Khidmat Foundation

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THIS UNIQUE STRUCTURE , WITH ITS BASIC DESIGN BORROWED FROM PERMACULTURE, IS COMPLETELY ENVIRONMENT CONTROLLED AND PROTECTED. SUMMER SHADING AND WINTER COVER WITH PLASTIC PROVIDES TEMPERATURE CONTROL. RELIEF FROM HEAT IS PROVIDED BY SUB SOIL AND MISTING IRRIGATION. COMPANION PLANTING ALLOWS GROWING OF VEGETABLES; CULINARY AND MEDICINAL HERBS. THE BED IS BUILT UP OF ORGANIC COMPOST AND IS DUG AFTER THE MANDALA GARDEN DESIGN. THE GEODESIC DOME CAN BE MADE OF PIPE OR STICKS. THE ENTIRE STRUCTURE IS EASY TO BUILD AS A STEP BY STEP GUIDE IS PROVIDED. PLANTING DETAILS FOR VARIOUS ECO REGIONS IS BEING WORKED OUT. PRIMARILY MEANT AS LOW COST KITCHEN GARDEN, THE CONCEPT CAN INCLUDE COMMERCIAL GROWING. THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF INTENSIVE HORTICULTURE.

THE WAH GARDEN:

The Mughal Emperor Jehangir while traveling to Kashmir stopped at a small village near Hassanabdal. This village was named Jalalsar and was situated near a number of springs. "Wah, Wah, exclaimed the weary Emperor at the idyllic sight. From then on the village was renamed as Wah or wow as the Americans would put it. Today the area is called the Wah Gardens as the Emperor had built a miniature Shalimar Gardens at the site. Belonging to this place, I always felt that our whole Country should be developed on similar lines. Why not Pak Gardens? With the help of Australian concept of Permaculture or permanent agriculture as well as demonstrated success of low cost Sub Soil Irrigation for our Barani areas, we at the Khidmat Foundation have successfully developed a low cost, poverty alleviation kitchen garden. This unique structure is completely environment controlled and protected. Summer shading and winter cover with plastic (110 gm/m2) provides temperature control. Relief from heat is provided with sub-soil and misting irrigation. Inside the structure companion planting allows growing of vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs. The bed is built up with organic compost and is dug after the Mandela Garden design from Permaculture. The Geodesic Dome can be made from plastic or GI pipe or sticks (the wild mulberry rapidly overtaking natural vegetation in many Barani areas can be used). The entire structure can be readily and easily built in a matter of hours. This is so due to a carefully worked out step-by-step design and building guide. We are in the process of working out planting guides for various seasons for different Eco Regions. Primarily meant as a low cost kitchen garden for nutrition enhancement, the concept can be used for commercial growing. This is an example of intensive horticulture. With increasing aridity and high temperatures (40 degrees in April) the concept can provide stress relief for our plants. Conservation irrigation will save our precious water resource. As the bed is built up with organic compost the Wah Garden can be established on any type of surface no matter how poor or depleted. Size of the structure can be increased with simple multiplication to cover 6 to 10 square meters. Intricacy of design and complexity of structure is maintained while simplicity of erection is provided for through the use of a few simple aids such as stakes and string. This structure can be built attached to a house or tent and yet protected from chickens, birds and animals. The structure is not meant as a be all and end all, last word in development. Suggestions and input are welcome. Specifically information on companion planting for different Eco Regions is desired. The Kidmat Foundation is a Non Profit, National Applied and Adaptive Research and Development NGO. The aim is to provide a way out for the poor masses. There is such a way! The Wah Garden can be established in conjunction with our low cost Khumbi Kulla or small Mushroom growing structure with environment control and simple humidifier as well as low cost incubators.

