After a long gap, the focus appears to be back on the humble Sheemakonna, once a common sight across rural Kerala.
The medium-sized tree, which has a reputation for being a rich source of green leaf manure despite bearing the tag of invasive species, is in the news again, courtesy its old patron: the State Agriculture department. The department is reviving the practice of planting Sheemakonna (Gliricidia sepium) in a campaign mode in a bid to promote green leaf manuring for various crops. The idea: natural is best.
Gliricidia cuttings will be distributed for planting this year as part of the proposed Kera Raksha Vaaram (coconut protection week) observance. For this campaign, 50 lakh Gliricidia cuttings will be arranged by Krishi Bhavans for distribution.
