GUWAHATI, Aug 6 � Use of inorganic fertilizers, inorganic pesticides etc increase the inorganic contents in the agricultural produces exposing people to various health hazards.
�To promote organic way of cultivation, three young men- Pankaj Kalita, Ranjan Sharma and Hiranya Joyoti Das together have launched Organic Innovation and have shown the way through cultivation of Stevia, a plant which has many health benefits.
�Stevia has many positive characteristics like � it is calorie free, a good antioxidant, good for diabetics, suitable for losing weight and maintaining healthy skin and safe for children too. It has been internationally accepted and even safer than available artificial sweetening agent,� said Pankaj adding that their group is ready to share expertise with interested farmers and would even market their produces.
It needs to be mentioned here that use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides has seen increase of diabetic patients and other ailments like high blood pressure, aches and pains, stomach problem, cancer, early aging etc.
�Organic cultivation can be converted in to a viable business,� said Pankaj.
Organic Innovation has joined with Sunrise Agriland Development and Research Pvt. Ltd to encourage Stevia cultivation organically in different parts of Assam.
Now-a-day�s in Diet Pepsi, Diet chocolate and in many confectionery items, drinks etc., Stevia is being used. Demand of Stevia is going up in both in domestic and international market, claimed Organic Innovation.
Senior scientist Dr Amal Roy said the need of the hour was to generate awareness about organic cultivation. �It is time we embraced organic farming to develop a healthy eco-friendly environment in our country. Farmers of New Zealand are benefiting from organic farming economically and socially and maintaining harmony in total environment profile. Assam should emulate New Zealand,� said Dr Roy.
Professor and Head Dr OP Gupta �of Assam Ayurvedic College Hospital said that inorganic substance gives birth to deadly diseases in our system. Director of Sunrise Agriland Development and Research Pvt. Ltd �Dr Atul Gupta said Stevia cultivation had a hopeful future.
