The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Madurai News : `Research on for multiple use of azolla'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 13, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

`Research on for multiple use of azolla'

By Our Staff Reporter

MADURAI, DEC.12. Farmers have been urged to cultivate azolla, an aquatic fern, since it is used as biofertiliser and feed for the cattle.

Delivering the keynote address at a one-day awareness camp held under the joint aegis of the Organisation for Rural Development, a non-governmental organisation, and the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology, Chennai, at Puliyagoundanpatty in Tirumangalam near here on Saturday, S. Rethinavel, Reader, Centre for Research in Botany, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai, said extensive research initiatives were on for multiple use this fern.

He urged the farmers to cultivate azolla to be used as feed for animals and biomanure for farming operations.

This sort of organic farming enhanced the soil fertility, reduced the agricultural costs and helped the farmers to improve the organic food productivity.

It could be widely used in vermi composting to generate enriched manure, Mr. Rethinavel said.

Along with other micro nutrient mixtures, azolla would facilitate the sustenance of livelihood of the farmers and also the ecology.

Later, he demonstrated the cultivation of azolla, using cow dung slurry.

P. Devaraj, president of the Ponnmangalam Panchayat, who presided, said farmers should use azolla as eco friendly substitute for manure and thereby give up the utilisation of chemical fertilisers.

The camp, which was attended by more than 50 participants, was organised as part of an effort to popularise science activity among the rural self-help groups.

A. Sekar, secretary of ORD spoke. K. Karmegam, headmaster of the Government Kallar Higher Secondary School, Vadakkampatty, released a manual on azolla cultivation, which was received by P. Duraipandi.

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