Organic farming is an integrated system of agricultural production based on ecological principles, promotion of biodiversity, biological cycles and organic matter recycling to maintain and improve soil fertility and environmental sustainability. The regulations for organic crop cultivation prohibit the use of chemo-synthetic pesticides, mineral fertilizers, growth promoters and Genetically Modified Organism. Indiscriminate use of these chemicals in conventional farming poses a serious threat to the quality of produce as well as the environment. Concern about food safety and security and environmental sustainability is increasing among scientist, administrator and environmentalist. In view of this, the course is designed to train students on organic farming practices, quality analysis of the products, environmental impact assessment, health benefit of the organic food etc. After successful completion of the course, the students should be able to design resource efficient farming system for small and marginal farmers for improving their economy while meeting the quality food demand in a sustainable environment.
Under this certificate course we have organised two Field visits and one one Guest lecture to impart the knowledge of organic farming as follows..
- Field visits at Ruchi Biochemical and Agrofarming: Field study is an essential part of Botany, studying plants their natural habitat or production unit to enhance our knowledge that is learn from the classroom discussions and laboratory experiment. The department of Botany S. S. Jaiswal College organized one day tour on 16th November, 2022 at Ruchi Biochemical and Agrofarming Kudwa, Gondia. Total 98 students of the B.Sc. 1st, 3rd and 5th Semester were participated. Along with Students, three Teachers namely Dr. L. N. Borkar, Mr. K. S. Lokhande, Mr.D.V. Bawankule and one attendant Smt. Sunita Tawade. A group of 98 students visited integrated organic farming, inside the area and got brief information about integrated organic farming. He took the students around the farm and explained about multi cultivation methods such as, Dragon Fruit, Guava, Bean, Tomato, Lemon, Mango, Black Pepper and Super Napier grass cultivation and fodder prepare technique. Green manure compost preparation and packaging, irrigation and fertilizer technique. Then students visited Biofertilizer Production Unit and give detailed about the sterilization technique, culture stored room, media preparation technique, and Biopesticide production and their antagonistic effect on Plant Pathogen, Different Biofertilizer pure culture are observed. Dr. Mahendra Thakur, Director and Rahul Bagade, Assistant Manager guided the students.
- Field visits at Ruchi Biochemical and Agrofarming: The department of botany organized one day field visit at Organic farm ( Yogrishi agro farm) of Dada funde on 25th April 2023. Total 25 students of B.Sc. II,IV and VIrd semester were participated. Along with students three teachers namely Dr. L. N. Borkar, Mr. K. S. Lokhande, Mr. A. M. Nakade and one lab attendant Smt. Sunita Tawade were present. A total 25 students visited organic farm, Mr. Dadaji Funde, Owner of the organic farm, guided the students. Inside the area and got brief information about integrated organic farming. Students look around the farm and explained about multicultivation methods such as Guava, Chilli, Mango, Tomato, Dragon fruit, Chikoo, Paddy, Brinjal, Cucumber, Super napier and methods of cultivation of Melia dubia and sandalwood plantation with host plant of Azadirachta indica. Then students visited Gir cow shed and give detailed about beejamrutha, jeewachaitanya, panchagavya and vermicompost.
- Guest Lecture: Organic Farming is the need of hour. It is also time to renew traditional Indian practices in agriculture. Moreover youth needs to turn their focus towards farming as an evergreen career option. In this regard a certificate course on Organic Farming (30 hours) will play a vital role, said organic farming expert Dr. Sanjay Khobragade in the Guest lecture of the course. The function was held at Seminar Hall Room No. 32 of S.S.Jaiswal College, Arjuni/Mor. This twelve week (30 hours) course is a joint venture of our college (S.S.Jaiswal College, Arjuni/Mor) and Organic Farming Unit–Ruchi Biochemicals, Tiroda road, Kudwa, Gondia , Maharashtra. Director of Ruchi Biochemicals conveyed their best wishes for this unique initiative. President of this Guest lecture, Principal, Prof. Ishwar S. Mohurley of our college, said, Management and college are in the forefront to take steps to make students self-reliable. The course is also an attempt to develop student-farmer connect. Dr. L.N. Borkar, Head, Dept. of Botany,S.S.Jaiswal College, Arjuni/Mor., welcome and introduced the gathering. About 98 students were present for the function. Asst. Prof. Mr. Kailash S. Lokhande delivered the vote of thanks.