With the help of the Australian concept of Permaculture or permanent agriculture as well as demonstrated success of low cost Sub Soil Irrigation for our Barani areas, we at the Khidmat Foundation have successfully developed a low cost, poverty alleviation kitchen garden. This unique structure is completely environment controlled and protected. Summer shading and winter cover with plastic (110 gm/m2) provides temperature control. Relief from heat is provided with sub-soil and misting irrigation. Inside the structure companion planting allows growing of vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs. The bed is built up with organic compost and is dug after the Mandela Garden design from Permaculture. The Geodesic Dome can be made from plastic or GI pipe or sticks (the wild mulberry rapidly overtaking natural vegetation in many Barani areas can be used). The entire structure can be readily and easily built in a matter of hours. This is so due to a carefully worked out step-by-step design and building guide. We are in the process of working out planting guides for various seasons for different Eco Regions. Primarily meant as a low cost kitchen garden for nutrition enhancement, the concept can be used for commercial growing. This is an example of intensive horticulture. With increasing aridity and high temperatures (40 degrees in April) the concept can provide stress relief for our plants. Conservation irrigation will save our precious water resource. As the bed is built up with organic compost the Wah Garden can be established on any type of surface no matter how poor or depleted. Size of the structure can be increased with simple multiplication to cover 6 to 10 square meters. Intricacy of design and complexity of structure is maintained while simplicity of erection is provided for through the use of a few simple aids such as stakes and string. This structure can be built attached to a house or tent and yet protected from chickens, birds and animals. The structure is not meant as a be all and end all, last word in development. Suggestions and input are welcome. Specifically information on companion planting for different Eco Regions is desired. The Kidmat Foundation is a Non Profit, National Applied and Adaptive Research and Development NGO. The aim is to provide a way out for the poor masses. There is such a way! The Wah Garden can be established in conjunction with our low cost Khumbi Kulla or small Mushroom growing structure with environment control and simple humidifier as well as Low Cost Incubator.

MUSHROOM STRUCTURE:

INTRODUCTION
FOOD VALUE OF MUSHROOMS
SEASONAL VARIETIES
CULTIVATION
TEMPERATURE
MOISTURE
VENTILATION
GOOD SPAWN
SUITABLE GROWING SPACE
PROPER COMPOST
SUITABLE CASING
MUSHROOM STRUCTURE (KHUMBI KULLA)
RECURRING EXPENDITURE
CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION:
The very real issue of malnutrition stares us in the face. One estimate shows 30% malnutrition in our Country. The scepter of hidden hunger is very much before us! The severe effects of this situation result in incidence of various diseases due to weakness. Most importantly Nutrition Deficiency results in poor development of brain cells and reduced IQ levels. The accumulated effects have disastrous consequences. This situation, though alarming, can be readily remedied at a very reasonable cost. In fact a profitable and even foreign exchange earning venture can be established at very little cost, on community basis. This the growth; consumption/ export of mushrooms.

FOOD VALUE OF MUSHROOMS:
Mushrooms are a rich source of proteins; carbohydrates; valuable salts and vitamins. Its nutritional value lies between meat and vegetables. It has been equated with muscle proteins and is called vegetable meat. Thus mushrooms provide a high protein, low caloric diet and is very valuable as a nutritional supplement. It is highly recommended for heart patients. All essential amino acids required by an adult are present in mushrooms. Digestibility of mushroom protein is as high as 72 to 83%. Mushrooms also contain minerals like potassium; phosphorus; copper and iron. The characteristic flavor is highly appetizing, secondly it has the ability of converting nutritionally valueless substances into high protein food.

SEASONAL VARIETIES:
At present the N.A.R.C. has successfully prepared spawn of three varieties of mushrooms. Their growth requirements span the temperature range of the three noticeable seasons prevalent in Pakistan. These are Chinese in summers; Oyster in the monsoon period and White Button in winters.

CULTIVATION:
There are seven essential requirements for the cultivation of mushrooms. These are temperature; moisture; ventilation; good spawn; suitable growing space; proper compost and suitable casing.

TEMPERATURE:  
Low temperature arrests the development of spawn and high temperatures result in development of molds and bacteria.

MOISTURE:
  Mushrooms require an atmosphere saturated with moisture. Direct application is harmful, it is the atmosphere that has to be kept moist and humid.

VENTILATION:
  Ventilation is essential for a healthy crop. This removes toxic gasses and introduces fresh air. The higher the temperature the greater the requirement of fresh (moist) air.

GOOD SPAWN:
  The spawn should originate from a single specimen of a perfect crop. It should be free from molds and other micro-organisms.

