Monday, July 18, 2016

TN records increase in food production, says Minister


Ministers R. Doraikannu (fourth right) and S.P. Velumani (third right) releasing the fair directory at the inauguration of agriculture seminar organised as part of Agri Intex in Coimbatore on Saturday. Deputy Speaker Pollachi V. Jayaraman (second right) and Mayor P. Rajkumar (second left) are in the picture. —Photo: S. Siva Saravanan.
Ministers R. Doraikannu (fourth right) and S.P. Velumani (third right) releasing the fair directory at the inauguration of agriculture seminar organised as part of Agri Intex in Coimbatore on Saturday. Deputy Speaker Pollachi V. Jayaraman (second right) and Mayor P. Rajkumar (second left) are in the picture. —Photo: S. Siva Saravanan.
Tamil Nadu has registered over 100 lakh tonnes of annual food grain production for the last five consecutive years, Agriculture Minister R. Doraikannu said here on Saturday.
He was speaking at the inaugural of the seminars organised as part of Agri Intex 2016 by Coimbatore District Small Industries’ Association.
The Minister said the State produced 130 lakh tonnes of food grains in 2015-16. This was because of the priority given by the State Government to the agriculture sector. Three phase power supply was provided for 12 hours a day for agriculture connections now and loans to the tune of Rs. 5,780 crore were waived for small and medium-scale farmers. The Chief Minister has announced crop insurance scheme for farmers. These were efforts taken for the development of farmers and the agriculture sector. The aim was to double agri production and triple profits for farmers.
Minister for Municipal Administration and Rural Development S.P. Velumani said the State does not have power shortage problems now and the efforts taken by the Government in areas such as rain water harvesting and direct marketing of agricultural produce should be highlighted.
Coimbatore District Collector T.N. Hariharan said the exhibition has 320 stalls and over one lakh visitors are expected. It displayed machinery and value added products.
V. Sundaram, president of CODISSIA ,said the fair supports agricultural sector and it was getting visitors and exhibitors from different parts of the country.
R. Shasikumar, chairman of Agri Intex 2016, said 430 companies had put up stalls and solar energy technologies were highlighted at the event. Almost all the guests who spoke at the inaugural on Saturday pointed out to the organisers that the event did not mention or highlight the State Government or its schemes taken up for the agriculture sector.
Further, the master of ceremonies announced the vote of thanks even before the chief guest, the Agriculture Minister, spoke. Others on and off the stage had to prompt him about the inaugural address by the chief guest.

Source : The Hindu

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