INSPRING STORY OF PAYAL AGRAWAL (VERMICOMPOSTING)

VERMICOMPOSTING

WHAT IS VERMICOMPOSTING?

"Vermicomposting is a process where the earthworm helps to convert the  organic waste into manure rich high nutritional content." 

Vermicomposting means worm farming. In simple words, if we had to explain the process of vermicomposting, Earthworm feed on the organic waste materials and give out excreta in the form of 'vermicasts' that are rich in nitrates & minerals such as phosphorous, magnesium, calcium & potassium. These are used as fertilizers to enhance the quality of soil.

NUTREINTS PROFILE OF VERMICOMPOSTING:

• 0·1% of Nitrogen

• 0.71% of Phosphorus

• 0.80% of Potassium

• 0.51% of Calcium

• 0.27% of Magnesium 

• 175 ppm Iron

• 96.5 ppm of Manganese

• 24.5 ppm of Zinc

CASE STUDY:

PAYAL AGRAWAL

This is the story of a girl named Payal Agrawal. She is the Engineering student. She completed her B.tech in 2016. After that she was preparing for the competitive exam for 2 years. During her examination she got the job offer from Multinational company but she rejected the offer as she was preparing for exam. Then she didn't got success she decided to start her own  business where she wanted the input cost to be low. When she was searching for different business ideas she got to know about the Vermicomposting and she started doing the research regarding about it. She belongs to Meerut, U.P. 

• HOW SHE STARTED DOING IT? 

Initially she was started collecting the relevant information in the sector organic farming. She got to develop her interest in this sector. Her interest towards this field eventually made start her business in Vermicomposting at the age of 25. Subsequently, Payal began to read  and started collecting the information about vermicomposting from different places and internet. She also took the training from the nearby place. Even while training, she bought some earthworms and practice it at small scale. After that, when Payal was confident enough that she could do this, she started her own vermicomposting unit in 2017 with the name "Green Earth Organics". Her journey for this was not simple, she invested about 2 lakh which she used to get from the tuitions she used to take. First of all she took the land on rent and started to setup the beds over there and stared with her vermicomposting unit. Today she earns about 2 lakhs rupees per month.

• HOW DOES PAYAL WORKS?

The vermicomposting process takes about two and  a half months. In her unit, there are around 200 beds at a time. She purchases  the earthworm from different places. Also purchases the dung from Gaushala. She takes the cow dung which is 15 days old. The cost 1kg of dung is near about  30-40 paisa. She produces about 25 tons of vermicompost a month and sometimes more than that. She is also give free training to the people and helping them to start there own setup. She is also giving employment to many people. Best thing about her vermicompost is it's originality.

• CORRECT IDENTIFICATION OF VERMICOMPOST:-

The good quality of vermicompost becomes friable after composting and also turns black. 

                                                                          -By:- Aishwarya Pradip Awasarmol 

BIOGRAPHY OF DR. M. S. SWAMINATHAN ( FATHER OF INDIAN GREEN REVOLUTION)

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

“The word ‘impossible’ exists mainly in our minds and that given the requisite will and effort, great tasks can be accomplished.”                   

                           M.S Swaminathan, we are well known with the name, the father of Indian green revolution. Let’s have a look towards life of this great personality.

  

CHILDHOOD

His full name is Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan. He was born in Kumbakonam,Tamilnadu on 7 August 1925. His father was  a surgeon Dr. M.K. Sambasivan and mother Parvathi Thangammal Sambasivan. He was the second son of them. At the age of 11 he lost his father. He was looked after by his uncle M.K. Naraynswami who was a radiologist.

EDUCATION

 He attended the local high school and later the Catholic Little Flower High School in Kumbakonam, from which he matriculated at age 15. Coming from the family of doctors He took the admission in medical field.But, when he witnessed the Great Bengal famine of 1943, he decided to devote his life to getting rid of hunger from India. He was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi while he took this decision. He simply switched from the medical field to the agricultural field. He then went on to finish his undergraduate degree in Biology at Maharaja’s College in Trivandrum, Kerala (now known as University College, Thiruvananthapuram). He studied there from 1940–44 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology. Swaminathan then decided to pursue a career in agricultural sciences. He took the admission in Madras Agricultural College (now the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University) where he graduated as valedictorian with another Bachelor of Science degree, this time in Agricultural Science.

MEDICAL FIELD TO AGRICULTURAL FIELD

 He explained this career decision thus: “My motivation started with the great Bengal famine of 1943 when I was a student at the University of Kerala. There was an acute rice shortage, and in Bengal, about 3 million people died from starvation. All of our young people, myself included, were involved in the freedom struggle,   which Gandhi had intensified, and I decided I should take to agricultural research to help farmers produce more." 

