It was important that farmers are sensitised to the use of chemical pesticides, especially in food crops such as paddy, even as they are encouraged to go in for organic manure. Field schools that could impart the knowledge to the local farmers must be stared in all blocks soon, said District Collector N. Subbaiyan.
Speaking after inspecting a field school for the trainers organised by the Department of Agriculture at Kattuthottam near here on Saturday, Dr. Subbaiyan said with samba paddy cultivation in full swing, there was imminent need for farmers to be enlightened on the frugal use of fertilizers.
Integrated pest control and plant management techniques play a vital role in ensuring enhanced productivity and increased returns. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers would naturally kill the beneficial insects and worms along with the unwanted elements, Dr. Subbaiyan pointed out. He said a situation must be avoided altogether through optimal use of agricultural inputs.
Towards that end, field schools should be started in each of the 14 blocks in Thanjavur district as soon as possible.
Thirty farmers from the block would be provided six weeks training on integrated pest management, plant protection techniques, and ecology aspects.
Slowly those measures would culminate in farmers taking recourse to organic manures and natural fertilizers avoiding chemical inputs that remain in the food chain disturbing people and animals alike, Dr. Subbaiyan said.
Joint Director of Agriculture R. Gnana Oli, and plant protection technicians Venkatesan, Kalaivanan and Ramadoss were present.
