Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Oct 03, 2003
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Oct 03, 2003 |
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Agri-Biz & Commodities
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Research & Development Integrated seawater farming system programme launched Our Bureau
Chennai , Oct. 2 THE M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has launched integrated seawater farming system programme aimed at augmenting rural income and conserving coastal environment. Addressing the launch here on Thursday, Mr Naresh Gupta, Member-Secretary, Tamil Nadu Planning Commission, said the coastal areas posed a potential for exploitation to enhance rural economy. However, the systems need to address the saline conditions of water and soil in coastal areas. Over 95 per cent of the surface water and 63 per cent of the ground water have been exploited. This has also resulted in seawater intrusion in coastal areas. A study by the MSSRF has found that 15 per cent of the saline affected area could be used to grow salt tolerant crops. Dr M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MSSRF, said the programme was aimed at exploiting the under-utilised natural and human resources in coastal areas. The programme would be implemented with the participation of local communities, who have suggested the basic model for the programme in which Government departments and research institutions will act as partners. It will complement existing programmes of the Government such as rainwater harvesting and wasteland development to enable economic benefits in an environmentally sustainable manner. Dr V. Selvam, Programme Director, Coastal Systems Research, MSSRF, said over 900 hectares had been earmarked for the project and the land allotted to the panchayat concerned. The programme envisaged cultivation of plants such as Salicornia, which have been demonstrated to be commercially viable since they are rich in edible oils, protein and fibres.
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