MARRIAGE

M.S. Swaminathan is married to Mina Swaminathan, whom he met in 1951 while they were both studying at Cambridge. 

ACHIEVEMENTS

M.S Swaminathan, known for his role in India’s Green Revolution, a program under which high-yield varieties of wheat and rice were planted. He has played many role other than being the father of green revolution, he was scientist, he was also the ex. member of planning commission.

- He was also the Ex. President of national commission on farmers of india.

- From 1972 to 1979 he was director general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. 

- He was Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture from 1979 to 1980. 

- He served as Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (1982–88) and became president of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in 1988.

- In 1999, he was one of 3 Indians on Time’s list of the 20 most influential Asian people of the 20th century.

AWARDS

- Padma Shri(1967) 

- The Borlaug Award in 1971 for his pioneering       work in wheat.

- He also received Padma Bhushan (1973)

- Krishi Ratna Award in 1986. 

- He also won the “world food prize” in 1987 given by FAO.

- Padma Vibhushan in 1989. 

- He was also honored with “Millennium prize” by former prime minister A.B. Vajpai in 88th national science congress held on 3-7 jan,2001 at IARI, New Delhi.

- Other  than this he has received many national and international awards.

SWAMINATHAN AS A AUTHOR

- He also wrote the book “Wheat revolution”in 1993. 

- Other than this  the wrote some more books such as “Farmers’ Rights and Plant Genetic Resources: A dialogue” in 1995 , 

- “A evergreen revolution” in 2006 and  some more.

BIOGRAPHY OF SWAMINATHAN

- His biography “M.S. Swaminathan – One Man’s Quest for a Hunger-Free World” was written in 2002 by Gita Gopalakrishnan. 

- “Scientist and Humanist: M.S. Swaminathan” by R.D. Iyer. 

RECENT WORKS

- He was the Member of Indian Parliament(Rajya sabha)

- Currently Dr M.S. Swaminathan holds the UNESCO Chair in Eco-technology.

- Chairman of the Dr M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.

- He is the chairman of the National Commission on Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Security of India (National Commission on Farmers).

- He is currently spearheading a movement to bridge the Digital divide called, “Mission 2007: Every Village a Knowledge Centre”

                         - By:- Aishwarya Pradip Awasarmol

AQUACUTURE

AQUACULTURE

                                            Aquaculture is the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, algae, and organisms in all types of water environments. Aquaculture is also known as Aquafarming (Aqua meaning water and culture meaning to grow). The difference between pisciculture and aquaculture is that pisciculture involves culture & rearing of fish whereas aquaculture involves culture and rearing of fish as well as another aquatic organism such as prawn, oyster, etc. It is practiced for more than 2500 years in China, Egypt, and India. 

IMPORTANCE AND CONTRIBUTION

Indian major carps and exotic camps contribute over 90% of freshwater aquaculture. The freshwater aquaculture primarily confined to three major carps viz, Rohu, Calta, Mrigala with Exotic species Tilapia mossambila.Catfishes such as Mystus, wallago.Shellfishes such as Prawns, Molluscs, Crustaceans.

                                      

                                                     

                                      

                                             FIG:-Tilapia mossambila

WHY AQUACULTURE? 

• Population boom and limited food resources are there.

• Cheaper source of protein next to eggs.

• More edible protein (70-80%.) than meat.

• Fish meal is with all 10 essential amino acids.

• High Fecundity (the ability to produce an abundance of offspring or new growth) and high growth rate. 

• Ornamental and medicinal value.

 OBJECTIVES

• Production of low Lost, protein-rich, nutritive palatable, and easily digestible human food. 

• Production of ornamental fish for aesthetic appeal.

• Effective utilization of aquatic and land resources.

• Recycling of organic waste of human and livestock origin.

SYSTEMS OF AQUACULTURE

Major and Important classification:-

1.On the basis of salinity. 

 i.Freshwater farming.

ii.Brackish water farming.

iii.Marine water farming.

2. On the basis of intensity.

 i.Extensive farming system.

ii.Seme-intensive farming system. 

iii.Intensive farming system. 

3. On the Basis of Fish species.

 i. Monoculture.

ii.Polyculture.

4. On the Basis of the enclosure.

 i.Pond culture.

ii.Cage culture.

iii.Pen culture.

iv.Race-way culture.

5.On the basis of integration.

 i.Agriculture cum fish farming. 

ii.Animal husbandry cum fish farming.

Based on different sources available and involved in farming activity, aquaculture is categorized as mentioned below.

