Poabs Organic Estate sets up lab in Palakkad

Complex to commence operations by January.

Kerala-based Poabs Organic Estate has opened a laboratory at Nelliampathy in Palakkad district to produce organic inputs throughout the year. Built at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore, the complex is expected to commence operations by January next year.

Abraham Jacob, director, Poabs, said commissioning of the laboratory would ensure availability of quality organic inputs, which are essential for meeting global quality specifications of end produces meant for exports. The lab would also impart training in all aspects of organic farming ranging from fundamentals to advanced applications of organic methods. Besides handling production of quality inputs like organic manures, bio fertilisers, bio control agents and bio pesticides, the lab would take up studies on microbial bio diversity. It would also serve as a centre for joint R&D efforts for various centres of learning.

Jacob said effectiveness of bio products on crop production and quality would get top priority. This would have the approval of central and state funding agencies like the Department of Bio Technology and the Department of Science & Technology.

The estate produces, processes and exports organic pepper, white pepper, cardamom and vanilla. The Poabs group also supplies vegetables, fruits, honey and milk produced in the Nelliampathy farm while organic paddy cultivation is being promoted on a large scale in Palakkad and Alapuzha districts of Kerala under a buy back scheme.