SEMESTER I - PROJECT REPORT

MASSIVE ONLINE OPEN COURSE (MOOC)

IN
ORGANIC FARMING

Submitted to

MAHATMA GANDHI UNIVERSITY

KOTTAYAM

By

Name of Student: Sasha Ann D’souza

Register Number: SB20CCM033

Name of the Programme: B.Com Capital Market

Department: Commerce ( Self Financing )

ST. TERESA’S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), ERNAKULAM

KERALA, INDIA

2021
 ABSTRACT
Organic farming is defined as production of crop, animal, and other products without the use

of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, transgenic species, or antibiotics and growth-

enhancing steroids, or other chemicals .At the present , Organic farming faces the big threat

of liberalization and modernization. Organic farming is eco-friendly, promotes sustainable

development, protects the fertility of the soil and ensures long term crop income to the farmer

and day to day produce for households . Organic farming system primarily aims at raising

crops in such a way, as to keep the soil alive and in good health by the use of organic wastes,

otherbiological materials and beneficial microbes to release nutrients to crops for increased

sustainable production in an eco-friendly manner. Organic farming is sustainable and

enhances the health of soil, plants, animals, and human beings . It should be managed with

care to protect the health and well- being of current and future generations and the long term

environment stability. The Mahathma Gandhi University as part of MOOC has taken

initiative to educate under graduate students the importance of organic farming . This course

aims to inculcate the habit of organic farming among students by making sure they learn all

aspects relating to it . In times were agriculture is intensively taking place for commercial

purposes with the sole aim of earning profit , environment and human health is at stake . This

course focuses on creating circumstances for organic farming in household of students by

which students actively pratice towards spreading this approach . Students were directed to

carefully assess stages of growth and make reasonable conclusions on effective ways to

practice organic farming in kitchen gardens and households .

 CHAPTER - 1

INTRODUCTION

Organic Farming is an agricultural system that uses ecology based pest controls and

biological fertilizers derived largely from animal and plant wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover

crops. Modern organic farming was developed as a response to the environmental harm

caused by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture,

and it has numerous ecological benefits.

Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil

erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal

wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for

consumers and generally lower yields . Indeed, yields of organic crops have been found to be

about 25 % lower over conventionally grown crops , although this can vary considerably

depending upon the type of crop . The challenge for future organic agriculture will be to

maintain its environmental benefits,increase yields, and reduce prices while meeting the

challenges of climate change and an increasing world population.

Types of Organic Farming

Organic farming can be classifies into three , namely:

1. Integrated organic farming

2. Pure organic farming

3. Integrated Green Revolution Farming

Pure organic farming means avoiding all unnatural chemicals. In this process of farming, all

the fertilisers and pesticides are obtained from natural sources such as bone meal or blood

meal.

Integrated organic farming includes the integration of pest management and nutrients

management to achieve ecological requirements and demands.

Integrated Green Revolution Farming is a method in which production yield has been

increasing by application of hybrid varieties of seeds , sufficient irrigation , mechanised field

operation , and skilled labour involvement considering minimum damage to environment and

human health .

Techniques of Organic Farming

1. Soil Management – is the primary technique of organic farming in India. After

cultivation, soil loses its nutrients, and its fertilizer goes down. The process in which soil

is recharged with all the necessary nutrients is called soil management. Organic farming

uses natural ways to increase the fertility of the soil. It uses bacteria, available in animal

waste. The bacteria helps in making the soil more productive and fertile . Soil

Management is first in the organic farming methods list.

2. Weed Management - Organic farming’s main aim is to remove the weeds. Weeds are the

unwanted plant, growing with the crop. Weeds absorb the nutrients of the soil affecting

the production of crops. There are two techniques to control weed .

o Moving or cutting – In this process , the weeds are cut and removed .

o Mulching – In this process, farmers use a plastic film or plant residue on the

soil’s surface to block the weed’s growth.

3. Crop Diversity - According to this technique, different crops are cultivated together to

meet the growing demand for crops. Crop diversity is one of the most popular organic

farming techniques in India.

