Synopsis
In a bid to enhance paddy production, Tamil Nadu's Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam announced plans to send 100 progressive farmers to Japan, China, and Vietnam for advanced training. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve farming techniques and increase crop yields in the state.Key Takeaways
- 100 farmers to be trained abroad in paddy cultivation.
- Budget of Rs 2 crore allocated for training.
- New initiatives for oilseeds, millets, and maize.
- Tamil Nadu to implement Agroforestry Policy.
- Focus on climate-resilient farming practices.
Chennai, March 15 (NationPress) In a significant step to enhance paddy production and upgrade farming methods, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.R.K. Panneerselvam, revealed on Saturday that the state will dispatch 100 innovative paddy farmers to Japan, China, and Vietnam.
These nations have successfully adopted cutting-edge technologies to improve paddy yield and productivity, he emphasized, noting that this initiative aims to provide the state's farmers with the latest agricultural techniques, which they can subsequently apply in their own fields.
A budget allocation of Rs 2 crore has been designated for the training trips, as announced by the Minister during the presentation of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2025-26 in the Assembly.
In addition to the international training initiatives, he unveiled several new agricultural missions and programs aimed at boosting the production of oilseeds, millets, and maize in the state.
To achieve self-sufficiency in oilseed production, the government will launch the Tamil Nadu Oilseed Mission with an investment of Rs 108.06 crore to enhance the cultivation and yield of these crops throughout the state.
Recognizing the significance of millets as climate-resilient and nutritious crops, the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission has been allocated Rs 55.44 crore to increase their cultivation and enhance productivity.
A separate initiative has been introduced to boost maize production, with a budget of Rs 40.27 crore.
The state will also execute the Kalaignarin All Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme, intensifying agricultural development efforts in 2,338 village panchayats, with an allocation of Rs 269.50 crore.
The Tamil Nadu Agroforestry Policy will also be implemented to promote the cultivation of valuable timber trees such as sandalwood, red sanders, mahogany, and rosewood, by simplifying the processes related to tree registration, felling, transportation, and marketing.
"Trees enhance crop productivity by contributing to rainfall and improving soil health through biomass shedding. Promoting agroforestry will not only foster environmental sustainability but also provide farmers with additional income," the minister remarked.
Highlighting the essential role of high-quality seeds in agriculture, Panneerselvam announced that the Tamil Nadu State Seed Development Agency will distribute 39,500 metric tonnes of certified seeds of high-yielding paddy, millets, pulses, and oilseeds in 2025-26, with a budget of Rs 250 crore allocated for this initiative. To ensure a consistent supply of high-quality seeds, seven State Seed Processing Units will be established with an investment of Rs 15.05 crore. Additionally, 7,000 metric tonnes of high-yielding seed varieties will be procured from other states and made available to farmers at subsidized rates. To accelerate seed processing, 3,000 metric tonnes of seeds will be processed in units operated by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Furthermore, 1.73 lakh acres of seed farms will be registered for quality seed production, targeting the certification of 1.25 lakh metric tonnes of seeds this year. All seed-selling points in Tamil Nadu will undergo close monitoring, and rigorous quality tests will be conducted to uphold high standards.
To address the effects of climate change on agriculture, the government will introduce an Alternative Crop Cultivation Scheme. This program encourages the cultivation of millets, pulses, and oilseeds, which require less water than paddy. With an allocation of Rs 12.50 crore, the scheme will cover one lakh acres and benefit one lakh farmers. Through these extensive agricultural initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government aims to boost productivity, achieve self-sufficiency in essential crops, and support farmers in adopting modern, climate-resilient practices.
