ORGANIC FARMING IN SPICES: THE CASE OF WAYANAD DISTRICT OF KERALA

Abstract

This study was conceived and attempted in the context of growing importance of organic farming all over the world, including India, during the last 15 years. Focus of the study was on Wayanad district of Kerala as it had proportionately large number of farmers cultivating spices and plantation crops. Organic farming was considered as a system and the one developed and coordinated by the Wayanad Social Service Society (WSSS) was taken for detailed study. Started as a programme in late 1990s, with a small group of around 150 farmers, it had grown with more than 10,000 participant farmers organized into around 400 local farmers groups, covering more than 10000 hectares of land under different stages of conversion. Internationally accepted certification, quality and reputation of the products, and support of government agencies helped export of spices at premium prices. Following three recommendations are made based on the findings of the study: (1)Formation and strengthening of groups of farmers should precede introduction of organic farming. Conversion should be the result of the collective learning, capacities and desire for change of the groups. (Action: Support formation and strengthening of groups of farmers first; and help the groups to initiate and continue the conversion process). (2) Introduction and continued practice of organic farming had defined stages and sets of activities over a period of time. A well defined and functioning system, along with a collective body of farmers and a coordinating/supporting institution are required to support the producers to pass through the stages and complete activities. (Action: Develop and establish a proper system to consistently to support the farmers in introducing and continuing organic farming). (3) Organic farming in mixed farming, followed mainly by the small and medium farmers, should be supported as it contributed to produce organic spices and food crops, and thereby meeting the objectives of safe food production and increased incomes from sale of spices. (Action: Values of farmers on safe food and concerns on environment/ecology should be supported as it would directly contribute to production of safe spices in the mixed farming plots of Kerala).