4. Pest Control - In this method, living organisms are used to control pests without the use

of chemicals. These techniques of organic farming are followed by Indian farmers in

agriculture.

Advantages of Organic Farming

Economical: In organic farming, no expensive fertilisers, pesticides, or HYV seeds are

required for the cultivation of crops . Therefore, no additional expense is incurred .

Good return on Investment: With the use of cheaper and local inputs, a farmer can make a

good return on investment.

High demand: There is a huge demand for organic products in India and across the globe,

which generates more income through export.

Nutritional: As compared to chemical and fertiliser-utilised products, organic products are

more nutritional, tasty, and good for health.

Environment-friendly: The farming of organic products is free of chemicals and fertilisers, so

it does not harm the environment.

Need of organic farming

o Excessive use of chemical fertilisers reduces the fertility of soil.

o Excessive use of chemicals has led to soil, water, and air pollution.
 o To conserve ecosystem.

o To promote sustainable development.

o Inexpensive farming.

o Increased demand of organic products due to safety of food.

Benefits of organic farming

o Environment-friendly.

o Promotes sustainable development.

o Healthy and tasty food.

o Inexpensive process.

o It uses organic inputs.

o Generates income.

o Generates income through exports.

o Source of employment.

o Organic farming is more labour intensive. Hence, it generates more employment.

Relevance of organic farming in India

o High nutritional value.

o Maximum profit.

o Employment opportunity.

o Can be easily cultivated in kitchen garden.

o Helps to curb problem of kitchen waste disposal in cities

 CHAPTER – 2

MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1 Location of college and student

The St. Teresa’s College is located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and is known for its

cultural , studies and excellence . The student is located at Mattancherry P.O , Cochin at

present where the project is undertaken at her residence under the guidance of the college

mooc coordinator .

2.2 Crops selected

The crops initially selected are –

i. Vigna unguiculata

Bush Cow pea

ii. Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sesquipedalis

Yard Long Bean

iii. Capsicum annuum

Chilli ( Jwala )

iv. Solanum melongena

Brinjal ( Swetha )

v. Amaranthus

Red Cheera ( Arun )

 vi. Abelmoschus esculentus

Bhindi ( Kiran )

Due to heavy rains and water logging in pots , growth of amaranthus was adversely

affected . The growth was delayed and the soil had rotten . The texture of the soil was

gummy and more clayey . Amaranthus was replaced with Bhindi ( Kiran ) .

2.2.1 Varieties

• The bush cowpea belongs to the Kanakamani variety . It is a semi-trailing type plant .

In these plants seeds are grown in a group , nestled within a greenpod . These variety

plants are bold seeded . The variety is considered very suitable to grow in a kitchen

garden . The spacing between bush cowpea plants must be 30 × 15 cm.

• The Yard long beans are of the black seed variety . The plant is a climber and requires

appropriate structures to aid its growth trail . Its growth habit ranges from erect to

climbing with profuse branches . Stem is usually twisted . The spacing between this

plant must be 2 × 2 m .

• The Jwala variety chilli is a high yielding variety released from the Kerala

Agriculutural University . Chilli is a transplanted crop , one month old sapling is

transplanted to main site . The spacing required is 45 × 45 cm .

• The Brinjal plant belongs to the shwetha variety yielding both purple and greenish

fruits . The swetha variety is bacterial wilt resistant , open pollinated , high yielding

brinjal variety released by the Kerala Agricultural University . It yiels medium long

variety white fruits weighning 43 g on an average .

 • The amaranthus arun variety is a high yielding variety released by the Kerala

Agricultural University . Its leaves are deep red in colour . It can be grown throughout

the year . It requires 20 – 30 day old seedling to be transplanted the main site .

• The Bhindi Kiran variety is also a high yielding variety released by the Kerala

Agricultural University . The pods are light green in colour . This crop essentially

requires alkaline soil and proper drainage .

