NABARD to promote organic farming

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) proposes to promote organic farming in the State through banks and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In the first phase, the initiative will integrate the activities of over 10,000 farmers in organic farming. A meeting of NGO stakeholders convened here has decided to publish a White Paper on the potential of organic farming in Kerala.

Addressing the meeting, K.C. Shashidhar, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Kerala, said, �the bank plans to promote organic farming through joint liability groups.

NABARD will implement the project in seven districts initially, in association with the Kerala Social Services forum, an umbrella NGO under which 36 NGOs are affiliated.

As a prelude to its formal launch, NABARD will conduct a two-week training programme for farmers in organic farming.