Orientation session for cardamom farmers of Muniyara region was conducted in the parish hall of Maria vianney Church, Panickankudi  as  part of the Cardamom Agroecology Project. Dr Muthuswami Murugan, professor and head of CRS Pampadumpara delivered the class on adverse effects of chemical pesticides and the non chemical pest and disease management practices. Since frequent application of hazardous pesticides in cardamom reported in Idukki, subsequent health issues raised and troubles in export of cardamom were also reported, PAN India planned to execute the Cardamom Agroecology Project in Idukki district aiming to reduce the use of hazardous pesticides and promoting Agroecological practices in cardamom along with helping the farmers to stabilize the yield. Konnathady and Vellathuval Panchayat of the district are the major project areas.

                                                                    C K Heera, Project coordinator handling the project presentation

Dr. Muthuswami Murugan explained the health and environmental hazards of currently using pesticides in India during the session. He reminded the audience that the region was once a rainforest and hotspot of good cardamom which is now transformed to hotspot of pesticides as the consequence of  uncontrolled application of chemicals. Also he suggested major agroecological practices by which the hazardous pesticides can be replaced. Cultivation of multiple cardamom varieties, need based application of fertilizers, proper shade regulation and timely diagnosis and management of pests and diseases were the major field level practices suggested by Dr. Muthuswami Murugan in the session. He also assured the services from CRS Pampadumpara in diagnosis and management of major problems in the cardamom fields. C K Heera, Project coordinator handled the project presentation after the session. C K Shilpa, project Officer and Sreedevi, field officer explained the further activities of the project for the farmers.  72 farmers from Ward number 3,4,5 of Konnathady Panchayat attended the session and arised their concerns.