Organically grown vegetables and fruits are much in demand among health conscious consumers. This is where certification for organic produce could come handy for farmers taking the natural route for raising crops.
Though many organic farmers in Vellore said they are aware of organic certification programme, they lacked information on how to get it done.
To help farmers to be in the know-how of the certification procedures, the Agricultural Research Station (ARS) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Virinjipuram, organised a training programme on organic certification. Around 45 farmers took part in the training.
The Organic Certification Department of the government will monitor registered farms for a period of three years to ensure that no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used to raise the crops, M. Pandiyan, professor and head, ARS and KVK said. The department carries out certification of organic production system. Authorities will conduct periodic and surprise inspections of the fields during the three-year period, he added.
“We had brought a resource person to explain the certification procedures and benefits to our farmers. Farmers have to follow certain procedures that have been laid out by the department such as in pest control, soil fertility. Once the produce is certified as organic, the farmer will be able to get a good price in the market and get profits,” he said.
Several organic farmers in Vellore are raising crops such as banana, tomatoes, brinjal, lady’s fingers and greens.
Tag for produce
Farmers felt that the certification could provide the organic tag for the produce and fetch good price. D. Kumaran, an organic farmer in Mottupalayam said the training was a real eye-opener. “I did not know about the certification procedures. I have been raising organic crops for the last four years, and have read and followed books on organic farming without knowing the ways and means for organic cultivation,” he said.
He has been raising crops on five acres of land, and it includes papaya, vegetables such as tomato, brinjal and chillies, and paddy for once a year.
Through this training, Mr. Kumaran said they have come to know of the numerous opportunities for marketing the organic produce including export opportunities.
D. Damodaran, another organic farmer at Vellari village, Gudiyatham said many farmers like him did not know how to get the organic identity for their produce until now. “Certification could fetch our produce a good price and consumers. ,” he said.
Organically produced vegetables, fruits and flowers had a longer shelf life than those raised inorganically using pesticides and chemical fertilisers. .


Source : The Hindu