SUITABLE GROWING SPACE: 
This requires the following:

    • Accessible, in order to introduce and remove manure and casing soil as well as     provide for harvest.
    • Good ventilation.
    • No direct sunlight.
    • Temperature should not be excessive.
    • Heating facilities available in case of drop in temperature.
    • Proper protection and insulation to avoid sudden temperature changes.
    • Humidity should not be too high.


PROPER COMPOST: 
Wastes of animal and vegetable matter, forest litter; garbage; sewage sludge etc. are all suitable as growing mediums for mushrooms. The composting process involves the decomposition of organic materials. Many different materials can be used for the compost mixture. Mainly requirements cover availability and economy. Horse manure is still the most suitable compost material. However, many other combinations have proved to be successful. Straws of wheat; rice; barley; rye and oats have all been used successfully. Detailed compositions are readily available. The compost is sterilized to ensure that there are no harmful micro-organisms that would infect the spawn and result in crop failure.

SUITABLE CASING:  
Casing is the covering of the mushroom bed to provide support to the developing mushrooms and the provision of humidity through water retention. Most importantly the vegetative spawn is encouraged to fruit when it enters a zone that is deficient in nutrition. Lastly the casing regulates the temperature by providing a cool layer that shocks the warmth loving spawn into fruiting activity.

MUSHROOM STRUCTURE (KHUMBI KULLA):
In order to provide a chance for small house holders to grow mushrooms either for sale or consumption, a small mushroom growing structure or "Kulla" has been designed. This design is on the principle of the "Fired Adobe". The ball clay mix has saw dust added to it. Upon firing a porous brick results. This aids the passage of humidity when the brick is wet. The structure contains eight 1m x 0.5m trays or 4 square meters of growing space. There is a wind catcher on the vault roof and ventilators on both sides. These can be opened and closed as per requirement. Thus humidity and ventilation are catered for. The one foot thick walls act as a good insulator and a moderate temperature is maintained inside the Kulla. In case of areas of severe cold, the growing trays can be alternated with fresh animal dung trays that will give off heat during decomposition. Thus a cold frame technique can be used, especially in the Northern Areas, to provide fresh mushrooms even in the depth of winter. However the surface area is reduced by the number of dung trays used. This economical and long lasting structure is low cost in construction and trouble free in maintenance. It is fire proof and earth quake resistant. The structure is made in 4 days from locally available ball clay.

ECONOMICS:
The economics for this scale of mushroom farming are as follows:
EXPENDITURE & INCOME:(Per Annum).
    • FIXED COST:
    • Kulla 5 ft x 5 ft x 7 ft high
I @ Rs.50/- sq ft. ---- Rs. 1,250.00
II Shelves x 8 @---- Rs. 50/- Rs. 400.00
III Tools; sprayers etc. ---- Rs. 1,000.00
    TOTAL: ---- Rs. 2,650.00

    • DEPRECIATION/ INTEREST @ 25%: ---- Rs. 662.50

• RECURRING EXPENDITURE:
I Spawn 80 bottles @ Rs.25/-: ---- Rs. 2,000.00
II Fertilizer/ Chemicals. ---- Rs. 1,400.00
III Compost Material: ---- Rs. 880.00
IV Calcium Chloride: ---- Rs. 220.00
TOTAL: ---- Rs. 4,500.00

• RETURNS:
I 400 Kgs @ ---- Rs. 40/- per Kg.
3 crops, 2 pickings each. ---- Rs. 16,000.00
II Dep./ Int. + Cost: ---- Rs. 5,162.50
III Profit: ---- Rs. 10,837.50
Cost of Production, 1 Kg: ---- Rs. 12.90
Net Profit per Kg: ---- Rs. 27.00

CONCLUSION:
From the foregoing account it will be abundantly clear that at very little fixed and recurring cost a poor house holder can make a reasonable profit. Most importantly a good source of nutrition is available at his door step. Apart from this, if the activity is carried out on a community basis, credit can be provided for inputs and even fixed cost. Secondly, marketing at an economically feasible scale can fetch good returns. This is all the more true in case of exports, earning valuable foreign exchange. The technology is easily transferred and local training can be carried out through demonstration. It is urged that consideration be provided to this and other such small scale or rather micro scale, intensive enterprises.