Conserve Biodiversity: P.J.Joseph

Conserve Biodiversity: P.J. Joseph

JOBIN K. J.

Kochi: Minister for water resources P.J. Joseph has urged the farmers of the state to take initiative to conserve the biodiversity of  the state.

 Inaugurating a seminar  on biodiversity at Ashirbhavan he said that the onslaught of rubber had adversely affected the biodiversity in the state and that the farmers should take care to grow diverse crops in their plantations.

Diversified Nature

 Along with rubber, farmers could try coconut, coco, rumbuttan and  banana which are also very profitable, the minister said. “Kerala, being a state with different climate zones, we should select our crops accordingly. In certain parts of Kerala even strawbery could be profitably grown here”, he said.

 With the monsoon round the corner, the minister underlined the importance of water conservation. ”Every drop of rain water should be allowed to seep into the soil”, he said.

 The minister also urged the families to set up biogas plants at home and to grow vegetables in their backyard. The whole state should adopt organic farming.

 The seminar, along with a 3-day fair exhibiting various organic products at the town hall was organised by Organic Kerala Charitable Trust, Rajagiri Outreach and Sacred Heart College, Thevara. Minister of State for Public Distribution, K.V Thomas inaugurated the trade fair.