A project management implementation committee meeting of Karshakajyothi, a farmer club sponsored jointly by the NABARD and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, has decided to open a pesticide-free fruit and vegetable market here from August 19 to August 20.
Wayanad district was self-sufficient in vegetable production till a few decades ago, but now the district is depending for vegetable and fruits from neighbouring districts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Many a time the pesticide-residue in agriculture produce is higher than the recommended dosage. The consumption of such produce may lead to many health issues among the public and attaining self-sufficiency in pesticide-free produce is the sole remedy to address the issue, says P. Ramakrishnan, training coordinator of the Karshakajyothi farmer club.
“The market is envisaging to promote pesticide-free vegetables and fruits being produced by the members of the club and supply it to the public at a nominal price by avoiding the intervention of middlemen. It is also aimed at sensitising the public on the significance of consuming pesticide-free agricultural produces,” Mr. Ramakrishnan says.
The club was able to train as many as 6,000 farmers in the district in precision organic farming, zero budget farming and precision farming since its inception in 2011, he adds. Many trained farmers were following organic cultivation practices and have been able to set a successful model in pesticide-free cultivation for the farming community in the district to emulate, he says.
Vegetable, fruit market to function on August 19, 20
Farmer club has trained 6,000 farmers since 2011
