: K. Kadambot Siddique, Hackett Professor of Agriculture Chair and Director, the University of Western Australia Institute of Agriculture, has said the State government should draft a State policy on organic cultivation prior to declaring it an organic State by the end of 2016.
Talking to The Hindu after attending a seminar at the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University on Saturday Dr. Siddique , who is also an expert in organic cultivation, said declaring a “State as a practical organic one is an excellent aspiration but, there are many obstacles to overcome to achieve the target.”
Just a declaration by the government alone would not lead the State into a practical-oriented organic one; instead the authorities should criticality analyse the adaptability of the system to the farming community, he said.
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It should also address various factors such as setting up marketing facilities, identifying certified agencies for the purpose, monitoring facilities, code of practices, labelling and ensure a sustainable income to the farming community, before making such a declaration. “Mere organic cultivation alone cannot cater to a huge population in a State like Kerala. The government should ensure profitability and sustainability to the farmers.”