Pasumai - Organic Farming for all

Citizen consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG), launched a campaign in Chennai called ‘PASUMAI – Organic farming for all.’ The campaign aimed to promote organic rooftop/kitchen gardening and encourage the use of organic fertilizers to improve the nutritional value of the produce.

Organic farming can be seen as a systemic solution to many of the pressing concerns in today’s agricultural scenario including crop unsustainability, poor soil quality and pest infestation. Usage of organic fertilizers and extension of organic methods to household cultivation can prove beneficial in enriching urban biodiversity, reducing food insecurity and achieving other important sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Several NGOs and media houses across the nation have taken up the cause of organic farming and a range of Government initiatives and schemes have been launched, especially in Tamil Nadu, to promote and support organic methods in farming and rooftop/terrace gardening. With over a decade, the organic movement can be seen gaining traction and picking up momentum. Yet, despite the initial momentum, certain level of inertia still exists, with respect to adoption of organic methods.

AIM

The main objective of the campaign was to educate consumers on the importance of organic farming and encourage them to actively practice organic rooftop/kitchen gardening in their households.

The campaign largely focused on extending support to households in setting up their own organic gardens. It further aims to create awareness and disseminate information around (i) the methods and benefits of adopting organic gardens and (iii) the various schemes and subsidies that can be availed for its adoption. The audience targeted for knowledge dissemination and awareness creation include household consumers, students and farmers.

The ---- long campaign between … and …. was successful and rewarding. Through the course of the campaign a wide range of consumers reached and were empowered with knowledge and tools to carry forward the organic journey.

Milestones of the campaign:

CAG extended support to 20 households in setting up their own organic gardens.

The support was received well and the results were encouraging with 20 households effectively growing their own greens, vegetables, etc in the garden.
Women have been the most active participants from the households supported.
Through the initiative, household participants:

i. visited the Marudam farm to get practical, first hand experience in organic farming

ii. participated in interactive training sessions on organic kitchen/terrace gardening.

iii. engaged with officials from the State Government’s horticulture department and other experts in the field.

iv. learnt about benefits of organic farming, government schemes that support organic rooftop/kitchen gardening and ways to develop and maintain organic gardens.

Panchagavya, an organic fertilizer, was prepared and distributed for free to select groups of farmers and consumers. The initiative was meant to encourage farmers to use organic fertilizer
The nutritional value of panchagavya was explained and an informative leaflet on its preparation and use was also distributed.
The feedback received was positive with farmers and consumers that they would prefer to prepare panchagavya for their plants in future
Representations were made to the State Government’s, Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, (i) to organize periodic campaigns in targeted areas, (ii) to promote terrace gardening and (iii) to sufficiently publicize the diverse schemes of the government.

Increased awareness about the importance of organic farming and rooftop/kitchen gardens
Improved understanding of organic methods and Government schemes supporting the same
Increased adoption of organic rooftop/kitchen gardens among household consumers

Interim Outcomes

Participating household consumers benefit from the adoption of organic kitchen/terrace gardening
Participating consumers inform other households in their community about rooftop/kitchen gardening and benefits around it.
More consumers actively adopt organic methods of cultivation
Consumers are aware about how to access and prepare materials required for rooftop/kitchen gardening
Consumers increasingly interact amongst themselves and engage with experts to incorporate best practices in rooftop/kitchen gardening
Increased usage of organic fertilizers among targeted groups of farmers