Fertile Ground is a Canadian organization working to promote organic farming practices in Assam, India. Through a growing network of farmers, tea growers, NGO's and families, we're also helping to restore confidence in India's traditional farming practices, including Vrikshayurveda. For more information, visit www.fertile-ground.org

1. Fertile Ground an enthusiastic group from Assam, India and the west coast of Canada working together to promote sustainable and traditional farming and celebrate our culture and diversity! visit www.fertile-ground.org

2. PROMOTING ORGANIC FARMING IN ASSAM

3. Dependence on pesticides & chemical fertilizers by Assam’s tea industry and by large-scale agricultural producers has contributed to higher levels of pesticide use in production of agricultural crops - even in home or kitchen gardens. Why are we working in Assam?

4. Links between large chemical & seed corporations, universities and banks + heavy promotion & marketing of hybrid seeds, fertilizer and pesticides + loans to help farmers and growers “improve” their efficiency = loss of confidence in more sustainable and traditional farming practices

5. Between 2006 and 2008, Fertile Ground worked to set up a Resource Centre, demonstration garden and classroom to promote use of organic practices in Assam The project has been carried out in partnership with Rotary Club of Digboi, with support from Rotary Clubs in Canada, Rotary International, Indian Oil Corporation, Canada India Village Aid and other donors.

6. Next…….meet the great group of volunteers who’ll be joining us in Assam this year! An important element of our work is sharing ideas and information about Canadian and Assamese culture, and creating opportunities for work and study exchanges

7. Sarah Kerr, FG & Photographer Mitch & Erin, Camosun College Bec & Adam, Cumberland Kel Kelly, Merville

9. a look at what’s ahead…..

11. Location of main activities in 2011 Bodo tea growers State capital & airport Prakriti School Project NEADS head office Gobin Hazarika’s tea garden Gossainbarie Tea Garden Sadiya ASP & Singpho Dibrugarh airport India State of Assam

16. Provide tools, signs, seeds, school supplies, etc.

17. Ensure each school has a sanitary latrine and water filter

21. Low-cost bamboo bike trailers Construct prototype low-cost bicycle trailer to help move materials that will be used to make compost at the village schools Provide training that will give village members the skills they need to manufacture similar trailers

22. 3. Kids to Kids letter-writing, story & photo exchange between kids in the east and the west

23. Read the complete story online at: http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_north/comoxvalleyrecord/community/106790758.html

24. 4. Raising awareness of the importance of organic agriculture with Prakriti NGO’s Samir Bordoloi and Mahan Borah, supporting their efforts to promote organic agriculture at elementary and high schools near Jorhat

25. 5. Fair Trade Tea Project

31. Continue with vegetable production & sales Mushroom cultivation training Training and experimenting with formulas and controls for reducing insect damage Repairs to office equipment, file organization

32. Thanks to our friends and supporters for all the different ways they support Fertile Ground’s work in Assam! To make a donation or find out how you can help, visit our website www.fertile-ground.org