Organic farming reaches the roofs !!!
- 2 Posts
In India, after the Green Revolution during the 1960’s, crop
production became completely commercial .The cost of production
rose and the quality of the soil due to extensive use of
fertilisers declined drastically. Thus the land under production
did not give the promised high yields. Farmers, who had borrowed
money, ultimately fell into debt traps, from which recovery was
“Going organic” is one way by which farmers can get better
yields. Organic farming involves use of natural fertilizers such
as manure and bio pesticides which are very easy to prepare. Many
farmers have realised that organic farming results in higher and
more nutritional yields and also keeps the soil fertile. Many
farmers have thus begun cultivating their crops
Ø Organic farming is more effective when done on a small
Ø Soil reclamation is a very important step that must be taken
into consideration if crops have to be cultivated
Ø Community farming can help solve the problem of insufficient
inputs. The community could themselves manufacture the bio
pesticides (the preparation is easy and takes very little
Ø Many individuals now have their own organic vegetable patches
on their terraces and balconies. They have reported that they
hardly have to buy vegetables from markets.
A CASE STUDY FROM ASUBURB IN CHENNAI, SOUTH INDIA.
Taking the initiative to promote organic agriculture is something
each one of us can do. We don't need farm lands for this, any
small space like a terrace would do.
Residents of the Ashram Avenue - Mr. Mohandas and Mr. Shakthivel
have cultivated vegetable patches on their terraces
organically. Over eight houses in the area
have done the same. Each garden supports one family. Thus the
owners rarely buy vegetables from outside. Mr. Mohandas who
started this trend uses the Tower Garden technique. This way he
can grow about sixty types of vegetables with minimum use of
space, water and time. The residents have reported that they
often get more than they require.
It is interesting to note that residents on their own, can get to
innovate when the requirement arises. Considering the increasing
uses of pesticides and realizing the adverse impact they had
decided to create their own garden.
I feel that urban living could try to take this a step further, by using recycled water and kitchen waste, effectively reducing the requirement of scarce water resources and ensuring effective disposal of kitchen waste.