Other States - Puducherry   

Use technology to step up yield, ryots told

PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy called upon farmers in the Union Territory to focus on increased food productivity by using new technologies.

The government assured rain-affected farmers that it would distribute the pending compensation of Rs.3,000 within a fortnight.

Inaugurating ‘Farm Fest 2008 – the 27th Flower, Vegetable and Fruit Show’ on Friday, Mr. Rangasamy stressed the need to adopt alternative crops wherein less water could be used for more yield.

“Agriculturists should come forward to use alternative crops as it would give them more benefits. We have established centres to provide guidance to farmers,” he said.

The government was ready to increase the funds for agriculture and work for increasing the present GDP ratio of two per cent for agriculture to over four per cent.

“Cultivable lands are shrinking in Puducherry owing to increase in population, number of houses and industries. In 1991, there were 30,000 hectares of cultivable lands which have come down to 23,000 hectares now,” he said. The Chief Minister distributed Rs.1,000 per hectare to rain-affected farmers in Puducherry and Karaikal.

“The balance compensation of Rs. 3,000 will be given to the affected farmers within 15 to 20 days,” Agriculture Minister V.Vaithilingam said. Chairperson of Puducherry Municipality B. Sridevi and ward councillor of Puducherry Mathivathani Munusamy spoke.

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

Stories in this Section

Use technology to step up yield, ryots told
Puducherry one of the most peaceful areas: Union Minister
CPI (M) wants Valsaraj to quit
Breaking barriers to set records
Irregularities alleged
Voters’ list: final publication on Monday
Thowheed Jamath plans demo
Tuition fee issue: MLA threatens stir

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu