Agroecological Training and Organic Input Preparation for Farmers in Cuddalore District
A one-day demonstration training on agroecological practices and organic input preparation was organized by CREATE on October 27, 2024, at Vattathur in the Thirumuttam block of Cuddalore district. Mr. Stalin, a lead organic farmer associated with CREATE in various activities, along with Mr. Nel Selvam, the district coordinator of CREATE, made elaborate arrangements for the training. More than 50 farmers from Vattathur and surrounding areas in the Thirumuttam block participated in the training.
Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director of CREATE, presided over the event and spoke about CREATE’s efforts to empower both farmers and consumers through safe food production and consumption practices. He highlighted the organization’s initiatives, which include training, workshops, and exposure trips, as well as efforts to build trust between farmers and consumers.
Explaining CREATE’s recent activities in over six districts, he noted how demonstrations of simple, replicable bio-input preparation methods have motivated farmers to adopt these practices at the farm level and to organize into groups to share knowledge with other farmers. He added that CREATE plans to follow up with activities such as PGS certification and collective marketing.
Mr. Egambaram, the trainer, demonstrated more than six bio-input preparation methods, including Amirtha Karaisal, Panchakaviya, herbal pest repellent mixtures, Effective Microorganisms, Fish Amino Acid, and 3G (Garlic, Ginger & Green Chilli) solution. He explained their application methods, frequency, timing, and benefits in enhancing soil health, plant growth, and pest and disease control. He also demonstrated seed selection methods and the use of Panchakaviya solution for uniform plant growth.
Additionally, Mr. Egambaram discussed System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and its ability to increase tiller numbers, thereby maximizing yield. For ecological pest management, he advised farmers to plant trap crops such as Samanthi (Chrysanthemum) and Castor along the borders of organic fields to attract pests, thereby protecting the main crop. He emphasized that using good seeds, selecting native crops, and planting during the right season are key to reducing pest and disease attacks. He also recommended mixed cropping and multiple cropping as effective methods for ecological pest and disease management.
The farmers’ questions and doubts on topics such as improving sodic soil, increasing organic carbon content, enhancing soil moisture retention, and weed management were clarified during the session. Several practicing organic farmers shared their experiences of transitioning from chemical to organic farming, including the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. Mr. Stalin, the organic farmer and organizer of the event, shared his experience of showcasing organic products like traditional paddy and organic brown sugar (Nattu Sakkarai) a week prior, during which Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister Mr. M.R.K. Panner Selvam interacted with him and appreciated his efforts. Ironically, the Minister, hailing from Cuddalore district, is familiar with several local organic farmers, including Mr. Stalin, Mr. Nel Selvam, Mr. Ramadass (a retired headmaster), and others.
Participants were served a delicious organic lunch made with Aaththur Kitchali Samba, a traditional paddy variety. Mr. Sankaran, an organic farmer, proposed the vote of thanks.