B.M.C. Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of Andhra Pradesh Horticulture University, on Thursday, said a proposal to establish a centre of excellence of protected cultivation of vegetable crops on the university campus was under active consideration.
Addressing a media conference on the eve of the Vegetable Field Day and Exhibition slated for December 10, Mr. Reddy informed that proposals were sent to National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) and the State Horticulture Mission seeking financial assistance for the centre.
He said the university was examining the proposal in the face of a vast scope for protected cultivation of vegetable crops in the State. The move was aimed at promoting protected cultivation techniques to help farmers grow vegetables under controlled temperatures in tune with the respective agro-climatic zones. Mr. Reddy expressed the hope that the centre, if becomes a reality, would help increase productivity with superior quality of produce in vegetable crops.
Quoting field experiences, Mr. Reddy said the growers were reaping 250-300 tonnes a hectare under protected cultivation in the states like Maharashtra as against 12-18 tonne in normal conditions. He advised the farmers to set apart a part of their farm lands for vegetable cultivation as it would ensure their economic security while addressing the nutrition concerns of the country.
The Vice-Chancellor informed that the university developed two new varieties in chilli with high-yielding and disease resistant strains which could also help growers cut down cultivation costs.
Agriculture Minister Prattipati Pulla Rao, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Peethala Sujatha and Endowments Minister Pidikondala Manikyala Rao would interact with farmers as part of the vegetable field day on the university campus on December 10 at 11am. The exhibition will focus on mechanisation by showcasing power tools suitable for horticultural crops, according to the V-C.
