Category Archives: Agriculture

Zero Cost Farming: Success Story Scripted by a 17-year-old

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Nature

Sooraj, winner of state govt’s Karshaka Jyothi Award, with the elephant foot yams grown in his farm | Express
Sooraj, winner of state govt’s Karshaka Jyothi Award, with the elephant foot yams grown in his farm | Express

Sulthan Bathery : 

At a time when many farmers in the state are abandoning agriculture owing to poor yield and low income, Sooraj C S, a Plus-Two student hailing from Mathamangalam, near here, is scripting a success story with his experiments in zero budget farming.

The 17-year-old, who recently won the Karshaka Jyothi Award for the best student farmer, instituted by the state government, is now busy promoting ‘healthy eating habits’ through his Facebook page by highlighting the harmful effects of pesticides. His farmland also serves as a knowledge hub for aspiring farmers.

“There is no need to glorify a person who grows vegetables or fruits for his own consumption. It says a lot about our society’s misconceptions about agriculture. Each individual can make a difference by developing the habit of cultivating and eating organic foods,” Sooraj says with an air of maturity unusual in one so young.

Inspired by Subhash Palekar, a promoter of the concept of zero budget natural farming, Sooraj started farming as a hobby at the age of 15, but it has now become a full-fledged passion for him.

“During the summer vacation two years ago, I attended a seminar on zero budget farming, held in Sulthan Bathery. Subhash Palekar was the main speaker at the programme. The event helped me shape a new perspective on farming techniques. Following that, I took a pledge not to use chemical fertilisers and pesticides,” says Sooraj, a Plus Two student of Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, Ambalavayal.

He cultivates a wide range of vegetables, including cabbage, bittergourd, eggplant, tomato, capsicum, beans, green chilli, different types of yams, bananas, carrot, beetroot, and potato on his pleasingly congested four acres of farmland on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. There are also about 50 varieties of fruits such as rambutan, passion fruit, mangosteen and orange, besides about 60 types of medicinal plants in his field.

Last year, when he had a bumper crop of cabbage, he gave a major chunk of the produce to friends and neighbours, and then sold the rest of the vegetables in the local market.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Aadharsh / September 27th, 2014

Honey festival gets under way in Thiruvananthapuram

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

A demonstration of honey extraction at the honey festival at VJT Hall in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar / The Hindu
A demonstration of honey extraction at the honey festival at VJT Hall in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar / The Hindu

Also on sale are honey products such as honey wax, soaps and facial creams, and many products with honey as their base.

Thiruvananthapuram is once again playing host to a honey festival that presents an impressive variety of honey and honey products.

The three-day festival, which got under way at VJT Hall on Tuesday, promises to provide the people of the city a rare opportunity to learn about the subtle differences between different honey varieties, their medicinal properties, and buy various honey products.

Organised by the Federation of Indigenous Apiculturists (FIA), the festival has stalls put up by apiculturists from across the State displaying hives of stingless bees, Newton bees, honey extractors, and other honey production equipment.

From sunflower honey to Coorg honey and forest honey and stingless bee honey, the types of honey on display are remarkable for their sweetness and the way they throw light on a mostly unseen facet of rural entrepreneurship in Kerala.

Also on sale are honey products such as honey wax, soaps and facial creams, and many products with honey as their base.

Students of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) have put up a stall that sells honey drink and honey laddus.

Over the coming two days, experts from the KAU, State Horticulture Mission, Horticorp, Agriculture Department, and the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, who are also the co-organisers of the festival, will conduct training sessions for beginners in apiculture.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / A Correspondent / Thiruvananthapuram – September 17th, 2014

Now, actor markets organic produce

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

Kochi :

When buyers and sellers from several countries converge here in November for ‘BioFach India together with India Organic 2014’, a niche trade fair on organic products in India, to scout for organic products, actor Sreenivasan will have something to offer. The harvest from 40-acre paddy fields near his house in Kandand near Tripunithura will be up for grabs.

Sreenivasan says the move is not to make profits. Rather, it is an attempt to promote agriculture and marketing. “I started paddy cultivation not for profit. The land that we took on lease has been lying barren for the last two decades. If we run it profitably, the original owners of the land may return to agriculture,” he said.

