Organic farming in phases

Kerala's Organic Farming Policy, approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, proposes State-wide introduction of organic farming in phases.Initially, 10 per cent of the cultivated areas and crops (with emphasis on food crops) are to be brought under organic farming. It would be extended to other areas after a trial period of three yearsThe policy advocates cluster approach for organic forming. For this, registration of farmers' societies would be encouraged with assistance from government agencies. Organic villages would be developed for production of seeds for organic farming and achieving self-sufficiency in seeds. Organic farming would be introduced throughout selected villages and sale of pesticides and their use would be banned in such villages. In other places, prescription from agriculture officers would be mandated for purchase of pesticides. Farmers would be persuaded not to use highly poisonous pesticides and to prefer organic pesticides.The policy suggests that the procedures for registration and certification of organic products should be simplified. Separate norms should be prescribed for exports and sale in domestic markets. Special arrangements should be made for marketing of organic products through outlets of government agencies. Product diversification and value-addition should be encouraged. Producer companies and cooperatives should be started under the leadership of organic farmers. Arrangements should be made for funding of organic farming and marketing of products.The policy proposes that organic farming could be incorporated into watershed development programmes. Measures to revive traditional water sources and raise groundwater levels could be part of these efforts. Steps should be taken for protection of biodiversity in agriculture and in the wilderness. Farming practices that allowed retention of forest trees and cultivation of medicinal plants should be encouraged. Traditional farming practices such as Pokali and cultivation of rice with medicinal properties such as Njavara, Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala should be promoted. Tribal farming practices, their traditional medicinal and other crops should be revived.The policy states that the availability of organic fertilizers, organic pesticides, seeds and other inputs needed for organic farming should be improved. Schemes for conversion of municipal and other wastes into organic fertilizers should be taken up at the panchayat and municipal level.The policy also proposes organisation of public awareness and training programmes. The policy recommends formation of a general council with the Chief Minister as chairman and an executive committee with the Minister for Agriculture as chairman for promotion of organic farming and monitoring of promotional activities.

The Hindu, 16^th October 2008