We are involved in the promotion of organic farming in the Alangadu village of Nagapattinam district from January 2009 onwards with the support of a family belonging to Alangadu village.
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Two farmer groups were formed by involving both men and women farmers. Orientation trainings were conducted for the members of the groups.
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The Akilandeswari Uzhavar Mandram was formed with 30 male farmers and the Iyarkai Vivasaya Mahalir Kuzhu was formed with 13 women farmers and monthly meetings were conducted regularly.
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Demonstration of non – chemical pest management techniques were carried out in crops like black gram and paddy. Drum seeder demonstration field was established using traditional paddy varieties.
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Training programmes on various organic farming technologies and cultivation techniques of several crops were conducted for the beneficiaries.
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Exposure visits to organic farms were also arranged to expose farmers to best practices in organic farming.
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Farmers were provided with inputs like seeds of paddy, vegetables and pulses, biofertilizers, hand sprayers and a drum seeder.
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A community varmicompost unit was established. This unit was maintained by the members of the women farmers group. Vermicompost produced from this unit is sold to the farmers in need.
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The Alangadu irrigation channel was cleaned and desilted for about 1.5 km. This enhances the easy flow of water to the fields.
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A revolving fund has been raised for the future maitanence of the irrigation channel by the contribution of farmers and the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Sirkazhi.
