KOCHI: Growing 26 different varieties of vegetables in a 1.5-cent plot might seem unbelievable. Not really!
An ‘Organic Fair’ being held at Rajendra Maidan here gives visitors a first-hand demonstration on how this feat can be pulled off - in your backyard or even on the terrace.
Nasser M S, a native of Aroor, who grows as many as 26 vegetables, including tomatoes, bitter gourd, ash gourd, tapioca, spinach and pea, in his 600 sqft plot, is ready to share his experience, and has even set up a mini-version of his farm at the ongoing fair.
“Family farming is a systematic way of cultivation which can provide healthy organic food for a household, making them self-sufficient,” says Nasser, who is one of the coordinators of the 12th Organic Fair being conducted by the Organic Charitable Society.
“Spending half-an-hour daily at the farm is all what is required to produce all vegetables needed for entire family. It is an effective alternative to pesticide-ridden vegetables being sold in the market,” says Nasser.
The fair, which began on April 7, has many stalls demonstrating innovative ideas in agriculture, including hi-tech farming, precision farming, polyhouse farming, rain-shelter farming, aquaponics and intensive integrated sustainable farming.
The fair, being held in collaboration with the Rajagiri Outreach Centre, SH College, Thevara, and St Teresa’s College, will conclude on Tuesday.
Students show the way
Students of SN Law College, Poothotta, are doing their bit to support the organic way of life. They have put on sale organic fruits and vegetables, collected from their backyards and nearby houses, at the fair.
The products include different types of rice, grain and vegetables. Besides, the students also support the tribal communities of Kuttambuzha by selling honey collected by the tribesmen. The proceeds from the sales will be used for the welfare of tribes.