Several experts and practising farmers from different countries visited the Aranya Farms located in the forest area on the outskirts of Bidakanne village in Jarasangam mandal.
“To augment production, farmers across the globe have been increasingly using chemicals and pesticides, thus deteriorating soil health as well as human health. Do we need to pit quality in food production against quantity at the cost of our health?” asked Fanacois Leger, professor of agro ecology and social ecology, Agro Paris Tech, Paris.
In this context, permaculture as a practise could help address the problems of agro ecology, he said.
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Protect soil health
“Permaculture is a system of farming followed by design. It will provide livelihood to farmers and protect soil health in addition to creating a bond between the farmer and land. This system of farming will benefit both the community and the nation. It’s also helpful in stabilising climate change,” opined Prof. Andrew Millison of Oregon State University, USA.
“This will offer ecological solution to global problems. Even small-scale farmers could benefit from this system and have food security for the whole year. Many Latin American countries are siding with this because of the low-cost investment,” he added.
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Three ethics
This discussion was a part of the International Permaculture Convergence programme which started on November 27 and would continue till December 2. The delegates were shown different forms of practices being followed in the ‘Aranya,’ which has been following three ethics — earth care, people care and fair share. Aranya Permaculture farm was developed in about 11 acres which resembles a forest.
“Permaculture moves around design philosophy, under which our three eco-friendly ethics are strictly followed. This system would address climate change,” said K. Padma, CEO, Aranya.