Tamil Nadu plans Special Organic Zone
CHENNAI : Tamil Nadu has unveiled an ambitious plan to set up special organic zones (SOZs) on the lines of special economic zones to promote organic farm ing in the state. But the proposal, which forms...
View ArticleOrganic farming: Time Tamil Nadu dug deep
Tamil Nadu has unveiled an ambitious plan to set up special organic zones (SOZs) on the lines of special economic zones to promote organic farm ing in the state. But the proposal, which forms part of...
View ArticleTrack record mixed for genetically engineered crops
SEATTLE — As Washington residents weigh the pros and cons of labeling genetically engineered foods, one question on many minds is whether current GE crops have helped or harmed the environment. A panel...
View ArticleCocoa intercropping picks up in coconut plantations as crop yield improves
MADURAI: For those coconut farmers who complain about poor returns, a few like V Suresh and V Subash from S Puliankulam, near Silaiman, should be role models. While most farmers have been cultivating...
View ArticleTorrential rains fill tanks to the brim in Madurai district
MADURAI: In a period of two days (Tuesday and Wednesday), the face of drought-hit Usilampatti, Chellampatti, Peraiyur and Thirumangalam blocks in Madurai district changed to lush green vegetation and...
View ArticleThe bio-pesticide prerequisite to organic farming
To promote organic farming in the SAARC region, the regional expert consultation meeting on “extent and potential use of bio-pesticides for crop protection was held in the country last week. SAARC...
View ArticleRodents destroy crops in district, paddy worst-hit
MADURAI: Rodent infestation is causing severe damage to crops across the district, specifically in paddy fields where the damage is estimated to be the highest. Entomologists said 4.6 to 54% of paddy...
View ArticleBan soil mining in tanks: Madurai farmers
MADURAI: The farming community in the district vehemently opposed soil mining currently being undertaken in seven of the tanks across Madurai district. They have demanded immediate ban on soil mining...
View ArticleMore farmers to go the organic way
COIMBATORE: Over the years, farmers from rain-fed areas and groundwater irrigated areas, are increasingly turning to organic cultivation, despite the risks and additional effort involved. "Liberal use...
View ArticleFarmers, bizmen join in for for agri fair
COIMBATORE: Farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists and machine companies from 5 states and one union territory gathered at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) on Tuesday in the city to showcase...
View ArticleSimple technologies offer effective solutions
Compared to grains like paddy or wheat, vegetables are considered quick money for a farmer. It takes 3-4 months for the vegetable crops to start yielding and generate income compared to paddy, wheat or...
View ArticleFarmers trained in eco-friendly management of pests, diseases
A team of experts from Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, trained farmers of the district in eco-friendly management of pests and diseases in horticultural crops on Sunday. As a...
View Article50 years and still ploughs on
Till, Toil, Triumph — these three words on the welcome arch surrounded by lush green fields and a breeze of fresh air provide refreshing entry into the sprawling 350-acre campus of Agricultural College...
View ArticleThree biomethanation plants planned for Madurai
MADURAI: Under a social initiative of department of atomic energy, three biomethanation plants generating methane from garbage are planned for Madurai. The proposed plants, which are likely to come up...
View ArticleRainfall shortage plagues district
MADURAI: The district has received only 735mm of rainfall so far, against the average rainfall of 815mm, Madurai collector L Subramanian said on Tuesday. "We have a shortage of at least 80mm rainfall....
View ArticleAn entire village shuns using chemicals for growing crops
Farmers in Sorapattu village of Mannadipattu in Puducherry seem to have a lot of information on using integrated pest management (IPM) for protecting their crops rather than using chemical pesticides...
View ArticleFarmers struggle to procure tank silt
MADURAI: While the Madurai farmers fear the adverse effects of indiscriminate mining of tanks on irrigation, they are struggling to get hold of the fertile alluvium soil from the tanks for agricultural...
View ArticleFarmers urge for speedy disbursal of crop loans
MADURAI: Farmers in Madurai district have urged the administration to take measures to disburse the crop loans faster as the water for single crop areas is expected to be released from Wednesday. The...
View ArticleRevive agricultural lands lost due to granite quarrying: Farmers
MADURAI: Farmers in Madurai district have urged the administration to revive the agricultural lands in Melur that were lost due to illegal granite quarrying. They also charged that the illicit...
View ArticleDrought relief payment gathers pace in Madurai
MADURAI: With the distribution of drought relief for affected farmers underway in Madurai district, 75,081 farmers will get benefit for the crop damages. The compensation has been disbursed to majority...
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