Adimali: The state award instituted by the Agriculture Department for best farming practices in organic farming undertaken by government employees was bagged by the Government Hospital Chithirapuram in Idukki district.
The employees not only harvested organic vegetables but also tried their luck in fruits organically and won laurels. During the initial stage of their farming activities, the employees worked on organic farming techniques in a nearby vacant land of the hospital and reaped success. The second phase of their agri venture saw planting of over 1000 orange saplings. Farming was undertaken in 14 acres of land by a collective of about 30 employees of the CHC at Chitirapuram Hospital.
The barren land surrounding the hospital was full of shrubs and thorns and with the help of the Agriculture department, a team of staff started an organic-based farming project. It all began with the money collected from the employees and the yield was distributed to nearby resorts and nearby houses. The fruits cultivated were distributed to markets.
The staff is of the opinion to cultivate apple and strawberry on a wide scale.
