A self help group of tribal women in Wayanad district of Kerala have been successful in cultivation of 13 different varieties of bio agents to support organic farming. They were guided by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra a decade ago and began their venture with production of trichoderma and pseudomonas which are bio control agents to fight quick wilt disease in crops. Currently they are engaged in the production of 13 varieties of bio agents.
They were given 6 months training by the Kendra in fungal and bacterial culture and packing. Last year they produced 183 tonnes of bio agents, including 16 tonnes of bio fertilizers, 80 tonnes of bio control agents and 20 tonnes of pesticides. This led to an income of Rs 1.67 crores for the Kendra. Each member of the group earns an average of Rs 8,500/ per month. A major part of the produce was purchased by the Agriculture Department and Spices Board and in fact they are unable to meet the huge demand for their products.
