OUTREACH AND ADVISORY SERVICES

VDRF Services

Expert advice is available on the establishment and cultivation of plantation crops like arecanut, coconut, cocoa, banana, teak, pepper, cashew etc. VDRF has undertaken a number of advisory works within India, advising farmers with special emphasis on organic farming. VDRF also undertakes analysis of all agriculture inputs including manures, bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides etc. Dr. Varanashi Krishna Moorthy visits Cambodia on a regular basis to advise on the organic cultivation of cashew. The project was started in April 2006 as a Government of Cambodia project with financial aid from GTZ, Germany. Dr. Moorthy has also taught students at the Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia.

Biotech Consortium India Ltd., New Delhi, a Govt. of India organization, has chosen Vast Centre to give on-job training on a six months program to promote biotechnology. Selected candidates undergo training at the Varanashi establishments. Mangalore University P.G. students regularly come to the foundation to undergo on-job training. Entrepreneurs from Malaysia and Indonesia have undergone training on organic Vanilla cultivation and processing at VDRF. On-Job training is also provided for national and international volunteers.

Given increasing water shortages, water harvesting and conservation methods are of vital importance. Varanashi Farms have become a Model Farm in the region, with VDRF providing information and technological guidance on water harvesting and conversation since the 1990s. Farmers can take advantage of the same. Among the various water harvesting and conservation structures and methods operational at VF and VDRF, are: catch pits in tree basins, check dams & gully plugs, zig-zag water-flow paths, water percolation in boundary trenches & road drains, percolation ponds, ‘madaka’ in higher reaches of tank, mini collection tank below the main irrigation tank, percolation pit near the well, recharging the bore-well, small check in drainage channels, ‘Katta’ across riverlet, Varanashi Sand Bag and Plastic Barrage, and roof rain-water harvesting.

Landscaping work is undertaken following eco-friendly and sustainable principles. Mostly plants fit for human consumption are suggested. Beautification without harming nature is our principle.

VDRF has considerable experience in recycling all types of solid wastes produced at the farm as well as agro-based industries. It has developed a unique system of composting, known as VRF method of composting. Expertise is also available for the successful management of liquid wastes like gobar-gas (biogas) slurry and household wastes produced in farming establishments.

 

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