Date:23/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/23/stories/2004112307310300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Others

Wasteland development apace in Pudukottai

By Our Staff Reporter

PUDUKOTTAI, NOV.22 . Planting works have been launched on 2,700 hectares in the district at 34 watersheds in Annavasal, Ponnamaravathy, Kunnandarkoil and Viralimalai blocks during the current financial year under comprehensive wasteland development programme.

So far, 2,700 hectares was covered under ploughing and 1,985 hectares was covered under planting utilising the fruit, agro forestry and fodder seedlings produced in the nurseries of departments like forest, agriculture, horticulture and self-help groups, says a press note issued here.

The national watershed development project in rainfed areas was being implemented at 12 watersheds from 2002-03.

Development activities, soil and water conservation works, and release of revolving fund to SHGs were progressing.

Sufficient quantity of fertilisers was stocked in private and cooperative outlets in the district.

Action was being taken to sell the same at the prescribed maximum retail price.

Moreover, weekly meetings with producers and wholesale distributors were being convened to ensure availability of urea without any shortfall.

To ensure availability of quality fertiliser and pesticides, 335 fertiliser samples and 456 pesticide samples were collected from private and cooperative outlets and sent for analysis.

A total of 7,600 soil samples were collected this year to ensure that farmers applied fertiliser as per the status of the soil.

The administration has also planned to issue soil health card to farmers this year.