Issue 51 Vol III, November 15, 2007

F E A T U R E S

Farming with passion for wellbeing in Punjab
Umendra Dutt

THEY are not environmentalists, neither economist nor religious preacher nor trained agriculture experts yet they have plenty of common sense and make full use of it. They are natural farmers of Punjab.

There farms are laboratories of happiness for all and this all encompasses every living creatures of earth, every life form. It is the Farming with passion for wellbeing of all; one can call it spiritual farming, natural farming, non-violent agriculture or simply Nanak Kheti. These farmers are even taking care of large verity of birds, earthworms, honey bees, butterflies and fireflies. For them all living creatures are part of a family it is their family.

There is a silent and constructive revolution happening in Punjab to save the environment, regenerate ecological resources to bring back soil productivity and re-establish ecological balance in the farms. This is the natural farming movement of Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM), a civil society action group headquartered in the Jaitu town of Faridkot district. The movement is led by experienced farmers who believe in principal of Sarbat da bhala (well being of all)," says Amarjeet Sharma, a farmer from Chaina village, district Faridkot who heads the village level Vatavaran Panchayat. Vatavaran Panchayats are local-level community institutions working as decentralized participatory civil society initiatives.

KVM is farmers based movement dedicated to natural farming, conservation of natural resources and traditional wisdom. Most of farmers associated with KVM works through its Vatavaran Panchayats. KVM farmers are farmer with a mission, vision and action he take pledges to start natural farming in one go or in a phased manner. KVM currently has around a 100 formal and 800 informal members.

Natural farmers of Punjab say that the land has witnessed the destruction of the environment and particularly the soil ecology in the last few decades as a consequence of chemical intensive farming. The soil has lost its nutrient pool. Burning of paddy straw has further destroyed the soil's health.

But during the last four to five years, the soil in several parts of Punjab has been regenerated and rejuvenated; these natural farmers are convinced, so much so that your feet feel happy and healthy on coming in contact with the soil. You can see earthworm castings, which had completely disappeared in the fields, says a visibly happy and proud Hartej Singh of Mehta village in Bhatinda district. "Our farmers will offer you a handful of soil which you will find soft and with all the natural aromas that are associated with the infinite life of our earth. That is the kind of work we are doing," he adds.

KVM has evolved a distinct philosophy which defines soil as the 'source of infinite lives'. "Yes, it is true and we have experienced it," avers KVM chairman and a farmer from Rai Ke Kalan village of Bathinda, Harjant Singh. If the soil is rich in microorganisms, its texture is soft, full of natural essence and ample quantities of moisture are kept intact. Then the soil gives healthy crops, and there is a lesser need for irrigation.

Harjant Singh further elaborates on the scientific premises of natural farming. All living organisms require nutrition and minerals for their growth, and amongst them plants, being stationary, get their nutrition at that spot. They get carbon dioxide and water from nature and by the process of photosynthesis, the required amount of sugars is produced. Similarly nitrogen is available in the air and the rhyzobia bacteria in the soil can capture it for the plants. These microorganisms perform different functions for the plants. "By using the chemical inputs, especially the pesticides, we have destroyed the delicate microbial equilibrium of soil and tilted the game in favour of external chemical inputs thus making the situation even worst," says Singh.

KVM farmers use Jeevaamrita (a cow urine based microbial preparation) to revive microbial activity in soil. With the application of Jeevaamrita and Ghan Jeevaamrita (a solid form of Jeevaamrita), the soil is gradually becoming rich in the humus, yield has increased and other life forms are coming back in the fields, says Charanjeet Singh Punni, another KVM farmer from Chaina village and a natural farming trainer. Punni highlights another aspect of natural farming. "Although the sunlight of some of its radiation is essential for the photosynthesis, yet it is a threat to the soil bacteria. Mulching is the best answer to this."

