Health problems

Ecological & health disturbances have surfaced like soil & water pollution and increase in number of diseases like cancer, diabetes, blood pressure, skin allergy, digestion and metabolism related problems, etc. Recent researches and media reports suggest that we are facing these problems due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, weedicides and pesticides during farming. Environmental activist Dr. Vandana Shiva has written extensively about the social, political and economic impacts of the Green Revolution in Punjab. According to Dr. Shiva, the Green Revolution’s reliance on heavy use of chemical inputs and monocultures has resulted in water scarcity, vulnerability to pests, and incidents of violent conflict and social marginalization. iii It has resulted in adverse health effects for both consumers and farmers as well. For example – endosulfan & its effects on nervous system’, chlordimeform (cancer, bladder damage), DBCP (cancer risk, male infertility), chlorpyrifos (headache, digestive problems), etc. Even, MS Swaminathan – a cult figure in Indian agriculture and pioneer green revolution now admits that organic farming is the only way forward. He has coined the term ‘evergreen farming’ for this purposeiv. He strongly advocates for suitability and farming based on natural principles. He says – “Organic farming helps to improve soil fertility and avoids the use of pesticides, which get into the food chain. So, biologically and nutritionally organic farming confers many benefits.”

Solutions

As, we have seen green revolution provided solutions in the short term but created multiple long-term problems. The 2008 ‘world agriculture report’ suggests that these techniques produced food in the short term but food quality & nutrition decreased drastically. India also lost its agricultural diversity in the process. Now, due to increase in research, awareness and concern regarding health & ecology (wrt inputs and techniques of farming), large number of farmers have adopted biodiversity based natural farming, zero budget farming or natural farming. It involves understanding farm as an ecosystem, complimentary role of various species, green manures, animal manures, croprotation, multi-cropping, etc. The main goals of such kind of farming are:
1. Conserve eco-system within and around the
2. Get Farm products with better taste and nutritional value
3. Enhance and sustain long term fertility of the soil

Our Objectives

● To increase awareness about good food, health and living as per principles of nature.
● To increase the significance and consumption of healthy food products in society.
● To ensure organic & natural products are adopted & promoted in the society.
● To provide people with 100% certified organic food and connect them with farmers.
● To make transparent and direct connection between farmers & consumers.
● To promote self-reliance in farmers for inputs through awareness programs and training.
● To help increase the scale, prices and quality of organic food production, processing and marketing.
● Promote large scale nation-wide production of natural and healthy products.
● Promoting make in India objective about farming products and self-reliance as a good farming practice.
● Review the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, preservatives etc.

Focus Areas

1) Awareness – Creating awareness about natural & organic products. It involves interaction with shopkeepers, families, college students, and government officials.
2) Transparency – Building Trust, respect & relationship with farmers & consumers through transparent communication and business.
3) Connect – Building network of organic farmers for mutual support.
4) Support – Training, marketing, branding, production & processing.