------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------- Goa has high potential for organic farming: experts -----------------------------------------------------------------
With Goa's use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides among the lowest in the country, the potential for organic farming in Goa is very high, according to experts attending a one-day symposium on organic farming here today.
The symposium on "Organic Farming: Emerging Opportunities in Goa" was organised by the state Department of Agriculture and the Agriculutural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA), New Delhi.
With the chemical residues of fertilisers and pesticides in the food chain negatively impacting human health, the focus has now shifted back to organic farming and its entailing benefits to mankind. The international market for organic produce is therefore galloping and experts have forecast that trade in organic farming will reach about US $ 30 billion in 2005.
Also the harmful effects of fertilisers and pesticides on the soil, water resources and the environment have become manifest globally prompting agriculture pundits to give the clarion call for "Back to Basics" of organic farming.
Inaugurating the symposium, Agriculuture Minister, Mr Dayanand Mandrekar reminded that our forefathers had practiced organic farming in Goa for ages. He said we simply have to revive our traditional practices to become successful in the produce of organic food and its subsequent marketing in the international market.
The symposium was also attended by Mr N Tripathi, Additional Commissioner,INM, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Delhi, Mr S Dave Director of APEDA, Chief Secretary, Mr D S Negi, agriculture secretary, Mr Amit Yadav, agriculture director, Mr R Joshi and other dignitaries.
During the technical session, the Chief Secretary, Mr Negi gave a presentation showing that with 36.18 kgs of fertiliser per hectare, Goa is the second-lowest user of chemical fertiliser in India.
While Meghalaya, with 17 kgs fertiliser per hectare, is the lowest, Punjab uses 173.38 kgs per hectare and is the highest. The national average is 90.12 kgs.
Mr Negi also demonstrated that Goa's use of pesticides is among the lowest in the country. Goa uses just 30 gms per hectare, the Indian national average is 45 gms per hectare while Japan uses as much as 10 to 12 kgs of pesticides per hectare.
Mr Negi's presentation cited census figures to show that agriculture in Goa was on the decline. He said 27.5 per cent people were engaged in farming in 1991, it had reduced to 16.6 per cent by 2001. It however remained one of the state's major economic activities contributing about 60 per cent of the State Domestic Product.
Speaking earlier, Mr N Tripathi said that India has become self-sufficient in foodgrain production, but had to balance wisely between increasing productivity while still using organic manure. He said with the use of integrated pest management and bio-fertiliser, we should maintain the soil health and yet meet the niche market of organic produce.
The APEDA director, Mr S Dave said that an increasing number of international agencies issuing certification for organic produce were setting base in India, indicating that the potential for organic farming in India was growing.
He said the Goa Horticulture Corporation was a strong candidate for being awarded an accreditation as a certifying agency in Goa. ------------------------------------------------- The Navhind Times 7/11/03 page 3 --------------------------------------------------
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