Haritha Keralam: Kerala Agricultural University extends tech support

Thrissur: The Kerala Agricultural University will provide technology support for the key areas envisaged in Haritha Keralam project, vice-chancellor Dr P. Rajendran said. The emphasis is on soil and water conservation, biodiversity and development of agriculture with a focus on organic farming. "KAU has developed technologies for waste management, one of the primary objectives of the project," he said. "Conversion of bio-waste into bio-manure has been made possible and the two machines, Suchita developed at College of Agriculture, Vellayani and Bio-bin developed at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, are proven successes. Currently used by local bodies, they are highly useful in waste management, especially in dealing with the waste at the source. The university also conducts a diploma course in solid waste management."

He said water management strategies they developed and models of low-cost rainwater harvesting and storage systems in farms were good models. Studies have shown that harvested rainwater if purified through this filter and kept closed will remain safe for up to six months. The excess flow could recharge the water table. Director of extension Dr S. Estellita said the university was willing to support local bodies with technological assistance and advice for purification and restoration of water sources, establishing vegetable gardens and promoting waste management at source.

All the fourteen Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the state have been instructed to collaborate with the project, and the seven KVKs under KAU had been told to contribute in a field appropriate to their locality, she said. "The use of biocontrol agents and biofertilizers is critical in organic agriculture. Avoidance of hazardous chemicals, constant monitoring of soil health, prescribing standards for soil tests, promoting crop varieties resistant to pests and diseases and popularising organic crop management practices are strategies mooted by the University," she said.

The university has formulated a  package of practices for organic farming in addition to conducting studies on the feasibility and benefits of organic crop management strategies. Field level demonstration the practices helped to popularise them. The university has also compiled a study report on traditional farming practices, the official press release of the KAU here on Thursday, said.