organic agriculture – Bangalore's farm fair promotes organic farming – Yahoo! India News
Bangalore's farm fair promotes organic farming – Yahoo! India News
Bangalore, Nov 21 (IANS) Experts at the ongoing Krishi Mela or agricultural fair here are trying hard to convince farmers of Karnataka about the benefits of switching to organic farming, which is high yielding and eco-friendly.
'There is a lack of knowledge among farmers about the benefits of organic farming,' R.S. Kulkarni, director of extension, University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, told IANS.
'We are trying to promote organic farming among the state's farmers as it is the best eco-friendly method of cultivation,' he said.
The four-day annual event, organised by the UAS-B, along with several allied government departments, started Thursday at the sprawling UAS campus here.
According to Kulkarni, farmers are interested to 'learn organic farming methods, and are participating at the fair from across the state'.
However, they are confused whether their crop yield would go down if they switch to organic farming.
Dispelling such doubts, experts at the UAS cited examples of model organic farms at Hiriyur town, around 160 km from here, where use of cattle urine has enhanced crop production.
Earlier at the inaugural function of the mela, state Agriculture Minister S.A. Ravindra had said the farmers should follow 'healthy and eco-friendly' agriculture methods.
'This can be achieved by adopting organic farming and bio-pesticides,' Ravindra said.
The university has pioneered in research and development on organic farming in tune with the state government's policy.
A premier research institute has been established at the Gandhi Krishi Vikasa Kendra (GKVK) campus here by UAS to promote multidisciplinary research on organic farming.
More than 200 stalls were set up at the agri fair to provide information to farmers on organic farming, hybrid cultivation, integrated cultivation, new modern technologies and equipment, bank loans, animal husbandry, horticulture and fishery.
Farmers have also been briefed about the modern and improved ways of reaping maximum benefit from subsidiary occupations like animal husbandry, dairy farming, sheep rearing, poultry farming and pisciculture at the fair.
An interaction meet between farmers and experts has also been organised as a part of the event.
'It has been a good learning experience for me,' said Bhaagavva, a farmer from Nitturu village in Davangere district, around 260 km from here.
A total of 150,000 people visited the fair in the last three days.
Indo Asian News Service
Many gardeners are now shifting to the organic way of cultivating after realizing it is economical and the various health benefits it provided. An organic gardening guide is a good way to get started. It provides with various options with the pros and cons of every method and it is easier for the gardener to choose what would choose his/her garden best. It also contains a list of basic information for the new gardener to get started. The following things are to be chosen carefully as the success of the garden solely depends on these three factors.
Soil: Soil does more than just provide support to a plant. It has nutrients which a plant lives on. If the soil has been used much or if chemical usage has leeched away the nutrients, it is important to return the nutrients by using organic compost or fertilizer. This step is very important for any kind of garden as the plants will grow better and plusher in a healthy soil.
Selecting plants: You can grow any plant in an organic garden. Only proper planning is necessary. An organic gardening guide provides a list of the variety of seeds that can be planted in a garden. The manual on how to care for the plant is also given so it is easier for the gardener to choose the best plants suited for his/her garden.
Planting the seed is the second most important part in making an organic garden. Different seeds need different kinds of treatment. Most seeds are buried in the moist mud but some seeds need sunlight to germinate. Plants are to be kept cozy in the germinating stage and must be introduced to normal weather once they are grown.
Protection: It is the most important duty to take precautions against weeds, pests and other diseases which may harm the plant. Organic pesticides are effective as the chemical ones but minus the ill effects.
Plants can be protected from weeds by manually picking the weeds from the plant.
Clint Sidney is a gardening enthusiast and recommends this excellent Organic Gardening Guide. You can learn more about gardening at GreatGardener.eHelpshome.com.
Mail this post