The Hindu Business Line : Farming based on zodiac principles of crop calendar

Innovative farming
Crops also have an almanac which farmers refer for carrying out operations.
The basic theory is that the 12 zodiac signs connected to the movement of the moon are divisible into four groups.

Chennai , Nov. 20

Biodynamic farming is fast finding popularity among several farmers in the southern States, especially Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

This farming is done by performing different operations based on zodiac principles of the crop calendar.

Similar to the almanac for humans, crops also have an almanac which biodynamic farmers refer for carrying out their farm operations.

Origin

The origin of this farming is traced to a series of lectures given by an Austrian philosopher, Mr Rudolf Steiner, in 1924.

The harvested produces grown by this method of farming have a superior taste and aroma compared to other farming methods.

The encouraging results proved by biodynamic farming have led to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Delhi and the National Horticulture Board (NHB) Bangalore, popularising this technique among organic farmers.

"Biodynamic farming is quite eco-friendly as there is no great investment involved. There are nearly 100 such farmers in Tamil Nadu and about 1,000 all over India," says Mr Jeyachandran, a farmer in Ariyanoor village of Madhurantakkam taluk, Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu The term biodynamic is derived from the Greek word `bios' (life) and `dynamics' (energy). The basic theory is that the 12 zodiac signs connected to the movement of the moon are divisible into four groups.

Influence on operations

"Each group has a certain influence on the farm operations and plant life. The entire wheel is in turn connected to the four basic elements such as earth, water, fire and air," says Mr Jeyachandran.

Accordingly, the signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are connected to the soil and help in the development of the root systems.

Gemini, Libra and Aquarius signs are connected to the air and sunlight and help in flowering. Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are said to be related to water and influence leaf development, while Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are concerned with fire and help in the development of fruit and seed.

Seed sowing, spraying of foliar applications, plant propagation, grafting and harvest should be done during the waning phase of the moon (that is 15 days from the new moon). On the other hand, during the waxing phase of the moon (that is 15 days from the full moon period) field ploughing, manure application, transplanting of seedlings can be done, according to Mr Jeyachandran.

Basic requirement

"Cow's horn is the one of the basic requirement in such farming. Fresh dung from a lactating cow (one which has delivered a calf in a week's time) should be stuffed into the horn and buried in the soil," he said.

This burying should be done usually during September-December.

The horns should be dug out during May-July. The dung inside would have turned into soft powder-like substance. About 25-30 gm of horn manure diluted in 5-15 litres of water can be used for sprinkling on one acre.

"While sprinkling farmers should take care to see that the field is wet, said Mr Jeyachandran.

Two to three applications of horn manure per year are sufficient to enhance the fertility of the soil, he explained.

`Horn silica'

Another method called "horn silica" where instead of cow dung, crushed white silica powder is stuffed into the horns and buried in the soil.

After the same amount of time similar to that of stuffed dung the silica should be dug out. The recommended amount is one gm of horn silica diluted in 13-15 litres of water per acre.

Application of organic manure and composts produced with the help of earthworms and microbes can also be done alongside to improve soil fertility and ensure sustained soil health, according to him.

Mr Jeyachandran has also replaced chemical insecticides and has been using insect repellents prepared from the leaves of nochi, neem, castor and pongamia.

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