Have you ever been disappointed when your carefully tended crops wither away right before your eyes or felt powerless as your garden produce turn pale? If that's the case, you may now relax since the state government plans to establish primary crop health centers (PCHCs) around the state, which will serve as plant and crop hospitals.
The agriculture department is encouraged by the performance of the PCHC, which was set up on an experimental basis in Choornikkara panchayat in Ernakulam in 2017. Plant health clinics in Krishi Bhavans in Kizhakkambalam, Vadakkekara, and Kalady in Ernakulam district will be upgraded to PCHCs as part of the project expansion by collaborating with the local self-government department.
Farmers will be able to bring their plants straight to the center or explain the symptoms and receive treatment based on scientific studies conducted by the agriculture officer once the initiative is implemented. The center will also provide them with free biopesticides, bio-capsules, and green triangle insecticide.
"The government has set out on a quest to transform all Krishi Bhavans into smart centers." We intend to establish a PCHC in each Krishi Bhavan as part of the initiative. The agriculture officers will act as plant doctors. "Their services would be accessible to farmers to handle any crop-related difficulties," Agriculture Minister P Prasad said, adding that the initiative will be funded by NABARD and the state government.
"Our goal is to make Krishi Bhavans a place where farmers can get all of their farming necessities addressed." Farmers and experts from other states will be able to communicate with the center. We will also set up bio pharmacy and soil testing centers in each Krishi Bhavan across the state."
The PCHC will bring a change in the field of farming in the state, according to John Sherry, assistant director of the Farm Information Bureau, who conceptualized it while serving as the agricultural officer at Choornikkara. "A considerable proportion of farmers still resort to pesticide retailers for help with crop-related issues. The insecticide for the farm is recommended by the shopkeeper, who understands nothing about crops or medicine.
Because the retailer is unfamiliar with the specific pesticide and quantity necessary for each type of plant and disease, it not only causes agricultural devastation but also an environmental hazard. Farmers may seek help from an agriculture officer through the PCHC, who can scientifically evaluate the problem and provide the appropriate medication.
The panchayat's pest and disease management center might be located in Krishi Bhavan. "Because all farmers come to the PCHC to resolve their crop-related difficulties, the agricultural officer will be able to notice any pest attack outbreaks in the region quickly."
