Biodigester, a concept of the organic grape growers’ association of Athani taluk in Belgaum district, works on the principal of each plant having a distinct medicinal or pesticide-fighting constituent (active ingredient) and a distinct nutrient.

It is prepared by decomposing 20 to 25 kinds of herbs and weeds with cow dung and urine for 40-45 days. After diluting the decomposed solution with water, in the ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 (based on the age of the plant to be sprayed) the biodigester can be given to the plants through drip or spray.

A combination of 25 different plants has many nutrients and fights pests, said Senior Assistant Director, Horticulture, Somu. Biodigester has beneficial microbes and does no harm to the plant as it is natural, he added.

Concept of farmers
“We're in the process of getting a patent on the scheme as it is a concept of farmers of Karnataka," said Deputy Director of Horticulture and head of the Biocentre at Hulimavu, Bangalore, M Vishwanath.

Crude form
Dr Ramakrishnappa, director of Horticulture and former head of Biocentre, developed the concept used by the farmers in a crude form and Biocentre developed a scientific reasoning for it after many tests, Mr Vishwanath added.

By November, the centre will release the results of experiments on developing biodigester using medicinal and other plants that animals don't graze, Horticulture Officer, Gurudath, said.

“The patent is not meant for royalty but it’ll help us in the International Court of Justice during controversies over patents," said Mr Vishwanath.

Biodigester has already been to test at Biocentre. The centre takes care of over 1,000 species of plants (15 lakh plants propagated annually) on its 42-acre campus with biodigester, without using chemical pesticides.

The centre promotes only organic farming, wherein the principles of sustainable farming system and on-farm production of bio-inputs such as vermicompost and compost are encouraged.

The Department of Horticulture through National Horticulture Mission (NHM) provides assistance to the organic farmers. (See box).

HIGHLIGHTS
Assistance to farmers by Department of Horticulture under NHM
*Construction of Biodigester units:
    Upto Rs 30,000 (50% of the cost of production) to individual farmers
*Conversion to Organic Farming: ( Certification (IC2) through APEDA accredited agencies is compulsory )
    Upto Rs 4000 per acre assistance to maximum 10 acres per person as one time assistance
*Construction of Vermicompost units:
    Up to Rs 30,000 (50% of the cost of production) to individual farmers Further details can be obtained from the District Horticulture Officers