News

Urvarasa, ethical agricultural practices to help mitigate the climate crisis

World Sustainable Gastronomy Day is celebrated on June 18.

The word “gastronomy” refers to the art and knowledge involved in preparing and eating food and it is often associated with local products and cuisine. Food production is an essential part of this process which can be informed by traditional local knowledge.

In celebration of this day, we highlight the work of our community in India. They share their concept of food production as much more than a set of techniques; instead, it is a way of looking at and understanding the environment.

____

Citizens of the planet are reeling under the climate crisis due, for a large part, to our current agricultural practices. As an effective solution, Jeeva Bhavana – an environmental NGO based in Pune, India –  has initiated a farmers’ empowerment program, Urvarasa.

Urvarasa, which means procuring fertile soil in Sanskrit, is a grassroots movement that seeks to mitigate the effects of climate change while putting an end to the current intensive and exploitative farming system in India, by assisting farmers in their transition to ethical, natural, plant-based farming practices and creating a committed consumer base to support those forward-thinking farmers.

One of the pillars of Urvarasa is establishing a food forest on the farmer’s land. A food forest not only provides the farmer with a perennial source of food and income; it is also an essential element of a well-balanced ecosystem and biodiversity. Much more than crops, trees provide natural habitats for animals, birds, and insects that in turn help build fertile soil and balanced nutritional exchange on the farm. Trees also sequester carbon from the atmosphere and lead it into the soil. They hold water and raise groundwater levels. The foliage from the trees acts as a mulch, continuously covering the soil and creating a conducive habitat for the worms and insects that add nutrients to the soil. This allows farmers to avoid using expensive, synthetic nitrogen-based fertilizers that are the main culprits for polluting our precious natural resources – soil, air, and water.

An Urvarasa farmer respects the animals on his farm and allows them to live their natural lifespan without exploitation or abuse. Animals are not bred artificially or used for their products like meat, milk, or leather; however, by-products, like urine and dung, can undoubtedly be used for soil fertility. Allowing the natural existence of animals on the farm is an effective way to keep a check on the rampant growth of livestock in our country and the increasing methane emissions produced by livestock. Urvarasa aims to re-establish harmonious and symbiotic relationships among the multitude of species in the living world.

A natural farming system is rewarding because it empowers both the farmer and the citizens. The farmer grows food using a practice that causes the least harm to himself, his farm, the animals, and the planet. At the same time, the consumer gets easy access to naturally grown, nutrient-dense food that helps them take control of their life, thus creating a win-win situation for planet Earth, humans, and animals.

____

If you have any comments or questions, feel free to comment below.

You can learn more about Jeeva Bhavana here. And, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages to stay up to date with their inspiring work!

See below some pictures of our friends at Urvarasa, Jeeva Bhavana, in India.

 

Please share this. Thank you!

2 Comments

  1. Carol Davis

    Thank you for your article on ethical agricultural practices identifying the value of trees in creating soil quality and water retention. I have copied a link to a recent article in the UK online newspaper The Guardian about ‘silvopasture’, a traditional method for introducing trees to land for grazing. It would have a huge impact if farmers in Europe reverted to this method. Would there be value in asking Brett and Maria Chedzoy to add an article to ‘Global Tree Initiative’?

    Link to article on silvopasture

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/18/cows-sustainable-farming-silvopasture

    Reply
    • Kika Gusmao

      Thank you for your comment!
      The Global Tree Initiative has a monthly Community Blog where people from our global community are invited to share news, articles, and stories.
      Such an article about silvopasture could fit there – https://plantgrowsave.org/blog/
      Otherwise, we also have an education page where this topic could be addressed – https://plantgrowsave.org/education/
      Thank you so much for your valuable contribution!

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News

Reflections on Walk For The Trees 2023 – Part 2

Mark shares with us that, “Overall, Jill and I are thrilled about the outcomes and the way things went during the whole process”.

Developments from our Australian partner, Atisha Buddhist Centre

Mark tells us that they are applying for funding to create a “honey and native bee pollinator garden” around the Kadampa Stupa.

International Youth Day: Inspiration from Zimbabwe

On August 12, we celebrate International Youth Day! This brings about an excellent opportunity to hear from our Regional coordinator in Zimbabwe, Jussa Kudherezera, who is also the founder of Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA).

Mark Allaway’s birthday fundraiser

THANK YOU for celebrating your birthday with us, Mark Allaway!

Food Security and the way forward

This piece explains the current state of food security in Nigeria, the challenges it faces, and potential solutions to address this pressing issue.

Welcome to Burkina Faso, country number 66 to join our global community!

In June 2023, Burkina Faso became country number 66 to join our global tree-planting community! Burkina Faso is a West-African country, lying in the Sahel belt region.

Meet Raman Reikhi from Reikhi Farms, India

Raman is one of the active members of our community forum, and he has also planted many trees in the past. In this article, we want to tell our community more about Raman and his farm, Reikhi Farms.

Our community gardeners from around the world

Gardening can be quite a rewarding experience and it has proven benefits to one’s health (both physical and mental). Our global community has been dedicating some time to growing food and tending to small indoor gardens.

Children in Equatorial Guinea share their humble gardening activities

One of the heartfelt stories that reached us through this global challenge, comes from Equatorial Guinea, Africa. Sr. Manuela Benavides tells us about the activities that they carry out with the disabled children in Mikomiseng.

GTI India offers their collective success and efforts to the Dalai Lama!

Mrinalini Nigde, one of our dedicated coordinators in India, tells us about a wooden plaque that was offered to the Dalai Lama.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our newsletter. Stay tuned to all our news. There is more to come.

You have Successfully Subscribed!