MAPUSA: Directorate of Agriculture launched Urban Organic Vegetable Gardening at Bardez Agriculture Zonal Office at the hands of Agriculture Minister Chandrakant (Babu) Kavlekar in the presence of Director of Agriculture Nevil Alphonso, Agriculture Zonal Officer Bardez, farmers and others.
Director Alphonso said,” We have launched an urban organic vegetable garden for the town dwellers who reside in the flats, apartments and small houses and do not have much space. Although, they have got a few pots, they do not have the know-how to grow the vegetables in the pots with good yield. Secondly, this will also help them in producing good yield of vegetables in their own house.”
“People here were having problems with availability of soil which we have also made available,” he added.
“This idea will be launched in every municipal area where at least 300 to 400 town dwellers will be targeted. This idea will sensitise people in what way they can produce good yield and chemical free vegetables at home,” he informed.
“Cow dung, vermicompost, seeds, seedlings containers and everything else which is required to grow organic vegetables are available at this garden. I call upon all the town dwellers to utilise whatever space they have not just to produce food but also to help them protect the environment,” Alphonso appealed.
Stating that 10,000 hectares land will be covered under organic cluster, Agriculture Minister Kavlekar said,” Work of the 500 organic clusters has already started. Around 10,000 hectares land will be covered under this and work of the same is already started. The work was slowed down during COVID-19 pandemic. However, by having video conferencing with the contractors and consultants, who are based in different States, we have followed up. First year work is completed and work of the second year has commenced. In three years, all the 10,000 hectares will be covered under organic farming.”
