Organic Farming

MCRC has been propagating sustainable agriculture techniques since its inception in 1977. MCRC actively participated in developing different organic techniques for field applications. The ecohazardous cultivation practices of conventional method of agro production should be countered with potential organic way of production techniques to meet the global demand. Various method of approaches have been practiced by MCRC in successful technological developments. Inovative ideas conceived by MCRC and even adopted ideas were well shaped for field execution with feasible method of practices in organic farming towards sustainability.

Organic gardening is one such method of practice proved helpful in income genertion by household rural women. It involves double digging method for soil enhancement, intensive planting, etc. Vegetables like green-gram, cluster beans, okra, tomato, eggplant, radish, gourd, and legumes can easily be grown. Society named SAKTHA was formed successfully among the rural women with the support of this biodynamic gardening to make their regular income.

Comparative studies on the impact of different organic manures like vermicompost, NADEP compost, biogas slurry, farm yard manure and chemical fertilisers on crops have been evaluated by MCRC with assistance from CAPART. Also trainings have been given to many farmers, NGOs, and women on various organic farming practices.

Composting methods

In recent years, organic manure have been in sharp focus due to the pollution caused by repeated application of chemical fertilizers. Composting is the safest utilisation in recycling of the natural energies. If the degradation of organic materials occurs in a controlled process, there would be reduction in nutritional loses. With the purview of solid waste management constrains MCRC has developed successful technology packages with appropriate modification on composting. They are all highly ecofriendly, easily adoptable and time saving practices which is also feasible for various levels of applications.

Vermicomposting is one such technology which yields organic manure. MCRC has been working on this technology since 1992. In this process, earthworms are reared with suitable condition during the composting process of organic wastes, which results in enriched compost quality due to its merits.

NADEP composting is an aerobic method of composting that is carried out in specially constructed tanks or bins. Quicker and economical composting is done with this type of organic waste utilisation. So many other composting systems also developed by MCRC’s keen interest such as quick compost, nutritionally enriched biogas slurry, phosphate and potash solubilizers, biocontrol agents and mychorrhizal amended composts.

Biological pest and disease control

Scientific approaches were made in standardising the biocontrol measures for plant pest and diseases control. The common plants of our environment are potential sources of biocontroling agents apart from some proven microbial consortia developed at MCRC itself. This technology pacakage not only covers the control measures but also foliar nutrification methods. MCRC’s biocontrol techniques were field tested and made popularized through training programmes and workshops. Reaching the goal of replacing the use of chemical pollutants for plant protection is not far away.

Organic orchard: To make understand of the false belief by the orchard farmer communities, few organic orchards established at different climatic regions. All of them are maintained organically and soil requirement and amendments are calculated scientifically and avoided wastages as well managed the resources available in the system.

Biodynamic agriculture

Biodynamic agricultural practice is now being adopted and practiced in different regions of the world. Through one of the DST Projects this package of practice has been transferred to large number of farmers (more than 200) in Karur Dt., Tamil Nadu. The method is based on the concepts of cosmic energy's influence and their role on plant growth.

Biodynamic Gardening

MCRC has been practicing organic farming since 1977. In the Biodynamic method the soil is loosened by double digging and raised beds are made for planting. The seeds are sown using hexagonal spacing using a triangle. The spacing between plants is limited resulting intensive, i.e. more plants per unit area. The results obtained shows better yield per unit area with vegetable like greens, cluster beans, okra, radish, gourd, etc. compared with other methods.

Permaculture

MCRC has established a demonstration farm at Pathamadai in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. This Permaculture farm practices include planting and maintenance methods, by incorporating various agriculture techniques like double digging, organic pest and disease control, biogas techniques, composting techniques, mist unit in the nursery and other ecofriendly techniques for a successful organic farming. To trap maximum energy into the system, solar panels, wind-mill water pumping system and indigo dye harvesting plant has been established. The indigenous knowledge is well incorporated in the system to make it ecofriendly, income generating and hence sustainability to the Permaculture – an exotic system designed to suit our tropics.

The model farm has been developed in 5 acres from virgin land, having diversity of living and non-living elements. The model farm follows the Permaculture’s design principles and ethics and rural women were also trained to adapt the novel tech-pack through this project and to implement it in their premises and generate income in addition to fulfilling their needs. The concept of developing this farm includes study and training. The collected data on its energy cycling is proving the system’s sustainability and adoptability to our societal needs. As a whole this unique Permaculture tech-pack deals all the environmental and human needs and emphasis ethics in utilising resources- required in this present day of depreciating world’s nature

The demonstration farm has been established at Pathamadai, Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu under a Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India funding project. The 5 acre of farm exhibits the design components of Permaculture, serve as a model farm to interested people more over the system is self-sustained and support a family of 5 members.

NADEP compost

Earthworms
for vermicomposting

Biodynamic manure

Biodynamic Farming

Biodynamic Gardening

Permaculture