Special Correspondent

TIRUCHI: Two agri clinics established at the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies at Anbil and Valanadu in Tiruchi district were declared open by Transport Minister K. N. Nehru on Friday.

The agri-clinics would serve as one-stop shops for farmers to get technical advice and agricultural inputs. They include soil testing labs where farmers would be advised on the appropriate application of fertilizers depending on the soil condition.

Speaking after opening the clinics at Anbil, Mr. Nehru observed that the system of rice intensification, promoted by the State government in a big way, has helped farmers record big improvement in yield.

Farmers were now reporting up to 98 bags from an acre, he said and appealed to the ryots of the region to take to the system. The agri clinics have been established at a cost of about Rs.6 lakh each.

Paddy seeds at Rs. 17

He also said the government was prepared to procure quality paddy seeds from farmers at a price of Rs.17 a kg. Farmers should act according to the guidance of the Agriculture Department to improve productivity.

Collector T. Soundiah appealed to farmers of the Anbil and Valanadu regions to make good use of the agri clinic, especially to get their soil and water samples tested.

Mr. Nehru handed over revolving funds and credit assistance to three women’s self-help groups.

MLAs Anbil Periyasamy, A. Soundarapandian, M. Rajasekaran, District Panchayat Chairperson V. Sangeetha and others spoke.