2.2.2 Source of seed and seedlings

The seeds were ethically sourced from the Kerala Agricultural Department’s free vegetable

seed kit for onam by a local politician free of cost . The seeds of amaranthus arun were

sourced from AITC , Mannuthy at ₹2/- .

The packaging contained seeds of the specified varieties . All plants including the amaranthus

were sown in trays ( plastic cups ) as seeds to transplant it when seedlings of 3- 4 leaves . The

seedlings were grown within the household after treating it with pseudomonas to enhance

growth of seeds .

2.3 Area cultivated or Number of grow bags/pots

The specified plants were cultivated on three different type of sites :- Land , Pots and Grow

bags . The amaranthus plants were cultivated on ploughed and levelled land of area ( 2×1)
m². The bhindi ,chilli and brinjal were cultivated in three grow bags individually with

provision for drainage done by placing the grow bags on a raised surface by using bricks .

The long beans were grown in 4 different pots individually . These climber plants are

required to be supported by shelter-like wooden structure appropriate for its trailing

characteristic .The pots were given the provision for drainage by providing holes beneath and

on the adjacent surface of the pot . The bush cowpea plants were grown in 2 pots seperately

with provisions for drainage . The total area used for cultivation can be summarised as

follows :-

• Bush Cowpea ( kanakamani ) : 2 earthen pots

• Yard long beans ( black seed ) : 4 earthen pots

• Chilli ( jwala ) : 1 grow bag

• Brinjal ( swetha ) : 1 grow bag

• Amaranthas ( arun ) : ( 2×1) m² land

• Bhindi ( kiran ) : 1 grow bag

2.4 Crop Season

• Bush Cowpea ( kanakamani ) –

The cowpea can be grown at any time of the year under condition prevailing in Kerala

. Cowpea is a warm season crop . But , the most ideal time is considered to be after

the first week of June which provides with its most suitable condition of warm humid

climate . It is a rain fed crop .

• Yard long beans ( black seed ) –

 The yard long beans is cowpea plant with long climbing trail . It is also ideally

cultivated during the same time as bush cowpea plant .The climbing yard long beans

prefers mild climate . It can also be cultivated in the month of June .

• Chilli ( jwala ) –

Being a rainfed crop , the seedling can be transplanted during May-June i.e , before

the onset of southwest monsoon . It can also be planted during September-October .

Chilli grows best in hot weather .

• Brinjal ( swetha ) –

Brinjal is a warm season crop . It requires a long warm growing season . It can also be

grown during rainy season . Brinjal can be grown on all types of soil . It can be ideally

grown during May-June before the onset of southwest monsoon .

• Amaranthus ( arun ) –

Red cheera can be grown throughout the year . It grows well in both hot humid and

hot dry climates . Amaranthus are photosensitive . Transplanting of amaranthus is

preferred over direct seeding . It is advisable not to grow amaranthus arun during

periods of heavy rain as it becomes more susceptible to leaf spot disease .

• Bhindi ( kiran ) –

Warm humid tropical conditions are ideal for luxurious growth and high yield of

bhindi . The crop can be successfully grown in rainy season even during heavy

rainfall . It is highly tolerant to hot temperatures and drought condition . But it cannot
 tolerate excessive moisture or poorly aerated soil . The main planting seasons for

bhindi are October-November and February-March.

Even though the ideal planting seasons differ for every plant selected , all plants were sown

on 15th April , 2021 for the purpose of completion of project . The deviations from ideal

planting seasons can be compensated by taking appropriate care required for each plant .

2.5 Weather conditions prevailed

All specified plants were grown on 15th April and the following records weather condition

prevailing since :

 April – The climate in April can be summarized as very hot, humid and damp . April is

the spring in Kochi and is typically the warmest month of the year. During the course of

cultivation , the month recorded daytime maximum temperatures to be an average around

a steamy 33°C and nights recorded an average of 25°C which is considered normal . The

month is observed to have recieved 8.6 hours of sunlight daily . The rainfall was

experienced for a span of 6 days recording an aggregate of 170mm rainfall . The plants

were in their initial stages of growth at this time . The plants were kept in plastic cups in

places where they could acquire moderate sunlight .

