Oommen V. Oommen, Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB), has said that organic farming, which ensures biodiversity conservation, is the need of the hour.
Speaking after inaugurating the ATMA technology meet organised jointly by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and ATMA Wayanad as part of the Wayanad Community Seed Fest here on Friday, Mr. Oommen said that there would be various challenges while implementing the organic agriculture policy in the State. A collective attempt of the farming community, local-self governments and Agriculture Department was essential to overcome the challenges, he added.
Indira Devi, Professor, Department of Economics, Kerala Agricultural University, said traditional farmers were not getting technical support for breeding native seed varieties and animal breeds. Hence, seed and fertilizer subsidy policy had to be changed for the effective implementation of organic agriculture policy in the State, Dr. Devi added.
She also sought the possibilities of channelising conservation funds to KSBB to assist organic farmers considering the ecosystem services they render. Dr. K.R. Asha, Joint Director, ATMA Wayanad, said that while health concerns are looming large in the State, such a situation should be utilised as an opportunity to implement the policy effectively.
The meet observed that farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides is increasing considerably as dealers in the State often take advantage of ignorance of farmers and force them to buy harmful products. It has been suggested that the government should intervene in the retail distribution of harmful products with adequate policies. As many as 150 farmers from across the State participated in the programme.
Dr. N. Anilkumar, Director, MSSRF presided over the session. Dr. Joseph Mathew, Registrar, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, was the moderator.
Changes in seed and fertilizer subsidy policy sought
Conservation funds mooted to assist organic farmers
