A farmer from Harinkhola No. 1 Gram Panchayat at Asarpur in Arambagh, Kashinath Ghosh, has been cultivating winter vegetables through organic farming and actively encouraging other farmers to adopt the same method.
Mr Ghosh has been felicitated and awarded at block, district, state and national levels for promoting organic farming.
Mr Ghosh said that he has been advocating organic farming from the very beginning, and his sincere efforts have been recognised at various levels.
“This winter, on around six kothas of agricultural land, I have cultivated cauliflower, cabbage, radish, carrot, broccoli, beans, peas, as well as onion, garlic and chillies, entirely through organic methods,” he said.
Instead of using chemical-based urea, potash and phosphate, Mr Ghosh uses organic manure such as cow dung, compost fertiliser and mustard oil cake, which provide the necessary nutrients. While many farmers rely on toxic chemical insecticides and pesticides, he uses neem oil spray of 10,000 ppm in organic farming to prevent attacks by harmful insects, pests and fungi.
Mr Ghosh pointed out that chemical fertilisers and poisonous insecticides and pesticides enter the human body through the consumption of vegetables and crops, adversely affecting vital organs such as the liver, spleen, stomach and kidneys. He added that people have become increasingly aware of the harmful effects of such chemicals, leading to a steady rise in demand for organic vegetables, fruits, cereals and pulses.
“People are now willing to pay a little more for organic agricultural produce,” he said. “I am encouraging other farmers to take up organic farming to meet the growing demand. Consumers relish organic products as they taste natural and fresh and retain their full nutritional value.”