The Hindu 12.02.2010
KAU projects for local bodies
Staff Reporter
| To increase agricultural productivity |
Thrissur: A workshop on projects being formulated for local bodies was held at the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in Vellanikara on Thursday as part of ‘Susthira Samrudhi’ programme.
Representatives of 42 local bodies and officials took part in it.
Scientists presented 10 projects formulated for local bodies, including those on paddy farming, coconut cultivation, waste management, pisciculture, banana farming, vegetable seed production, mechanisation and animal husbandry.
Under Susthira Samridhi, scientists with KAU would help local bodies formulate integrated projects to enhance agricultural productivity and farm income.
45 projects
Scientists said they had formulated ideas for about 45 projects on various disciplines. An eight-member helpdesk would be formed for each discipline selected.
“Local bodies may discuss the projects and may get back to KAU for further technical guidance if they are approved,” a KAU official said.
Implementation
The programme would be implemented on a pilot basis at local bodies in Thrissur and later in other districts.
“The programme has been launched in view of the pressing need for increasing farm production and productivity by small and marginal farmers. The KAU would like to improve the interface between research and extension systems. This would strengthen the relationship between researchers and the rural masses,” KAU Vice-Chancellor K.R. Viswambharan said.
C. Ravindranath, Rajaji Mathew Thomas, MLAs, and P.V. Ravindran were among those present.
