The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Farmers urged to adopt new cultivation method

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Saturday, Aug 23, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Farmers urged to adopt new cultivation method

Staff Reporter

As expenditure is low and yield will be four-fold high

—PHOTO:R.M. RAJARATHINAM

FOR AWARENESS: Ariyalur Collector R. Sudalaikannan (right) hands over the first copy of a handbook on agricultural schemes to District Revenue Officer K. Pulamadan on Friday.

ARIYALUR: The high profitability in cultivating paddy under the system of rice intensification (SRI) was emphasised during an interactive meeting held to redress grievances of farmers here on Friday.

Collector R. Sudalaikannan exhorted farmers to adopt the system wherein the expenditure was low and the yield was four-fold high.

All agriculturists should try the system on a portion of their farm.

Observing that the video presentation on the mode of cultivation made at the recent gram Sabha meetings was received well by the rural community, he was certain that farmers would be inclined to switch over to the system once they begin deriving the benefits.

Awareness

Representatives of farmers’ association could create a greater impact by spreading awareness at the start of the rabi season, he said.

Seeking information on fertilizer subsidies, farmers urged the district administration to rectify shortcomings in the supply of DAP fertiliser and neem cake.

They wanted farm loans to be given only to those possessing patta pass book.

Power supply timing

Their other demands included advancement of power supply by two hours to 10 p.m.; removal of thorny shrubs on roadsides under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme; construction of a bridge over Marudhai river and preventing water wastage; removal of encroachments along channels and water bodies; clearing of weeds from lakes; issuance of receipts for purchase of urea; maintaining adequate stock of seeds, and house pattas.

Farmers’ representatives also voiced the need for provision of jeeps to Assistant Directors of Agriculture, the details of tanks desilted by PWD, and strengthening of the bund at Tirumanur along the Coleroon river.

Action against officials

They demanded action against officials indulging in irregularities while disbursing flood relief fund and wanted the administration to permit loading of sand in push carts for personal use. Officials of the departments concerned assured to look into the demands.

Handbook released

Earlier Mr. Sudalaikannan handed over the first copy of a handbook on agricultural schemes to District Revenue Officer K. Pulamadan in the presence of the Joint Registrar of Cooperatives M. Palanivelu, Joint Director of Agriculture A. Sivakumar and senior officials.

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