectives of the Seminar and Training Method

Chandrasekharan discussed the overarching aim of equipping trainers to return to their home nations and enlighten local farmers about biodynamic practices. He emphasized the growing interest from the Government of India in promoting organic agriculture. The programme aims to inform various stakeholders, including farmers, students, and educational institutions, about the benefits of biodynamic methods.

He also pointed out that the biodynamic approach prohibits the use of chemical or synthetic inputs entirely. This commitment ensures that farmers produce the healthiest products possible. The initiative is supported by the Biodynamic Federation from Germany, which believes this training will arm the participants with essential knowledge to promote biodynamic agriculture in their respective countries.

Anbu, the Training and Development in-charge at the Biodynamic Association of India, elaborated that the six-day workshop aims to transform participants into master trainers. He stated that around eight to ten countries are involved, and participants will return home equipped to enhance local agricultural practices.

Discussions on Sustainable Practices and Knowledge Sharing

The training encompasses vital biodynamic practices, including compost-making and the preparation of Cow Pat Pit (CPP), which are critical for enhancing soil fertility without the use of chemical products. Anbu remarked that this initiative is a collaborative project involving ten Asian countries and the Biodynamic Federation International in Germany.

The Organising Secretary, Mahesh Melvin, shared that the training is hosted at Jezreel Biodynamic Farms, an establishment in Ooty that has been operational for approximately 25 years. Participants from multiple nations are present to learn and exchange ideas on biodynamic agriculture techniques appropriate for diverse environments.

During the workshop, different methods for preserving soil fertility without synthetic fertilizers were examined. Japanese farmers shared techniques for natural fertiliser application, enhancing soil microorganisms, while Indian farmers detailed traditional natural pesticide practices cultivated over generations. This exchange of knowledge is particularly relevant for the ecologically sensitive Nilgiris region, where there is an increasing call to diminish reliance on chemical agriculture.

As the event wrapped up, foreign delegates took the opportunity to visit organic farms in the Puthu Mandhu area, where they witnessed local practices first-hand. Participants noted that such initiatives significantly contribute to the advancement of both organic and biodynamic farming methodologies, fostering collaboration among countries.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share