As of now, many have abandoned agriculture as they cannot profit from it. “Marketing is a major headache for farmers. The organizers of ‘BioFach India together with India Organic 2014’ have offered to help us in marketing paddy from our field,” said Sreenivsan.

“Major buyers of organic products from countries such as Germany will be attending the fair. They are interested in the promoting organic farming in Kerala. They seem to be attracted by the lush and fertile land of Kerala,” he said.

But Sreenivsan aired concerns on huge rates charged for organic products in the state. “Gandhagasala, a major brand of organic rice produced in the state, is priced at Rs 400 per kg. Such high prices drive buyers away. Middlemen are profiting by selling products under the cover of organic products,” he said.

The organizers have also plans to make Sreenivasan the brand ambassador of the organic movement in Kerala. The actor said the discussions were at a preliminary stage.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kochi / TNN / September 14th, 2014

At 60, ‘Kerala Karshakan’ continues to sow inspiration

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Records, All

The April-June 1955 cover of the agriculture magazine, Kerala Karshakan. — PHOTO: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The April-June 1955 cover of the agriculture magazine, Kerala Karshakan. — PHOTO: BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kerala Karshakan also has the distinction of being the second oldest farm magazine in India

Kerala Karshakan, a constant companion to and a commentator on Kerala agriculture, is 60.

This is a memorable year for those in the State still “romancing” farming, the magazine’s first full-time editor R. Hali has said in his introductory remarks in the diamond jubilee edition.

Kerala Karshakan also has the distinction of being the second oldest farm magazine in India, the oldest being Indian Farming published by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, said Mr. Hali.

The monthly is now a sine qua non for farmers across Kerala, who have taken its paid circulation to about 1.25 lakh a month. Kadakkarappally panchayat in Alappuzha district is an example of the magazine’s popularity. Its editors were surprised to find in 2012 that the panchayat, with about 3,500 farming families, had a subscription base of over 3,000. Kerala Karshakan, more than anything else, had made agricultural schemes, programmes and their implementation more transparent, said an agricultural officer. he magazine has its strongest subscriber bases in Kannur, Kozhikode and Thrissur, said an official.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Special Correspondent / Kochi – September 09th, 2014

A village’s own white revolution

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

T.P. William Rajan, a traditional dairy farmer in Peerumade, Idukki, is trying to make an entire village free of packet milk.
T.P. William Rajan, a traditional dairy farmer in Peerumade, Idukki, is trying to make an entire village free of packet milk.

A traditional dairy farmer in Peermade is trying to make an entire village free of packet milk.

T.P. William Rajan, a traditional dairy farmer, is the milk-delivery man for almost the whole of the Peerumade grama panchayat.

His cowshed has 12 cows of different varieties. He is trying to revive and an old system of milk delivery. His cows graze on the nearby grasslands during the day and return by evening. The milk has not been ‘branded’ but it is already a brand in itself.

“Now, I supply 45 litres of milk and the milking is done two times daily,” he says. His wife, Philomina, supports him in the endeavour.

The cowshed has Holstein Friesian, Jersey, and other varieties and the selection is done through a ‘trial-and-error method.’ “Local milk delivery is an old system which was prevalent here. I supply milk in bottles, half litre and above, to restaurants and houses,” he says. The average yield is low as far as the total production is concerned.

“This is because the cows and their calves are allowed free grazing and they eat natural grass alone. We provide pure water to our animals,” he says. His dog Pakru herds the cows and leads them back to the cowshed in the evening. “The cows give us a regular income and we get a price higher than the market rate. This is because the milk is farm fresh and delivered at the doorstep,” he says. His work begins at 5 a.m. with the cleaning of the cattle and milking. The work ends by 9 a.m. and the cowshed is opened for Pakru to lead the cattle out. Santhosh, a customer, says the delivery is prompt and the product fresh and pure.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Kerala / by Giji K. Raman / Peermade (Idukki District) – September 01st, 2014

White revolution, of sorts

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

Jeemon Kaaraadi, a dairy farmer from Kottayam, protesting with his cows in front of the Milma Bhavan at Pattom in the city. Photo: S.R. Praveen / The Hindu
Jeemon Kaaraadi, a dairy farmer from Kottayam, protesting with his cows in front of the Milma Bhavan at Pattom in the city. Photo: S.R. Praveen / The Hindu

Jeemon Kaaraadi, a dairy farmer from Kottayam, decided to act after several representations sent to the Milma officials drew a blank.