Mulching is an essential part of natural farming. Natural farmers aver that when the soil is covered with various forms of mulching, the results are unimaginable. Earlier the soil had lost all soil bacteria, microbes and earthworms. But after adoption of Jeevaamrita and mulching, the farms are again becoming wealthy in soil health. Krishnan Jakhar of village Dhaba (near Dabawali), Vinod Jyani of village Katehra, near Fazilka, Swarn Singh of Karamgarh Shattran, Madan Lal of Bullowal in Hoshiarpur, Jarnail Singh in Meharu , Nakodar and other natural farmers of the KVM network are using inter crops, plant residue, fallen leaves, bushes, weeds and sometimes even the wheat straw or the rice straw cuttings spread in the fields to cover the naked soil. Besides protecting the bacteria and retaining the moisture, this also keeps the temperature of the soil low and it never goes beyond the 40 degrees Celsius, which is the upper limit for the survival of microbes, tells Ajay Tripathi, associate director of KVM.

KVM farmers have redefined, reestablished and regenerated their mother-son relation with the soil. They feel a spiritual bond, an oneness with the soil. That is why they are against all forms of agro-chemicals and burning of fields - to them it is a form of violence against the earth.

There is a common question usually asked to KVM activists. Does the natural farming economics work? This spiritual soil science is also more financially beneficial to these farmers. After adopting natural farming they are spending far less from earlier chemical farming days. Natural farming is more cost effective and input efficient says Amarjeet Dhillon a small farmer from Dabrikhana village, who owns only two acres of land. For example, farmers having sugarcane and black gram in their farms have to spend virtually nothing on inputs asserts, Dhillon. He cities several examples where farmer had spend only Rs.100-200 on inputs for one acre as against Rs.3000 by a chemical farming farmer. "Some of us had stopped cash out flow to cities any more to purchase Urea, DAP and pesticides and thousands of others have reduced this out flow of cash in a big way", he adds.

On an average in Malwa's cotton belt farmers are spending Rs.7000 on chemical inputs per acre annually in normal conditions. If there are more pest attacks, then there may be no limit to this amount. There is a rough estimate that every village is spending a large sum of money -- from Rs.40 lakhs to Rs.6 crores -- purchasing agro-chemicals, depending upon area of cultivation and cropping pattern. Natural farmers want to stop the loss of village wealth by bringing down farmers' spending on agro-chemicals. This is Kissan version of Swadeshi movement says Chamkour Singh of Dhudhike village of Moga district. Dhudhike is famous for being birth place of eminent freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai and other martyrs of Gadar movement. "Our farmers are no more going to serve MNCs or big agro-chemical corporations. We are evolving a frame work for agricultural Swadeshi movement in Punjab. We are going to redefine Boycott and Swadeshi in present context and scenario that is why KVM has given a slogan to its farmers – MNCs quit our farms" he adds.

The KVM's natural farming movement has also brings another significant change in mindset of farmers. Now they are not looking towards Agriculture University or departmental experts for expert advice any more. "We feel that every farmer of ours is a expert in himself , he practice this science of natural farming, he lives natural farming every day, he is totally engulfed with the philosophy of natural farming" said Dr Harminder  Sidhu a Homeopath practitioner and a practicing natural farmer from village Jalaldiwal of Raikot in Ludhiana district. "The modern agriculture paradigm has limited the all expertise in Agriculture Universities only.  The chemicalised agriculture model has made farmers scientifically illiterate – who are ignorant to every aspect of science and agri technology.  This is a conspiracy which has made farmers dependent on Universities, department, companies and even pesticide retailer It is a cruel joke that those who got a three or five year degree in agriculture with a alien kind of agriculture knowledge, are known as experts who practice a agriculture knowledge only 40 years old, where as the farmers who inherent the agriculture wisdom of at least 5000 years were made commoners. We are not going to accept this nonsense any more. We are working to build self confidence of our farmers on their agriculture heritage and wisdom, “adds Dr Sidhu.

