Agricultural scientists urged to utilise govt schemes

: Agriculture scientists and researchers must utilise various schemes initiated by the AIADMK government to take the state to greater heights in the agriculture sector, Agriculture Minister R Duraikannu said today.
Speaking at the 46th Foundation day celebrations of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University here,he said the government was taking all efforts to increase farmers' income and come out with various technology-based schemes for their benefit.
Considering this,scientists and researchers should work to develop new rice varieties with increased productivity, yield and income, since paddy is mainly cultivated in the state.
With 2016 being the international year of pulses, agriculture scientists should also concentrate on bringing out high yield varieties, particularly Urad, which were in short supply, he noted.

Since farmers use oil seeds brought out by neighbouring states, TNAU should take steps to make available adequate seeds produced by it to the state's farmers, he added.
Stating that Chief Miniser Jayalalithaa had waived farm loans worth Rs 5,800 crore after she assumed power for the second consecutive term, he said TNAU was allotted Rs 1,430 crore during 2011-16 for research and other activities.
Tamil Nadu Assembly deputy speaker, Pollachi V Jayaraman also participated in the function.