In a bid to motivate farmers and increase awareness of “family farming”, the Directorate of Extension Education, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), has organised a two-day workshop-cum-exhibition which was inaugurated by District Collector L. Subramanian here on Friday.
The event is being organised in commemoration of the silver jubilee celebration of TANUVAS and the International Year of Family Farming.
Speaking about the workshop, C. Chandrahasan, Director of Extension Education, TANUVAS, said the participants would be introduced to a host of new technology and techniques which could be used for family farming.
“Over the years, the concept of family farming or integrated farming where agriculture is considered as a combination of cultivating crops and rearing cattle and poultry has lost favour among farmers. Through introducing better technology and mechanisation, we hope to revive these methods of farming which will ensure a sustainable livelihood and profitable income,” he explained.
The workshop had over 700 farmers from the southern districts registering to attend sessions on effective running of poultry farms, cattle and sheep rearing, vermicompost units and schemes and subsidies given by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
ExhibitionAn exhibition with over 30 stalls showcasing the latest technology available in the market and value-added products from millets, milk, fruits and honey got under way at MADITSSIA Hall. A few varieties of hens and turkeys have also been kept at the exhibition.
“We have kept new machines on display so that farmers can know the benefits of value addition. With a growing demand for paneer in the market, we devised a ‘paneer presser’ machine. It can be easily operated and it gives 200 grams of paneer from one litre of milk,” said Vimala Rani, an Assistant Professor from TANUVAS.
