Encourage farmers to grow chemical-free veggies

Vizianagaram: Joint director of agriculture K Appala Swami instructed the cluster activists and cluster resource persons to encourage farmers to produce chemical-free fruits, vegetables and leafy vegetables, which are good for health.

Addressing a training programme here on Wednesday, he asked the activists to involve with farmers and encourage them to adopt natural farming methods. District project manager K Prakash stressed the importance of reducing carbon emissions for healthier atmosphere. He also highlighted negative effects of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The residuals of chemicals would enter fruits and vegetables and cause many diseases like cancer, he pointed out. The field staff should visit every village and interact with farmers to adopt natural farming, he stated. Agriculture officer Hema Sundar was also present.