|
| Kudumbasree Units Venganoor Grama Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Download Database of featured talents. (Excel file) |
It was by organising organic farming that Venganoor Grama Panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram decided to confront the problem of solid waste. When the farmers were told that the heaps of solid waste could be converted into compost and used, not many showed interest.
However, a group of women under Prabhodhini Kudumbasree Unit came forward to try their hand. When their leased farm started producing ladies finger, spinach, bananas etc. the regular male farmers had to sit up and take notice.
It wasn’t the arduous nature of cultivation that made the men applaud the effort, but the fact that no chemical fertilizers were used in the farm that was producing these vegetables in abundance. Seeing this, the male farmers too became enthusiastic about organic manure. At this stage, help came from another quarter when a firm producing organic manure decided to provide them technical assistance.
Besides carrying out an awareness programme at ward level, the Panchayat took concrete steps towards better hygiene by constructing 1000 latrines for families below poverty line. All these families are members of Kudumbasree units and are associated with solid waste management programmes that promise them a small income also.
By these innovative projects, the Panchayat has caught the attention of many. Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) chose them as a model Panchayat. The Panchayat Presidents from all over Kerala came to Venganoor to study its model of developmental activities. It is a measure of the Panchayat’s success that the 12th Finance Commission, officials from different states, Ministers and representatives from various countries etc have visited the place to observe their activities.
Women in the organic farm
Courtesy: Malayala Manorama, March 9, 2004
Contributed by: Administrator
