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.
OBJECTIVES
Create awareness among farmers about the sustainable farming system.
Train farmers on of organic farming technologies.
Drum seeder
WORK DONE UNDER THIS PROJECT
Two farmer groups were formed by involving both men and women farmers. Orientation trainings were conducted for the members of the groups.
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.
Farm pond dug in Alangadu village
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.
Training programmes on various organic farming technologies and cultivation techniques of several crops were conducted for the beneficiaries.
Harvesting of vermicompost
Exposure visits to organic farms were also arranged to expose farmers to best practices in organic farming.
Farmers were provided with inputs like seeds of paddy, vegetables and pulses, biofertilizers, hand sprayers and a drum seeder.
Members of farmers group in discussion
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.
The Alangadu irrigation channel was cleaned and desilted for about 1.5 km. This enhances the easy flow of water to the fields.
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.
