Traditional method showcased to tackle weeds in organic farming

Explore the traditional "pazhancher" method for effective weed control in organic farming, enhancing soil fertility and reducing costs.

An on-field study on the traditional “pazhancher” method of preparing the land and water management practices was conducted at North Varichikudi village in Karaikal district on Friday to address weed control challenges in organic farming.

The programme was held in the field of organic farmer Bhaskar under the coordination of Anandkumar, Associate Professor, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute. Twenty-eight students and progressive farmers participated.

Mr. Anandkumar said weed management remains a major challenge in organic cultivation due to the non-use of chemical herbicides, leading some farmers to discontinue the practice. He said the traditional method offers an effective alternative.

Explaining the technique, Mr. Bhaskar said green manure crops were raised before the samba season, incorporated into the soil at the flowering stage, and followed by controlled water retention for about a month to aid decomposition. This improves soil fertility, stimulates microbial activity, and allows weed seeds to germinate and be ploughed back before transplanting.

He said the method reduces weed growth, cuts labour and input costs, and promotes healthy paddy growth. Progressive farmers shared field experiences, and students documented the practice.