Once found only in healthy food stores, organic food is now a regular feature at most supermarkets. We often read these days about switch to organic food to reduce carbon footprint and to protect environment and also for sound health.  To know more about organic food and how hassle free it can be grown even in extreme climates of UAE , I as Team Leader of our youth group "Students for the Earth" and as Tunza Eco Gen Ambassador to UAE, planned an educational tour to organic farming technique called  "The Agriculture Box".

Almost an year ago , when I first read about this unique agriculture box , I was very impressed and wanted to share with all of you . So on 29^th June I had written a  report under "World Reports" section on "Agriculture Box"  (Report reference : https://tunza.eco-generation.org/worldReportView.jsp?viewID=3673  ).

Later it was nice to see acknowledging post from the founder and owner of "Agriculture Box" where he  highlighted Tunza Eco Generation , it's benefits and tried to promote it . Pl go through his FB post on below link

https://www.facebook.com/agriculturebox/posts/645308565502704

Coming back to our visit which was yesterday (3^rd July) : We posted about the event on FB and were glad to get amazing reponse from students and adults . Finally we took 23 students (from 9 different schools) and 5 adults for this visit . Mr. Arnaud Fabre , the founder and owner of "Agriculture Box" had taken permission for us to visit LFIGP school(French non profit school) where 5 such Agriculture boxes are installed for producing organic food and are being used as tool for children to study on various subjects like Biology, Microbiology, Botany and Environmental Studies.

Mr. Arnaud showed us  how these agriculture boxes are beautifully used for organic plantation in this school and many other places in UAE. The "Agriculture Box "is a stress-free gardening solution which is  highly durable against the strong sun and humidity . It is made out of European kiln dried white wood and lasts for more than 15-20 years.

We were showed  the irrigation system that is present in the box. The water is provided from a porous pipe structure present beneath the soil, directly to the roots of the plants. This method is much more efficient than the drip irrigation method and conserves a lot of water. We were explained how it can be customized and fitted with a timer to water plants automatically during holidays. The timer can run either with batteries or by installing small solar panels.

Also we were told about the life sustaining material, soil. One cup of soil contains 7 billion microorganisms. He explained us about the Clay-Humus Complex present in the soil. Fertilizers such as NPK(Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium) cause an imbalance in the ecosystem and mother nature. The earthworms which play an important role in the formation of soil die because of such fertilizers also destroying the microorganisms in the soil and causing the three- way death of the soil, i.e., physically, chemically and biologically. This makes the soil dependent on NPK causing it to become red.

 

We could see various herbs , red chillies and other type of grasses grown in these agriculture boxes despite of extreme hot weather. We were explained about the benefits of organic food both for environment and health  and the facts that organic production doesn't use conventional methods to fertilize and control weeds , rather  uses natural fertilizers to feed soil and plants, and using crop rotation or mulch to manage weeds.

Studies have shown that organic fruit and vegetables have up to 50% more antioxidants, which scientists believe can cut the risk of cancer and heart disease. They have also more vitamins and minerals such as iron and zinc. Organic food has better taste , safer for babies and children as they are produced without dangerous chemicals , growth hormones or pesticides which pollute the environment are harmful for body as well.

This educational trip gave all of us an insight into organic farming and the Agro Gardening Autonomous System- The Agriculture Box. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, scorching heat and temperatures soaring high up to 45 degrees, this box enables us to grow fruits and vegetables autonomously without anyone's help!!! This proves the fact that apart from growing dates, shrubs and cactuses, now Dubai can grow many varieties of crops, fruits and vegetables, all thanks to the 45 centimeters high and 4 centimeters thick agriculture box.

Finally we had no doubt that organic farming is the most sustainable form of agriculture that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people.

I have decided that I am going to talk to our school Environment Co-ordinator about this agriculture box and would convince her to install few such agriculture boxes in our school as I understand that there are whole myriad of ways in which the whole curriculum can be delivered through school gardening. 

At the end of the tour , I summed up the visit by emphasising about the benefits of organic food in reducing the carbon foodprint  , told them about food miles , advised them not to go for food which have been imported from other countries due to their high food miles and asked from each of them what they learnt from the visit . It was pleasure to hear so small children talking about soil fertility , composting and organic farming and it was very satisfying to hear from all of them that they found it a useful and knowledgeable experience .