AGRICULTURE FESTIVAL

AGRICULTURE FESTIVAL

The love for agriculture is fuelled by different reasons among different sections. An exhibition organised by the district panchayat in connection with an Agri-Fest here on Saturday ensured smiles on everyone’s lips by virtue of its variety. For those passionate about dairy farming there was the famous Vechur Cow; for those looking forward to technology intervention in an otherwise traditional profession there was the mechanised sapling planter. Pesticide hunters had different varieties to choose from, while for the greens among the farmers there were bio-pesticides; and then there were the rabbits and quails for the curious young visitors.There was also sharing of knowledge and success mantras, along with tales of hard work, by experienced farmers. The exhibition also had stalls of various government departments and private entrepreneurs working with the agriculture sector. Members of Kudumbasree Mission and farming groups were an active presence at the exhibition with their diverse products.

Indigenous products of the district including pokkali rice and rice flour also had many takers. For the foodies there were different varieties of items made out of tapioca and jackfruit. District panchayat turned a model host serving tapioca and black tea to the visitors. The exhibition was an eye-opener to those who believe agriculture continues to be an old and traditional profession far removed from modernity. The technology-driven products at the exhibition stood out for their sheer numbers and variety. Tractors, both big and small, tillers, mechanised sapling planter, harvesting and threshing machines were all on display. Apart from the public sector Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation Ltd (KAMCO), private companies were also present with their machines. Of course, the imported mechanised sapling planter from Korea was the cynosure of eyes.Visitors, especially the younger lots, were charmed by the little rabbits from the Appoose Rabbit Farm, Kurichilakkodu, operating with the guidance of the Kodaikanal-based Southern Regional Research Centre. Different agencies grant subsidies ranging between 25 per cent and 33 per cent for rabbit farms. White Giant and Soviet Chinchilla breeds were displayed at the exhibition.Later in the day, Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K.V. Thomas inaugurated the Agri-Fest.

Prof. John Kurakar