Doctor Uses Grandfather’s Secrets to Help 5000+ People Grow Organic Fruits & Veggies at Home

Chennai-based Dr Naveen Kumar would get several patients complaining of gastrointestinal issues. He says the underlying cause of such rising issues is the consumption of adulterated food prepared using genetically modified seeds.

To address this, he, along with a group of like-minded terrace gardeners, began conducting offline workshops in Chennai to promote organic farming using native seeds.

So far, Dr Naveen has reached over 5,000 people across Tamil Nadu and helped them cultivate vegetables and fruits at home.

He encourages everyone to embark on their organic farming journey, starting right at home with basic vegetables like tomatoes, lady’s fingers, and spinach.

Drawing from his grandfather’s cherished teachings, Dr Naveen shares a handful of techniques for effortlessly growing fruits and vegetables.

How to prepare a potting mix? Take soil, cocopeat, and vermicompost in a ratio of 1:2:2. Mix the contents and keep it in a container for three to four days. Sprinkle water once every morning and evening.

Treat seeds before sowing Before sowing, treat seeds with organic fertilisers and insecticides to boost the process of germination and prevent future pest attacks and root diseases.

Instead of water, soak seeds in panchgavya (organic concoction prepared by mixing five items obtained from cows—urine, ghee, dung, milk, and curd) for half an hour.

Dry the seeds for an hour in a semi-shade area and sow them the next day. If you do not have panchgavya, you can use five to seven days old buttermilk.

Dr Naveen prepares unique fertilisers using bananas, fish, lemons, drumstick leaves, and more.

How to make fertiliser from fish? Mix one kg of fish with one kg of jaggery, a handful of drumstick leaves, and two well-ripened bananas in a clean plastic container.

Close the lid and keep it under shade. The fertiliser will be ready to use after 21 to 27 days. It should be given once every 15 days.

How to control pest attacks? Although treating seeds before sowing reduces the chances of pest attacks, Dr Naveen says urban gardeners can spray neem oil on leaves every 10 days to prevent pests.

He says that one of the advantages of native varieties over genetically modified and hybrid seeds is that you do not need to purchase seeds every year.

“You can scoop out seeds from vegetables after harvesting. Store them in a glass jar with some charcoal powder. It prevents seeds from being degenerated and increases their shelf life to 10 years,” he explains.