Organic farms located in Nadia and Mathurapur, which presently supply the Organic Haats (and G4L’s own organic produce distribution,) are hundreds of kilometres away from urban markets, the principal consumers of organic produce. These logistics cause organic to cost a little more, if the farmers are to make a fair profit, and inhibits commercial viability, to some extent.

Veteran agriculturalist Mr. Tapas Mondol of DRCSC was the facilitator for the program, which around fifteen farmers attended. He took them through the basics of organic farming, and answered the farmer’s queries about organic methods; which ranged from misconceptions regarding the size and colour of vegetables grown without chemical fertilisers, to protection of the crop without pesticide.

Through the sessions and discussion, the farmers were able to resolve many of their doubts and see the benefits of Organic, both for the Earth and their bottom lines. The idea of an organic training school mooted by G4L was eagerly taken up by the farmers, and most signed up for joining more training programs and practical demonstrations to teach them organic agriculture. G4L / DRCSC would visit each farmers lands and asses the viability, designing for them a custom strategy where a part of the land could be used for organic, until the farmer gained confidence in the system, and converted totally to safe agriculture. G4L will also help market the produce directly in the target markets and cut down on the layers of middle men in the conventional agricultural system.

Being so close to Kolkata – only 20 kms – and off NH117/Diamond Harbour Road transport from Serakole is plentiful and cheap to the metropolis, and should result in fresher produce at better prices, both for the farmer and end consumer.