Amidst discussions about the harmful effects of pesticides (whose residues were found in the vegetables brought to Kerala from neighbouring states), a group of farmers in Kozhikode and the district administration have found a way to counter the challenge - cultivating organic vegetables in urban areas.
While Kerala Agricultural University conducted the study, the state food and drug administration conducted tests, which revealed the presence of pesticides in the vegetables. There was a political row and campaign in favour of cultivating chemical-free vegetables.
To encourage the same, Green View, a farmers’ organisation in the aforementioned district, initiated a project named Haritholsavam (which means ‘green festival’). The district administration, the city corporation and collector C A Latha are involved in its implementation.
The district administration allowed farmers to use the unused government lands and property to cultivate the vegetables, which would be available for domestic and commercial use. A green cart was flagged off recently. It would be supplying vegetable saplings in the city limits.
The institutions would provide agricultural knowledge and training in different parts of the city. The project would also impart training in the right usage of pesticides, and provide information about the types of soil and methods to be adopted in roof-top cultivations.
An official of the district administration said, “The collector and the district administration were encouraged by the enthusiasm of farmers and fellow citizens. The unused spaces under the administration would be given to farmers a few days after they request.”
“There is a constant threat of residues in vegetables from neighbouring states. Increased domestic production and organic vegetables are the steps that would be taken to overcome the challenge. The administration is committed to checks of the quality of products entering its limits,” he added.
M P Rajul Kumar, president, Green View, said, “Kozhikode is a rapidly-growing city, and the area available for cultivation is limited. Heavy business opportunities have brought in pesticide- and chemical-laden vegetables from neighbouring states. Sadly, we cannot stop the flow, lest it affect Kerala’s food security and create social imbalances.”
“To counter this challenge, we need strong quality checks along the borders as well as in the markets. But the constant supply of organic vegetables is the only solution for this issue in the long run. We need to develop the culture of domestic cultivation of organic vegetables in large quantities,” he added.
“It is very hard to create agricultural knowledge among the urban people due to the lack of awareness. Green View would encourage the cultivation mentality in urban areas, which may take some time. The city corporation and the district administration have given it their full support and encouragement to the initiatives of farmers,” Kumar stated.
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