The list of natural farmers includes names from all corners of the state. The Pingalwara Charitable Society, Amritsar, a prestigious social service institute in north India, founded by Bhagat Puran Singh has joined natural farming and is supporting the movement with its resources. Pingalwara has established the Bhagat Puran Singh Natural Farming Centre in 37 acres at village Dhirakot near Jandiala Guru. More significantly, Famous religious leader Sant Balbir Singh Seenchewal, Sultanpur Lodhi who is more known as spiritual environmentalist, who had successfully rejuvenated rivulet Kali Bain, has joined natural farming movement. Now he is promoting natural farming in his spiritual mass gatherings.

Similarly many professionals such as those from the medical field, college and university lecturers and professors, advocates, journalists, even government officials and civil servants have joined this movement for rejuvenation of the soil. They are in contact with the KVM and participate in its activities.

[Umendra Dutt is Executive Director of Kheti Virasat Mission]

BACK

Times line on Pakistan

Detained Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto called on November 13 2007 for military leader Pervez Musharraf to step down as president, isolating him in the run-up to a general election. She was immediately put under house arrest this time in Lahore.

Here is a recent chronology of major political events.

March 9, 2007 - Musharraf suspends Supreme Court Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry on allegations of misconduct.

Lawyers rally to the top judge and Musharraf's popularity plummets as their pro-democracy campaign grows.

July 10 - After a week-long siege, Musharraf orders troops to storm the Red Mosque in Islamabad to crush a Taliban-style movement based there. At least 105 people are killed. A wave of deadly militant attacks and suicide bombings follow.

July 20 - Supreme Court reinstates Chief Justice Chaudhry, dealing a blow to Musharraf's authority.

July 27 - Musharraf meets Bhutto in Abu Dhabi to thrash out how to move the country towards a civilian-led democracy. Bhutto sets conditions including that Musharraf step down as army chief, talks are inconclusive.

Sept 10 - Nawaz Sharif, the prime minister Musharraf deposed eight years ago and subsequently exiled, is arrested at Islamabad airport. The Supreme Court had cleared his return, and is hearing petitions that the government was in contempt of court for putting Sharif on a flight to Saudi Arabia.

Oct 2 - Musharraf designates a successor as army chief. Government announces it is dropping corruption charges against Bhutto, clearing way for her return.

Oct 6 - Musharraf wins most votes in a presidential election but he must wait for the Supreme Court to confirm the legality of his bid before being declared the winner.

Oct 19 - Suicide bomber tries to assassinate Bhutto in Karachi as she returns from eight years of self-imposed exile, kills 139 people.

Nov 2 - Supreme Court reconvenes to decide if Musharraf was eligible to stand for re-election by parliament while still army chief.

over 800 people have died, more than half of them in suicide bombings, since the storming of the Red Mosque.

Nov 3 - Musharraf imposes emergency rule.

Nov 6 - Bhutto says she will not meet or negotiate with Musharraf, after the military ruler invoked emergency rule.

Nov 9 - Bhutto is freed from house arrest, hours after she was stopped from leaving her Islamabad home to lead a rally against emergency rule.

Nov 11 - Musharraf says a general election will be held by January 9 but under a state of emergency.

-- Musharraf also says he will quit the military and be sworn in as a civilian president as soon as the Supreme Court struck down challenges to his October 6 re-election.

Nov 12 - Britain backs a 10-day Commonwealth ultimatum for Musharraf to end the emergency and quit as army chief.

BACK

Bush's Intriguing Silence on South Asia

A highly respected institution the American Progress based in Washington in its latest assessment of the American role in south Asia finds the American President struck up with little maneuverability.

