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Indian state steps up organic farming.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs of West Bengal state in India has announced plans for organic cultivation of at least 20 percent of the region’s arable land by 2012. State officials have also requested the national government to provide subsidies for bio-fertilizers that are being used in placed of conventional chemicals. West Bengal also plans to increase productivity by transforming waste areas in certain districts into productive arable land.

A green thumbs up, West Bengal, to promote Earth-friendly organic agriculture that is also beneficial to our health. May this project bring the reward of engaging in a natural way of farming that enables our lands to be restored to its original life-sustaining state.

In an interview with journalist Ms. Andrea Bonnie published on Irish Independent newspaper on December 17, 2008, Supreme Master Ching Hai explained the benefits of organic farming.

Supreme Master Ching Hai: Organic food and produce are grown and handled according to strict sustainable procedures, with limited chemical input or we could even use no chemical input at all. Organic food is also GM-free (free of genetically modified organisms). Organic farming reduces toxic farming run-off and pollutants that contaminate our water, soil and air. So organic farming is healthier for farm workers, the surrounding communities as well, and for natural wildlife. Now the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) considers 60% of all herbicides, weed killers, or 90% of all fungicides - that means mold killers - and 30% of all insecticides - that means insect killers - are potentially cancer-causing for humans and animals of course. Organic farming keeps harmful chemicals and pesticides out of the food that we eat and the beverage that we drink. And it’s easy, it’s simple, cost and water effective. And it’s ecologically, economically sound.



New Mother Nature Network aims to be green machine
Environmental website launched. A new US-based website for the environment, Mother Nature Network at mnn.com, strives to provide dependable eco-news for a diversity of readers. The site offers a range of multi-media content, particularly video, and features 8 main channels for subjects ranging from transportation to lifestyle.

What a wonderful eco-initiative! Best wishes to the founders and staff of Mother Nature Network for much success in your goal of bringing more thoughtful greater awareness to all.

UK gets biofuels research centre
UK to launch biofuel research institute. Founded by Britain’s Science Minister Lord Drayson, the Sustainable Bioenergy Center seeks to develop viable biofuel energy resources for the nation. US$38.3 million has been allotted for the center’s leading scientists to conduct research with a focus on “second generation” biofuels, meaning those derived from biomass, not food crops, and thus not contributing to food shortages.

A green hats off United Kingdom, Minister Lord Drayson and colleagues at the Sustainable Bioenergy Center! We look forward to seeing more of these clean fuels that consider both people and the environment.

 Tibet doubling acreage of vegetables
Arable land increases by over three-fold in Tibet. According to Tibet Autonomous Region Bureau of Statistics, the area suitable for growing vegetables has expanded 3.3 times since 1996. This is due in part to the government’s help in implementing greenhouses to overcome the challenging climatic conditions. With many of the greenhouses also sustainably solar-powered, 85% of the demand for vegetables is now being met locally, and nutrition has improved significantly especially for the children.

We laud your efforts, Tibet, on your fruitful results in healthy vegetable planting! May your innovative growing practices continue to prosper as more and more people turn toward the plant-based eco-friendly diet.