NATURAL FARMING and TRUE NUTRITION: Let the Living Soil Unleash Its Great Power An Introduction to Philosophy Practices of Mokichi Okada

Today, organic agriculture around the world is making great strides. This progress has been made possible by the strong leadership and tireless efforts of many pioneers. One such pioneer was the Japanese philosopher Mokichi Okada (1882-1955). In 1935, as the global agricultural industry was becoming increasingly reliant on chemical fertilizers, Okada warned of their dangers. He argued that they polluted the soil, a living entity, and posed a threat to the sustainability of agriculture. Okada simultaneously advocated for natural farming methods and nutritional principles based on his unique view of nature and worked tirelessly to promote them. By the time of his death in 1955, 4,794 farming households in Japan were practicing his natural farming methods. Today, his methods are practiced by many farmers around the world. Unfortunately, even more than 71 years after his death, the general public rarely has the opportunity to read his numerous papers on nature, natural farming methods, and nutrition. Global agriculture is at a critical juncture due to mounting environmental and health issues. The author believes that Okada's views on nature will be invaluable in determining the future of global agriculture and human health. This book presents Okada's primary source texts alongside clear explanations to enable farmers, nutritionists, scholars, students, and anyone interested in the future of agriculture to understand his natural farming methods, nutrition, and philosophy.