The Agricultural Industry

Background:

Climate Change (CC) is one of the major concerns for the global environment. CC is significantly affecting the most vulnerable population groups. Given the characteristics of agriculture can be one of the most affected and therefore vulnerable to climate change. The vulnerability and sensitivity of agriculture to the variance of climate variables is responsible for the effect. Agriculture has the largest contribution to national GDP reflects the sensitivity of the national economy and growth to climate change. As part of India, the share of GDP was 60%, agriculture and the livelihood of about 60% of the population depend on agriculture cooperation by emphasizing the need for flexible systems and strategies for agriculture and the agricultural community. Are in semi-arid regions particularly vulnerable to climate change. Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in the amount of Development Alternatives, an organization of civil society, active in the Bundelkhand region of central India, on measures to monitor and influence to take the policy to reduce vulnerability to climate, the region and their impact on livelihhods.

Challenges:

Semi-arid regions are particularly resistant to climatic conditions no less favorable, leading to more adverse effects. Bundelkhand has severe drought years in the recent past (five years of drought in Continue reading →

This article examines the distinction between organic and biodynamic agriculture. Most people are familiar with the term “organic” when applied to food and agriculture, as that term has entered the mainstream. The term “biodynamic” is less known, although they are most familiar in the field of wine. These two farming systems are designed to ensure sustainability by reducing the use of synthetic chemicals that can be potentially dangerous for the environment and promote human health. However, as explained later in this article, biodynamic agriculture goes far beyond organic materials in order to achieve this goal.

Both organic and biodynamic certification schemes:

Biodynamic certification is primarily by a single organization called Demeter International, an umbrella organization that has member organizations in different countries where certification is done. The certification is administered by a single organization, is the standardized global certification of biodynamic and organic certification. Continue reading →

Wool is one of the oldest existing fibers harvested and used with many wool testing methods used over the years to determine quality and fineness. Trained farmers would bring their sheep to be evaluated or tested based on the fullness of their wool and the health of the sheep. Trained buyers would attempt to categorize the wool into levels based on the desired outcome or use for the wool such as fine garments or rugs.

Two early methods were the American or Blood System and the English or Spinning Count System. As it has been researched, the diameter of the fiber is the best way to gauge the level of wool for the desired end usage. Neither is as accurate as the micron system which is being used today but it was sufficient at the time. Continue reading →