Workshop for Tsunami-Affected Vegetable Cultivators

A workshop aimed at imparting knowledge to vegetable cultivators on ecology and the protection of the environment took place last week. The workshop was organised by Thambiluvil Natpani Maha Sabai with the assistance of IUCN (World Conservation Union). The event was held at SWOAD Training Centre, Thambattai in Thirukkovil DS Division.

The workshop was held under the aegis of the Chairman of Natpani Maha Sabai K. Nadarajah Dharmalingam along with Agricultural Instructor Thirukkovil K. Kangatharan. Topics included crop protection, identifying pests and diseases, use of waste products, and more. Planned use of resources, crop planning, and marketing strategies were also presented.

One focus of the workshop was to encourage villagers to re-engage in the home gardening activities they were so active in prior to the tsunami. An open discussion of the problems facing home garden cultivators was held and generated much participation.