Thaindian News

Guwahati, Aug 17(ANI): Organic farming is catching up among the farmers in Assam, who have traditionally been using manure with inorganic and synthetic fertilisers.

However, of late, the use of inorganic chemical fertilisers has almost come to a standstill.

Climate wise, the fertile land of Assam is suitable for cultivation of rice, pineapple, oranges, and vegetables.

“The fertiliser we use is all organic. So the taste of our pineapples is very sweet. We do not use chemical fertilisers at all and we will never use it. We are getting more demands for our product and at a good price too,” said I. Momin, a pineapple farmer.

Unfortunately, the farmers have not been able to take full advantage of their organic produce due to lack of cold storage facilities to preserve the perishable fruits.

The Agriculture Department of Assam Government, on its part, has been spreading mass awareness about organic farming among the farmers through workshops and field visits. Recently, a seminar on ‘Organic Farming and Its Benefits’ was also organized in the state.

Consequent to the prolonged efforts towards popularization of benefits of Organic farming it is fast catching up among farmers across the state.

B K Kalita, an agronomist mentioned that the reliance on inorganic fertilisers has drastically declined in Assam.

“We are creating awareness among farmers for the need of going organic. That’s one of the causes. Second cause is we are supplying organic inputs for controlling pests and diseases. We have taught the farmers how to prepare pest and diseases management inputs at their own farms,” said B K Kalita, Agronomist, Department of Agriculture. (ANI)