Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 148]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 181]
Notice (8): Undefined variable: urlPrefix [APP/Template/Layout/printlayout.ctp, line 8]latest-news-updates/a-simple-switch-makes-the-difference-rajitha-s-4673015.html"/> LATEST NEWS UPDATES | A Simple Switch Makes the Difference -Rajitha S | Im4change.org
Resource centre on India's rural distress
 
 

A Simple Switch Makes the Difference -Rajitha S
-The New Indian Express
 

HYDERABAD: We are often fascinated by the bright colours and unusual sizes of vegetables and greens, one of the reasons that compel us to purchase them.

In order to meet the demands of consumption, a lot of chemical enhancers are used while farming these vegetables and greens, to make them look much more attractive. Even though most of us are aware of the fact that chemicals are used while farming, we tend to ignore it and purchase them anyway; as there is a dearth of alternative options which are also far more expensive and also harder to find.

However, there has been a rise in the availability of organically grown vegetables and fruits in the city, with places like Saptaparini, Our Sacred Space and Lamakaan providing spaces urging people to make a shift from the chemical filled lifestyle.

"Farmers need output, that is a different story. But, I started taking care of these farms seven years ago as I wanted to reduce consumption of chemical-filled foods," says Arifa Rafee, who owns 41 acres of land that grows mangoes naturally.

A family-run business called Ar4 Organic Mangoes, her husband and her three children also assist her in taking this venture forward. Having been in the business for a long time now, she tells us that awareness among people regarding healthy choices is only growing. "I have observed the numbers that visit places like Saptaparini and Our Sacred Space. They have definitely increased overtime," she shares.

Meanwhile, there is Shailaja Sidha Parigi who runs a school called Dhyanahita. Situated 50 kilo metres from the city, it houses organic farms in school premises.

"The motto of our school is holistic development, that focuses on internal and external growth of an individual. Consuming chemical-free food is one aspect of it," she says.

While the produce is sufficient for the students and the staff, the surplus which they gain from it sold at these spaces in the city which aim to spread the message as far as they can. The farm area which is spread over 50 acres has Mango, Chickoo, rice, pulses, red gram, bengal gram and some other seasonal fruits.

The prices of these foods are slightly higher than the market rates of the regular produce. As part of the process of growing them organically, procuring natural manure for their growth and fighting pests that infect them are the biggest challenges. And patience is the only solution, a virtue that Shailaja believes is also part of holistic learning.

People like Arifa and Shailaja have learnt over the years that being in the market and communicating with the customers helps, as they have an opportunity to explain to them the deeper aspects of this kind of a lifestyle.

"Setting up my stall at Aadivaram Angadi, the sunday market in Our Sacred Space gives me a chance to talk to people. It's not just the business, but we are also able to share other benefits," shares Shailaja.

Seetha Anand Vaidyam, founder of Ananda Foundation that works with children with learning difficulties, has switched to consuming organic food six years ago. Today, 90 per cent what she and her family have is naturally grown. She has a farm of her own but what makes it unique is the fact that it is her garden. An idea that can be replicated by anyone. "For many procuring these from vendors in the market may be pretty costly affair. But, being patient and understanding the right kind of techniques can help you start a farm of your own, making the job easy," she says, adding that it's important to understand how the concept of nature works and not just consuming something organic.

Talking about the nuances of natural farming, she shares that though it is a time-consuming process, it is something that has a greater benefit.

"One can start their organic farm by growing tomatoes and greens which are the easiest and slowly expand from there. Being patient and watching over the garden is the only way to take it forward," she says.

While this comes in much later, the process of organic farming begins from choosing the right seed. "The seeds need to be traditional and not hybrid. Once they are planted, it needs to be ensured that we don't use any growth enhancers or pesticides," she advises sharing that one can use neem oil and neem cake. "A much simpler option being saving vegetable peels by setting up a compost pit," she explains.

Shifting to chemical-free vegetables by making these small changes not only ensures a healthier lifestyle, but will also have an impact on the environment. At a time when we continue to consume all kinds of unhealthy food, making these small switches can make a lot difference.