Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2.4 Special thrust should be initially given to complex, diverse, and risk-
prone areas such as rain-fed districts, drought-prone districts, food-crop
producing districts and tribal districts.
2.5 All agricultural practices to be launched in the tribal belts of Kerala
should compulsorily be organic.
Strategy 3: Compact Area Group approach in organic farming.
Actions
3.1 Encourage the formation of Organic farmer groups, especially women
organic farmer groups, clubs, SHGs, and cooperatives for the purpose
of cultivation, input production, seed/seedlings/planting materials
production, certification, and marketing.
3.2 Each group should be a minimum five members (as stipulated under the
Participatory Guarantee System of Certification).
3.3 Models such as Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council of Kerala
(VFPCK), Maarappanmoola Cooperative Society, Adat Cooperative
Society for paddy, GALASA, Compact Area Group approach of Kannore
KVK, Harithasree may be adopted.
3.4 Encourage Kudumbasree, Vanasamrakshana Samithi, Theera SVS, Grama
Haritha Samithi to develop organic farming enterprises.
Strategy 4: Strengthen soil and ensure water conservation measures.
Actions
4.1 Declare the existing sacred groves, ponds, and mangroves as protected
areas and ensure their conservation.
4.2 Ensure organic farming approach in all the watershed development areas
and extend support, including capacity building and financial assistance
for soil and water conservation measures, through ongoing watershed
development programs.
4.3 Integrate the various institutions presently involved in watershed
management and introduce organic farming as a key component.
4.4 Adopt appropriate agronomic practices suitable to the agro-ecological
conditions as well as the topographical conditions at the micro watershed
level and discourage/restrict inappropriate crops and cropping practices.
4.5 Kerala Agricultural University and other research institutions should
develop suitable crop combinations and locally suitable technology,
through participatory research with farmers.
4.6 Encourage landowners and part-time farmers by providing adequate
