Treading the organic path, in all earnest

Promoting organic farming in Kozhikode North segment

safe to eat:A view of a terrace vegetable garden in Kozhikode.— Photo: K. Ragesh

The race of the Kozhikode North constituency to become the best organic farming Assembly segment in the State began with a seminar for different stakeholders of the project at the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for Girls, Nadakkavu here, on Wednesday.

Agriculture Minister K.P. Mohanan, in October last, had announced Rs.10 lakh for the best organic farming constituency in the State as part of the government’s efforts to promote the practice in all the constituencies, before Kerala would be declared a fully organic State by 2016. The prospects of an Assembly constituency with a predominantly urban population in a competition involving agricultural activities is perceived to be relatively grim. “But we have decided to race against such conservative notions by motivating the urban residents and farmers’ groups in our constituency in a systematic way,” said A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, who is leading the campaign in the constituency.

Active groups

“In fact, we stand a good chance since we have many active groups of organic farmers in different parts of the constituency,” he said.

More than 70 persons, including Corporation councillors, residents’ association representatives, and members of different organic farmers’ collectives, attended the seminar, which was aimed at providing an initial training for stakeholders. Retired Agriculture joint director P. Vikraman led the morning session. He dispelled their apprehensions and clarified doubts regarding the success of organic farming given urban constraints.

In the fist phase of the project, farmers and residents will be asked to focus on cultivate vegetables, said Assistant Director of Agriculture S. Sheela. She told the seminar that there was no scope for anxiety about the future of organic farming in any part of the State. “There are enough advanced methods to practice farming in successfully way using organic seeds, fertilisers, and pest control techniques,” she said. “Even advanced techniques such as precision farming can be practised organically,” she said.

Mr. Pradeepkumar said that an elaborate action plan was being prepared for the project. “A committee will also be formed to effectively supervise the progress of the project,” he said.