Why AEC

Research & Learning

Thus AEC is a research and learning centre for the public which conserves and promotes indigenous crops, facilitates seed exchange, research on agrobiodiversity and agroecology and promotes biodiversity and its importance among the general public. We follow and propagate agroecological farming methods at AEC which can improve food security and strengthen food sovereignty, while providing better adaptation to climate change and reducing harmful environmental impacts.

Facilitating youth

We and GVHSS Mananthavady are jointly conducting a six months certificate course on organic farming and paddy seed conservation for their vocational higher secondary students. Students are given practical training in farming and agroecology classes as part of the course. We also provide training to school, college, and agricultural college students. Many schools nearby have started organic farming on the school campuses.

Training

Thanal, as a part of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of U.N) project, gave training to Agriculture officers, Master farmers, and farmers identified by the Agricultural Department. There were sessions on the nature of the soil, enhancement of soil health, seed treatment, manure and pest repellant preparation, and the importance of sustainable farming and agroecology practices. We also distributed organic inputs and banana saplings to these farmers as part of the FAO project. We facilitated The Thirunelly Agri Producer Company Ltd (TAPCo) in 2017, owned by the farmers of Thirunelli to market organic indigenous rice.

We also conduct training for farmers and agricultural officers on various aspects of organic farming, climate resilience, preparation of bio inputs, tips on agroecology practices, etc. We have also been able to reach out to around 3500 farmers with the help of the FAO project and we plan to continue to support and help them in their farming.

Mobile Organic Agri Clinic

We launched a Mobile Organic Agri Clinic in Wayanad last year after the floods in 2018 to reach out to the flood-affected farmers. The mobile organic agriclinic identified the farmers who needed help, visited and interacted with them, identified the problems of the crops and soil, and gave solutions for their problems. Mobile organic clinic thus reached out to 3500 farmers. There was much demand for continued follow-up and training.So this year also we have started visiting them after the floods, conducted soil test(Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium ) and carbon test and we showed them how to make organic inputs and gave them tips on Organic farming and climate resilience. We plan to continue to handhold the farmers through the service of Mobile Organic Agri Clinic throughout the year.

Women empowerment