Fly ash could be used for different agricultural purposes, including management of unsuitable soils, said Vimal Kumar, scientist G and head-fly ash unit, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi.
Awareness programme
At a farmers’ awareness programme on the use of fly ash in agriculture held at Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute of TNAU at Kumulur near here recently, Mr. Kumar said that research over the last 20 years has proved that the crop yield has increased by 10 to 20 per cent.
Chhonkar, ICAR emeritus scientist, IARI, New Delhi, said that the use of fly ash in agriculture would play a major role in the second green revolution.
K. V. B. R. Thilak, NASI-senior scientist, Osmania University, Hyderabad, said that fly ash would be the best source of nutrient along with FYM and bio-fertilizers.
J. Sekar, joint director of agriculture, highlighted the importance of fly ash in mitigating the drought stress on the soil.
A. Tajuddin, dean, AEC and RI, presided. At an interaction at the end, the farmers were offered guidance by experts.