The School of Biodynamic Farming An Indian Initiative Presented by Jakes Jayakaran February, 2013 Adapted in 2018

Inba Seva Sangam (ISS) - An Introduction The ISS is a non profit, voluntary organization founded by Mother Lea Provo in 1968 in South India.

ISS Geographical Location The ISS is based in Sevapur Village in Karur District in the State of Tamilnadu.

Children’s Home ISS Activities ISS Looks after, Educates & Fosters 400 poor rural children.

Annai Lea & KGBV Schools ISS Activities ISS runs 2 schools to provide education to these children.

Women SHGs ISS Activities ISS Organizes 350 Self Help Groups involving 4000 women in 80 villages to empower them to take part in community development

HIV / AIDS Awareness ISS Activities ISS Organizes HIV / AIDS Awareness Campaigns & Environment Awareness through Eco Clubs in local schools.

HEALING THE EARTH Campaigns ISS Activities ISS Organizes Healing the Earth Campaign involving 200 small farmers in Kadavur Taluk to change to Biodynamic Farming Methods & Agro Forestry.

Biodynamic Farm ISS Activities ISS also has a 10 Hectare Biodynamic farm growing vegetables & fruits for the resident children.

Organic Farming Groups ISS Activities ISS trains small farmers in Biodynamic Farming Methods & organizes them in Farmer’s Groups / Federation for Marketing and Certification.

Rationale for The BD Farming School A need was felt to have trained youngsters to be actively involved in Healing the Earth work. Most of the ISS Children migrate to the cities after school / employment education.

The Core Committee An ISS Committee was formed to look into the question of starting a school for Biodynamic Farming as a way of reversing the trend.

BD Farming School in Vinobajipuram It was decided to start a school for Biodynamic Farming in the ISS Commune of Vinobajipuram since land was available and some old buildings could be renovated and used.

The Impulse……. The encouragement given by many well-wishers gave the impetus to transform the Farming School idea into a reality.

School Inauguration On July 11th 2012 The School of Biodynamic Farming was inaugurated with seven students. In the meantime, in september 2018, our 3th batsh of biodynamic students is following courses in Vinobajipuram.

Course Curriculum The following is the course curriculum of this 2 year Diploma program. It is planned to get Affiliation from Tamil Nadu Open University to offer a Government recognized Diploma.

“Learning by Doing” The course aims to give practical skills needed for modern day farming in India, with an emphasis on “learning by doing”.

Course Syllabus The course has 6 academic terms of 12 weeks duration each, and has three components. Technical Skills, Soft Skills Practice School.

Fully Residential Training Course Boys & Girls Hostels in Vinobajipuram Village

Technical Skills Taught Biodynamic Farming Preparation making & usage Landscape watershed management Soil fertility improvement Irrigation management Farm Equipments maintenance Farm based renewable energy application Agro forestry Animal husbandry

Soft Skills Imparted Art Movie Show Spoken English & Communication Skills Computer Application Life coping Skills Arts & Culture Art Movie Show

Practice School After Every Term There will be 8 weeks of practical work experience in an Organic / Biodynamic Farm every year.

Biodynamic Preparation Technical Skills The students are taught the making & using of all the Biodynamic Preparations, and the knowledge of using the Planting Calendar

Biodynamic Preparation Technical Skills BD compost preparation making BD 500 Stirring

Watershed Management Technical Skills In the Tropics water is life. An overview of how water behaves in the Tropical Watershed is given to the students.

Watershed Management Technical Skills Students are making a relief map of the local watershed. Stone walls in the ravine

Soil Fertility Technical Skills The making of good compost is given a lot of importance

Irrigation Management Technical Skills Water use planning with Drip Irrigation Learning the basics of developing an Irrigation water source

Agro Forestry Technical Skills Learning Waste Land reforestation in Auroville Tree Nursery Training in Odukkam.

Computer Application & Spoken English Soft Skills Life Coping Skill by ISS President Dr.M.P.Gurusamy Computer Application class

Our Students at The BDAI Organized Biodynamic Training in Kodaikanal

Visitors to our School

Future Plans We have plans to have 25 students per batch. We need to create infrastructure to accommodate 50 students – Class room, Workshop, Hostel, Dining & other amenities. We need to have experienced full time teaching faculty. We have plans to develop 20 Hectares of land for the Farming School. We have plans for BD seed production.

Contact Us K. Perumal, director of The School of Biodynamic Farming, Vinobajipuram, Karur – 621311, Tamilnadu, INDIA. Tel: +91 4332279228 Mobile: +919445404425 Email: Perumal Karuppan berasindiaperumalk@gmail.com URL: www.inbasevasangam.org

Thank You