Ban on killer pesticides throws up challenges

KOZHIKODE: As the UDF Government is actively discussing the implementation of the 100-day programme in the state, the Agriculture Department is faced with some real challenges ahead. Along with the effective implementation of ban on ‘killer’ pesticides, the department will have to take the farmers into confidence by popularising organic farming practices on a warfooting.Farmers and agriculture experts demand the setting up of organic farming extension units, demonstration farms and training institutes. “The Department of Agriculture must initiate research on organic farming. The Agricultural University should begin an extension wing on organic cultivation. The government should encourage certified organic farms in the state to open training institutes based on a public-private partnership model,” said R Hali, agriculture expert and former director of Agriculture Department.According to Kamalasanan Pillai, principal scientist at the VK-NARDEP (Vivekananda Kendra - Natural Resources Development Project), Kanyakumari, the Agricultural University has to bring out a package for bio-integrated pest and disease management for major crops and distribute booklets to agricultural officers and farmers. “Organic pest control methods practised in other states like the use of bio-pest repellents, pheromone traps, parasitoids, predators and fungal and bacterial pesticides should be introduced here and subsidy should be provided. Awareness classes and demonstration on these organic farming methods should also be conducted,” he said.The immediate challenge before the government is to support the farmers in preventing pest attack during the monsoon season in the wake of pesticide ban. “First of all, disease-resistant crops should be popularised. Secondly, similar restrictions should be imposed on application of fertilisers as well. Improper application of chemical fertilisers cause excessive vegetative growth, thereby increasing the threat of pest attack,” he added.Whatever be the organic alternatives recommended by the government, they should be economical. Pineapple Farmers Association Kerala president Baby John points out that the authorities should be aware of the labour crisis prevailing in the farming sector of the state. “It should not increase the expense of farming. Before jumping into conclusions, the government should examine whether complete organic farming has been successfully implemented in any part of the world.” Meanwhile, the Banana Farmers Association Kerala demands spot assessment of damages due to natural calamities and speedy distribution of relief fund to farmers through field officers. Farm journalist and assistant director of agriculture, Farm Information Bureau, G S Unnikrishnan Nair said  that the integrated farming-cum-food production units are the need of the hour in Kerala. “Each village should have at least five such units where cultivation of food crops like rice, vegetables, fruits and tubers are integrated with dairy, poultry and fish farming to the maximum possible extend. Organic cultivation practices should be adopted  and the produce of these units can be marketed,” he said.