OMR News, Sept 12, 2023

With engaging discussions and practical demonstrations, EPIC reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and community development.

Padur Village, located in the Chengalpattu district, witnessed a significant event on April 12, 2024, as EPIC Ecological Park orchestrated a comprehensive program aimed at empowering women's self-help group members and farmers. The event, designed to provide soft skills training and foster value addition initiatives, also featured engaging activities such as environmental essay, poetry, speech, and painting competitions for school students.

Public school students actively participated, lending their voices to songs that underscored the importance of ecological awareness.

Former IAS officer Shanta Sheela Nair graced the occasion, presiding over the event, while ex-IAS officers Leena Nair and Sathivathy attended as special guests. The presence of various government officials underscored the significance of the gathering.

Distinguished speakers engaged the audience in insightful discussions covering a wide range of topics, including effective product marketing strategies, techniques for maximizing yield through organic farming, mushroom production, and innovative utilization of vetiver in product manufacturing. Notable individuals like Selvi and Nirmala shared their inspiring journeys of leveraging support from women's self-help groups to establish successful ventures in herbal products and vetiver-based goods, respectively.

Representing the tribal community, Mrs. Ilular expressed gratitude for the opportunities created through herbal product sales, which have significantly improved livelihoods and social status for many tribal women.

Nirmala highlighted the growing popularity of vetiver products, noting its aromatic properties and natural cooling effects, which have garnered positive responses both locally and online.

Karthik, one of the organizers, emphasized the dual objectives of the event: providing essential soft skills training to farmers and women's self-help group members while enriching students' understanding of agriculture and ecology. The inclusion of students from Tiruporur ensured holistic community development, with various competitions and engaging activities leaving a lasting impact.

Karthik further stressed the event's continuity beyond its conclusion, highlighting its role in fostering expert networking opportunities for participants, expected to yield long-term benefits for farmers and entrepreneurs alike.

The event also featured practical demonstrations such as honey harvesting, agricultural product harvesting, and the commencement of fish harvesting, alongside ceremonial inaugurations of termite farming and waterless urinals. Guests were graciously presented with plants as tokens of appreciation.

EPIC Ecological Park's initiative underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable practices and community development, serving as a beacon of inspiration for individuals across various sectors. As the event concluded, attendees departed with enriched knowledge and renewed motivation to contribute positively to their communities and the environment.

Note: Information Source:
https://www.vikatan.com/agriculture/policy/ecological-seminar-on-ways-to-get-profit-in-organic-farming