It is says, “ The Bush administration "has put itself in the embarrassing position of propping up the Muslim world's most powerful military dictator as an essential ally in its half-baked campaign to promote democracy throughout the Muslim world," The New York Times editorialized in June, referring to Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Last weekend, Musharraf implemented emergency rule, "suspending the country's Constitution, firing the chief justice of the Supreme Court and filling the streets of this capital city with police officers." Since then, the Bush administration has pleaded with its close "ally in the war on terror" to hold elections and for Musharraf to give up his army post "as soon as possible." "I hope he takes my advice," Bush said on Monday, giving "no indication that the general's imposition of emergency rule would bring about any significant change in American policy." The Center for American Progress has released a report titled The Forgotten Front, referring to how the Bush administration has allowed democracy to crumble in Pakistan and Afghanistan, aiding in the growth of security threats. In light of the growing threats in the region and the recent events in Pakistan, the United States needs to refocus efforts on this "forgotten" component of its foreign policy.

GROWING TERRORIST THREAT

“While the United States is mired in Iraq, the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan has deteriorated. Threats to the U.S. grow in both countries, as al Qaeda has been given almost free reign to reconstitute itself. The insurgency in Afghanistan "is strengthening due to an insufficient number of international and Afghan troop levels, a lack of equipment, a misguided military strategy, a disjointed coalition." Western Pakistan is harboring a "growing recruiting pool for the insurgency, and a safe haven in Pakistan" for al Qaeda. Currently, al Qaeda and the Taliban-led Afghan insurgency are using Pakistan as a staging ground for operations in Afghanistan and around the world. While this is largely due to the "historical isolation and weakness of the Pakistani government in these areas," the United States has ignored these developments because of the war in Iraq, as Bush has doled out billions to the Pakistani military and government "with little or no oversight."

BUSH'S SILENCE ON DEMOCRACY: While the United States claims it has always urged Pakistan to pursue "more democracy and freedom," it has been lax on this front during the Bush administration. So far, Bush has not personally contacted Musharraf to press him to return to the path to democracy, a silence that reflects Bush's traditional hush-hush towards Musharraf. Since 9/11, the United States has given $10 billion in aid almost exclusively to the Pakistani army, with little attention paid to Pakistan's civil society or moderate political forces. In return, it has "expected Pakistan to cooperate on counterterrorism and the war in Afghanistan, but little else." "The U.S. government's silence on democracy promotion in Pakistan further undermines U.S. credibility among the Pakistan people and support for U.S. objectives in the region." Returns on the counterterrorism front have also been dismal, as the United States has tied its security in the region to Pakistan's "military and intelligence services ability to deliver al Qaeda and Taliban leadership and General Musharraf's strategic objectives." But rather than cracking down on extremist groups, "President Musharraf has supported them in order to maintain his political power and advance Pakistan's national interests in Kashmir and Afghanistan."

THE WAY FORWARD: The Washington Post reported in June that Bush's failing Pakistan policy was "essentially being run from [Vice President] Cheney's office." For the first time in U.S. history, "nobody with serious Pakistan experience is working in the South Asia bureau of the State Department, on State's policy planning staff, on the National Security Council staff or even in Vice President Cheney's office." Today, the U.S. policy towards Pakistan needs a greater emphasis on strengthening democracy and more effective counterterrorism measures. The United States should encourage "Pakistan to hold free and fair parliamentary elections" and pressure Musharraf to "come to agreements with opposition leaders rather than relying on the army and Islamic militants to maintain power." Furthermore, the "focus of U.S. support must be expanded to the people of Pakistan" through greater economic and humanitarian assistance. As the 9/11 Commission recommended, more aid should be devoted to educational opportunities, as radical maddrassas are often the only educational options for many Pakistanis. The U.S. should also shift aid from conventional military to counterrorism efforts, and put "much greater pressure on Musharraf to disrupt the Taliban and al Qaeda's command and control." Furthermore, Bush should also increase efforts to facilitate a political dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as "the insurgency will remain robust in Afghanistan as long as the insurgents have a safe haven in Pakistan."

