Biodynamic Agriculture

As per PCI Syllabus (T.Y. B. Pharm Unit-I)


Introduction

Biodynamic agriculture is a form of organic farming which includes various concepts introduced by Rudolf steiver in 1924.Bio dynamics is a system of organic agriculture which recognizes the biological and chemical values of soil and treats soil fertility, plant growth and live stock care as ecologically interrelated tasks.It is also known as organic farming technique.Bio dynamic farming is an alternative where the chemical fertilizers are totally replaced by microbial (biological) nutrients derived from bacteria, algae, fungi and it emphasizes the use of manures and composts.
Biodynamic farming treats animals, crops and soil as single system and facilitates the use of traditional systems and development of new local breed and varieties. It uses various herbal and mineral additives in the manufacture of composts and field sprays. Biodynamic farming also emphasizes on the use of astronomical sowing and moon planting calendar.

Biodynamic farming promotes composting, green manuring, crop rotations, inter cropping, mixed cropping, etc, as well as employing predators, parasites, which are natural enemies of pests.


Principles and guidelines for Good Agriculture Practice  (GAP) of medicinal plants:



The guidelines described for GAP are intended to streamline the cultivation of medicinal plants as per the well regulated methods and follow a systematic way in cultivation process as it is important for the production of good quality plant material.
The various stages of processing which are included in good agricultural practice (GAP) are described as follows.


1) Seeds and utilization material


The seeding materials are to be identified botanically, indicating plant variety, cultivar, chemo type and its origin.

2. Cultivation:


•Depending on the method of cultivation (conventional or organic) growers should be allowed to follow different standards operating procedures (SOP) for cultivation.
•Care should be taken to avoid environmental disturbances. •The principles of good crop husbandry must be followed including appropriate rotation of crops.


3 Soil and fertilization:




Medicinal and aromatic plants should not be grown in soils that are contaminated by sludge. The soil should also not be contaminated by heavy metals, pesticidal residues and other unnatural chemicals. The use of fertilizers and other chemical products should be as minimum as possible and in accordance with the demands of the plant. 



4) Irrigation:


Irrigation should be minimized as much as possible and only applied as per the needs of the plant. Irrigation water should be free from contaminants such as faeces, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and other hazardous substances.

5) Crop maintenance :

•Tillage (preparation of land for growing crops) should be adapted to enable good plant growth and must be carried out whenever required.
•Pesticides and herbicides should be avoided as far as possible.
•The use of pesticides and herbicides has to be documented.

6) Harvesting:

•Harvesting should be done when the plants are in their best quality and quantity. 
Harvesting should be done in optimum conditions as wet soil, dew. rain, high humidity can produce unfavourable effects. 

7) Primary processing

•It includes steps such as washing, drying, freezing etc,
•Buildings used for processing should be clean, aerated & provide protection for the harvested crop from birds, insects, rodents and animals.
•Processing equipment must be cleaned and regularly serviced.

•All the processed material should be inspected and substandard products must be discarded.  


8) Packaging:

The product should be packed in clean, dry preferably new sacs, bags or cases.
The label must be clear, permanently fixed and made from non toxic material.
Re-usable packaging materials should be well cleaned and dried before use, care should be taken that they do not cause contamination. 

9) Storage and transport


•Packaged dried materials and essential oils should be stored in a dry, well aerated building in which temp. fluctuations are controlled and good aeration is provided.
•Fresh products should be stored between 1 to 5 0C, while frozen products should be stored below -18 °C or below -20 0C for long term storage.
•Essential oils should be stored as per the chemical storage standards.
•During transportation, sufficiently aerated vehicles should be used.
•National regulations on transport have to be followed. 

10) Staff requirements 

•Personnel involved in the good agricultural practice (GAP) should receive adequate training and education related to the nature of the work being carried out.
•The staffs who work with the plant material must have a high degree of personal hygiene.
•Staff with infectious diseases should not be allowed into the rooms in which they can come into contact with plant material. 

11) Documentation


•All the propagation material and steps in the production process must be documented.
•All the starting materials, processing steps including location of cultivation have to be documented.
•All agreements between producer and buyer should be fixed in a written form.


12) Quality assurance




•I  In order to ensure a good quality of the produced crude drug, it is extremely advisable to educate all personnel dealing with the crop at various stages.

•C  Consultation and feedback should be taken from buyers of medicinal and aromatic plants regarding the quality & other properties of plant material and an agreement have to be made.