The word, "Biodynamic" is derived from the Greek words “bio” which means life and “dyn” which means force. It is a spiritual, holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. The sacrifice of the other realms of nature for man can only arouse in us a feeling of gratitude. The Biodynamic farming method becomes an activity of thanksgiving, attempting to heal what inadvertently might have been wounded. It is about reverence for the land, for water, for food, animals, and each other on earth. It uses cosmic forces in an optimal manner to nourish our etheric life force, ensouled nature and our spirit. The practical result of the efficient use of the Biodynamic principles is first seen in the improvement in soil structure quality, then a greater freedom from pests and diseases and then the improved taste and quality of the product. Traditional farming, which includes both conventional and organic farming, erodes soil quality over time with grazing livestock, crops and other nutrient-draining vegetation. Biodynamic farming offers a way to maintain and restore ecological balance and harmony to your farm ground or garden, making efficient use of your farms natural energy. Practical spirituality meets agriculture in Biodynamic farming.

The very popular organic farming is actually derived from Biodynamic farming. Biodynamic farming goes exponentially beyond organic farming. A farm must meet particular guidelines, such as for livestock, processing procedures, post-harvest handling, and greenhouse management before it can be certified as Biodynamic. The international Biodynamic certifying group, Demeter, was established in Europe in 1928. Biodynamic Federation Demeter International (https://demeter.net/) requires that the entire farm be certified using organic standards as a baseline, and then takes that a step further by requiring that additional standards be met before certification is awarded. I would say that Organic farming standards are a “watered down” version of Biodynamic teachings and lectures. Nevertheless, organic produce is any day several fold more nutritious and healthier than regular produce that uses plenty of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc. I strongly encourage people to use Organic produce if they are unable to get Biodynamic produce in their local market. Biodynamic farming and most organic farming adamantly oppose genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) in farming, gardening and food processing. Demeter International would not certify a land if any GMO’s and ingredients that never occur in the natural world are used. Biodynamic farming is also about building a nutrient-rich soil. Few ways Biodynamic philosophy achieves this are by replacing toxic chemicals with regular and diverse crop rotation, using biological organisms, planting trees and shrubs within farmland, growing cover crops, regular application of special preparation of natural compost, and having animals living in the farm. Biodynamic farms set aside about 10% of the total farm acreage for biodynamic practices like biodiversity preservation, to attract and support pollinators like bees and butterflies as well as beneficial insects that prey on crop-damaging pests. Surrounding forests, grasslands and wetlands are all considered an integral part of the farm's ecosystem. The biodynamic principles share a spiritual focus, connecting humans and the land, with the main goal of cultivating an environment that will improve humanity. Every biodynamic farm is a self contained individuality with its own unique soul.

About 100 years ago, various farmers raised concerns about the degradation of soil due to constant use of chemical fertilisers. In response, Dr. Rudolf Steiner gave a series of lectures on a spiritual philosophy called anthroposophy to the concerned farmers. Steiner explained the relationship between farmer, land and cosmos, declaring that humans have a responsibility to take care of their habitat and its natural resources. Steiner said the nutritive forces of certain foods have declined over a passage of time. The reason, he says, is that we no longer understand the intimate forces at work in the whole cosmos. These must be sought for once again.This agriculture course came to be known as Biodynamic farming. German agronomist Erhard Bartsch took this further and popularised it. In the 1950’s, Peter Proctor started reading Steiner’s lectures and in the mid 60’s started his own Biodynamic farming. He brought this Biodynamic principle to India in the 1990's. I was very fortunate to attend his first seminar in India in October 1993. This changed my whole life. He quoted Steiner “...the seed becomes the image of the cosmos.” What a profound statement. I was hooked for life and I am so blessed because of that. After graduating from the first Training Program Proctor started in India, I trained under him for several years. And here we are today!

Yes, the land and climatic conditions will be different in different geographical locations. India is a vast country with diverse climatic conditions. India boasts of her Thar desert with scorching summers, the snow peaked Himalayas, and Cherrapunji which has the highest rainfall in the world, to name a few. Having worked in many conditions over a period of 35 years and having trained gardeners and farmers from China, Korea, Qatar, Thailand and Egypt, I feel very confident in the principles of Biodynamic farming. The principles will stand the test of time and place. Of course every farm is a unique soul just like every human in a unique spiritual being. Nevertheless, the principles of Anthroposophic medicine are the same and an experienced Anthroposophic doctor can help heal a person from another region. Likewise, I will be able to help you in your Biodynamic journey wherever you may be.

Most people cannot be farmers with large pieces of land. A small biodynamic garden is definitely possible and I strongly encourage that. No garden is too small for biodynamic philosophies to enrich. As the head of the Training sub-committee of the Biodynamic association of India (https://www.biodynamics.in/), I have had the privilege of helping many first time gardeners create magic in their space. When they look at their plants with love and enthusiasm, it makes my eyes well up with tears. It is such an humbling experience. Now imagine if all 8 billion of us were to have our own small biodynamic garden…..what a wonderful and compassionate world it would be. This is my dream and task in this lifetime - to spread the concept of Biodynamics to the world. I am not alone in this journey . I know one day you will join us in healing the earth and nourishing everyone so that we may all reach spiritual heights. It is possible. Let us join hands, transcend time and space, send warm thoughts and prayers. God Bless.