�Self
supporting food production based on
organic farming1),2)
When chemical fertilizers are used the nutritional value of
a plant is
inferior to that of a naturally grown one. Chemical farming aims to
produce a large amount of the same kind in one place, i.e.
mono-culture, and usually the harvest has to be transported a long
distance - using a lot of energy. Organic farming trends are to grow a
variety of plants in small amounts taking the locality into account. In
this way plants complement and support each other, thus providing the
right food for each season. Keeping animals helps to control pests and
diseases, and at the same time natural fertilizer is supplied.
Rice and wheat give a good nutritious balance for healthy living and
less than 1,000‡u is necessary to produce rice and wheat for
a family of four people.
Pictures of nut and fruit trees and the rice paddy are shown below.
As mentioned earlier, agriculture utilizes solar energy very
efficiently. It should be the
aim of everyone to grow enough food for their own consumption.
1) M.Fukuoka;"The One - Straw Revolution", Rodale Press,
Emmaus, Pa,
1978.
2) B.Mollison and R.M.Slay;"Introduction to Permaculture", Tagari
Publications, 1991.
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