BACK

Honour and Glory to Punjabi Pioneers
Dr. Amrik Singh writes from Sacramento

Three-day celebrations of 28th Annual Sikh Parade in Yuba City started with fireworks on Friday, November 2, 2007. An open seminar was held on Saturday afternoon. Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi inaugurated the seminar and congratulated organizers for their efforts to handle Sutter County’s largest religious festival. Dr. Bruce L. Brack Professor of Anthropology and International Studies of Pacific University Stockton delivered the keynote address. Sukhraj Singh, an American born Sikh spoke on challenges he had to face to keep his identity intact. Rori Ramirez, vice mayor of Yuba City shared his impressions of working with Sikhs. City Mayor John Miller talked about the significance of annual Sikh Parade and enthusiasm of Yuba City residents. Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang, M.D. introduced Professor Bruce La Brack and informed the audience of his intellectual stature and contribution. Sutter County supervisor Jim Whiteaker told about his long association with Sikhs and how incredible was the process of preparing food for such a big gathering. Later Yuba City’s Sikh City Council members Tej Mann and Kash Gill addressed the audience saying how proud they were to represent the Sikh community in the city council.

Professor Bruce La Brack who authored the book The Sikh of Northern California visited Punjab, India in 1969 for his research on Sikh religion. Due to second Indo-Pak war, however, he was not able to carry on with his project in India. He went to East Africa to construct dynamics of Sikh immigrants’ success in foreign lands. He also learnt Swahili language for that purpose. Then, he came to know about Stockton Gurudwara in California and Punjabi immigrants’ involvement in Gadhar movement (armed rebellion) against the British occupation of India. Talking about Sikh resilience and flexibility, he recalled how some Muslims were allowed to say their prayers while in the premises of Gurudwara. Gurudwara, according to him, used to be the mainstay of events important to the community.    He reminisced about his 10 day stay in Yuba City with Sikhs who slogged day and night to eke out a living for their families and still participated in the community life.

Professor Brack traced causes of Punjabi immigration that were rooted in overpopulation in the state of Punjab and rising cost of land and living during the last quarter of 19th century. He recalled one incident in which 3000 Punjabis jumped the freighter illegally in Panama Canal and suffered unimaginable hostilities to reach the land of their dreams. Professor Brack wondered how Punjabis came as illiterate farmers and became a community with highest graduate and post graduate rate among ethnic groups. Besides being professional class, they maintain highest per capita income in groups of different ethnicities.  Settled in 60 countries, Sikhs are the largest agriculturist community outside India.

Sikhs’ egalitarianism, competitiveness, flexibility and practicability constitute their success, according to Professor Brack. While making an observation, Professor Brack said that 10 major American values for being successful are incidentally 10 Sikh values too.  He regretted that after 9/11, Sikhs had to face a wave of backlash due to mistaken identity. However, he congratulated the community in coming out in a big way to tell Americans who actually they were. Parades, fund-raising events for disasters like Katrina, 4th July, and Veteran day participations have dispelled misconceptions to a larger extent.

28th Annual Sikh Parade on November 4, 2007 saw a congregation of 75,000 to 80,000 on 4.5 mile route; scores of floats symbolizing Sikh history and periods of persecution adorned the streets. In California, November heralds a spirit of festivities. Beginning with Harvest Festival and ending with Thanksgiving, Californians in this month get in the mode of holidaying that lasts till Christmas. Annual Sikh Parade on first Sunday of November in Yuba City arouses curiosity of one and all. Sutter County administration makes special arrangements for the smooth conduct of ceremonies that include fireworks, open seminar, recitation of hymns and cooking of 200,000 meals for visitors and Sikhs who converge here from as far as Canada, England and India. Guru Nanak, born in 1469, founded Sikh religion to end poverty, oppression, and inequality by reciting One God, doing hard work and sharing food with others without any regard to race, religion, class and gender. Nine of his successors carried forward his message by demonstrating unflinching faith in the unity of mankind, voice of conscience and freedom of choice. The last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh in 1708 transferred spiritual leadership to the holy book of 1430 pages revered as Guru Granth Sahib. The parade is to commemorate the historic event of 1708.

BACK