E-plant clinic a hit with Thottiyam farmers

An e-plant clinic jointly organised by M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and Thottiyam Branch Library on Saturday enabled farmers in the surrounding villages to understand better the nuances of pest attack on crops.

Farmers who had been informed earlier about conduct of the event a few days earlier had brought saplings of brinjal, betel, jasmine, lemon and other crops for microscopic examination by plant doctors Sudhakar and Murugan.

The plant doctors displayed the otherwise invisible pests to about 30 farmers and suggested cure with organic fertilisers.

The concept tried for the first time in Thottiyam area, held out promise for further interface with experts, Branch Librarian in-charge V. Selvamani said.

Elsewhere, the plant doctors have been testing and suggesting remedies for paddy, banana, sugarcane and various other crops.

The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation has promised the farmers that soil and water testing will be undertaken free of cost if more number of beneficiaries are mobilised.

The expert team had also assured to render instant help through the helplines: 9942211044 / 7299935543.