Kerala - Kannur   

`Adopt organic farming methods'

Staff Reporter

To prevent environmental disasters and enhance farm production

MAKING A POINT: Kerala Congress (J) leader P.J. Joseph inaugurating the farmers' convention in Kannur on Monday.

KANNUR: Kerala Congress (J) leader and chairman of the Gandhiji Study Centre (GSC) P.J. Joseph has called for adopting organic farming methods to prevent environmental disaster and enhance agricultural production.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, he said organic farming was the only answer to contamination of water and food insecurity. A study by the GSC had shown that adoption of organic farming methods in a 22-lakh-hectare land in the State could increase production up to five times in a period of 15 years and provide employment to additional 50 lakh people.

The farming sector in the State would get a boost with a sustained growth in agricultural production through organic farming and in areas such as cattle rearing and horticulture coupled with well-planned post-harvest measures, including better marketing strategies and development of infrastructure, Mr. Joseph said.

Draft report

A draft report of the GSC, a Thodupuzha-based centre working on rural development and propagation of organic, would be submitted to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in March. The centre established in 1983 had identified over 3,000 farmers holding less than five acres of land each having recorded higher production following their adoption of organic farming. Organic farming coupled with matching `green chemistry' could boost the State's agro-based economy. Nearly 20,000 farmers in Idukki district also achieved increased production after switching over to organic farming, he pointed out.

Production of all farm produces except rubber had declined in spite of using chemical fertilizers.

He attributed this to change of soil structure caused by large-scale destruction of micro-organisms in the soil as a result of using pesticides.

Stressing the importance of promoting organic farming, Mr. Joseph said it would also be an answer to growing household waste. The goal of `Clean Kerala' could be achieved in two years through organic farming as household waste could be used for development of horticulture and vegetable farming, he said. Promotion of development of seeds suitable in each area to ensure their higher immunity against pest attack was also important.

Malnutrition

He said that a study conducted by the centre had shown that about 33 per cent children having mid-day meal in schools were suffering from malnutrition mainly because most of them attended classes without taking breakfast at homes. The centre would conduct a survey on the works of voluntary organisations in the area of rural development, Mr. Joseph said.

He wanted the Government to restore subsidy to farmers to ensure price fluctuation for their produces.

He also said that formation of a united forum of pepper producing countries could check unhealthy competition among them leading to price decline.

Mr. Joseph was here to inaugurate the district `Karshaka Munneta Yatra' led by Mathew Kunnappally.

The organisers said nearly 500 people would participate in the `padayatra.'

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