1) Based on the temperature of the water.

a) Warm water farms

b) Coldwater farms

2) Based on water replacement.

a) Running water farms

b) Stagnant water farms

3) Based on the physiographical zone.

a) Inland fish farms

b) Coastal fish farms

c) Marine fish farms

4) Based on the water source.

a) Rainfed farms

b) Tide fed farms

c) Groundwater fed farms

d) River/Canal fed farms

e) Springwater/Artesian fed farms

f) Sewage fed farms

g) Seepage water farms

5) Based on material used for pond construction.

a) Earthen ponds

b) Cement ponds

c) Lined earthen ponds

d) Plastic tanks

6) Based on species cultured.

a) Carp farming

b) Shrimp farming

c) Tilapia farming

d) Catfish farming

e) Mullet farming

7) Based on organism cultured.

a) Fish farm

b) Prawn farm

c) Crab farm

d) Oyster farm

e) Mussel farm

f) Seaweed farm

8) Based on the development stage.

a) Breeding farm/Hatchery

b) Nursery farm

c) Seed rearing farm

d) Grow out farm

9) Based on sex.

a) Monosex culture farms

b) Mixed-sex culture farms

10) Based on the stocking.

a) Single size stocking

b) Multiple size stocking

11) Based on harvesting.

a) Single harvesting

b) Multiple harvesting

c) Rotational harvesting

12) Based on levels of input intensity.

a) Level 1 – Without management either for stocking fish seeds or for fish food supply.

b) Level 2 – Seeds are stocked. These are supported by the fish food organisms produced only by natural soil productivity. Only stocking of seed is prevalent.

c) Level 3 – Seeds are stocked and are supported by the fish food organisms produced by natural soil productivity and increased productivity by organic manure and inorganic fertilizer application. Stocking of seed and manure fertilizer application is prevalent.

d) Level 4 – Stocked fishes are supported by natural soil-based productivity, increased productivity due to manure fertilizer application, and supplementary feeding.

e) Level 5 – Hatchery produced seeds supported only by formulated feeds.

PERMACULTURE (Ethics and principles, Examples)

PERMACULTURE

                                                                       Permaculture, in simple words it is can said as the a process that mimic the natural ecosystems.Without disturbing the natural environment performing the the activity of agriculture is permaculture.The permaculture term was coined in Tasmania by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the mid 1970's.PERMACULTURE a combination of the words PERMANENT and AGRICULTURE offer a unique approach to the practice of sustainable farming,ranching ,gardening and living.

                                                                     Permaculture is something to how to which shows how to work,with the dynamics of natural ecosystems.We can apply this knowledge in designing constructed ecosystems that serve the needs of human populations without degrading our natural environment.Permaculture would deal with integrated plants,animals, landscapes,structures & human into symbiotic systems where the product of one element serves the need of another.It can be done with by using the minimum material,energy & labor.By recycling " waste" resources back into the system,it also minimizes the pollution.

                                                                       As permaculture mimics the natural process of ecosystems .The careful observation of the natural cycles, energies and resources on a site are necessary. We can design a system that imitates Nature & takes on a life of its own . So, the permaculture is a system of design . Permaculture can yield a variety of high quality food fiber & energy to meet the basic human needs.

                                                 

 Ethics and  Principle of Permaculture

1. Observe and  interact. 
2. Catch and store energy.
3. Obtain a yield.
4. Apply  Self Regulation and accept feedback. 
5.Use and value Renewable Resources and services. 
6. Produce No waste. 

7. Design from Patterns to Details. 

8. Integrate Rather than segregate. 
9. Use small and Slow Solutions.
10. Use and value Diversity. 
11. Use edges & value the marginal . 

12. Creatively use & Respond to change.

 1. Observe & interact. 

                                Being observant and reacting to what we see is really important in moving towards a more ethical and sustainable way of life. While Observing means should consider the times of day & cultures.

 2. Catch & store Energy 

 Energy is which gives us the ability to work , should not be wasted . The renewable ways of capturing and utilizing energy should be promoted.

3. Obtain a yield

 Design of the should be that it should encourage the yield of the crop and hence they would create  . ' "Positive feedback loop "

 4. Apply Self - regulation and accept feedback

 We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well.

 5. Use and value Renewable Resources and services .

 A diversified use of renewable resources at appropriate level of use can help us to limit our to consumption. 

 6. Produce No waste . 

Recycling, composting & reducing waste are increasingly important as population increases.

 Like , A stitch saves nine.

7.Design from Patterns to Details

 By stepping Back , we can observe patterns in nature and society . These can form the backbone of our designs with the details filled in as we go.

                                                                                              - McManus 2010 

8. Integrale Rather than segregate

 The recognition of complex connection in nature and making beneficial use of those interactions.

9.Use small and slow solutions

Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and produce more sustainable outcomes. 

10.Use and value diversity

Permaculture seeks to understand past, present and potential biological and cultural diversity.

11.Use edges and value the marginal

A point where two systems meet is often a place where productivity and stability can be found. Rather than disregarding the marginal we should look for ways to make use of it's diversity and productivity.

