Organic farming at Visakhapatnam Central Jail aids inmate reform

Visakhapatnam Central Jail has introduced organic farming as part of its rehabilitation programme, engaging inmates in vegetable cultivation through natural methods and providing them with productive work and skill development.

The farming activity is spread over about five acres within the jail premises. Authorities said only organic inputs are used. Dung from around 50 cows and buffaloes reared on the campus is composted and applied as manure, while cow urine is used as a natural pesticide for certain crops.

Officials said Jeevamrutham, a traditional organic formulation prepared using cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil, is used to improve plant health and soil fertility. Chemical fertilisers and pesticides are avoided. The initiative is aimed not only at sustainable farming but also at promoting physical activity and mental well-being among inmates.

Vegetables currently grown include cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal, tomato, beans, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, radish, amaranthus, sorrel leaves, spinach, Malabar spinach, and coriander, with priority given to seasonal varieties.

Nearly 500 kg of vegetables harvested daily are supplied to the prison kitchen, helping reduce procurement costs. The surplus produce is sold at the Sudhaar Centre near the main gate. Priced lower than the open market, the vegetables see steady demand from residents. The income generated is credited to the prisoner welfare fund and used for inmate welfare activities, officials said.

Prison Superintendent Mahesh Babu said inmates who committed offences in moments of impulse and those with prior farming knowledge are given preference. In line with Supreme Court guidelines, only healthy prisoners with good conduct and a willingness to work are selected. Those engaged in farming receive a daily wage of Rs 180 and are also eligible for remission of their sentence, he added.