Shimla, May 10 (IANS): Amid the nationwide lockdown, the district administration of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh has launched an initiative under which residents are being encouraged to use their time to grow vegetables through organic farming near their homes.

The state Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry have put up a special stall at the Chaugan Maidan in Nahan town where seed kits of vegetables are being provided by the volunteers of the Aravalli Organisation along with vermicompost and cowdung logs.

More than 1,200 seed kits - with seeds of six types of vegetables/grain like ladyfinger, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, maize, French beans and sponge gourd - have so far been made available to people at a subsidised rate of Rs 10, an official statement said on Sunday.

Apart, people are being informed about the method of making vermicompost from the household waste and cultivation methods by utilizing empty plastic bottles, pots, buckets and empty bags.

Vermicompost and cowdung logs are being provided by the Animal Husbandry Department at this stall.

The administration has also started a helpline to educate farmers. Over 2,000 calls have been received on issues relating to weather, pests, diseases, immunity degradation, soil fertility, irrigation, etc.