A joint effort by various departments and scientists has helped farmers of Poongudi village in Manikandam block – sodic-soil affected area, near here to register a higher yield in paddy.
Against the usual 480 to 600 kg an acre a few years ago, farmers have registered about 3.6 tonnes of the ‘TNAU – Rice TRY 3’ paddy variety this season, being popularised by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural College – Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute.
Twenty five farmers were selected in the village for the combined effort by different departments. While the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sirugamani, supplied the seeds at subsidised price, the Indian Fertiliser Farmers’ Cooperative Society (IFFCO) provided 25 kg of zinc sulphate and 25 kg of water soluble fertilizer.
The scientists from TNAU – ADACRI, led by P. Pandiyarajan, Dean, provided adequate guidance to farmers in keeping the variety free from pest attack.
“Water soluble fertilizer has gone a long way in registering the higher yield,” says D. Subramanian, Chief Area Manager of IFFCO.
The joint meeting by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and the scientists of the institute helped farmers to register the higher yield, according to A. Balasubramaniyan, Professor and Head of Soil Sciences of the Institute.
The “Field Day” was organised at the village when the scientists interacted with farmers and ascertained the yield.
N. Suresh, Field officer ,IFFCO, said the IFFCO had been providing the assistance to farmers of Poongudi village, in batches, for the past four years.
