Tamil Nadu Agricultural University commences damage assessment

Addressing the media on Thursday, Vice-Chancellor N Kumar said that TNAU would join hands with government machinery including Department of Agriculture in restoring the cyclone-ravaged farms.

Stating that 31 lakh coconut trees had been damaged in the cyclone, Kumar said that there is a scope for replanting trees that are less than five years. “The fallen trees can be revived if they are replanted with proper support after removing their old foliage. However, it is an expensive exercise,” he added.

As there was a heavy damage to coconut, paddy and plantain crops in the devastating cyclone, the TNAU would distribute coconut saplings and paddy seeds to the distressed farmers. “The university has about 10,000 coconut saplings, which could be given free of cost to farmers. At least 40 lakh seeds are needed to produce 25 lakh coconut saplings. Talks are also underway with the agriculture department in Karnataka and Central Plantation Crops Research Institute in Kerala to meet out the saplings requirements,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor added that uprooting of coconut trees could have been reduced, if they were planted in a four feet deep pit, instead of two feet, by adopting a proper technology. “It would take up to three years to plant coconut saplings in place of the uprooted 31 lakh trees. The farmers are now at a loss as a majority of them have failed to take up crop insurance,” he said.

Pointing out that Tamil Nadu has achieved sustained food security by producing over 120 lakh tonnes of foodgrains regardless of monsoon vagaries, the VC said that his overall aim is to facilitate successful implementation of all government schemes for further increasing food production and make agriculture a profitable venture.

On education, Kumar said that TNAU would strive to enhance the employability of students by introducing demand driven courses and by establishing skill development centres.