Cluster demonstration plots of redgram would be raised on about 700 hectares in the district during the current year under the National Food Security Mission (Pulses) to provide a road map for improving productivity in the crop.
Of this, demonstration plots would be raised on about 300 hectares in Musiri and 100 hectares each in Thathaiyengarpet, Pullampadi and Thottiyam blocks, Agriculture Department officials said.
Pulses are raised as intercrop or mixed crop and to give a fillip to increase productivity, the cluster demonstration plots are being raised.
Farmers are provided subsidy for raising the demonstration plots. According to Agriculture Department officials a yield of one to 1.5 tonnes could be achieved a hectare against the current average of 600 kg in red gram crop.
The Department of Agriculture organised an input mela under the NFSM (Pulses) at Manachanallur block on Thursday to distribute inputs to farmers. In Manachanallur block, demonstration plots would be raised at Sirugudi, Sirupathur, Thathamangalam and Cholanganallur.
A subsidy of Rs.5000 a hectare would be extended. Farmers would be given five kg of certified seeds of Co-RG-7 redgram variety, micronutient mixture, liquid bio fertilizer, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and other inputs through Agricultural Extension Centres. Weedicides and plant protection chemicals would be provided with back-ended subsidy.
The inputs were distributed at the special mela on Thursday by Parameswari Murugan, MLA, in the presence of R.Chandrasekaran, Joint Director of Agriculture. Mr.Chandrasekaran advised farmers to go in for two per cent DAP foliar spray ahead of and during flowering to improve the yield.
A.R.Periakaruppan, Deputy Director of Agriculture, explained the importance of maintaining optimum plant population for obtaining good yield in the crop. K.Saravanan, Deputy Director of Agriculture, elaborated on drill and line sowing.
Ms. Parameswari Murugan distributed back-ended subsidy and inputs to a few farmers for undertaking mechanised planting under the kuruvai special package.
An exhibition on inputs was arranged for the benefit of farmers.
