In collaboration with Students In Free Enterprise SIFE, unit of Loyola College, Chennai, TSSS has ventured into the promotion of PONNEEM, a bio-pest control product. An awareness programme on the same subject was organized jointly by both partners at TSSS’ Office on 16.01.2009. 100 Students from SIFE came over to TSSS and had interactions with 50 of our farmers on the product.
As a follow up, a team of 5 staff and 20 farmers from selected villages went to Loyola College, Chennai to grace the occasion of introducing the Ponneem product. The use of the product was expounded to the participants. The strategies for marketing were also discussed. It took place at Chennai on 17th March 2009. Government officials and the international president of SIFE attended the programme.
TSSS has been recognized as a promoter of Organic Farming in the Southern Districts. Caritas India, Chennai requested TSSS to host the Natural Resource Management Training programme for the Directors and Programme Staff of Diocesan Social Service Societies in Tamilnadu and Pondicherry. TSSS organized the NRM training in its Demonstration farm at Bharathi Nagar. The participants were taken out for an exposure training to Parvathiyapuram where women were engaged in organic farming. The participants gained knowledge on the preparation of Vermi compost and vermi culture. They were also exposed to preparation of PANCHAKAVIA, plant nutrient and natural pesticide. 52 participants took active participation in the two day workshop.
The representatives from Organic Farmers Associations, staff and Leaders of SHGs and Federations participated in the one day review meeting conducted on 5th April 2009. The achievements of the last year were enlisted. The challenges and resolving strategies were discussed. Based on the experience of the first year activities, the second year project activities were planned and as an outcome of the meeting a time frame of the project line items was evolved. 37 Natural Farmers participated in the meeting facilitated by the Executive Director, Fr.Joseph Kennedy.
Technology helps as well as harms people. The latest concern bothering the small and marginal farmers was introduction of Genetically Modified seeds which is detrimental to the health and livelihood of farmers. Farmers all over the country opposed the move to introduce the bill in favour of Genetically Modified seeds. TSSS organized a mass Dharna and Hunger Fast against the introduction of Genetically Modified Seeds. Hundreds of farmers, social activists and women participated in the Dharna organized on 12.11.2009. Organic farmers and promoters Mr. Antonym samy and Gomathy Nayagam were the main speakers at the Dharna. As an outcome of the protests by farmers all over India, the government had withdrawn the introduction of the bill.
Photos of PONNEEM Nellai
Photos of PONNEEM Chennai
Photos of PONNEEM June Visit
Photos of BT Brinjal Strike