S. Guhaan (34) and his wife Vidya (30), a progressive farming couple from Kundadam block, are proving that organic farming can give good yields.
“Of course, there is scepticism among the agrarian community over the yield and marketing prospects. But enriching the soil before sowing, using organic fertilisers such as panchakavya, and going for crop rotations can help get rich yield,” says Guhaan, who switched over to organic farming three years ago.
The couple has raised crops such as cauliflower, tomato, beetroot, broad beans, ladies finger and chilli in their farm near Koduvai.
A mixture of sunn hemp, grains and cereals is used to treat the soil before sowing. This mixture helps the soil get organic carbon and nitrogen required for the plant growth. During the growth period, panchakavya (a mix of cow dung, cow urine, ghee, jaggery, milk and tender coconut water) is applied.
For combating pests , a diluted mixture of turmeric, aloe vera and chilli are sprayed.
Guhaan said that they have established direct linkages with market chains in Chennai that supply organic vegetables in the retail sector. “We also have opened few shops in different parts of Tirupur district to sell the produce directly from the farm,” he added.
Source : The Hindu
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