Experts against organic farming in NE

Aizawl, Nov 3 (UNI) Considering the deficient foodgrain production in the northeast, agriculture scientists are mulling over switching over to full-fledged organic farming.

With the recommendation of green revolution pioneer M S Swaminathan, who is heading a central task force on agriculture, Indian Council for Agricultural Research(ICAR) has planned to promote mixed farming with minimum fertilisers.

According to Prof N P Singh, Joint Director and agriculture scientist of Northeast Hill Region, since NE is not self-sufficient in grain production, its need to emphasise on more production and inorganic method is most viable.

''Most of the foodgrain, cultivated in inorganic method, is imported to the region which needs to attain self sufficiency with high yielding variety,'' Prof Singh stated.

Organically farmed products, with its low yield, do not offer a viable option for the region, he opined adding that the organic option should be selective.

UNI BB PL AD VC1225