http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=127137&dtP=2012-08-05&ppr=1
| Stress on organic farming and Stevia cultivation | ||||
| By our Staff Reporter GUWAHATI, Aug 4: “Use of inorganic fertilizers and inorganic pesticides increases the inorganic content in agricultural products which when consumed by human beings, gives rise to new diseases. In India, the incidence of diabetics, high blood pressure, ache and pains, stomach problem, cancer and early ageing is increasing at an alarming rate. This is where organic farming assumes importance,” said Dr OP Gupta, Professor and Head of the Assam Ayurvedic College and Hospital at a press conference in Guwahati today. Three youths – Pankaj Kalita, Ranjan Sharma and Hiranya Jyoti Das had started Organic Innovation to develop awareness among farmers on organic farming. Organic Innovation even extended help to the farmers for marketing their products. Organic Innovation then joined hands with Sunrise Agriland Development and Research Pvt. Ltd. started Stevia cultivation in different parts of Assam. “Stevia is calorie free, a good antioxidant, good for diabetics, suitable for losing weight, maintaining healthy skin and safe for children also. It has also been internationally accepted as safer than the available artificial sweetening agent,” said Mr Universe Mahadeb Deka, who uses the organic products marketed by Organic Innovation. Senior scientist Dr Amal Roy said, “In the Northeast, people are not too aware about organic products and their benefits. Hence the increasing number of diseases. I hope that people understand and start organic farming to develop an eco-friendly enviornment in the country.” |
