May Day 2011:Organic production systems are knowledge based –K.Devendran

K.Devendran makes demo

Trichy,1,May:‘Organic production systems are knowledge based’ said K.Devendran,promoter of organic farming in SEVAI- Marutham in his key note address on the ‘May day’ gathering of workers of farming and associated organic inputs producers in SEVAI Marutham organic centre  in Sirugamani of Trichirappalli District. K.Devendran of SEVAI Marutham who ‘converts’ farmers to Organic ways of raising crop with the guidance and support of FPV and Mrs.Benjamine Oberoi addressed  further that SEVAI- Marutham has become synonymous with organic farming in Trichy. In the last two years' SEVAI- Marutham has "converted" about 100 farmers’ which translates roughly into 300 acres ‘to "organic farming" methods of profitable agriculture.’ Pesticides/herbicides/insecticides and chemicals that Indian farmers have been forced to use in the name of modernization and mass production over the years has created chemical framing and spoiled the organic farming and it is the time to get back to our traditional farming’, says K.Devendran. Although it is small intitiative, the efforts are intensive for promotion of organic farming. The coordinator of SEVAI- Marutham, K.Devendran says ‘the transition from conventional to organic farming requires numerous changes. One of the biggest changes is in the mindset of the farmer. Conventional approaches often involve the use of quick-fix remedies that, unfortunately, rarely address the cause of the problem. Transitioning farmers generally spend too much time worrying about replacing synthetic input with allowable organic product instead of considering management practices based on preventative strategies’. K.Devendran shared a few steps for new entrants to follow when making the transition to organic farming: Understand the basics of organic agriculture and the organic farming standards, since organic production systems are knowledge based, new entrants and transitional producers must become familiar with sound and sustainable agricultural practices.

may day starts with org,farming awareness

Since there are often few organic remedies available to organic producers for certain problems, prevention is the key element in organic production. Existing organic farmers are generally very helpful in sharing valuable technical information. A good mentor should be able to provide transitional producers with knowledge, practical experience and suggest appropriate reading materials. Mentors are able to identify some of the most important challenges transitional farmers will be confronted with. Mentors may also help source production materials that are otherwise difficult to find. Producers should also contact agrologists, veterinarians and other agricultural and financial consultants, in order to learn ways to improve their current farming practices. Develop a transitional plan with clear and realistic goals. The plan should clearly identify various steps to be taken in making the transition to organic and be sure to include realistic timeframes. Careful planning is very important. Since soil is the heart of the organic farming system, it is crucial that new entrants understand the various characteristics and limitations of the soils found on their farm. Soil suitability may vary significantly from one field to the next. Fields with good drainage, good level of fertility and organic matter, adequate pH, biological health, high legume content, and with less weed and pest pressure, are excellent assets. Often these fields are the first ones ready for transition and certification. Let’s not forget, under organic production, farmers must be able to recycle nutrients through proper nutrient management practices: recycling through good manure and compost utilization, crop rotations, cover crops (green manure, catch, and nitrogen fixing crops), and by reducing nutrient losses due to leaching, over-fertilization, as well as poor manure and compost management (storage, handling, and spreading).Before growing a crop or raising any livestock, consider the following: degree of difficulty to grow or raise the product organically, land and soil suitability, climate suitability, level of demand for the product, marketing challenges, capital required, current prices for conventional, transitional and organic products, and profitability over additional workload. Once the crops are chosen, carefully plan the crop rotation(s) and select the most suitable cover crops (green manure, winter cover crops, catch crops, smother crops, etc.). Crop rotations are extremely important management tools in organic farming. They can interrupt pest life cycles, suppress weeds, provide and recycle fertility, and improve soil structure and tilth. Some rotational crops may also be cash crops, generating supplemental income. On some farms, land base availability may be a limiting factor when planning your crop rotations. The transitional plan should, therefore, include crop rotation strategies. Responding to external forces such as new market opportunities may also have a significant impact on crop rotations, so farmers need to consider the effect that growing new crops has on their crop rotations and land base availability. It is important to know the crop’s most common pests, their life cycles and adequate control measures.

There are several measures available to reduce pest pressure: crop rotation, variety selection, sanitation, floating row covers, catch crops, flamers, introduction of beneficial insects, bio pesticides, and inorganic pesticides. Under organic livestock management, cattlemen must provide attentive care that promotes health and meets the behavioral needs of various types of livestock. With good herd health practices, farmers rarely need to rely on conventional medicine. Organic cattlemen should, however, try to familiarize themselves with alternative remedies such as herbal/aroma therapies, homeopathy, and immune system promoters. Successful organic farmers continuously try new and/or innovative management practices. Practices such as cover cropping, inter-planting, and use of various soil and pest control materials need to be evaluated regularly by organic farmers. Be prepared to try new approaches. Record keeping is one of the most important requirements to maintain organic integrity. Farmers are expected to keep detailed production, processing and marketing information. This information includes everything that enters and exits the farm. Third party, independent inspectors require farmers to present the above mentioned documentation when inspecting the farm operation. Once the record-keeping requirements are understood and the reporting procedure established, paperwork becomes routine’, K.Devendran concluded. Director of SEVAI P.Chitra presided over the program. Leading farmer Pichaimani welcomed the gathering and Pannir proposed vote of thanks. KRIS