Madhyapur Thimi, Jan 23:

The Organic Farmers’ Society (MOS) is not happy with their business prospects. Though organic vegetables are good for health, their poor market has disappointed MOS and it has decided not to continue organic vegetables production.

Eight farmers have been into organic farming since 2000 and formed MOS in Madhyapur Thimi municipality ward-14. Now, they say there is a lack of proper market and people do not know of the benefits of organic vegetables.

Raj Krishna Shrestha, a member of MOS, said: “Seven years of experience and hard work have brought us to the conclusion that organic farming is not appropriate in the present situation.”

Organic farming is a range of natural technique of farming that respects the natural environmental system for controlling pests and disease in growing crops and avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers and growth hormones.

“Organic farming, despite being eco-friendly and healthy, vegetables cannot be produced on a large scale. Rather than making profit by selling organic vegetables in higher prices, very often we have to sell them at nominal rates, lower than conventionally produced vegetables,” he said.

Jivan Parajuli from Saleways Department Store said they used to sell organic vegetables in their supermarket two years ago, but due to its unappealing look, such vegetables had few takers. “Consumption of the organic food reduces health risks,” said Dr Meg Raj Bhandari, a food and nutrition consultant.

Farmers, however, suggested that if the government forms a body for organic certification, organic vegetables might get proper market and publicity that could encourage farmers to go for organic farming.