Growing interest has led to 10 pc increase in cultivation of horticultural crops: Guv

Participating in the valedictory function of the 123rd flower show, which drew to a close in Udhagamandalam, he said, “Tamil Nadu contributes about 5.88 per cent towards national horticulture production. It accounts for nearly 6.5 per cent of the country’s production of fruits and for 19 per cent of flowers cultivated in India.”

Stating that water is a critical input for horticulture activities, Purohit said that Tamil Nadu, which is keen on conserving water resources, is also focused on promoting micro irrigation in horticulture crops.

“The scheme is being implemented under the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) with a subsidy sharing pattern in the ratio of 60:40 between the Central and State governments. Tamil Nadu is the only state in the country extending 100 per cent subsidy to small and marginal farmers and 75 per cent subsidy to other category farmers,” he said.

Pointing out that the National Horticulture Mission is implemented in 22 districts of the State including The Nilgiris and has an annual outlay of about Rs 175 crore, the Governor said that under the mission, a centre of excellence for cut flowers has been set up at Thally in Krishnagiri district at a cost of Rs 8.80 crore. “Also, efforts have been taken to establish a centre of excellence for hill grown vegetables in Nanjanadu in the Nilgiris. Farmers should fully utilise these benefits under the various schemes to increase production, reduce costs and thereby enhance their earnings,” he said.

As part of the valedictory function, the tribal communities in THE Nilgiris performed a cultural show. The Governor distributed prizes to participants under variouscategories.