Date:29/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/29/stories/2005102903450300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Others

Accent on promotion of organic farming

Staff Reporter

`Green sentiment' gaining momentum in the world

THENI : Adequate support from government, simplification of certification procedures and creation of market for organic products at district-level are essential to rope in more farmers to organic farming and to expand areas under organic farming in the country, said M. Thamizh Selvan, Director, Arecanut and Aromatic Crops Development Board, Kozhikode.

He was delivering a keynote address at the inaugural session of a seminar on organic farming of spices held at Horticulture College and Research Institute in Periakulam on Wednesday.

While `green sentiment' has been gaining momentum in the world, the present scenario in global organic market is congenial for India to tap it. But Indian farmers should produce high quality and chemical-residue free agricultural produce including spices for exports. The demand for spices in global market would increase by 14 per cent.

``We produced 17,000 tonnes of cardamom last year and export was 650 tonnes only. Quick support from the Government is the need of the hour. With no subsidy for organic farming, the Government has offered subsidy for chemical fertilisers. Moreover, farmers have to shell out Rs.25,000 for getting certification for organic produce and have to wait for three years to get his land certified as organic farm. Such hurdles should be weeded out immediately. All procedures should be simplified. While private entrepreneurs and NGOs are active in promoting organic farming, the government sector is slow. Moreover, markets for organic produce are only in metros. It should be extended to districts. Organic products should be available at affordable costs. Agriculturists should reduce production costs, said Mr. Thamizh Selvan.

The HC&RI Dean, S. Anbu, said that 60 per cent of total cultivation was being done in rain-fed areas. So the second green revolution should take place in rain-fed areas. Good agriculture practices, sanitary and operation procedure and utilisation of information technology and research organisation are essential to produce quality products.