Kasargod: The six-day Agri-Expo 2018 was inaugurated by E Chandrasekharan, Minister for Revenue, at CPCRI, Kasargod on January 5.

 

He addressed the gathering in the formal function held at ICAR-CPCRI and pointed out that the research findings were to be confidently utilised by the farmers. “Farmers need to overcome the challenges caused by various pests, diseases as well as adverse environmental conditions for refund of the agricultural loans. This is where the research and the extension services play a major role. The government is gathering its supporting position on controlling the adversities faced by the farmers in the value chain of agricultural production, procurement, processing and marketing”, he said.

 

He pointed out the importance and future of organic agriculture to naturally overcome the major problems caused by chemical fertilisers and pesticides in the past. He stressed upon the importance of organic farming in the district to overcome the calamities faced by the unscientific use of insecticides in the past.

 

T R Ushadevi, Principal Agriculture Officer, Kasargod briefed on the role of the Agri Expo and the role of ATMA in agri extension and invited the involvement of the farmers and a fruitful learning experience.

 

Suresh Kumar Shetty, Member, IMC of ICAR-CPCRI, while offering his felicitations told that the present increase in the market price for the commodities such as coconut was encouraging the farmers and a welcome situation to adopt new technologies.

 

Dr. P Chowdappa, Director, ICAR-CPCRI welcomed the gathering and Dr. C. Thamban, Convenor of the Agri-Expo-2018 proposed a vote of thanks.