Tamil Nadu will achieve 145 lakh tons of foodgrains production: Agriculture Minister

Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister Agri SS Krishnamoorthy on Saturday exuded confidence that the state would achieve the targeted food grains production of 145 lakh tonnes during this year.

Despite drought conditions in 14 districts, the state has recorded a production of 110 lakh tonnes last year for which Tamil Nadu was given the Krishi Karman Award, Krishnamoorthy said.

Speaking at the second Edition of Agriculture Conference, as part of the 14th edition of 'Agri Intex', an International Trade Fair, the minsiter said he was confident that the new and innovative technology and mechanisation will do the trick to achieve higher production of food grains.

The government has allocated Rs 2,800 crore for agriculture in 2011-12, Rs 3,500 crore in 2012-13 and Rs 5,800 crore in 2013-14 showing that the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa has given top priority for agriculture sector and farmers, he said.

Bhaskaran Manimaran, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, urged farmers to come forward to take up integrated farming by combining agriculture and fisheries for augmenting income. Farmers can rear fish in their farmland by digging small ponds and storing rain waters and earn side income, in view of the deficit monsoon and increasing demand for fish, he said.

K Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, lauded the involvement of younger generation of farmers and utilisation of newer technology by which the state could achieve higher production last year.

Deputy Speaker in Tamil Nadu Assembly, Pollachi V Jayaraman and State minister for Municipal Administration, SP Velumani highlighted various schemes implemented by the State government for the welfare of Farmers.