N. Parameswaran, the Erode-based farmer, who received the Chief Minister's special award for obtaining highest yield in the State, made a strong case against converting traditional irrigation canals into concrete structures.
"Laying concrete will prevent groundwater from getting replenished. Concrete bunds also block seepage of water into fields. I am saying this because I could obtain highest yield by making use of seepage water," said Mr. Parameswaran, who received the award at the Republic Day celebrations.
The award included Rs. 5 lakh cash and a medal.
Mr. Parameswaran is from Nasiyanur in Erode district and produced 6,119 kg paddy per acre by adopting system of rice intensification cultivation method (SRI). He used BPT-5204 paddy seeds known as samba masuri from the Erode block agricultural extension centre.
"There was no adequate rain in 2012-13 and I used the seepage of the drinking water released from the lower Bhavani canal three times and water from wells," he said, while acknowledging the help rendered by his mother N. Rukmani and wife P. Umadevi.
He planted 14 days old paddy and maintained a gap of 23 cm between each plant. Weeding was done four times and the harvest was made after 130 days. He sold the yield to the agriculture department for storage of seeds.
Mr. Parameswaran said the price fixed for paddy was not adequate as the cost for input and labour had increased.
The Chief Minister also presented Anna medal for gallantry for six persons, Gandhi Adigal police medal for policemen, who had done outstanding work to curtail illicit liquor and Kottai Ameer communal harmony award to A.R. Basheer Ahamed from Coimbatore.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the three armed forces and other security agencies.
Floats displaying achievements of various government departments took part in the parade. Cultural programmes were also held as part of the celebrations.
