The Kochi-based Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation has embarked on a programme to promote coconut-based agro ecosystem. The project is being implemented in eight panchayats involving a population of over two lakh.Adoption of integrated agricultural practices, establishment of community nurseries for coconut and medicinal species, setting up of eco-friendly processing plant for producing coir fibre are among the objectives of the programme. It also intends to promote women's self help groups. The project is assisted by UNDP, Ministry of Environment & Forests and Centre for Environment Education.The project was initially sanctioned under a UNDP programme for a single panchayat. It was later extended to eight panchayats. The programme will be operational till December 2009, according to P.K. Thampan, its coordinator. About 40,000 saplings of medicinal species have been planted on the premises of over 9,000 houses. The saplings were raised by self-help groups. These medicinal species, when planted over a large area, minimises the hazards of soil and water erosion apart from stimulating productive capacity of the soil resource and strengthening biodiversity.Processing of coconut husk is being taken up in association with 26,000 households. Fresh coconut husk is procured from these households. A fibre mill unit is being operated by a society, promoted by a 10-memebr self-help group having 270 households as shareholders. The average daily output of coir fibre from the mill is over 1,700 kg. Training camps have also been held for households for making paper carry bags, soap and detergent. Seminars and conventions on organic farming are also organised as part of the scheme.
The Hindu, 12th September 2008
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