Whether you are a passionate farmer or a novice wondering how to cultivate fruits and vegetables for one's own needs, a group of people will support you with seeds, fertiliser and expertise.
Meet the members of 'Oman Krishikkootam' loosely translated into 'a group of people loving farming', which has been making major strides in farming in available spaces at one's own convenience, over the past one decade.
"We are a group of people who love and promote farming and given the limitations of farming here, we encourage farming in the backyards, terrace, buckets or even throw-away containers," says Vinod Kumar, chief administrator of the group that has nearly 4,000 members.
This community-driven initiative named Oman Krishikkootam, which is engaged in the promotion of backyard farming, will celebrate its tenth anniversary on April 19 with grand celebrations that involve distribution of seeds and natural fertilisers along with guidance on how to grow the plants with no artificial pesticides used.
"We are engaged in the making of natural pesticide using a blend of sardines fish and jaggery, which is left to ferment in darkness for 45 days and this eco-friendly alternative not only safeguards crops but also nurtures soil health, utilising food waste as a valuable resource," he added.
Seeds of a variety of vegetables as diverse as carrot, potato, tomato, onion, cucumber, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, celery, lettuce, coriander leaves, mint, and spring onion are in distribution heralding a green awakening for the housewives as well as farm-lovers and those who love to engage in some creative pastimes.
The seeds that the group distributes are sourced from the government farms and agriculture units from India and it gives members the means to grow their own food each year. The group distributes thousands of packets of seeds, each containing 15 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, ladies' fingers, grapes and beetroot. Members are given guidance on best practices for cultivation, including soil enrichment techniques and optimal planting methods.
Through a network of WhatsApp groups, led by dedicated moderators, knowledge and expertise are shared; ensuring members receive support and guidance throughout their farming endeavour.
"It is all about consuming chemical-free fruits and vegetables. These crops do not just nourish our bodies with wholesome nutrition, but also our souls with a deep sense of connection to the land and community. Cultivating one's own food demands dedication," added Santosh Varghese, another administrator.
"All you have to do is to dedicate some 30 minutes every day to attend to the plants and take care of them so that they can take care of your family's health," he said.
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