Retd. forest official’s emphasis on organic farming to maintain ecological balance

Retired Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A.M. Annaiah has emphasised the importance of organic farming to maintain ecological balance.

Speaking at a special camp of National Service Scheme (NSS) for students of BSc (Agriculture) organised by University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) and College of Agriculture’s VC farm at Chikkaballi-Anesosalu village in Mandya on Sunday, Mr. Annaiah also pointed out that plants grown organically often possess medicinal properties.

While making it clear that organic plant varities contributed to an increase in biodiversity, he said the elders in the villages used to build water tanks for their plantations that helped maintain a healthy rural environment.

Pointing out that use of biofuels in vehicles can also help maintain ecological balance and curb air pollution, Mr. Annaiah and other participants planted large number of biofuel plants on the premises of government schools and temples in the village.

Chairperson of Parisara Rural Development Society Mangala M. Yogeesh, who also spoke on the occasion, recalled that families in rural areas used to cultivate kitchen gardens and water tank through co-operative labour, growing vegetables without chemicals, ensuring a good health. However, modern dietary habits had led to reduced immunity among the youth, she lamented.