Organic agriculture is a holistic production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices in preference to the use of off-farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible, agronomic, biological, and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfil any specific function within the system.
The pandemic hampers normal lifestyle including food Production and Vegetables supply chain. To mitigate this we have Implemented Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture Production Project to promote self-sufficient agricultural products and ensure continuous supply of vegetables in the city.
We started from February 2022, covering the entire RD block of Thingsulthliah RD and Reiek RD Block with as many as 150 Self Help Group (SHG). In this project, 150 beneficiaries i.e., 75 from Reiek and 75 from Thingsulthliah RD block respectively are selected. Farmer's Training was carried out with a maximum of 35 beneficiaries. The greenhouse,measuring 20m x 5m, was constructed for five villages in Reiek RD Block and Thingsulthliah RD Block, to be used and maintained by members of the Self-Help Group. Beneficiaries who completed their training courses received a certificate of appreciation and support equipment such as hoes, shovels, spades, water pipes, and organic seeds such as sweet corn (Vaimim), bean, and ladies’ finger (okra) seeds as part of the Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture Production Project.
The aims for organic farming are: Conserving environment and natural resources, re-establishing ecological balance, encouraging sustainable agriculture, improving soil fertility, conserving flora and fauna, increasing genetic diversity, and putting an end to chemical pollution and toxic residues. In addition to banning the use of every kind of synthetic and chemical pesticides and fertilizers, organic agriculture encourages practicing organic and green fertilization, crop rotation, soil conservation, improving plants resistance to pests and diseases, and benefiting from parasites and predators. The main goal of organic agriculture is not raising the quantity, but improving the quality of food products. Now, by practicing organic agriculture, it is possible to produce agricultural goods without polluting soil, water resources, and air while protecting the environment, plant, animal, and human health.
The project is funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and Social welfare and Tribal Affairs, Govt of Mizoram.