Pesticide-free vegetables from tribal settlement areas in Kanthallur will reach Onam markets this year as the Agriculture Department has brought more areas in forest settlements under cultivation.
According to Kanthallur Krishi Bhavan, 65 hectares in Ollavayalkudy and 14 ha in Mangaparakudy, 15 km and 18 km respectively from Kanthallur, have been brought under vegetable cultivation.
Though potato and beans are mostly cultivated there, carrot, cabbage, and onion are also being grown.
Kanthallur agriculture officer Murugan told The Hindu on Monday that the aim is to maximise vegetable production in tribal settlements.
It ensures pesticide-free and high-quality vegetables. The Krishi Bhavan gives the support and farmers follow their traditional method of cultivation.
A sum of Rs.22,500 has been given to the farmers under the Additional Tribal Sub-Plan scheme of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) for each hectare. The tribal people, mostly women, are engaged in farming — from clearing the land to harvesting the crops.
This provides additional income to the families and ensures timely harvesting.
The climatic condition of the area is suited for vegetable cultivation in two seasons. Though it is in a rain shadow area, it receives two seasonal rains.
“The southwest monsoon is the best suited for vegetable cultivation as it rains mildly,”' he said adding that the main cool season cultivation starts during this season.
The vegetables for the Onam market is the prime business in Kanthallur.
It has been found that the soil and climatic conditions in the tribal settlements are also suited for fruit production, he said adding that lemon, apple, and plums sapling developed by the horticulture research stations at Kodaikanal and Thandikudi are given to the settlers.
However, one major problem to be faced by the farmers is transportation of the harvested crops from remote areas to the main market at Kanthallur.
Mr. Murugesan said there are plans for providing transportation cost to the tribal farmers.
