Kudumbasree dreams big this Onam

The collective hopes a profit of Rs.10-crore from sale of products like organic vegetables

The Kudumbasree Mission in the district is all set to rake in moolah this Onam, targeting a turnover of Rs.10 crore through the sale of a host of products ranging from organic vegetables to ‘Onathappan’.

Kudumbasree members have embarked on organic farming on an unprecedented scale to offer pesticide-free vegetables to the public during Onam, when demand for vegetables is at its peak.

Organic farming has been made a mandatory obligation of Kudumbasree units. “All the 20,000-odd neighbourhood groups under 101 community development societies are engaged in farming. About 268 hectares in the district are under cultivation, with every unit undertaking farming in at least three cents. We are expecting an output of at least five tones from an acre,” said Tani Thomas, district coordinator of the Kudumbasree Mission.

Farming using growbags

In addition to this, farming is being done using one lakh growbags where land is not available. A variety of items ranging from various leguminous plants, lady’s finger, tomatoes etc.., are being cultivated on a large scale.

Various subsidiary units and institutions of the Kudumbasree are also engaged in organic farming including in public places. In Manjalloor in Muvattupuzha, a small hill has been converted into a farm.

“Not stopping organic farming with Onam, we are planning to take it to a much bigger scale by gradually increasing the acreage under cultivation,” said Ms. Thomas.

Kudumbasree will be holding 114 markets of a duration of three days to five days during the Onam season. Though the dates are yet to be finalised, the markets are being planned in a way that they extend till Onam eve.

Besides organic vegetables, the Kudumbasree markets will also have a range of other products including different varieties of payasams, pickles and garments.