The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Foreign farm tools take centre stage at exhibition

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Wednesday, Jul 02, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Foreign farm tools take centre stage at exhibition

G. Ravikiran

Government urged to encourage modern technology

The exhibition held as part of ‘rythu sadassu’
Products from China, Thailand and Brazil on display

VUYYURU: Harvesters, sugarcane planters and cutters imported from China, Thailand and Brazil were at the centre of attraction at an exhibition organised on the sidelines of a ‘rythu sadassu’ (farmers’ meet) held by the KCP Sugar and Industries Corporation Limited and the KCP Sugarcane Growers’ Association here on Monday.

The exhibition demonstrated that most modern machines are being imported from other countries to help farmers carry out their agricultural operations in an easy and comfortable manner in these days of difficulties, which arise because of difficulties in availability of labour and other reasons. But it is apparent that farmers have to depend on foreign countries for bringing advanced machines.

Ex-minister’s concern

Former agriculture minister and farmers’ leader Vadde Sobhanadreeswara Rao deplored that farmers had to look towards farm equipment and machines brought from far away lands, instead of relying on indigenous manufacturers.

He pointed out that not many farmers cultivated sugarcane in China and Thailand, but they had developed and designed most convenient machines for easing difficulties in farm operations.

Mr. Sobhanadreeswara Rao said that the extent of cultivation of sugarcane in India was far greater than that of China and Thailand. “When you look at the farm machines and implements on display, you see how our farmers have to depend on foreign technology. It clearly shows that we are greatly dependent on foreign machines,” he observed.

The speakers drove home the point that in view of the rising demand for increased productivity, farmers want machines with better technology but manufactured locally.

The government would have to take a pro-active role in encouraging industry and manufacturers to come out with modern machines in all fields of agricultural activity. From plantation to harvesting, technology intervention should be brought in effectively, so that cost of cultivation would also be smoother and economical.

Farmers were appreciative of the sugarcane planter and cutter brought from Brazil, as it greatly reduces burden in farm operations.

There were also harvesters from Thailand and China, which were large-sized with sufficient features to help farmers in cutting costs. A sub-soiler and paired row ridger were also imported from foreign countries.

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