 May – The climatic conditions in May can be summarized as very hot, humid and very

wet . The average daytime temperatures were recorded at 31°C and night temperatures

were recorded at around 25°C . The month recieved rainfall at an average of 107mm .

The number of rainy days were recorded as 10 .

 Starting from the 4th of May, there were heavy rains and light

thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds touching about 40 kmph brought about by

wind trough extending from South Kerala to Maharashtra . This situation prevailed for

more than a week . There was also a decline in the daily hours of sunlight . These

conditions were highly adverse and destructive to the young plants . The plants whipped

by these strong winds developed torn leaves and broken , slanted stems .The growth was

slowed to a considerable extent . The health of the soil was also deteriorating due constant

water logging and low evaporation due to wet climate . As the result of which the soil was

rotten . The plants were then transplanted when 1-2 leaves old . This lead to some plants

unable adapt to the change condition and eventually ceased to grow .

 June – The climatic condition that prevailed in June can be summarized as hot , humid

and very wet . June is observed to be the wettest month in the Cochin city . The average

daytime temperature was market at 29°C and night temperatures at 24°C . The daily hours

hours of sunlight were noted to be 5 hours . There were 21 rainy days and recieved an

average of 752mm rainfall . With the onset of soutwest monsoon in kerala on June 3 , the

following three days in the district were under yellow alert . As a result of which the

plants recieved heavy downpour . Due to this , harvest was adversely affected and slowed

down .
2.6 Agricultural Implements and Equipments Used

i. Seeds – Bush cowpea , Yard long beans , Chilli , Brinjal , Amaranthus , Bhindi

ii. Knife

iii. Hand Hoe

iv. Spade

v. Sprayer

vi. Plastic Cups

2.7 Liming Material and Quantity

Lime was mixed along with the potting mixture at the spot of cultivation . One spoon lime

was mixed with soil at the spot of cultivation soil in order neutralise the high acidic value of

red earth .

2.8 Manures used

Compost is a mixture of ingredients used to fertilize and improve the soil. It is commonly

prepared by decomposing plant and food waste and recycling organic materials. The resulting

mixture is rich in plant nutrients and beneficial organisms, such as worms and fungal

mycelium.

Compost was used in considerable quantities at 1 month intervals . Compost pit was

maintained in the household as a method of waste disposal . The kitchen waste ( vegetable

and fish waste ) along with disposed plant parts and stems were put together to decompose in

order to form compost .

Cow dung powder was used as the main sorce of manure for the plants . Cow dung can be

defined as the undigested residue of consumed food material being excreted by herbivorous
bovine animal species. It was used both at the time of transplanting and during 1 month

intervals . It is considered to be a very efficient organic soil manure contributing good yield .

2.8.1 Basal application

Basal application , also known as pre-planting fertilization , is the application of fertilisers to

soil before sowing of seeds or planting of seedlings . The main purpose is to increase the soils

biological fertility and concentration of mineral elements , providing big quantities of lacking

nutrients .

Cow dung powder was mixed along with a small amount of pseudomonas powder in the

potting mixture a day prior to transplanting after which the mixture was watered generously.

2.8.2 Top dressing

The subsequent application of fertilizers after basal application is known as Top dressing .

Cow Dung and Compost was mixed along with the topmost layer at one month or ten day

intervals . Kitchen waste such as vegetable peels and leftovers were also mixed with the soil

and left to decompose .

2.8.3 Bio Fertilisers Used

No bio fertilisers were used .

2.8.4 Bio Slurry

No bio slurries were used .

