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Chemical fertilizers to be banned from 2016

ALAPPUZHA, January 9, 2015 Implementation in a phased manner: Mohanan Agriculture Minister K.P. Mohanan has said that the government is seriously considering a ban on use of chemical fertilizers in the State. He was inaugurating an exhibition-cum-sale of dairy, agricultural, and industrial products organised by the Chengannur block panchayat here on Wednesday evening. Mr. Mohanan […]

Experts urge caution on GM crops

Suman Sahai Hold consultations to improve the regulatory system A high-level committee chaired by T S R Subramanian was set up to examine and review six laws related to the environment. In its report submitted recently to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the committee recommended that the latest technologies be used to prepare an […]

Organic farming in all Assembly segments

Thiruvananthapuram, January 2, 2015 To make State fully organic by 2016 The government has initiated efforts to promote organic farming in all Assembly constituencies. Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan said here on Thursday that the initiative was designed to encourage farmers to switch over to organic methods of cultivation, under a project to convert Kerala […]

Pesticide Residues in Food Produce Sold as Organic

Kavitha Public Statement, put out on Jan.1st 2015 With reference to recent media reports about pesticide residues in food sold as organic, we – Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) and Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) – note foremost that there is no dispute regarding the growing domestic demand for safe food by […]

Composting that heals the African soils

Fernando Naves Sousa, Dec 30, 2014 Farmers in Africa are waking up to the benefits of organic composting, that helps increase their yield and also reduce their chemical dependence, writes Fernando Naves Sousa. Moussa Konate has a secret. His fields of sorghum, millet and cotton are verdant and productive. Some neighbours are puzzled: they find […]