: K. Kadambot Siddique, Hackett Professor of Agriculture Chair and Director, the University of Western Australia Institute of Agriculture, has said the State government should draft a State policy on organic cultivation prior to declaring it an organic State by the end of 2016.
Talking to The Hindu after attending a seminar at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday Dr. Siddique , who is also an expert in organic cultivation, said declaring a “State as a practical organic one is an excellent aspiration but, there are many obstacles to overcome to achieve the target.”
Just a declaration by the government alone would not lead the State into a practical-oriented organic one; instead the authorities should criticality analyse the adaptability of the system to the farming community, he said.
It should also address various factors such as setting up marketing facilities, identifying certified agencies for the purpose, monitoring facilities, code of practices, labelling and ensure a sustainable income to the farming community, before making such a declaration. “Mere organic cultivation alone cannot cater to a huge population in a State like Kerala. The government should ensure profitability and sustainability to the farmers.”
