Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin   

Rs.2.02 cr. to carry out farm development work

Tuticorin: The socio-economic status of farmers is set to improve, as the Department of Agricultural Engineering plans to implement Command Area Development and Water Management (CAD& WM) programme in the district during this fiscal at a project cost of Rs.2.5 crore.

The project aims at bridging the gap between the agriculture potential created and that utilised, through micro level infrastructure development and efficient farm management practices, which would fetch attractive remunerations to the farmers.

Decruz Mohanasundar, Executive Engineer, Department of Agricultural Engineering, said as part of the project, on farm development works would be carried out over 2,250 hectares at a cost of Rs.2.02 crore.

The works included creation of field channels and drainage systems, and strengthening of extension services.

The remaining project cost would be utilised to establish rotational water supply systems, field drains and improvement of 12 micro irrigation tanks.

To augment irrigational facilities at the wastelands, the department would establish rainwater harvesting structures on an estimated outlay of Rs.27.85 lakh earmarked under the Comprehensive Wasteland Programme (CWP), during the current fiscal.

Three percolation ponds, 14 major check dams, four medium check dams, three minor check dams and two farm ponds would be constructed as part of the project.

Besides, five wells situated at various places would be rejuvenated by strengthening its lining and desilting.

“The establishment of the structures will help farmers to conserve water and judiciously use it whenever they required,” the EE said.

Mr. Mohanasundar said that the department would carry out improvement of four existing watersheds in the district on a proposed outlay of Rs.63.60 lakhs during the current fiscal (2007-08).

The funds were allocated under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

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