Introduction

This project was implemented with support from the Department of Science and Technology, New delhi. This project was implemented in five villages of Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu during October 2004 – October 2007.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

• To test the efficacy of the methods of Vrkshayurveda on various aspects of cultivation of vegetable crops such as providing resistance against diseases, improvement of yield and management of pests.

• To develop a package for organic cultivation of vegetables using participatory approach with farmers.

• To disseminate organic package of vegetable cultivation through training programmes to farmers.

• To produce a user’s manual in English and Hindi on organic vegetable cultivation.

WORK DONE UNDER THE PROJECT

• Experiments were conducted in fields of the selected farmers based on participatory approach.

• Farmer’s practices and recipies on vegetables were compiled and short listed from Vrkshayurveda texts.

• Experiments were conducted to manage sucking pests, aphids and mites in vegetable crops using Andrographis kashayam, modified panchagavyam, Thriphala kashayam, sweet flag aqueous extract and arkam. Experiments to increase yield in brinjal, ladies finger were also conducted.

Fumigator designed and fabricated by CIKS

• Trials to fix the dose of sweet flag powder required for seed treatment using a pre-designed fumigator were conducted.

• Visits were made to various agricultural research stations and universities to discuss technical issues regarding organic package for vegetables.

• Training programmes on organic cultivation of vegetables were conducted for 254 farmers in Sirkazhi taluk. A training programme was also conducted for NGOs. Exposure visits were also arranged.

Participants of the training programme

• A manual on organic vegetable cultivation has been prepared in English and Hindi.

• Project impact study was taken up among 10 farmers in Allivilagam village based on their experience before and after the project.

• Data on cost of cultivation and expenses were gathered from the farmers before and after the project.

Pot experiments conducted in paddy

• The area under organic farming has increased from 0 to16 acres and the expenses incurred for nutrient management and pests and diseases management has reduced considerably.

• The fertility of the soil was found improved when assessed based on the no. of earthworms present per kilogram of soil.

• A biopesticide unit has been started for commercial sale of bioproducts.

• Three farmers have constructed biogas plant.

Vrkshayurveda experimental field of Bhendi