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| Sunday, 10 October 2004 |
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Eco-farming offsets ills of chemical fertilisers by Rohan Mathes The National Forum of People's Organisations (NFPO) warns of a grave and imminent danger of soil and water pollution due to an excessive and unrestrained usage of chemicals in the local agro industry, and urges the nation to change-over to 'Organic Farming' which is more environmental friendly and harmonious with nature. NFPO sources told the 'Sunday Observer' that there had been a significant increase in the recorded number of 'Still-born'babies to pregnant mothers in certain areas such as Kalpitiya among others and an increase of 'kidney-related' patients in places such as Padaviya already. This has been attributed to an unrestricted usage of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and others in the agro industry. Organic farming or sometimes referred to as 'Eco-Farming' does not imply 'getting-back' to the primitive and traditional methodologies of the past, but blends and combines modern scientific technology with nature to create a healthy balance between nature and farming where crops and animals could grow and thrive. Organic farming provides long-term benefits to the people and the environment with the objective of increasing long-term soil fertility, the management and control of pests and diseases sans harming the environment. It also ensures better, clean and safe water quality and cost effectiveness by utilising resources the farmer possesses already. "It incorporates a wholesome 'package' of practices and procedures to the farmer, inclusive of an astrological input and the practices of 'Kem' (certain traditional practices which has a scientific interpretation). The organic farmer has to cultivate the soil at the right time and in the right ways to provide the best living conditions for the soil life and plant roots", NFPO sources said. |
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