Thottiyapatty watershed has vermi- compost yards.

Vermi compost yard.

Watershed project is very conducive for organic farming with the application of organic farming measures. Thottiyapatty watershed is model farming has a huge vermin compost yard. Vermi- compost containing water-soluble nutrients, vermicompost is an excellent, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. Those microbes eat organic matter in the soil and release available plant nutrients. Fungi in the castings form symbiotic relationships to transport water and nutrients to the roots. Organic farming is a method of crop that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics and growth hormones. Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop enterprises that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment. The general principles of organic production is to protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound state of health ,maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil, maintain biological diversity within the system, recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise ,provide attentive care that promotes the health, prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production  and rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems. Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops, and encourages balanced host/predator relationships. Organic residues and nutrients produced on the farm are recycled back to the soil. Cover crops and composted manure are used to maintain soil organic matter and fertility. Preventative insect and disease control methods are practiced, including crop rotation, improved genetics and resistant varieties. Integrated pest and weed management, and soil conservation systems are valuable tools on an organic

Watershed project components.

farm. The organic standards generally prohibit products of genetic engineering and animal cloning, synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, synthetic drugs, synthetic food processing aids and ingredients, and ionizing radiation. Prohibited products and practices must not be used on certified organic farms for at least three years prior to harvest of the certified organic products. Organic farming presents many challenges. Some crops are more challenging than others to grow organically; however, nearly every commodity can be produced organically. The main reasons farmers state for wanting to farm organically are their concerns for the environment and about working with agricultural chemicals in conventional farming systems. There is also an issue with the amount of energy used in agriculture, since many farm chemicals require energy intensive manufacturing processes that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Organic farmers find their method of farming to be profitable and personally rewarding.Vermicomposting is a popular way of getting rid of kitchen scraps and proponents of this form of composting make all kinds of claims. Vermicomposting can be defined as the biological decomposition of organic wastes, via the joint action of (specialized) earthworms and microorganisms. It is a term that can be used interchangeably with worm composting.Vermicompost is the materiel left behind after worms eat and digest kitchen scraps and other types of organic matter. This type of composting is a combination of digestion by the worms as well as a decomposition process that takes place after the material exits the worm. -Kris