Hi-tech agriculture and organic agriculture are the buzz words at the 29th edition of the ‘Flower and Farm Fiesta 2015’ organised by the Department of Agriculture, which opened at the AFT Grounds on Friday.
“Hi-tech agriculture refers to need-based pesticide control and precise methods of farming,” said A. Ramamourti, director, Department of Agriculture. While the area of agricultural land in Puducherry has reduced over the years, yield potential has been maximised through hi-tech agriculture, said Mr. Ramamourti.
It is also for the first time that the departments other than agriculture are involved in the fiesta.
The Department of Tourism is co-sponsoring the event, and stalls have been put up by the Forests and Wildlife Department, the Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and the Animal Welfare Department, the Department of Social Welfare and the Department of Women and Child Development. Several agriculture institutions and organisations are also participating.
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy inaugurated the fiesta. Tourism Minister P. Rajavelu and Lok Sabha MP R. Radhakrishnan were present. Stalls showcased tools, machinery such as paddy transplanters and harvestors, a wide variety of plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Organic fertilizers and products are also the highlights of the show.
The fiesta has a mobile food testing van at the venue, a milk testing unit by PONLAIT. Competitions in food carving and flower rangoli are also being held.
