The increase in the number of cancer patients in the State has spurred a residents’ association apex body in the district to embark on an ambitious cancer prevention and detection campaign from this month.
Thrikkakara Residents’ Association Apex Council (TRAAC), the apex body of 70-odd associations in Thrikkakara municipality with 43 wards, aims to become the first cancer-free municipality in the State through the campaign. It has decided to promote organic backyard vegetable farming starting with the distribution of amaranth seeds to member households.
Intervention needed“It has been proven that consumption of poisoned food items, especially vegetables with high pesticide residue, and lifestyle flaws are the major triggering forces behind cancer. Hence, we have decided to intervene in the food chain and plan to scale up backyard farming gradually by roping in the services of agencies such as Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK),” said M.S. Anilkumar, president, TRAAC.
Grow bags distributedTRAAC had successfully distributed 20 grow bags to each household at a heavily subsidised rate. The decision to start off with the distribution of amaranth seeds was prompted by the realisation that it was easy to grow and had a very high success rate.
The idea is to draw in people motivated by the success of their initial efforts. Once they are committed to the cause, seeds of more varieties of vegetables would be made available to them prompting them to have sadya using home grown vegetables for this Onam.
“We are also planning to conduct cancer detection camps under the aegis of individual residents’ associations. Some of the associations have already started organising them. Alongside, we will spread the message about the need for regular exercises and changes to lifestyle to stay fit and healthy,” Mr. Anilkumar said.
