Goa minister wants farmers to chant mantras for bumper yield

Goa is turning to vedic mantras for a bumper crop this year. The state's farm minister Vijay Sardesai has backed meditating and channelising cosmic energy for increasing yields as a government scheme.

Called "Shiv Yog Cosmic farming", the project has been designed by Avadhoot Shivanand, a chemical engineer-turned-godman. Farmers are required to sit in for at least 20 minutes every day and chant "Om rom Jum Sah".

Sardesai's wife is a follower of the method and is believed to be the one who has convinced the minister to take the step. Sardesai has stressed that there is no money involved in the scheme. "I will explore every method to increase interest in farming. If you convince me a rock show or a beauty contest will also help get people excited about agriculture, I will pull it in the middle of the fields. We need to now look into methods to get everyone interested in farming,” he added.



The aim is to reduce the use of fertilisers and channel the cosmic energy into the soil. Cosmic energy, according to Sardesai, bring the positive microorganisms alive in the soil leading to healthier soil and crop.

The Goa government has launched the project after "studies backing the project were seen". Sardesai was quoted by the Indian Express saying,"I don't think we (state government) personally need to study as central government has listed it in their programme."

Farmers have also been asked to watch a Doordarshan show by Shivanand where the art of cosmic energy is explained and his studies are discussed.

Sardesai who holds a B.Sc (Agriculture) degree is facing flack for his decision.