The organic agriculture movement is likely to get a major boost in Karnataka once the state horticulture department implements the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) project. | |
| The Union agriculture ministry has approved the state's proposal to take up organic horticulture in a big way as part of the NHM project. |
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| The state has proposed to undertake organic cultivation on about 12,000 hectares in the first of the three-year programme as part of the horticulture mission project. This includes 2,000 hectares of state farms and nurseries. It has also proposed to set up 500 vermi compost pits to produce organic manure. Of the Rs 85 crore sanctioned for the first year, Rs 17.70 crore has been set apart for organic farming. |
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| According to the action plan prepared by the horticulture department for implementing the NHM project, it has been proposed to supply the raw material required by the farmers to take up organic cultivation. |
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| The farmers will be assisted in creating infrastructure for post harvest handling, processing and value addition through the participation of organic groups, associations, farmers' companies and trusts. The department is planning to create 10 such facilities with a total assistance of Rs 25 lakh in the first year. |
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| The department has proposed to offer buyback intervention at various stages of production, handling, storage, value addition and marketing of organic produce. |
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| "This is important as the market for organic food is not well organised and infrastructure facilities are not well developed," the action plan said. |
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| To encourage farmers during the initial stages of conversion and also provide stability and continuity in marketing organic produce, the department has earmarked Rs 50 lakh. |
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| It has also proposed to assist farmers in marketing their produce by creating market infrastructure for direct market and promotion of organic products by organising trade shows and exhibitions, and setting up 10 units in the state. |
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| Other support systems being provided to the farmers include helping them get international certification for their produce. Certification, according to importing country's regulations, is also essential for exporting organic products. |
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| At present certification charges are very high and beyond the reach of the farmers. Therefore, the department has proposed to assist the farmers to take up certification by providing a subsidy of Rs 5 lakh for each of 10 clusters. |
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