Organic farming is a farming method that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic based fertilizers and pesticides.
The Eco Club of K. Khel Viswema Village, Government Middle School, like many other schools in rural Nagaland is engaged in gardening activity. The school practices organic farming by growing common vegetables in a small area located in the school premises. It started with the idea to promote organic farming and spread awareness among the students. The students along with the Eco Club teacher selected a spot and with the help of spades and machete cleaned the area where the organic farming was to be done. They cleaned and dug the area and planted the seedlings. Bamboo fencing was also constructed around the garden to keep away cattle. The students take turns in cleaning the weeds in the garden from time to time. They not only learn how to cultivate but also learn the importance of organic farming which helps in conserving the environment. They are taught about the importance of organic farming not only in theory also learn how to do it practically. They practice multi cropping type of organic farming as it helps to boost diversity which enhances productivity and resilience and contributes to a healthy farming system. The different types of crops grown and cultivated by the students are cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), potato (Solanum tuberosum), green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), oriental onion (Allium chinense), Maize (Zea mays), garlic (Allium sativum).
The advantages of organic farming are: It increases the soil fertility; controls pest, diseases without harming the environment; produces nutritious food; produces high quality crops; increase and recycle plant nutrients and organic matter; use resources which the farmer already has, and so the farmer needs less money to buy farm inputs; protecting soil quality using organic material and encouraging biological activity and it is eco friendly and the food taste better. (Eco Club of K. Khel GMS Viswema village)