(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Innovative farming that blends organic agriculture and the power of positive thoughts can help farmers in Qatar increase crop yields and the quality of their produce while reducing costs. This new kind of farming also requires less water, which is good news for farmers here.
The results of this farming technique have been encouraging enough for about 1,000 farmers to adopt it in India as part of a project by the Rural Development Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation (RERF), a sister organisation of the Brahma Kumaris, a global NGO.
The farmers have reported an increase in the desired microbial load of the soil, significant drop in pest damage, higher percentage of seed germination, faster growth, healthier root modulation, improved micronutrient content of the crops and a notable increase in the population of insects that are friendly to the crops.
"Tests have confirmed that the seeds germinate up to a week earlier and the crops contain higher amounts of iron, protein and vitamins compared to crops cultivated through merely organic farming or with the use of chemical fertilisers," said
B K Raju (pictured), one of the main coordinators of the RERF project.
"This form of farming is also economical for farmers because they do not have to buy chemical fertilisers and pesticides," said Raju, who was in Qatar recently on a private visit.
As with organic farming, this method of growing crops does not require the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides to increase productivity and protect the plants from pests. Farmers only use organic manure to sustain soil fertility.
Its innovative feature is drawn from a phenomenon that is attracting the attention of researchers: The effect of human thoughts and feelings on the environment and matter.
The farmers create positive thoughts and visualise their desired result at every stage of farming, from preparing the land for sowing to the harvest.
Before sowing, the seeds are kept in a room where the farmers and their families meditate for about an hour, creating the thought that all the seeds will germinate and produce healthy plants.
After sowing, regular meditation is done in the fields or at home with specific thoughts designed to support each phase of the growth, from seed germination to irrigation and growth to harvest and soil replenishment.
The farmers maintain the firm belief that the elements of nature will be conducive to the healthy growth of the plants.
Two leading agricultural universities in India have tested the results and confirmed that this method of farming leads to higher productivity and increases the quality of the produce.
"We have approached scientific institutions to get our technique verified. Scientists are undertaking studies conducted at different stages of crop growth to further understand the effects of our techniques on crop yield, quality and costs," Raju said.
Farmers in countries like Qatar can benefit greatly from this method of farming, he said.
"Our farming technique is relevant to farmers in Qatar because they face a shortage of water to irrigate crops. Tests have shown that crops grown this way need less water as compared to farming that involves synthetic fertilisers," he said.
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