Bija Vidyapeeth: Centre for Learning

Training Programme on Biodiversity Conservation and Organic Farming

Time and Duration One Week (April and September every Year)

Venue: Navdanya (Bija Vidyapeeth), Village Ramgarh, P.O. Nayagaon – Palo, Old Shimla Road, Dehradun

Course: Contents and Schedule

Day Ist:

Introduction

Organic farming concepts and overview
* Concept
* Current trends
* Techniques of farming

Farm walk

Day IInd:

Biodiversity Conservation and its significance
* Plant Genetic Resources
* Patents
* Policies
* Biopiracy and CBRs
* IPRs
* Community seed banks

Seeds:
* Seed selection
* Seed storage
* Sowing Practices,
* Seed treatments
* Participatory approach
* Seed Bank Visit

Day IIIrd:

Soil and Water Conservation
* Soil as a living system
* Nutrient supply
* Conservation of stored moisture
* Different soil working techniques
* Soil moisture storage
*Improving water use efficiency
* Soil moisture storage
* Rain water harvesting structures

Soil Fertility Management
* Hazards of Chemical Fertilizers
* Problems
* Alternatives of Chemical Fertilizers:
*Composting, Various methods of composting, Vermi-composts, Vermi-wash, Green manuring, Mulching and Bio-fertilizers

Soil ecology laboratory visit

Day IVth

Pest and Disease management
* Hazards of Chemical Pesticides
* Problems
* Alternatives of chemical pesticides

Post harvest management
* Harvesting techniques
* Storage practices
* Treatments

Practical training.

Agro forestry
* Role of Agro forestry
* Importance of tree species in increasing land productivity
* Choice of Species
* Type of tree suitable for agro forestry
* Tree crop interaction
* Wind breaks and shelterbelts
* Live fencing
* Ecological benefits of agro forestry
* Economical benefits of agro forestry
* Interactive relationship in agro forestry

Day Vth

Medicinal Plants and its importance
* Medicinal plant Diversity
* Cultivation techniques

Economics of Organic Farming
* Conventional vs Organic

Practical training on nursery preparation

Day VIth

Just and Fair Trade
* Fair Trade
* Creating local market

Experience sharing and Revision of practical training followed by Wrap-up session