Last week, Participants went on a short trip to Ogawa Town to meet 3 organic farmers who have supported ARI for a long time. The strong philosophy of promoting self-sufficiency and circulation guide many of the organic farming practices in Ogawa Town.
Many participants noted the connections between turning waste into biogas and biogas liquid which further can be used on fields to promote soil health. They also learned core methods that promote biodiverse fields such as the use of banker plants and living mulch on land, and the work of tadpole shrimps in the paddies. From securing fuel self-sufficiency through the use of straight vegetable oil on the farm, to reducing the use of single use plastic mulches; participants shared that they gained many valuable real-life examples that they hope to try in their home communities.
We hope they keep 1996 graduate Mr. Muneo Kaneko’s words in mind during their future endeavours, “Organic farming nurtures the community”.
Many thanks to Shimosato Farm, NPO Fudo, Kaze no Oka Farm, and Watanabe Tofu Store for their valuable time and knowledge.
(Manosi Abe Chatterjee, Curriculum Coordinator)
