Udupi/Pamboor: Training in Organic Farming for Small Farmers organized by SAMPADA

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Pamboor, 16 Mar 2021: SAMPADA, the Socio-Economic Organization of the Udupi Diocese organized training programme in Organic Farming for small scale farmers on Tuesday, 16 March 2021 at 3 pm at the residence of Stany and Mrs. Leena Noronha, Pamboor. Dr. Sunil Kumar K, Dr. Madhurima Vinod and Dr. Mahantesh PS from Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Centre, Brahmavara affiliated to Agricultural and Horticultural University, Shivamogga were the resource persons.

 

The training programme commenced by planting coconut sapling by Fr. Reginald Pinto and Dr. Madhurima Vinod in the presence of the participants in the programme.

 

In his introductory remarks, Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of SAMPADA narrated the circumstances that had prompted  SAMPADA to take up organizing cooperative communities of small farmers who intend to cultivate rice, vegetables and fruits based on organic farming. He said that since the outbreak of Covid 19 and loss of jobs all around especially in Gulf countries it has been felt by many especially women that they should have alternative avenues for earning their livelihood and have shown interest in organic farming. SAMPADA has identified six centers where such cooperatives can be set up and training programmes are being held in these centers, Nandalike in Belman being the first one and Pamboor the second. Fr. Reginald further said that organic farming would enable the self-help groups and women members to achieve self-reliance. Arrangements for marketing these organic agricultural and horticultural products are being explored.

 

 

Dr. Sunil Kumar in his training programme said that soil for agriculture should ideally comprise of 17 nutrients. However, most of the land used for agriculture comprises of 5 to 6 nutrients. This deterioration of the soil is chiefly due to use of chemical fertilizers and non-rotation of crops. He recommended testing of soil every three years. He stressed on the need to develop organic farming by using different types of natural manure which can be produced locally without spending much amount. However, he emphasized on the need to have cattle in order to produce quality manure. Dr. Sunil Kumar said that organic farming products have good market  due to the widespread use of social media. The organic farm products may not become popular in short period, but with due certification organic farm products can be made popular and profitable. He explained various methods to replenish the fertility of the land and the process of increasing the productivity by proper treatment of the seeds prior to plantation.

 

Dr. Madhurima Vinod in her training session spoke about various diseases caused by different insects and microorganisms that hamper the productivity. She mentioned about various insecticide solutions that can be produced organically without much cost using locally available ingredients.

 

Sudhakar Poojary-President of Belle Grama Panchayat, panchayat members-Sashidhar Wagle, Mrs. Prema Bhat, Ashok, Parashuram Bhat and  Santosh Kulal and other villagers were present.

 

Mrs. Violet Castelino of Pamboor welcomed the gathering and proposed the vote of thanks and Stany Fernandes, Coordinator of SAMPADA compeered the programme.