Call for protest against merger of sugarcane institutes

Participating in ‘Uzhavar Mempattu Vizha’ (Farmers Fair for Prosperity), a three-day farm expo organised by State agricultural universities, ICAR research institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVK) at the Codissia trade fair complex in Coimbatore, Nagarajan said plans are afoot by the Central government to merge both the institutes. “All parties should come together to oppose the merger. MPs from Tamil Nadu will hold a protest in front of parliament like the one staged for Cauvery issue,” he told media persons.

Meanwhile, Minister for Local Administration SP Velumani urged farmers to adopt the latest technology to achieve maximum yield by using minimum water. “Farmers will have to brace themselves to two major challenges, namely drought and insufficient water in future. Hence scientists should teach farmers on producing high yield with low water. Farmers should also learn organic farming and avoid using harmful pesticides,” he said. More than 100 stalls showcasing farm technologies and different farming systems were put up for display at the three-day expo. It also proved to be a platform for interaction between farmers and scientists. As part of the event, best farmers and agri-entrepreneurs from various regions of the State were honoured for their innovations and achievements.  

AIADMK MLAs PRG Arun Kumar, R Kanagaraj and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K Ramasamy were among those who took part in the inaugural event.