Text written by Alma Nuhić, (Ecologist
and conservation science, UN)
Participating as a volunteer in
February 2013 in eco community
is based on a
biological understanding of soil fertility that emphasizes the interactions
among soil humus, soil organisms and plant roots, as well as on an ecological
understanding linking plants, animal and humans. However it will always have to confront the urgencies
of time, environmental affects and also face the question of how to increase
production and to help feed people profitably?
Traditional
farming methods and technology help us to organize the production of crops,
vegetable, fruits and livestock so that they harmonize rather than conflict
with natural system.
On our Organic
Farm we are using production system, which avoids or largly excludes the use of
synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticedes, growth regulators and
livestock feed additives.
We make
biopesticde for insect pest and disease management by using natural plants,
such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), knowing that every plant species has developed
an inbuilt unique chemical clompex structure so – called secondary metabolites,
that protects it from pests.
All parts of Neem
tree possess insecticidal property, but seed kernel is the most active and it
is quite promising against pests such as (S.
gregaria, L. migratoria, H. armigera, S. litura, P. xylostella).
Bio pesticides are being considered as environmentally safe, selective,
biodegradable, economical and renewable alternatives for use in Integrated pest
management (IPM).
What is more we
fertilize and improve soil with animal secrets (dung and urine) from goats,
chicken and cows. It has a regaining importance for maintaining soil fertility.
Moreover as a sustainable farm we are using solar energy instead of purchased
energy. As a construction materials for building houses and furniture we use
palm leaves, sand, mud, clay and wood in combination with brick . Our source of
drinking water are wells, that is why using organic pesticides and fertilizers
is even more important for human and animal well – being and to avoid health
problems caused by nitrate leaches through soil, ground water and this can
contaminate the wells. In many respects
organic farming is a way of life as much as it is a method of farming. The
profibility of organic farms depends on the higher prices that their products
command in the market place. Organic agroculture is not based exclusively on
short – term economics, but also consider ecological concepts. Organically
grown and sustainably raised, it is good for the consumer, the farmer and the
environment.
Our Ultimate goal
is to improve the quality of human life based on our ability to manage, adopt
and provide adequate organic products. We build community with neighbors and
people from abroad participating as a volunteers to grow much of our own food to provide food
security.
Together we should think and
act locally, regionally and globally. We only have to think back to the images
of the people after natural catastrophy to know that we need to depend on
ourselves and our Community!
Neem (Azadirachta indica),
