So here we are up at 5,000 feet in one of the growing plots held by a family involved in and using organic permaculture methods practiced by AFOPADI. Normally, this altitude would be high to grow this type of fruit. Limes, mangoes and papayas have also succeeded at this elevation in project plots.
And here we have Taro, used ornamentally in Chicago, but valued more for its edible properties, root & leaf, in Casaca.
Third, you can see a corn fungus attacking the plant in a neighboring field that is not using organic methods. Everything about the plant is stunted.
I had some interesting feedback from individual growers about corn. They sowed it at different times depending on the site. The goal is to plant it in concert with the beans so the latter does not overwhelm the corn before the stalk is substantial enough to provide support. These are beans that are not eaten, but they do fix nitrogen and therefore improve the soil.
2 comments:
Contrast your photos with the Guatemalans in this BBC article http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8254841.stm
How can we ignore this staggering malnutrition when we know desperation is a breeding ground for disease and unrest which spreads and spreads until it lands on our doorstep?
Thank you for showing us proof that implementing sustainable practices and installing inexpensive cisterns and grain silos can stamp out starvation and its associated ills.
Nicole:
Ironic how you are so poetic about such difficult things.
I wish we could stamp out...but at least we make some progress, poco a poco (step by step).
Thank YOU.
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