Madurai Central Prison has taken another step toward self-sufficiency and environmentally friendly living. It plans to begin producing and selling organic fertilizers in the prison bazaar in the near future.
According to sources, the open-air prison at Purasadaiudaipu in Sivaganga, which is part of the Central Prison, maintains 300 cattle and grows vegetables and fruits on its 84-acre land. Last summer, the prison utilized cow dung and vegetable scraps to fertilize the soil for farming.
"They (the inmates) cultivated 400 watermelons ahead of the summer seasons, which were sold through the prison bazaar in Madurai at a rate of Rs.18/kg," sources added.
The prison department now has decided to produce organic fertilizers in powder and liquid form, including Ghana jeevamirtham, manpulu uram, panchakavyam, moolgai poochi virati, manpulu neer, meen amino amilam, and amirthakarasal. Farmers would be able to purchase the fertilizers at reasonable prices. "Initially, the department intended to target those who have terrace gardens in their houses, as nursery pots and saplings are widely available in the city. The use of organic fertilizers for better yield could be a game-changer for buyers from all walks of life," said an official.
