As the rains have been pouring down in unusual abundance in this
South-east corner of B.C., I've been struck deep in my heart by the
news of 1500 farmers committed suicide in G province in India
because they had no water to grow their crops. (See post by Deepak
Chopra @ http://tinyurl.com/qbfftw )
What does it mean to not be silent about this? And as another soul on
the planet, blessed, for no reason I can understand, to be born in a
part of the world that's water-rich - how can I practically respond
to this tragedy?
Each morning I give thanks in the shower for water. I conserve with
all kinds of personal practices (flow constrictors on the showers,
low flush toilets, not running water thoughtlessly) but what I want
to know is this - HOW can I make a difference to the people of India
where water is a luxury instead of a basic human right?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Great blog Gyllian! I can't say I've solved the inequities of the world just yet, but I did read Deepak Chopra's entry and noticed part of the issue (no great shock there) is Monsanto's marketing of GM seeds that have the potential of greater yield but also require more water, making the crops more vulnerable to drought. I try to buy local and organic where I can, trusting that even small choices have a ripple effect out the the world communities. Farmers can be such a vulnerable group everywhere. In the US the proposed Food Safe Modernization act could well affect them adversely also, though much of the negative press it's been getting seems based on rumour. No longer on the topic of water, but some interesting and fairly balanced information and links on HR875 at http://www.ethicurean.com/2009/04/03/food-safety/
ReplyDeleteHi Gyllian, I applaud your efforts and your blog. As I am of the smallest farmer variety, (we have 3 new baby goats and are putting in a big garden this year), I'm not sure how much I'll visit this summer, but I will try to pop in on occasion to read and comment. The issues of the small farmer are very dear to my heart and I belong to a local group of farmers who are trying to do just what is needed all over the world, supporting small farmers to succeed. Here in the Snoqualmie Valley we have a chance and are working to save the rich farmland from development and create a robust market economy for the local farmers. I look forward to the day when I too can sell my goat cheeses or herbs or fruits at the market...but for now, the laws are fairly prohibitive to small little plots like mine. Thanks for a great discussion and for a positive picture in India, may I recommend the movie "One man, One Cow, One Planet" about how a man from New Zealand well versed in biodynamic methods has transformed farming for many farmers. It's very inspiring! Wishing you and your readers many great harvests, delicious spring and summer fresh foods and all the joys of this abundant time of year!
ReplyDelete