CHENAM AGROECOLOGY PROJECT
Kole fields in central Kerala are an important, rice-growing wetland ecosystem with great socioeconomic value. The Indiscriminate use of Hazardous Pesticides in Kole wetlands has unquestionably resulted in severe health effects on humans and extensive damage to the environment and its life forms
This project is intended to bring together various players in the kole farming systems to address the adverse effects of agrochemical-dependent farming practices on health and environmental well-being
The project aims to advance agroecological transition in food production, processing and
marketing in Chenam Kole wetland in Thrissur District, Kerala.
This project will enable the stakeholders to prioritize agroecological farm management, resulting in environmentally sound non-chemical food production and reducing stress and adverse effects from agrochemical inputs in the wetland ecosystem.
Assesing Soil health
Field study
Capacity building programmes
Biodiversity monitoring
Youth fellowship for Agroecology
Training on marketing
The Project was launched on 16th October 2023 in Cherpu. Sujisha Kalliyath, President, Cherpu Grama Panchayat inaugurated the event.
Training class on organic practices conducted for farmers on 28th November 2023. Dr Sandhya T S, Assistant Professor and Soil Scientist from Agriculture Research Station, Mannuthy led the session.
Training session on organic vegetable farming conducted on 24th January 2024. V S Roy, Retired Joint Assistant Director of Agriculture led the session.
Workshop on IPM strategies and tools with special emphasis on biological control organised for vegetable farmers on 26 th February 2024. Milu Mathew, Plant Protection Officer, Central Integrated pest Management Centre, Ernakulam explained the strategies.
Focus group discussion (FGD) conducted for farmers on August 17,2024 in commemoration of Chingam 1 (Farmer’s Day). Farmers shared their experiences, discussed the difficulties they faced during the last cropping season.
The Chenam Agroecology Project Stakeholder Consultation Workshop took place on September 6, 2024, bringing together key stakeholders and farmers to provide input and feedback. Noted agriculture experts Usha Shoolapani and P C Anoop Kumar led the interactive session.
——October 2023 marked the Project’s start, and there will be more updates soon ——