2.9 Bio Pesticides

i. Neem oil emulsion – 20 drops of neem oil emulsion was mixed in 1 litre water and

sprayed on all visible parts of the plant using a sprayer . It was done on a weekly

basis.

ii. Ash powder – The ash acquired by the burning of garden waste was applied in

considerably small quantities on each plant .

iii. Rice Water – Cooled rice water was poured over the plants . It is very effective in

getting rid of amphid in case of an infestation . This can be done at the detection of

such disease .

iv. Turmeric Powder and Kayam powder mixture – This mixture can be applied on

various parts of the plant, where ants are found . Ants act as carrier for various pests

and diseases , especially amphids , mites and thrips . This can be effective controlled

by applying the mixture at the first sight of ants in plants .

2.10 Bio control agents used

Pseudomonas was used as the only bio control agent used in cultivating these plants . It was

first used for treating the seed by dissolving them in a solution of 5g pseudomonas powder in

1 litre water . The soil was also treated by basal application of ½ spoon pesudomonas for

each potting mixture .

2.11 Any other inputs used

None .
2.12 Land Preparation or Potting Mixture Preparation

The preparation of soil was initiated a week prior to transplanting . The soil was ploughed

and loosened a week before and watered everyday for a week . The potting mixture was

prepared a day prior to transplanting of seedlings . The potting mixture included the

following:

1) Stone metals – These were placed at the bottommost part of the grow bag /

earthen pot in such a way that it came above the drainage hole provided . This

is done in order to maintain well drained soil environment for the plants .

2) Red earth – It is very essential to acquire good quality red soil for enhancing

root growth. It is filled on top of the stone metal .

3) Cocopeat – Good quality cocopeat should be placed above the red soil . This

enhances the water holding capacity of the mixture .

4) Cowdung powder – The finely powdered cowdung is then placed in the

manner where it is concentrated in the centre were the seedling is to be

planted . It is necessary to promote root growth and higher yield .

5) Pseudomonas powder – It is a growth stimulant and is very helpful in faster

growth of young plants . It also plays major role in germination .

All plants , except amaranthus was cultivated in the above manner . The land preparation

required for amaranthus was done by ploughing the land and loosening the soil a week prior

to transplanting . This was followed by frequent watering of land . On the day prior to

transplanting the land was prepped by ploughing holes line by line after which cow dung was

added to each hole . The next day the seedling of amaranthus with 3-4 leaves were

transplanted .
2.13 Seeding and Planting

• The seeds were first immersed in a solution of one litre water mixed with 5 gm

pseudomonas powder .Smaller seeds of Amaranthus , Chilli and Brinjal were

immersed for 6 hours only . At the same time , bigger seeds of cowpea , beans and

bhindi were immersed for 12 hours and then sown .

• All plants were cultivated by direct sowing of seeds in different plastic cups . The

plastic cup was given holes underneath to maintain moisture at required levels .

• When the seedlings grew 3-4 leaves old , they were detached carefully without

disturbing the roots and transplanted in pots/grow bags and land .

• Shade should be provided for atleast a week .

• These seedlings need to be irrigated profusely in the morning and evening .

2.12 Crop Management

 Bush Cowpea and Yard long beans

Land preparation –

Plough the land thoroughly 2-3 times and remove weeds and stubbles. Spacing of

25cm between rows and 15 cm between plants is recommended with two seeds per

hole. If broadcasting is adopted, the seeds can be sown broadcast over the field and

channels drawn after sowing. For bush vegetable type or semi-trailing varieties,

provide a spacing of 45 x 30 cm. Trailing varieties were sown in earthen pots .

Irrigation –

Cowpea requires light and frequent irrigation. During rainy season , no irrigation may

be required but in absence of timely rains supplemental irrigation may be needed.

Flowering and pod development period are the critical stages.

Pest Control –

The cowpea is susceptible to black pea aphid . It can be controlled in the following

ways :

- A mixture of Turmeric powder and Kayam powder can be applied to the

plants at the sight of ants , which normally acts as a carrier for aphids .

- Pouring cold rice water over amphid infested sites is also effective.

- Smearing ash around the soil in small quantities is also helpful in

controlling amphids .

Nematode associated with cowpea can be effectively controlled by a weekly spray of

neem oil emulsion .

