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With the global demand for organic food continuing to outstrip supply, it comes as no surprise that India is emerging as an important supplier of staple and commodity-based organic food items. However, with the dramatic increase in the number of farms coming under organic management in India, the country’s training systems are being stretched to the limit. This video looks at the increasingly important role India is playing in global organic markets and how, through the formation of large family-based partnerships, it intends to continue its growth. The video also addresses the often-overlooked reasons regarding why chemical intensive agriculture was becoming untenable (and unsustainable) in many regions within India.

Like many organic farmers, Jose Elanjhimattam is both a practical and abundantly resourceful man. Starting with cow dung, Jose has created an ingenious system that simultaneously captures and separates nitrogen-rich organic manure and methane gas. Unlike dried cow dung, which tends to lose nitrogen throughout the drying process, the liquefied organic manure produced through Jose’s slurry provides soil with far higher levels of nitrogen. Additionally, the methane gas removed is used as a form of fuel. Jose estimates that the dung from two cows is sufficient to provide enough biogas to support the cooking requirements of a family of four. Resourceful, intelligent, simple – great stuff!