Biodynamic Agriculture

In 1922, two young scientists asked Dr. Rudolf Steiner how his understanding of planetary rhythms and processes in nature could be applied in a practical manner in the field of Agriculture. In reply to this query, Dr. Steiner gave practical suggestions for the making of certain plant preparations, which could be used to activate natural manure and humus content. In the same year he gave advice to farmers on cultivating the land without the use of artificial fertilisers. This eventually developed into Biodynamic Agriculture methods. Then in summer 1924 Rudolf Steiner gave a course on Agriculture in the light of Anthroposophy for a group of interested farmers on the estate of Count von Keyserlingk in Koberwitz near Breslau in Eastern Germany. In this Agricultural Course Steiner showed the possibility of having a new connection to nature on the basis of spiritual understanding. Two main forces, one earthly, the other cosmic, are found in the interplay of soil conditions, irrigation, sunlight, animal life and plant growth. In this most ecological and holistically sound form of agriculture, soil, plant, animal and human beings live and thrive in a healthy, harmonious relationship. Such agriculture enhances the biodiversity not just of the farms and fields where it is practiced, but also in the environment.

In ancient India, farmers deeply revered Mother Earth and worked on similar lines, but unfortunately modern farming methods in India make use of artificial fertilizers and chemical additives, thereby destroying the life forces of the soil and the surroundings. Biodynamic Agriculture was introduced to farmers in India by two persons: Peter Proctor of New Zealand and Tadeo Caldas of Brazil. Peter Proctor and his partner Rachel Pomeroy have been actively promoting BioDynamic Agriculture all over India for the past ten years, and many introductory courses are now run by their students. Thousands of farmers in India are using biodynamic methods on their farms and fields, be it cotton farming near MHOW, tea plantations near Darjeeling or coffee in the south. Many organic farmers say “Using the Biodynamic preparations on your farm makes organic farming work”.

For more information, please contact:

Biodynamic Association of India
BDAI, c/o Eco Pro,
Aurosarjan Complex,
Auroshilpam, Auroville – 605 101.
Tel. No: 0091 (0)413 – 2622469; 2622044.
Email: bdaind@gmail.com

Dr. Lucas Dengel, Secretary,
lucasdl@auroville.org.in

C. Jayakaran, President
jakesjayakaran@gmail.com

Samuel Mohan, Treasurer
sam_mohanararat@yahoo.co.in

Ajit Mathai
ajitmathai@yahoo.com

Babu P.
icra@blr.vsnl.net.in

Binita Shah
supashahb@yahoo.co.in

Jaison Jerome
jaisonjerome@yahoo.co.in
jaisonjerome@rediffmail.com

Mrs. Kamini Sheth
skk21@sancharnet.in

Rajeev Baruah
maikaalmhow@yahoo.com

Sanjay Bansal
ambootia@vsnl.com

Sanjay and Harita Doctor
sanjay_doctor@hotmail.com

Sarvdaman Patel
sarvdamanpatel@yahoo.com

Swaraj Kumar Banerjee
tclassic@vsnl.com