Kerala Agri University Releases a ‘Package of Practices’ to Simplify & Standardise Organic Farming

With the progressive ambition of becoming an organic state, an awesome initiative has been flagged off in Kerala.

Kerala Agriculture University or KAU has become the first Indian varsity to formulate and release an exclusive package of practices enabling organic cultivation of crops. Released on May 20, 2017, the initiative will help instilling standardised practices in organic farming across the state.

A package of practices acts as a guide, conventionally assigned to individual crops, detailing the  most efficient methods for cultivation.

“There are about 73 agricultural universities including deemed universities in the country out of which KAU is the first Indian University to prepare an exclusive package of practices for organic cultivation of crops,” P Rajendran, vice chancellor of KAU told TOI.

According to V S Sunil Kumar, the state’s Agriculture Minister, officials in the department will impart their expertise in organic farming to farmers, which will be in tune to the packages of practices. “The strategy envisages not just the use of organic manure and pesticides, but a complete integration of the bio-diversity and indigenous farming practices of the state,” he said.

He added that a fundamental shift from indiscriminate dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides to a scientific farming practice was the need of the hour.

“Not only will this ensure high productivity, we would be closer towards better conservation of the bio-diversity, natural assets and indigenous cultivation methods”, he said.

Citing the sustenance of organic farming was closely linked with waste management, the vice chancellor advised farmers to use natural fertilisers like lime shells or rock phosphate, instead of chemical options.

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The state will also be collaborating with the upcoming Organic World Congress (OWC), slated to be held this October in New Delhi, said the Minister. He mentioned, “Kerala will be adequately and appropriately represented at the OWC and will use it as a platform to showcase the state’s progress in organic farming and the commitment to it has to be highlighted in the event.”

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