Thrissur: High-tech farming will be introduced in all panchayats in the district, Agriculture Minister K.P. Mohanan has said.
He was addressing a meeting here on Monday to review activities in the district’s agriculture and dairy sectors.
“Precision and greenhouse farming will be introduced in panchayats. In the first phase of the project, demonstration units will be set up in the panchayats,” he said.
He stated that a Karshaka Bhavan would be set up at Chembukkavu. The four-storey complex would house offices of the agriculture department and agencies.
He said that a bonus of Rs. 1,000 would be given for paddy cultivation in a hectare.
C. Ravindranath, MLA, called for a larger role for panchayats in the agriculture sector.
“Scientific farming techniques should be implemented. A wetland master plan should be formulated for every panchayat. The agriculture department, Kerala Agricultural University and panchayats should work in tandem to boost farming. Farmers should benefit from research conducted at KAU. Agriculture and dairy development officers should be given official vehicles,” he said.
Thomas Unniyadan, Therambil Ramakrishnan, K.V. Abdul Khader, Babu M.Palissery, Geetha Gopy, MLAs; District Panchayat President K.V. Dasan; and Principal Agriculture Officer Jessy P. Jacob; were present.
Earlier, visiting a biometric lab at Mannuthy, he said the government would look into complaints, if any, into the KAU general council having annulled the appointment of the Director of Research and Dean of Agriculture Faculty.
Source: The Hindu,July 31st 2012