The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has advised scientists to initiate strategies for overcoming the drought-like condition likely to arise in the wake of failure of monsoon across the country, said M.M. Mustaffa, Director, National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB).
Addressing plantain growers and banana entrepreneurs at the ‘foundation day’ celebrations of the NRCB at Podhavur village near here recently, Dr.Mustaffa said that a shortfall in rainfall of about 25 per cent had been predicted and the ICAR had sounded an alert to scientists all over the country to come up with technological solutions to address problems due to water shortage.
In fact, the topic for the current year celebrations was ‘drought management in banana’, he said.
Adequate awareness must be created among banana growers about drought management strategies.
Hence, NRCB had organised a kisan mela to sensitise farmers and consumers to banana production and post-harvest protection technology, he said.
The director also explained the research programmes taken up by the centre over the last decade to minimise adverse impact of soil moisture on banana cultivation. K.P.Krishnan, MLA, in his address, spoke on various schemes being implemented by the State government for promoting agricultural productivity.
He also released technical bulletins and folders to benefit banana growers in the State and the first copy was received by Tharpakaraj, District Revenue Officer.
An exhibition was held as part of the celebrations. Techniques of increasing banana production, selection of quality planting inputs, strategy for value-addition, pest management and disease prevention were some of the topics of the exhibits.
Scientists participated in technical sessions on ‘management of drought and salt stress in banana’, and ‘nutrient deficiency and remedies’.
