In a bid to attain self-reliance in the production of toxic-free organic fruits, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ernakulam, functioning under the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), has come up with a plan to promote the setting up of mini orchards on terraces.
The plan includes popularising the technology of rearing fruit trees on the terraces of households, creating awareness among the public, and ensuring the availability of quality saplings of fruit trees along with technical support.
As part of this, the KVK will organise an exhibition and sales mela at CMFRI on September 27 and 28. The technology of setting up mini fruit orchards will be demonstrated to the public at the exhibition.
During the occasion, organic farmers who have succeeded in rearing fruit trees on terraces will share their experiences with the public. The visitors will also get an opportunity to interact with scientists and experts in the field.
Early-bearing quality saplings of fruit trees, including mango, jackfruit, guava, gooseberry, blueberry, sapota, pomegranate, custard apple, cherry, passion fruit and different varieties of water apple and lemon will be available at the mela. Videos explaining the methods of rearing fruit trees will also be screened.
“The objective of the programme is to help in setting up mini fruit orchards on the terraces of maximum number of houses in Ernakulam district and thus to increase fruit production,” said Shinoj Subramanian, the head of KVK.
“The programme is also intended to make the public aware that cultivation of quality and toxic-free fruits is possible even in smaller areas. This will definitely help us attain self-reliance in fruit production as in the case of vegetables, and, thus, gradually avoid using fruits that contain harmful chemicals,” he added.