He, along with a cow and its calf, boarded a pick-up truck to the capital city. For the past 10 days, the three of them are living in a small ‘two-storey’ tent in front of Milma Bhavan at Pattom, with the ground floor occupied by the cow and the calf, and Jeemon sleeping on a cot attached to pillars just above them. One of his demands is restructuring of the milk price charts so that dairy farmers would get minimum prices. “The price of milk has increased in recent times. But it is hardly reflected in payments to dairy farmers. There has been only a nominal increase in our earnings. Also, the lack of clarity in the norms for fat content and Solid Not Fat (SNF) in milk collected from us means that the respective cooperative society can bring down the prices at will,” says Mr. Jeemon. Amid the protest too, he regularly milks the cow. He has stocked up on cattle feed and grass.

“I distribute the milk to the tea shops nearby. A few local people have also begun asking for it, as milk straight from the udder is almost non-existent in the city,” he says.

Some of those who came to the Milma counter close by were seen enquiring if they could buy milk from him.

But his grouse is that none of the officials who pass through the gates daily has asked him why he is sitting here. “Perhaps, they think I will leave this place if there is no response. But, I have just started boiling the milk, and it will take some time to rise and spill over,” he says.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / S. R. Praveen / Thiruvananthapuram – August 25th, 2014

A proud collection of carnivorous plant species

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel

PlantsKERALA30jul2014

JNTBGRI have developed three new hybrids of the Pitcher plant or Monkey cup (Nepenthes), a carnivorous plant that traps insects and small rodents and feeds on them.

Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) here have developed three new hybrids of the Pitcher plant or Monkey cup (Nepenthes), a carnivorous plant that traps insects and small rodents and feeds on them.

The institute is justifiably proud of its Nepenthes collection of 20 species brought from far and wide. Of the 140 species of Nepenthes distributed across the world, mainly in Madagascar, the Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Australia, only one — Nepenthes khasiana — is known to occur in India, in the Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya.

Plants of Nepenthes are usually climbers, growing several metres in length and straggling over low bushes and trees in forest areas. The leaves of the plant get modified into a pouch-like structure with a lid on top. The pouch produces enzymes that can kill insects and even small rodents. The trap is often colourful, attracting prey. The slick coating on the upper part of the trap makes escape nearly impossible for the prey.

According to C. Sathish Kumar, scientist, Orchid Biology and Conservation unit, JNTBGRI, Nepenthes and other carnivorous plants such as Aldrovanda, Dionea, Drosera, Sarracenia, and Utriculariaattract, kill, and digest insects to derive nitrogen required for their growth.

Dr. Sathish Kumar said the initial results of the breeding experiments with Nepenthes were exciting. “For the first time in India, we have developed a few wonderful hybrids.”

The collection of carnivorous plants is the highlight of Plant Wonders, a children’s education programme conducted by the JNTBGRI. “Understanding the basics of plant sciences will have to be a priority in this changing world when forced extinction of species is happening at a faster rate than ever. How many of the species on the earth today will be seen by our children or grandchildren is anybody’s guess. Botanical gardens will act as Noah’s Ark, arresting the extinction and saving some species for posterity.”

The JNTBGRI has drawn up plans to supply Nepenthes plants to students under the programme.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram /   T.NandaKumar  / Thiruvananthapuram – July 28th, 2014

Manju takes over as goodwill ambassador of organic farming

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment

Thiruvananthapuram :

Manju Warrier, who got appointed as the goodwill ambassador of Kudumbashree’s organic farming initiative, has assured total support for the project. “It is a realization of my role in the film ?How Old Are You,” said the actor here on Friday. She was speaking after formally anointed as the goodwill ambassador by social justice minister Dr M K Muneer.

The state used to be self-sufficient in vegetables and fruits, but now awaits trucks carrying vegetables from other states. The state buys around 25 lakh tonnes of vegetables a year from other states, which incurs about Rs 1,100 crore expense, despite the fact that it is treated with poisonous chemical pesticides, she said.

