CPM takes to organic revolution in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: From Yoga asanas to vegetable farms, the CPM is now gearing up to launch state wide organic vegetable cultivation campaign ahead of Onam season.

The vegetable cultivation campaign known as “organic living” has already begun in a big way in Ernakulam district, covering more than 1000 acres of land.  Similar organic vegetable cultivation campaigns would be soon launched in rest of the districts.

The CPM campaign comes in the wake of the success it tasted during the Onam festival last year and Vishu earlier this year. The district committees of the party have asked the lower committees to organise cultural jathas at different levels to create awareness about organic farming.

Special sowing festivals are also being held in  panchayats and urban bodies. “We are doing organic farming in 35 cents of land near the district committee office. All this is being managed by party men,” said Ernakulam CPM district secretary P. Rajeev. He said the people residing in flats are being encouraged to do vegetable cultivation in grow bags. The party is planning to train self help groups to support organic farming in flats. “These groups will help residents nurture plants, ward off insects that destroy plants prematurely,” he added.

The CPM district committees have planned the organic farming campaign schedule keeping in mind the Onam season. “Harvest festivals will begin almost a week ahead of Onam festival. People will have the option of buying organic vegetables from our special stalls,” Rajeev said .

According to the statistics of Agriculture department, organic farming area in Ernakulam had grown by over 3000 acres in last one year. The party is aware of the high cost of organic vegetables, which is almost 30 per cent more than the market price. Attempts are being made to increase the production significantly  by involving individual households and groups.

Organic farming campaign will be linked with the waste management efforts to promote  waste disposal at source and production of organic manure. The party comrades consider organic farming and waste disposal campaign part of their political activity.