Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), a constituent extension centre of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, organised a farmers’ workshop on organic farming in vegetable cultivation at Kalayarkoil near here on Saturday to commemorate the World Soil Day.
KVK distributed free “soil health cards” to 312 farmers in Sivaganga district on the occasion. More than 400 farmers attended the day’s workshop. A technical book on “Soil wealth is our health” authored by T. Selvaraj and S. Sendur Kumaran were released.
R. Gurumoorthi, Joint Director of Agriculture, said the department issued soil health cards to farmers from 521 revenue villages in the district during 2014-15 and farmers in the remaining villages would be covered before this financial year.
He said the department was implementing State balanced growth fund scheme, wherein farmers groups would be trained in the production of bio-control agents.
Regional Joint Director R. Viswanathan, Animal Husbandry, advocating organic farming, said worldwide 31million hectare was under organic farming and Australia ranked number one in this type of farming.
In India, only 0.96 million hectares was under organic farming, he said.
Jabamalai Suresh, secretary of SMSSS Trust, said the organisation was involved in supporting organic farmers of this district through various means.
Pugazendhi, Professor and Head, Department of Bio-energy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, made a presentation on the bio-village concept using conventional energy for rural uplift.
T.Selvaraj, Assistant Professor-cum-Soil Scientist, made a detailed presentation to farmers on the sustainable management of natural resources.

Source : The Hindu