Minister Muneer said, it is a great comeback for Manju Warrier. “Toxic free organic farming by Kudumbashree will be promoted with Manju Warrier’s support. Kudumbashree will also ensure that its organic farm produce is poison-free and certified through quality control checks before it reaches the market,” Muneer said.

Kudumbashree Mission executive director K B Valsalakumari said that 50,000 farm groups of women were involved in organic cultivation of paddy, plantain, tapioca and many vegetables in 47,000 hectare of leased land. “Kudumbashree has 16,000 master farmers and 1,000 farmer facilitation centres with Green Brigade or Karshikakarmasena to promote organic terrace farming in each household. Each grow bag with the seedling or sapling will be provided at Rs 80 and their services to nurture the plants will be available at Rs 100 per month,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Thiruvananthapuram / TNN / July 05th, 2014

Researchers try aquaponics to woo new-generation

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Science & Technology

Mallapuram : 

In an attempt to attract new generation farmers, the Agricultural Research Centre of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) at Anakkayam near here has decided to try its hand at aquaponics – an ancient method of farming vegetables and fishes together practised by ethnic groups in Mexico and China.

The centre has successfully cultivated tomatoes, cabbages, cauliflower, chilli and paddy via the soil-free method in which fish excreta is used as fertilizer. In fact, it began a second round of cultivation two weeks ago. Aquaponics is a portmanteau of words aquaculture (fish farming) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil).

Researchers at the centre used 12 units made of PVC pipes in which vegetables are grown. The units are placed inside a polyhouse situated close to a pond that holds about 3,000 varieties of fishes. The saplings or seeds are planted in small disposable fibre vessels filled with sponge-like pith particles of coconut husk. The vessels are then placed on small holes in PVS pipes. Water from the pond, carrying fish excrement is always circulated through the pipes and the plants grow in a hydroponic bath of flowing water enriched with minerals.

Farm officer at the centre E Jubail said the method is ideal for farming in populated areas and is cost effective. “No chemical fertilizers are used in the method as it would kill the fishes. This ensures that the crops are organic,” he said, adding that the method does not call for the use of pesticides and consumes less water compared to traditiional farming methods.

The plan is to introduce the method to farmers and visitors at the centre besides providing provide assistance to set up the system at their farmhouses.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kozhikode / by T P Nijish, TNN / July 02nd, 2014

Laser Park set for inauguration

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

The Greater Cochin Development Authority’s Laser Park at Rajendra Maidan to be inaugurated in August.— Photo: Vipin Chandran
The Greater Cochin Development Authority’s Laser Park at Rajendra Maidan to be inaugurated in August.— Photo: Vipin Chandran

Mayor cries unauthorised construction

As the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is all set to inaugurate its laser show project at Rajendra Maidan, the Kochi Corporation has termed it an unauthorised construction.

N. Venugopal, GCDA chairman, said that the project would be inaugurated in the last week of August.

At the same time, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany said that the Kochi Corporation has not issued permission for setting up the Laser Park at Rajendra Maidan.

For any project to be approved by the Kochi Corporation, the project proponent should submit the documents pertaining to the ownership of the land along with the project details. In this case, the GCDA has not produced any documents to prove the ownership of the land, he said. The Authority has not obtained the permission from the Kochi Corporation, he asserted.

At the same time, Mr. Venugopal maintained that the Authority had submitted the documents pertaining to the ownership of the land. The Government had assigned the land to the Authority earlier. The Authority proceeded with the work after the expiry of the mandatory time for clearing the application. The municipal laws say that one can proceed with the work if the local body fails to respond within a specific time, Mr. Venugopal said.

An inspection by the Town Planning Standing Committee of the Kochi Corporation had earlier revealed that the Authority was proceeding without the mandatory permission from the local body. Hence, it was a case of unauthorised construction, said a member of the Committee. Meanwhile, the CPI (M) leadership in the Corporation council said that it will fight any move to usurp the public space, especially Rajendra Maidan.

K.N. Sunilkumar, the Parliamentary Party secretary of the CPI (M), said that the party was for protecting the public spaces in the city. The Kochi Mayor had earlier assured the council that all documents pertaining to the project will be placed before the council. Mr. Venugopal maintained that the free access to the site would not be curbed and the laser show will be held only after 8 p.m., the closing time of the park.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News>  Cities> Kochi / by  K. S. Sudhi / Kochi – July 11th, 2014