Weed control –

Hoeing will give adequate aeration to the soil and help the root system to spread

easily. For grain and dual-purpose varieties, decapitation is found to be advantageous

as the crop shows trailing tendency. For vegetable types, provide trellis or pandal for

trailing.

Harvesting –

Green pods for use as vegetable can be harvested 45-90 days after sowing. Pods

should be harvested while tender. Harvesting should be done before the pods mature
 and become fibrous . In all, 3-4 pickings aredone in bush type and 5-6 pickings in

long trail type .

 Chilli

Land Preparation –

Chilli can be grown in all type of soft but the sandy – loam, clay loam and loam soils

are best suited for it, the soil must be well drained and well aerated. Acidic soils are

not suitable for chili cultivation. The land is prepared by giving 2-3 ploughings and

clod crushing after each ploughing .

Irrigation –

Chilli cannot withstand heavy moisture. Hence irrigation should be given only when

necessary. Frequent and heavy irrigation induces lanky vegetative growth and cause

flower shedding. Plant growth, branching and dry matter accumulation are adversely

affected by excess irrigation. Flowering and fruit development in chilli are the most

critical stages of water requirement. Stagnation of water should not be allowed in

nursery beds and fields in order to avoid fungal infection.

Pest Control-

Thrips, mites, aphids, root grubs and pod borers are the major pests in chilli farming.

To avoid infestation of root grub, only well rotten farmyard manure should be applied

in the field. To control the infestation of root grub, lighttraps can be laid out from

March. Grass can be heaped at different places in the field and the grubs which

accumulate in these heaps may be collected in the early morning and destroyed.
 Weed control –

Grown up seedlings raised by sowing should be thinned out by hand 25 to 30 days

after sowing the seeds . The plant density to be maintained finally may depend on the

nature and fertility of the soil. On marginal soil, the population is maintained high.

Chili can be cultivated organically as an inter or mixed crop provided all the other

crops are grown under organic methods. It is desirable to include a leguminous crop

in rotation with chilli farming.

Harvesting –

Chili is highly perishable in nature. It requires more attention during harvest, storage

and transportation. Harvesting should be done at the right stage of maturity. Chillies

which are used for vegetable purposes are generally harvested while they are still

green but full grown. Chillies are harvested at red stage for caning purpose. Chillies

used for drying are harvested at full ripe- stage which can be turned into chili powder.

 Brinjal

Land preparation –

The brinjal plants can be grown in all types of soil varying from light sandy to heavy

clay. Well-drained soil is rich in organic matter is ideal . The soil should be

thoroughly prepared by plowing 4 to 5 times before transplanting the seedlings. Bulky

organic manures like well rotten cowdung or compost should be incorporated evenly

on the soil .

Irrigation –

Water the field as per the need of the crop. Timely irrigation is quite essential
 for good growth, flowering, fruit setting and development of fruits. Higher

yield may be obtained at optimum moisture level and soil fertility conditions.

Irrigation is given before top dressing if there is no rain. The brinjal field should be

regularly irrigated tokeep the soil moist during frosty days .

Pest Control –

The pests commonly seen in brinjal plant is Shoot and fruit borer . This can be

effectively managed by – removing affected shoot showing boreholes and by

destroying affected fruits . The neem oil emulsion spray should used every week .

Harvesting –

The brinjal fruits are harvested when they attain full size and color but before

the start of ripening. Tenderness bright color and glossy appearance of the

fruit is the optimum stage of harvesting of fruits. When the vegetables look

dull, it is an indication of maturity and loss of quality in brinjal farming.

 Amaranthus

Land preparation –

Prepare the land by ploughing or digging followed by levelling . The amaranthus

seeds were cultivated by method of transplanting after seedling production

.Transplanting is preferred over direct seeding when there is limited amount of seeds

and during wet season ,chances of seeds being swept by heavy rains are high.
Irrigation –

The first irrigation is given immediately after sowing. Avoid rapid water flow to

prevent washing off of seeds. Subsequent irrigations may be given at frequent

intervals except rainy days.

