Organic farming policy next week

The Chief Minister, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, will announce the organic farming policy of the State in Kozhikode on May 17. An official spokesman quoted the Agriculture Minister, Mr Mullakkara Ratnakaran, as saying that the policy proposed the setting up of an organic farming zone in each district so at least 30,000 hectares could be brought under organic farming. About two lakh farmers are sought to be involved in the process. The State Government also proposed to form ‘harita villages’ in which at least some part of the farms could be set up for cultivation of vegetable and fruit trees and medicinal plans. At least 150 such villages would be formed within a year, the Minister said.