EPIC, or Eco Park and Information Centre, an initiative by Santha Sheela Nair, IAS, former Secretary to the Government of India, hosted an event which included Vetiver plantation at lake bunds of Padur and the EPIC Fellowship Programme, on Sept.9. The main purpose of this initiative is to promote sustainable agriculture, sustainable livelihood and sustainable lifestyles.
Vikram Kapur, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government and Chairman of Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (TANSIDCO); Dr.L.Subramanian, IAS, Commissioner of Agriculture; and G.Laxmipathy IAS, District Sub Collector, Chengalpattu District, participated as honourable guests at the event.
The guests actively involved themselves in vetiver plantation and then interacted with the farmers. Following this, about 200 NSS and NCC students from Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, participated and engaged in tree planting sessions. Certificates were given to various rural people who were trained through ‘Vaazhndhu Kaatuvom’ Project on honey bee rearing, raising of saplings with banana fibre, etc.
The event also saw the launch of the highly successful EPIC Fellowship Programme. This initiative was launched amidst enthusiastic applause with a symbolic tree planting ceremony, and promises to usher in the new era of eco-friendly farming practices and self-sufficiency.
The fellowship program aims to enlist the participation of young individuals in an ongoing, adventurous expedition dedicated to realising the objectives of sustainable practices, biodiversity preservation, and the reduction of climate change impacts and carbon footprints. The program will be overseen by a dedicated team, operating under the guidance of Santha Sheela Nair. The primary responsibilities of the program include fostering collaborative partnerships, facilitating effective community engagement, supporting research and development initiatives, and promoting communication efforts. This made a grand return with EPIC 2.0.
Mahendra M.Manivasan emphasised the importance of natural farming, the adoption of unique farming techniques, innovative crop insurance methods, research, and the demonstration of minor farming equipment tailor made to the diverse climates of Indian farms.
P.N.Subramanium, the Founder of Thofa Organic, delivered an inspiring speech advocating the revival of traditional farming practices and highlighted the improvement in the quality of soil, air, and water. He appreciated that all these were made possible through the miraculous qualities of vetiver.
G.Lakshmipathy said that Chengalpattu district had replicated more herbal gardens, maintained by the Irula tribes, through the Horticulture Department at Sembakkam, to benefit around 50 families. Also, he shared that during his service, he recommended vetiver at various places for bund strengthening.
Vikram Kapur stated that zero hunger is the second goal under sustainable development goals and will be possible only through sustainable agriculture. He also emphasised the importance of value addition and the need to come up with new ideas to address challenges associated with it. He wished that the Tamil Nadu government, especially the agriculture department, would encourage such models and replicate them in every district. Models like solar systems and eco-san are also very good for the livelihood of the state.
Dr.L.Subramanian, lauded Santha Sheela Nair’s tremendous effort in setting up the oasis through EPIC. He appreciated the efforts and involvement of younger generations in organic farming and added that people must opt for organic farming in order to minimise carbon emissions and enjoy nutritious food. He expressed his concern that it is becoming increasingly difficult to view native animals and advocated for a return to nature and organic farming. He also spoke about a government scheme that supports organic farming activities with a grant of Rs.1.50 lakh to the group that produces organic manures and supports organic farming activities. He stressed that both the government and farmers have equal responsibility to preserve farmlands.
EPIC Eco park is located at Padur village and aims to show how even the smallest plot in an urban setting can be used to grow forests and sustainable nutrition gardens, promote integrated farming practices, including fisheries and mushroom culture, and engage in a variety of activities promoting holistic natural farming with complementary livelihoods in composting.
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