Modern bio lab to start production by Jan 2009

Kochi: POABS Organic Estate has set up a modern laboratory complex at Nelliampathy in Palakkad district to produce organic inputs round the year, as part of its continuing efforts to promote organic farming.

Built at a cost of Rs 25 million, the complex, one of the major organic faming bio labs in the country, is expected to commence production by January 2009.

The laboratory will ensure availability of quality organic inputs and is essential for meeting global quality specifications of end produces meant for exports, Mr Abraham Jacob, Director, POABS, said.

One of the most important roles of the lab complex would be to serve as a centre to impart training on all aspects of organic farming to personnel working in public, private, corporate and social organisations connected with organic farming activities.

Besides handling production of quality inputs, like organic manures, bio fertilisers, bio control agents and bio pesticides, the lab would also help intensify studies on microbial biodiversity as the resource for production and processing of bio fertilizers and bio pesticides, which are necessary for organic farming, he said.

The lab would also take special care to describe microbial bio fertilizers and demonstrate its applicability for educating farmers as well as extension research workers, besides serving as a centre for joint R&D efforts for the various centres of learning in Kerala in particular and the country in general.

Effectiveness of bio products on crop production and quality would get top priority, which would have the approval of the Central and State funding agencies such as the Department of Bio Technology and Department of Science and Technology so that more quality products could be rolled out, he added.