Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami opened an insect museum in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) on Monday. First of its kind established at the Department of Agricultural Entomology of TNAU, the museum houses 20,000 insects from 50 species.
Inaugurating the museum, Mr. Palaniswami said that the research and expertise which helped to realise the facility will be beneficial to farmers, researchers, students and the public.
“Haling from agricultural background, I have seen farmers worrying over insects affecting various crops. The museum will help farmers to gain more knowledge about insects, those helpful and harmful to farming,” said Mr. Palaniswami.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Agriculture R. Doraikkannu pointed that insects were causing about 20 % crop loss in the State and the museum will be beneficial for farmers.
Established at a cost of ₹ 5 crore, the museum displays insects as preserved specimens, live specimens depicting their life cycle, images, videos and models on their behaviour, habits and habitat under the theme 'Bugs Are Kings'.
Right wall of the exhibit area of 6,691 sqft covers insects under five sections namely insect diversity, insect biology, beneficial insects, insect and plants, and cultural entomology. The left wall of the museum displays curated specimens of 27 insect orders along with their charts. Videos related to insects are played through television on the walls. Three touch screen gadgets with information on insect trivia, insect records and insects around you are also kept at the museum.
Physically challenged persons can access the museum through a ramp. Financed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the museum has electronic ticketing facility for visitors.
Minister for Forest Dindigul C. Sreenivasan, Minister of Municipal Administration and Rural Development S. P. Velumani, Deputy Speaker Pollachi V. Jayaraman, Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to Government Gagandeep Singh Bedi, District Collector T.N. Hariharan, and TNAU Vice-chancellor K. Ramasamy were present at the inauguration.
