Yoga to Boost Crop Yields?

Yoga methods can be used to improve agriculture, group claims.

While most farmers explore the value of chemical solutions, one Indian group is offering an alternative approach.

Advertisement

The Brahma Kumaris, an Indian spiritual organization, claims a new method of yoga will enable farmers to boost crop production. It has been working with four agricultural universities in India to cultivate what it calls “Sustainable Yogic Agriculture.”

The yogic approach is as follows: meditators “focus thoughts of peace, non-violence, love, strength and resilience” on the seeds for up to a month during the sowing process. Regular meditations follow remotely and in the fields during each phase of the crop cycle. “Early data indicate statistically significant effects on crop quality and crop yield,” according to the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University website.

The Brahma Kumaris claims that 500 farmers of Maharashta and Gujarat states have been using the approach to good results, and are receiving inquiries from various countries and organizations.

Top Articles
Rainbow Agro Announces Manufacturing Expansion in North America

“The interrelated spiritual and physical methods are bringing clear economic social benefits to smallholder agrarian communities in India,” the group says.

Perhaps the approach will be used to address the lack of rainfall through the month of August. While more rain fell in the ensuing months, crop protection chemical companies felt the rain deficit.

Complicating the limited rainfall is India’s inadequate supply chain. A report by an international consulting organization highlighted poor post-harvest infrastructure and inadequate supply chain management in Indian agribusiness. About 30% to 40% of horticulture produce in India is wasted because storage capacity and transportation facilities are incapable of handling the harvest. It is estimated that by 2015, India’s storage capacity will fall short by 70 million to 80 million tonnes.

(Submitted by Dr. Bipul Saha; edited by Managing Editor Jackie Pucci)

Hide picture