PUNE: In an initiative implemented by city-based Directorate of Horticulture, around 6,000 hectare of land in the state will be brought under organic farming through 60 projects this year. The initiative aims to increase the area under organic farming by 50,000 hectares, apart from reducing production costs and ensuring good quality produce, free of pesticide residue. The budget earmarked for this is Rs 4.31 crore, which includes cost on components such as vermicompost units, biodynamic compost units, organic farming exhibitions, tours and training, among other things.

According to D G Bakwad, director, horticulture department, growers, who want to delve into organic farming, want premium price for their produce. "We are, therefore, trying to introduce this initiative with two perspectives: Reducing the production cost and increase the product quality. Though farmers try to bring down production cost, the end produce is not purely organic due to the use of both organic and inorganic inputs. The production of organic food has therefore not been consistent," he said..........click for more

Source: Times of India

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