Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Technology centre for farmers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move aimed at expanding its service portfolio for farmers, the Kerala Agro Industries Corporation is setting up an agriculture technology centre and consultancy cell at its headquarters here.

The technology centre-cum-showroom is primarily aimed at familiarising farmers with modern technology, agricultural practices and equipment that will help them boost yield and minimise dependence on labour. Corporation managing director N.K. Manoj said the centre would be equipped with technology tools to help farmers seeking technical support.

Apart from static display of farm equipment and machinery, the facility would have computers and projectors to help farmers understand how they are operated in field conditions.

“We have prepared CDs of most of the machinery. These will be played on the computer to help farmers grasp their operation and select the equipment best suited for their purpose. The Internet facility at the centre will also be utilised to expose farmers to modern agricultural techniques and equipment used in other parts of India and abroad. Engineers will be at hand to clear doubts raised by clients. We also arrange live demonstration of machines on demand,” Mr. Manoj said.

The consultancy cell will have experts to provide advice on utilisation of farmland, setting up green houses, irrigation facilities and improved varieties of seed and fertilizer.

“We are also equipped to supply garbage collection and waste channelling machinery for local bodies as well as to set up solid waste treatment units including biogas plants.”

Mr. Manoj said the new venture was expected to promote mechanisation and adoption of new technology for improved agricultural output.

The Corporation currently manufactures and markets a range of farm and garden equipment including sprayers, lawn mowers, tillers, trowels and earth moving equipment. It has also diversified into the production of value-added products like tender coconut chips.

Minister for Agriculture Mullakkara Ratnakaran is scheduled to inaugurate the technology centre and consultancy cell on Friday. V. Surendran Pillai, MLA, will preside over the inaugural function.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Weightage for Plus Two marks
Local body bypolls in November
Talks fail, doctors to continue stir
AIR awards for Mohanlal, Padma Priya
Technology centre for farmers
G.V. Raja Sports School promised better facilities
AOL-U.N. programme at schools sparks protests
Expedite city projects: MP
Ponnara Sreedhar school to get a facelift
UDF opens another agitation front
UDF alleges bid to denigrate Church heads

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu