Demonstrative training on organic input preparation
Neelamangalam village, Chengalpattu District
A one-day demonstrative training on organic input preparation and application was organized on September 30, 2024, in Neelamangalam village, Lathur block, near Maduranthagam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. This program was organized by Mr. Gangathadran, an organic farmer and native paddy grower/conservator, in his own village. More than 80 farmers from the neighborhood of Neelamangalam village participated, with almost 50% of them being women farmers.
It was a joint effort with the Government Agriculture Department under the ATMA scheme, which also brought about 40 farmers interested in gaining exposure to organic agriculture principles, practices, and native paddy cultivation.
Prof. Dr. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, inaugurated the training and demonstration and explained the objectives and background of the program. He emphasized that as a consumer organization, CREATE’s mission is to provide poison-free, healthy food to consumers, while encouraging farmers to revive systems that support local seeds, culture, and traditions. These efforts aim to strengthen linkages for sustainable production and consumption.
Mr. Dhanapal, Secretary of Karima Veelan Kattamaippur, a federation for organic farming, spoke about the necessity of organic farming in light of increasing health issues due to the contamination of the food system.
Mr. K. Suresh Kanna, Project Director of CREATE Trust, highlighted the value of traditional food and health systems established by our ancestors, which respected the health of humans, soil, and the ecosystem. He called on farmers to learn techniques for converting animal and crop waste into valuable bio-manure to enhance crop yield and build healthy soil, promoting the concept of self-reliant farming.
Mr. Manna Egambaram, a well-known organic farming trainer, facilitated the demonstration of seven types of basic organic inputs, which can reduce farmers’ external dependency and cultivation costs. The bio-inputs included plant growth promoters, soil health and immunity boosters, and pest-repellent herbal mixtures derived from livestock and crop waste materials.
More than 30 different seeds of traditional paddy varieties and green manure plants were displayed for the farmers. Mr. Gangadharan provided detailed explanations of their benefits and cultivation methods. He also took participants to his traditional paddy field, sharing his journey of conserving traditional paddy varieties over the past 30 years, the challenges he has faced, and his commitment to establishing a Rice Diversity Block with 30 varieties in his village. His goal is to inspire more farmers to adopt traditional paddy cultivation and organic farming methods.
All the invited guests were honored with a packet of Raththasaali, a traditional paddy variety. Participants were provided with Mappillai Samba porridge in the morning, along with an organic lunch featuring recipes made from four traditional paddy varieties: Kuthiraival Samba curd rice, sambar, and curd rice with a combination of Black Kouni, Mani Samba, and Kuthiraival Samba.
The farmers were enthusiastic and showed great interest in learning about the preparation and application of bio-inputs. Many promised to cultivate at least 2-3 traditional paddy varieties using organic methods.