Pest Control –

Avoid planting amaranthus during rainy season , this protects the plant from leaf spot

disease . The plants after hardening can be treated with neem oil emulsion on a

weekly basis . In organic farmic of amaranthus , avoid use of insecticides or

fungicides .

Weed Control –

During early stages, complete control of weeds could be obtained by raising cowpea

in the interspaces. If hand weeding is resorted to, give 4-5 surface diggings depending

on weed growth. Avoid deep digging. Do not disturb soil after plants start producing

bunches. If green manure crop is grown, weeding operations can be reduced to 1-2

diggings.

Harvesting –

In green types, pull out the plants with the roots on 25th day after sowing. Cutting the

top portion is also practiced. 4-6 cuttings are possible. On an average a total yield of

10-15 tons can be harvested from one hectare in 4-6 cuttings.

 Bhindi

Land preparation –

A well drained deep soil is ideal for its growth . Optimum temperature range is 25-30

degree celsius . For a kharif crop like bhindi , sow the seeds at a spacing of 60 cm

between rows and 45 cm between plants. For the summer crop, soak the seeds in

water for 12 hours before sowing and give a spacing of 60 x 30 cm. Bhindi can be

cultivated in a wide range of soils . It gives a good yield in heavy soils with good

drainage . The crop cannot tolerate excessive moisture or poorly aerated soils .

Irrigation –

Give pre-sowing irrigation , if soil is not moist enough . A light irrigation given soon

after sowing ensures good germination . Irrigation at regular intervals have found to

be contibuting a good yield . It is better to irrigate the crop in summer at 2-3 day

intervals .

Pest control –

The important pests are jassids, fruit and shoot borer and root knot nematode. These

infestations can be controlled by removal and destruction of plant parts and fruits

affected and by using a weekly spray of neem oil emulsion .

Weed Control –

Conduct weeding regularly and earth up rows during rainy season.

 Harvesting –

The crop starts yielding about 60 days after planting and extends to about 100 days .

Pick tender , immature pods when they are approximately 3-4 inches in length

.Harvest pods on alternate days to maintain good table quality . Do not allow old pods

to remain on the plant , as it will reduce production .

CHAPTER – 3

OBSERVATIONS AND DATA COLLECTION

Table.1 Germination and Plant establishment percent

Plants Germination percent Establishment Rate

Bush Cowpea 80 60

Yard Long Bean 100 100

Chilli 60 10

Brinjal 60 10

Amaranthus 80 40

Bhindi 60 10

Germination percentage is an estimate of the viability of a population of seeds. The equation

is: GP= Seeds germinated /total seeds x 100.

Establishment rate is the average number of seeds that are established in the field after

planting.
 Table.2 Height of plants (in centimetres)

Plants 45th Day

Bush Cowpea 50cm

Yard Long Beans 250cm (approx.)

Chilli 60cm

Brinjal 100cm

Amaranthus 75cm

Bhindi 200cm

Table.3 Number of Branches

Plants 15 Days 30 Days 45 Days

Bush Cowpea 2 5-6 13-12

Yard Long Beans 2 6-8 *

Chilli 0 4-5 9

Brinjal 0 5 9

Amaranthus 0 3-4 3-4

Bhindi 0 3 5

*Yard long cowpea is a climber , making it difficult to determine number of branches

 Table.4 Day of First Flowering

Plants Days after Planting

Bush Cowpea 40

Yard Long Beans 41

Chilli 45

Brinjal 50

Amaranthus nil

Bhindi 40

Table.5 Day of first fruiting

Plants Days after planting

Bush Cowpea 45

Yard Long Beans 45

Chilli 49

Brinjal 53

Amaranthus nil

Bhindi 45
 Table.6 Harvest Days

Plants Harvest Days Days after planting

Bush Cowpea 3 48

Yard Long Beans 3 48

Chilli 1 51

Brinjal 1 56

Amaranthus nil -

Bhindi 1 49

Table.7 Number and weight of fruits from each Harvest ( Number / Weight )
Plants Harvest 1 Harvest 2 Harvest 3
Bush Cowpea 28/500g 25/500g 28/500g
Yard Long Beans 25/750kg 32/1kg 21/500g
Chilli 6/50g - -
Brinjal 3/350g - -
Amaranthus - - -
Bhindi 3/200g - -
*This table shows approximate figures
 Table.8 Cumulative yield ( in kiligram )
Plants Cumulative yield (kg)
Bush Cowpea 1.5kg
Yard Long Beans 2.250kg
Chilli 50g
Brinjal 350g
Amaranthus -
Bhindi 200g
*This table shows approximate figures

