Work on construction of two fertiliser godowns each with a capacity of 100 tonnes has been in progress at Pachamalai to cater to the needs of the tribal farmers.
The fertiliser godown will be attached to the Large Scale Adivasi Multi Purpose Society (LAMPS) at Then Puranadu and Manalodai villages – two strategic locations selected for the expeditious distribution of fertilisers to the farmers.
Although paddy, cashew, and gall nut are under cultivation in large area in the hills, it is the tapioca farmers who will benefit mostly through the godowns. “Tapioca growers need bulk quantity of potash and mixed fertiliser which they have to go down the hills up to Uppilliyapuram or Athur, incurring additional expenditure and labour. Hence, we decided to construct the godown for the immediate and timely supply of fertilisers,” says an official of the Cooperation Department.
The work is being executed at an estimate of Rs. 28 lakh each sanctioned by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Mixed fertiliser has been in huge demand for the tribal farmers, particularly tapioca cultivators, Hence, the NABARD sanctioned the funds,” says S. Suresh Kumar, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, Tiruchi.
Work on the construction of the godowns would be completed in four months. Each godown will have a plinth area of 840 square feet. It had been protected with anti-rodent measure.
