Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India)-AFSTI and Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai (ICT) observed World Food Day recently by organising an event that threw light on the significance of organic farming and ways to implement the initiative in urban and rural areas.
To mark the day, members of AFSTI took a pledge - not to waste food - and encouraged others to take up the same. The 2-session event started with Pratap Shetty, president, head quarters, AFSTI, as chair of the two lecture sessions. Srinivasrao, ex-joint commissioner, FDA, vigilance, Greater Mumbai; Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA); Dr Nutan Bhajekar, director, Inora (Institute of Natural and Organic Agriculture); and Dr Anil Kulkarni, an organic farm producer from Karad, Satara; participated in the session.
Session 1 - Prof. A Sreenivasan Memorial Lecture was marked by Dr Bhajekar’s lecture on urban farming techniques. “Urban farming is very easy. Do not hesitate with the word of farming that it is a tedious job, rather it has a fun element in it which has a huge ability to destress your metabolism,” said Dr Bhajekar in her speech.
“We can utilise the space of our balconies and terraces to implement farming in an organic manner that too without soil. One can ensure that the wet waste which is generated from your household can be used to for the vermicompost which can act as soil to the plants,” she added.
She further stated, “Such plantations can utilise the free spaces in your house and can also give you pesticide-free vegetables and fruits. It can also operate in an area as small as 200 sq ft. We have created natural organic gardens with the use of this fertile vermicompost on the terraces of IT companies in Pune.”
Session 1 was followed by Dr K U Naram Memorial Lecture. Dr Kulkarni said in his lecture, “We have forgotten our own traditional farming methods which offered a farmer to undertake farming in an organic way. We are guided by Western influences which are not bad but we should do what is good for society.”
He pointed out, “Using vermicompost is the best way and I have myself designed a 'human plough,' a mechanical device which enables to work 80% more with a single labourer on it. I have myself worked on the field and effective farming techniques can enable more yield to the produce. I have grown 10 feet sugarcane (which we won't get in the market) with this vermicompost applying organic techniques.”
Giving a message to youth and farmers, he said, “I believe, we do not need fertilisers or pesticides. I have not used them since 15 years of agriculture. I take workshops to teach these techniques. You may visit my farm or attend my workshops which are held absolutely free. Pesticides and chemicals used in farming may affect the health of the end-consumers and yes we are not here to play with the lives of people but to make there lives better.”
He opined, “Government should change its way of looking at a farmer. They are not debt-ridden always. You should provide them the solution of organic farming to improvise farm produce which doesn't involve huge costs. Proper training to the farmers is the key to solve their issues. Lastly, for youth they should now turn to agriculture. Its a booming industry, if you think so.”
Srinivasrao stated, “The agriculture ministry itself should be scrapped. Yes, its a huge statement but there are studies to support my statement. The money spent on the ministry can be utilised to develop agriculture instead.”
The event concluded with felicitation of toppers in food technology institutes in the Mumbai region. It was organised by AFSTI.
