A soil-less mix, developed by Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, can be used as an alternative to soil in farming.
The mix is now ready for sale at the CMFRI.
The mix is made of composted pressmud, a byproduct from sugar mills along with coir pith, powdered cow dung, neem cake and bio-control agents.
The soil-less mix will be a stimulus to backyard farming in the city where availability of quality soil is a challenge, said Shinoj Subramannian, head of the KVK. As plants can be directly planted on the ten-kg bag of the mix, no separate growbags are required. A bag of 10 kg is priced at ₹125.
“Scarcity of quality soil is one of the major challenges being faced by the organic farmers in the city. Normally, at least 150 kg of soil is required to grow plants in 30 growbags. We are also happy to transfer the technology to anybody interested in the product,” he said.
Those interested in producing the mix may contact the KVK (phone: 8281757450) .