12.Creativity, use and respond to change. 

 We can have a positive impact on inevitable change be carefully observing and then intervening of the right time.

                         

Examples of Permaculture-

• Rain water harvesting
• Stack function
• Herb spirals
• Design a plant guide

Permaculture vs Organic farming

                                                                     Permaculture & Organic farming have similarities but also differences what connects these two gardens is high respect for environment principles,nonuse of synthetic resources, production with the application of natural processes & material. Development Sustainable agri system rationalization of natural resources. Organic farming involves , growing food with a lot work invested. Permaculture can be called as "lazy agriculture". Permaculture is a focus on biodiversity, perennial plants . One of the biggest & major difference is land treatment. 

       

            

                                                                                                       By:- Aishwarya Awasarmol

HYDROPONICS AT HOME (SIMPLE METHOD)

 

                                   HYDROPONICS

What is hydroponics?

                                                                Hydroponics simply means growing plants without soil. Really! Is that even possible? And yes, fortunately, the answer is yes. Okay, so just think for once plant grows through the process of photosynthesis (we all are well known with this fact), which leads to the formation of food i.e. glucose for the plant and remaining growth of the plant depends on water and nutrients which plant gets easily through the soil, that means the soil is just the medium for the water and nutrients. But what if the plants can get the water and nutrients without the soil (medium)? So, here the work of hydroponics start.

                                                                      If we had to take the literal meaning of hydroponics, its actual meaning is growing plants in water or with water. Hydroponics is the summation of two Greek words i.e. hydro meaning water and ponics (ponein) meaning to labor or toil.

                              

Why hydroponics?

                                                         Now, getting towards another point, like why hydroponics? When we have the soil then why use the water? So, when it comes to hydroponics the plant growth is much faster as compared to plant growth in soil. Other than that it provides complete nutrient balance to the plant as soil. The plants tend to grow throughout the year. It is something that can be grown in your indoor space. The hydroponics are rich in nutrients and taste and hence they are used as the fodder for the livestock. The major important thing is that hydroponics saves about 60-65% water as compared to conventional planting methods (as in soil).  The main reason to grow hydroponics is that we can grow them chemical-free. Hydroponics not only saves the water but it also saves the spaces. Hydroponics yields 80% better, the study by  NASA shown the immense power of hydroponics growing technique compared with soil-based growing.

 

How to grow hydroponics?

                                                                                   Lets, get to the most important point on how to do it?  Basically, I am going to tell you how to grow hydroponics in indoor space. There are many other systems and methods to grow hydroponics but I am going to tell you which I have done practically. Steps to grow hydroponics are:-

1.      Take the required amount of seeds (like, I would recommend taking 400-500 grams of seeds). Probably try to take the maize seeds (maize is mostly used for fodder purpose).

2.      Wash them thoroughly with water. Pick out the seeds which float on water. You can also wash them with the saltwater to avoid the attack of fungus.

3.      Soak the seeds in water for about 12-13hrs. for 500gms of seed use about 6-7liters of water.

4.      After 12hrs rinse the water and again wash it carefully 2-3 times with water. Then keep for germination. You can keep the seeds in dark-colored cloth and tie the cloth for getting fast germination. Keep the for germination for about 24hrs.

5.      After 24hrs, when the maize begins to sprouts (formation of tiny roots takes places) spread them in a tray without getting the seeds overlapped. (The kind of tray shown in the picture, it is the stationary tray which I have used as hydroponics by making holes to tray for drainage.)

6.      Allow them to grow. The complete growth takes place within 12-15 days.

7.      Make sure you keep on sprinkling the water daily within intervals 3-4hrs.

8.      After the 15days it can be given to the animals for consumption.

9.      Precautions to be taken:-

i.                 Keep them away for ants and rats in the house.

ii.                Keeps them watering on regular interval.

iii.              Keep them in sunlight for 15-20 mins.

iv.              Keep on cleaning them as black fungus start the formation on it.

 

So, there are many methods other than this but this one is simple and easily practicable.

 

Plants that can be grown as hydroponics.

Best hydroponics plants that can be grown are vegetables, herbs, fruit, and fodder.

Vegetables such as spinach, lettuce can be grown.

Fruits such as strawberry, blueberry, pepper can be grown.

Fodder such as maize, jawar, bajra, wheat can be grown.

Herbs such as basil, green mint, peppermint, oregano can be grown.

 

Difference between hydroponics and aqua phonics.

                                                      Hydroponics and aquaponics are two different methods of having the same concept.

Hydroponics is the nutrients that are taken from a formulated solution. And in aquaponics the source of nutrients are fishes.

Here are some pictures of hydroponics at different stages on a different day:-

                     

                                                                                     - Aishwarya Awasarmol