Source: The Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2006/02/07/stories/2006020705410300.htm)

Kerala

Kannur

`Adopt organic farming methods'

Staff Reporter

To prevent environmental disasters and enhance farm production

MAKING A POINT: Kerala Congress (J) leader P.J. Joseph inaugurating the

farmers' convention in Kannur on Monday.

KANNUR: Kerala Congress (J) leader and chairman of the Gandhiji Study Centre

(GSC) P.J. Joseph has called for adopting organic farming methods to

prevent environmental disaster and enhance agricultural production.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, he said organic farming was the

only answer to contamination of water and food insecurity. A study by

the GSC had shown that adoption of organic farming methods in a

22-lakh-hectare land in the State could increase production up to five times in

a period of 15 years and provide employment to additional 50 lakh

people.

The farming sector in the State would get a boost with a sustained
growth in agricultural production through organic farming and in areas

such as cattle rearing and horticulture coupled with well-planned

post-harvest measures, including better marketing strategies and development of

infrastructure, Mr. Joseph said.

Draft report

A draft report of the GSC, a Thodupuzha-based centre working on rural

development and propagation of organic, would be submitted to President

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in March. The centre established in 1983 had

identified over 3,000 farmers holding less than five acres of land each having

recorded higher production following their adoption of organic farming.

Organic farming coupled with matching `green chemistry' could boost the

State's agro-based economy. Nearly 20,000 farmers in Idukki district

also achieved increased production after switching over to organic

farming, he pointed out.

Production of all farm produces except rubber had declined in spite of

using chemical fertilizers.

He attributed this to change of soil structure caused by large-scale

destruction of micro-organisms in the soil as a result of using

pesticides.

Stressing the importance of promoting organic farming, Mr. Joseph said

it would also be an answer to growing household waste. The goal of

`Clean Kerala' could be achieved in two years through organic farming as

household waste could be used for development of horticulture and

vegetable farming, he said. Promotion of development of seeds suitable in each

area to ensure their higher immunity against pest attack was also

important.

Malnutrition

He said that a study conducted by the centre had shown that about 33

per cent children having mid-day meal in schools were suffering from

malnutrition mainly because most of them attended classes without taking

breakfast at homes. The centre would conduct a survey on the works of

voluntary organisations in the area of rural development, Mr. Joseph

said.

He wanted the Government to restore subsidy to farmers to ensure price

fluctuation for their produces.

He also said that formation of a united forum of pepper producing

countries could check unhealthy competition among them leading to price

decline.

Mr. Joseph was here to inaugurate the district `Karshaka Munneta

Yatra' led by Mathew Kunnappally.

The organisers said nearly 500 people would participate in the

`padayatra.'

Satvic.org :-

Organic food - the market

Photographs (click on caption to see images) :

1) There are 15 types of vegetables and condiments in this photo taken at a
market stall in Malaysia. Chemical farming has led to less variety in terms of
number of species as well as intra-species diversity. Photo source : Third
World Network
2) Chromatographs are a convincing way of proving there is more to food and
agriculture than just yields. Chromatograph patterns clearly show vitality and
life forces and one can tell the difference between organic and inorganic food
just by reading a chromatograph

There is a large export market for organic food and the debate about the
correctness of exporting organic food will never end. While growers complain
about the lack of a local market and lower (or even unremunerative) prices for
their produce, the sad reality is that not much work has been done by anyone,
including the government or NGOs in developing a market for organic food within
the country. As long as the focus remains on quantity and not `vitality' and
quality, and as long as there is not an awareness and understanding of the
effects of toxins in our food, this market will not be created within India.

Till then, organic foods will remain a niche, premium item, often transported over
large distances to meet a customer's demand in another part of the country or
world. While it is environmentally unsound to transport food - and organic food at
that - over long distances, the truth is that remunerative markets will be sought
after by growers / traders - and perhaps that is only natural. Also, assuming that
the ruling prices for conventionally grown food is fair, it is only correct that an
organic farmer should receive a better price for his produce and his efforts,
especially when we all agree that organic food is better than chemically-grown
food in all respects.

In terms of numbers, it is estimated that the global market for organic food is
approximately $25 billion (Rs.120,000 crores) currently and will be worth $30
billion (Rs.145,000 crores) in another two years. The main markets are in
western Europe, Scandinavia, USA, Canada, Japan and the Oceania region.