JOIDA/ HALIYAL: Joida, situated in the periphery of Kali Tiger Reserve and considered the second greenest area in the country with 83% forest cover, is aiming to become the first ‘organic taluk’ in Karnataka. Farmers in Joida, the least populated taluk in Uttara Kannada district, have already adopted a zero-fertilizer policy.
Among species native to Joida are paddy, sugarcane and honey. Farmers here use mostly green manure in cultivation. On Tuesday, Minister for Agriculture Cheuvarayaswamy, in a function held here said the government would help farmers in buying agriculture implements and machineries required to achieve the goal.
The taluk had made the proposal to go organic in April 2021 and the Congress government included the project in its 2025 Budget.
“In three years, Joida will be an organic taluk. Any crop produced in Joida will be chemical-free,” said Cheuvarayaswamy. “We urged the Chief Minister to make this a budgetary announcement. We have made the beginning. It is up to the farmers of Joida to take it forward,” he said.
The minister assured farmers to provide them material for planting and monetary support for sowing of crops. The minister said the government will also support the farmers in getting certification for the produce and as well as in marketing. Upbeat farmers had decorated the venue with food grains and flowers to mark the occasion. Haliyal MLA R V Deshpande was present during the occasion.