Veena Annadana
Well-Known Member
Residents Of Jawahar Nagar Enthused About Terrace Cultivation
Karshika Karma Sena’s Terrace Cultivation initiative is helping residents to reap the fruits of their own labour | By Yentha
On Jan 06, 2012
Trivandrum: A training and discussion session for the beneficiaries of the Karshika Karma Sena’s Terrace Farming initiative was held at Jawahar Nagar Lower Primary school on January 5. Jawahar Nagar is one of the colonies in the city that has welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. More than 35 households here are actively involved in organic cultivation.
Karshika Karma Sena is a joint venture of KudapanaKunnu Grama Panchayath and Krishi Bhavan that aims to promote organic farming in terraces of the city dwellings. 25 vegetable seedlings in low density polyethylene (LDPE) grow bags and a kit containing bio fertilizers are being distributed at subsidized rates to those interested in cultivating vegetables. The vegetable plants include cucumber, long beans, bitter gourd, cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal, green chilies and spinach.
Speaking at the session, Agricultural Officer Mini C L said, “Organic farming is beneficial not only for reaping good quality home grown vegetables, but it can also become a perpetual channel to absorb organic waste generated in houses converted into compost. In the worsening garbage crisis situation, composting and harvesting local produce complement each other.”
The process of vermicomposting and ring/pipe composting were explained in detail. Several residents present at the session are already composting their waste using simple methods. The agricultural officers discussed and answered their queries at length.
The most common challenge faced by the participants is proliferated pest attacks and stunted growth in the form of leaf curling and wilting seen in plants. The sudden downpours in the past few days had also decayed seedlings to a certain extent.
Mini listed several bio-fertilizers such as neem oil emulsion, ashes from dry leaves, bone meal, dry manure, mouthwash and slurry from bio-gas plants that are most favourable to be sprayed on plants once every week, depending on the type of attack. “A kit containing plant-friendly bacteria (pseudomonas) and insect repellents can be obtained from the office of Krishi Bhavan. Containers for vermicomposting that protect organic waste from rodents and birds are also available from the offices of Suchitwa Mission, Health Department and ANERT,” she informed.
Binulal, Coordinator of Karshika Karma Sena highlighted the benefits of bio-gas plants and pipe composting that is comparatively simpler and easy to set up. “Those living in flats can adopt this method by immersing the pipe in a depth of 1 inch using a big pot or crate,” he said.
The participants shared their knowledge and observations with each other. “Getting rid of pests is the most challenging part. I wanted to know more about the timing, quantity, frequency and method of fertilizing the plants and follow-up sessions that will be provided at our homes,” said Jyothi Suresh, a resident of Jawahar Nagar. Most of the members are happy that spinach and long beans are fairly problem-free and begun to give good yield.
The training session was very helpful and informative to the attendees in terms of addressing their challenges and support provided by Krishi Bhavan officers. The residents of Jawahar Nagar are thrilled to grow an organic garden in their houses that offers an enjoyable and satisfying experience in addition to fresh air, exercise, relaxation and a sense of achievement.
Source: Residents Of Jawahar Nagar Enthused About Terrace Cultivation - Trivandrum News | Yentha.com
Karshika Karma Sena’s Terrace Cultivation initiative is helping residents to reap the fruits of their own labour | By Yentha
On Jan 06, 2012
Trivandrum: A training and discussion session for the beneficiaries of the Karshika Karma Sena’s Terrace Farming initiative was held at Jawahar Nagar Lower Primary school on January 5. Jawahar Nagar is one of the colonies in the city that has welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm. More than 35 households here are actively involved in organic cultivation.
Karshika Karma Sena is a joint venture of KudapanaKunnu Grama Panchayath and Krishi Bhavan that aims to promote organic farming in terraces of the city dwellings. 25 vegetable seedlings in low density polyethylene (LDPE) grow bags and a kit containing bio fertilizers are being distributed at subsidized rates to those interested in cultivating vegetables. The vegetable plants include cucumber, long beans, bitter gourd, cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal, green chilies and spinach.
Speaking at the session, Agricultural Officer Mini C L said, “Organic farming is beneficial not only for reaping good quality home grown vegetables, but it can also become a perpetual channel to absorb organic waste generated in houses converted into compost. In the worsening garbage crisis situation, composting and harvesting local produce complement each other.”
The process of vermicomposting and ring/pipe composting were explained in detail. Several residents present at the session are already composting their waste using simple methods. The agricultural officers discussed and answered their queries at length.
The most common challenge faced by the participants is proliferated pest attacks and stunted growth in the form of leaf curling and wilting seen in plants. The sudden downpours in the past few days had also decayed seedlings to a certain extent.
Mini listed several bio-fertilizers such as neem oil emulsion, ashes from dry leaves, bone meal, dry manure, mouthwash and slurry from bio-gas plants that are most favourable to be sprayed on plants once every week, depending on the type of attack. “A kit containing plant-friendly bacteria (pseudomonas) and insect repellents can be obtained from the office of Krishi Bhavan. Containers for vermicomposting that protect organic waste from rodents and birds are also available from the offices of Suchitwa Mission, Health Department and ANERT,” she informed.
Binulal, Coordinator of Karshika Karma Sena highlighted the benefits of bio-gas plants and pipe composting that is comparatively simpler and easy to set up. “Those living in flats can adopt this method by immersing the pipe in a depth of 1 inch using a big pot or crate,” he said.
The participants shared their knowledge and observations with each other. “Getting rid of pests is the most challenging part. I wanted to know more about the timing, quantity, frequency and method of fertilizing the plants and follow-up sessions that will be provided at our homes,” said Jyothi Suresh, a resident of Jawahar Nagar. Most of the members are happy that spinach and long beans are fairly problem-free and begun to give good yield.
The training session was very helpful and informative to the attendees in terms of addressing their challenges and support provided by Krishi Bhavan officers. The residents of Jawahar Nagar are thrilled to grow an organic garden in their houses that offers an enjoyable and satisfying experience in addition to fresh air, exercise, relaxation and a sense of achievement.
Source: Residents Of Jawahar Nagar Enthused About Terrace Cultivation - Trivandrum News | Yentha.com