In the face of climatic threats and human exploitation of nature, the challenge to agriculture is only increasing day by day. The developments in seed, fertilizer and water technologies has brought about an increase in production at the State-level, but there are notable discrepancies in the increase among crops, said Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University L. Ramasamy here on Saturday.
Addressing farmers at the State-level Farmers’ Day meet held at the university, he said the State needed to increase the agricultural production. This would not be possible if new technologies did not reach farmers in arid and rainfed areas. “The reduction in land area has not only affected agriculture but also animal husbandry. Animals are unable to get good feed. While reducing land is a serious concern, there is another equal concern of the soil losing its quality in the available cultivable land. Excessive farming has led to loss of nutrients in the soil,” he said. He called for focussing on agricultural research and extension activities that would give an impetus to the livelihood of farmers, rather than only working to ensure food and nutrition security.
Books, pamphlets, CDs, and other relevant material on latest technologies were released. Awards were given away to best seed centres, and scientists who have excelled in the production of good seed varieties. The Agricultural Chemmal awards were given away to give farmers for their achievements in production and innovation.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor inaugurated an automatic seed vending machine at the entrance of the Botanical Garden on Marudhamalai Road. The machine would dispense seeds in small quantities in pouches. He opened a central exhibition that had on display the various varieties of crops and technologies so far released by the university.
