KOCHI: In the wake of the ongoing campaign against the use of pesticides in fruits and vegetables, the pineapple farmers of Vazhakkulam in Ernakulam district have decided to shift to zero residue farming.
Vazhakkulam Pineapple Growers and Processors pvt ltd (Agro Park), the biggest farmers association with 500 big pineapple growers which cultivates over 13,000 hectares across the state has advocated that its members shift to zero residue farming using secondary metabolites based inputs. Instead of the chemical products used in traditional farming, secondary metabolite products have extracts of organic microbes and are on par with any chemical inputs and zero residue in nature.
“The initiative aims at bringing a change in the ecosystem. The secondary metabolite based input will not only enhance the soil quality but also help in having zero residue produce. Since these inputs are eco-friendly, it will not impact the health of farmers and workers. It is an effort to introduce the best practices within the organisation,” said Baby John, executive director of Agro Park.
During a demonstration organised for more than 200 member farmers, representatives of Camson Biotechnologies Ltd (CBTL) an agricultural biotechnology company explained the advantages of zero residue farming.
According to Joy Mathew, managing director of Agro Park there was a high demand for zero residue produce because it also took care of the ecosystem and farmers’ health.
The innovative method is expected to enhance soil health, improve land conditions, boost yield and reduce the cost of cultivation in a big way.
Sundaresh Krishna-moorthy – country head institutional business, CBTL, said, “There is increased demand for secondary metabolite products in Kerala and big government and private institutions have shown interest in implementing the best practices,” he said
