The Tamil Nadu state government has announced its plans to appoint agriculture scientists in each taluk to provide support and guidance to farmers. These scientists, who will be recruited from agriculture colleges and research institutions, will offer expert advice on the latest farming technologies, high-yielding crop varieties, and effective crop protection methods using modern technical solutions.
The initiative aims to bolster the confidence and knowledge of farmers by equipping them with the necessary tools and information to tackle various agricultural challenges, such as crop failures and pest attacks. The state government, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, intends to infuse a fresh impetus among farmers and strengthen their abilities in each taluk.
According to sources in the state agriculture department, the deployment of agriculture scientists well-versed in modern farming methods will establish a robust support system for farmers. This will enable them to address issues, empowering them to combat crop failures and crop withering caused by pest attacks.
In addition to their advisory role, the appointed scientists will assist farmers in enhancing the value of their produce. By offering guidance on post-harvest grading and promoting value addition, the scientists aim to increase the commercial viability of farming practices. Ultimately, this will contribute to the economic independence of farmers and improve their livelihoods.
Moreover, the agricultural scientists will conduct in-depth research on essential statistics such as rainfall patterns, crop yields, soil characteristics, pest prevalence, and available infrastructure facilities. Based on these findings, they will provide farmers with a roadmap to optimize their farming practices and maximize their productivity.
The scientists will play a crucial role in warning farmers about local and statewide pest attacks, enabling them to take necessary precautions and minimize potential crop losses. Furthermore, they will support farmers by providing marketing assistance and training in post-harvest crop grading. By equipping farmers with these additional skills, the government aims to improve market access and help them obtain better prices for their produce.
However, some farmers remain skeptical of the government's proposal. R. Arumugasamy, a farmer association leader in Erode, expressed his opinion that instead of appointing new agriculture scientists, the government should focus on providing training to farmers at the grassroots level.
It remains to be seen how the state government will address these concerns and implement the appointment of agriculture scientists effectively.