CHAPTER – 4

PHOTOS

4.1 Land preparation and layout

Land prior to sowing amaranthus Grow bag of Brinjal

4.2 Flowering stage

First flowering of bush cowpea Flower of chilli plant

Flower of Bhindi Flowers of cowpea plant

4.3 Fruiting stage

First fruit of bhindi plant Fruits in chilli plant

Fruit of Brinjal Fruiting in bush cowpea plant

4.4 Harvest

Harvesting of yard long beans Chillies at the time of harvest

Harvest of yard long beans Harvest of cowpea

Largest yield of yard long beans Harvest of brinjal and bhindi

Compost pit Producing seedlings in plastic cups

 CHAPTER –5

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

The total expense incurred for cultivating the specified plants under organic farming
method is as follows :-
 Pseudomonas Powder - ₹20 for 500gm
 Cow dung - ₹60 for 4 packets of 1kg
 Nimbecidine (neem oil emulsion) - ₹72 for 100ml
Total expense incurred = ₹152

The current market value of cumulative yield obtained is recorded at the subsequent
rates :-
 Cowpea – ₹75 for 1.5kg
 Chilli – ₹113 for 1.250kg
 Brinjal – ₹12 for 350 g
 Amaranthus – no harvest obtained ( current market value amounts to ₹20 )
 Bhindi – ₹19 for 200g
Total harvest obtained (in ₹) = ₹ 219

The aggregate harvest obtained clearly exceeds the expenses incurred by ₹67 . Hence
the benefit significantly succeeds the cost incurred . This is an evident reason to
acclaim the significance of practising organic farming in households . The expenses
can be controlled to a great extent by producing required inputs within the household .
The benefits also extend to easy disposal of kitchen waste in cities , high nutritional
value and food free from harmful fertilizers and pesticides .
 CHAPTER – 6

CONCLUSION
Today Organic farming is growing and spreading all over Kerala. It is superior on
account of increased use of natural resources, lower cost of cultivation, higher soil
fertility, better input use efficiency , increases self reliance etc. Thus Organic farming
has better economical and environmental benefits. The major challenge is the low
yield compared to conventional farming. In Kerala, it is crucial to familiarise policies
and strategies to promote Organic farming methods in order to realise its full potential
.Organic farming is eco-friendly, promotes sustainable development in the
environment and protects fertility of soil.
The result of the program has shown that Bush Cowpea and Yard long beans can be
easily cultivated in house gardens providing ample yield to fulfil day to day
requirements of vegetables . The bush cowpea variety can be easily cultivated in 2
earthen pots. The variety of kanakamani is a good yielding crop providing table
quality fruits in ample quantities . This has come to an inclusion that bush cowpea
(kanakamani) is the most feasible plant to be grown in a household of four persons .
The seeds should be procured from government agricultural departments or university
in order to ensure quality and best price . The inputs required for cultivating crops
under organic farming should be produced within the household . This makes the
method more feasible and it can also be considered effective in using up kitchen waste
. Instead of using plastic trays for growing seedlings , paper cups can be utilised . In
this way proper care can be taken to make organic farming even more sustainable by
using such environment friendly alternatives . The low yield drawback of organic
farming is fairly compensated by its low cost , high nutritional value , sustainability
and high demand . Considering its labour intensive character , cultivating in kitchen
gardens is very less work and can be inculcated as daily activity in the household .
Appropriate measures have to be taken in encouraging organic farming habits in every
household .

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