Familiarizing the agriculture
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Ahas Mangallaya
Author : Rasika
Solangaarachchi
Publisher : Sandeshaya
Publishers'
Kotte Road, Rajagiriya
Price : Rs.350
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Rasika Solangaarachchi journalist Dinamina has done extensive
research on the traditional agriculture of Sri Lanka in this work that
underlines the importance of producing food without inorganic chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, weedicides, fungicides that modern farming
methods that were introduced after the Green Revolution years.
Rasika hands over the first copy of the book to Kaluthara
Philips Hospital Chairperson Indrani Fernando |
In this work she had met a large number of farmers, householders,
housewives and even old retired people who are directly involved with
farming at small or medium scale without using any inorganic chemicals
that are produced mainly by transnationals.
She also examines and compares the harm, especially to the health of
human beings looking at ramifications like the chronic health problems
caused by the agro-chemicals in certain areas, especially the overuse
with profit motive in mind.
Rasika compares the quantities of such chemicals used in different
regions of the country and the side effects or the evil effects of these
by commercial agriculture with the good done by the organic farmers who
also have their own methods of pest control that does not cause health
problems.
A lot of hard work had gone into this well researched book that
provides much knowledge on agriculture especially during the present
time when national food production had been accorded a high priority.
In her own words we have a very fertile soil in our country but we
have not been able to achieve self-sufficiency in food.
A very useful book written in lucid style of writing with a wealth of
details on our agriculture especially the richness of traditional
methods.
- Wijitha Nakkawita |