The Hindu Business Line : Farmers adivised to cultivate alternative crops in southern region

Speaking at a review meeting about the progress of plan schemes, in southern districts, the Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr R. Kannan suggested that farmers should take to alternative crops such as millets, pulses, oilseeds and vegetables. He insisted on planting jatropha for bio-diesel and simarouba (paradise tree) for oil seeds production in dry lands. They should be motivated to adopt organic farming. They should be encouraged to follow up soil test recommendations, he added. The Commissioner instructed the officials to prepare village-wise macro and micronutrient status maps.

Guidelines: Meanwhile the Madurai District Administration is to evolve guidelines over cropping pattern at various places in the district for adoption.

The decision, according to Mr B. Chandra Mohan, District Collector, taken at an agriculture grievances days meeting held here recently, would seek to implement in consultation with the farmers' representations, to cultivate alternative crops or direct sowing of paddy owning to persisting water supply problem.

The officials, along with farmers, would decide on the technical feasibility of crops meant for various areas. The intention is to enable the farmers to play safe and get a good yield for their crops. Mr P. Ramaraju, Joint Director of Agriculture has said that the department would conduct training programmes on alternative crops and direct sowing of paddy in all revenue villages in the district.

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