Workshop Report (August 2005)

The report of International Workshop on Kyusei Nature Farming and EM Technology

29 August - 01 September, 2005

APNAN organized an international workshop on Kyusei Nature Farming and EM Technology at the Kyusei Nature Farming Center, Sara Buri, Thailand from 29^th August to 1^st September 2005.

A total 46 participants from 12 countries of Southeast and South Asia, and Oceania participated in the workshop. Additionally, there was a young participant from Austria, outside our mandate region and 7 aspiring graduate students from the University of Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan. Hence this was the highest number at a workshop conducted by APNAN in the last three years.

The program at the workshop was conducted as per routine. Lectures on Kyusei Nature Farming and EM Technology were delivered, and the practical lessons and demonstrations included the making of EM related materials such as EM Activated Solution (EMAS), EMFPE, EM5, EM Bokashi, The participants also presented country reports and case studies from the region were presented by us in return.

The field visits were to poultry, piggery, fish and mushroom units, all using EM to control the odor and enhance production. The participants were pleasantly surprised of the quality and cleanliness. The participants could also taste the products through the sumptuous meals offered at the Sara Buri Center. During the free hours, the participants had much fun, sharing experiences.

The closing ceremony of the workshop included the awarding of certificates by the Director of Sara Buri Center. The finale was the party, with Thai food, music and dancing ? all in the clean and friendly ambience of Sara Buri.

The participants visited three sites using EM on the way back to Bangkok. These sites were located in the Ang Thong Province, located within a 2 hour driving time from Sara Buri. The first stop was a Galangal farm of 288 ha, where the famous herb used in the preparation of Tom Yum Khung.. the Thai soup, through Nature Farming, using EM technology. The spice is used for extracting oil for making Soaps, and Shampoo. The unit contained 90 farmers, all growing Galangal very successfully through nature farming, using EM.

The second site was a Dragon Fruit farm, with 300 of trees of Dragon Fruit .The farmers were skeptical of our visit because it was the first time that so many foreigners visited their farm. However, the farmer was very happy after finishing our visiting. We in turn saw the success and were able to taste the sweet dragon fruit!!!

The last stop was a small Bokashi factory established by a group of teachers through voluntary contributions. The factory produces and markets Bokashi for farmers at a very low cost. The staff of this unit are endeavoring to enhance the quality of the Bokashi. The unit also had a large fish pond and the participants enjoyed feeding the fish with EM based food!!

The workshop was a success. We at APNAN teach the fundamentals of Kyusei Nature Farming and EM Technology, and the participants are expected to adopt the methods using the inputs available in their respective countries. This is our mandate and endeavor and the feed back that we receive is very encouraging.

APNAN and its members wish to thank all who made this workshop a success.
 
20^th September 2005

APNAN.
Kosaburo Imamura, Keefe Uehara, Koki Nagamine

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Application of a mulch for sustainable cropping.		Participants visit Bokashi factory		EM Dragonfruit !!
The participants.		Trainees examine KNF and EM products at Sara Buri.
Participants packing Bokashi during training.