The district administration is taking special initiative to encourage farmers to undertake cultivation of traditional varieties of food crops.

As part of this programme, former M.L.A. T. Madhappan has cultivated traditional variety of paddy called ‘Kattu Yanam’ (coarse grain) on half acre land at Kettukottai village in Karimangalam Panchayat Union in Dharmapuri district.

This followed his field tour organised by district authorities to Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur district recently. A farmer in Thiruthuraipoondi is cultivating traditional varieties of crops.

Mr. Madhappan obtained seeds from the farmer and cultivated the crop under the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method.

This variety of paddy will withstand drought and flood, has self immunity from pest attack and will grow to the height of 6 feet and be ready for harvest in 180 days.

Besides this, it would not allow weeds to grow in between the plants.

It has self-immunity against disease and pests, P. Manoharan, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture said.

Rich in protein, this variety will give additional strength to veins and is easily digestible, the official said.

On seeing the crop in the field, farmers elsewhere in the district are showing keen interest in this variety. The paddy is to be used for seed purposes owing to the interest shown by fellow farmers.

Samraj, a farmer from Elumichanaalli village cultivated capsicum on 4,000 sq.m. land, under shade net. Each capsicum weighing between 200 gm and 250 gm is fetching good price from northern states.

Inspection

Collector K. Vivekanandan inspected the paddy and capsicum field on Saturday.

He requested the farmers to cultivate English variety of vegetables and fruits as the salubrious weather condition prevailing in the district were favourable.

Subsidy was being extended by the government to the tune of Rs. 4.61 lakh for setting up green houses on 1,000 sq.m. of land.

The district administration is taking efforts to market pulses and horticulture products produced by the farmers, and also add value to the products.

An action plan has been initiated to encourage the farmers and entrepreneurs to set up agriculture-allied industries.

Source - http://www.thehindu.com/