A seminar titled ‘Jaivajeevitham’, organised at Palamel to mark the district- level celebrations of the LDF government’s 100 days in power, highlighted the importance of organic farming in the current socio-economic scenario.
A fair showcasing products made by Kudumbasree and agro-processing units functioning under Krishi Bhavans and a dairy exhibition were arranged as part of the programme.
Inaugurating the programme, Minister for Public Works G.Sudhakaran said that Onattukara had an agricultural heritage dating back to centuries.
A return to the rich agricultural practices was the need of the hour.
Noting that agriculture is an integral part of Malayali culture, he said people had started realizing the dangers of following western culture blindly.
Even while claiming that Kerala was at the forefront in many sectors, it shouldn’t be forgotten that the number of patients as well as hospitals were on the rise.
Fast food culture
The fast food culture had been turning people sick.
The Minister said the State government was giving due importance to agriculture. Efforts were under way to ensure self-sufficiency in food production in the State. The initiatives in agriculture could usher in healthy food habits, he added.
Palamel has been able to set a record in producing organic vegetables during the Onam season, organising committee chairman, R.Rajesh, MLA, said.
He said 100 tonnes of vegetables produced in Palamel were sent to different districts during the Onam season. R.Vijayan Pillai, the farmer who produced maximum quantity of vegetables, Bharanikkavu block panchayat president Rajani Jayadev, Krishi officer Siji Susan George, and Krishi Assistant Manoj Mathew were honoured on the occasion.
K.G.Padmakumar, agriculture scientist, Jessy George, G.Venugopal, and Mathew Abraham, experts in scientific farming, spoke.
The programme was organised by Information and Public Relations Department, in association with the district administration, Dairy Development Department, Department of Agriculture, Department of local self government, Kudumbashree and others.
