The visit in mid-December of a delegation from the Japanese International Nature Farming Research Centre (INFRC), gave a big boost to organic farmers in India. The Japanese are proponents of a high-technology alternative -- the Effective Microorganism Method (EMM).
INFRC president Teruo Higa explained EMM involves the use of cultures of beneficial microorganisms that improve soil health and crop quality through increased microbial activity. The Japanese claim the technology is specially effective for underground roots and stems. Said Higa, "We have been able to convince farmers and scientists back home that, for several horticultural crops, EMM makes it possible to slash input costs by half and raise production by almost one-fifth."
However, the production of microbial cultures is expensive. Each plant carries an installation tag of $10 million. Higa argued the cost would be offset by the advantages of practicing EMM on a wide scale, as this would eliminate the use of chemical fertilisers.
The INFRC delegation and scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Indian agricultural universities discussed the transfer of EMM technology to India on an experimental basis. The Union agriculture ministry has permitted the INFRC to demonstrate the technology in a pilot project on 20.25 ha of agricultural land in Uttar Pradesh.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.