Date:30/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/30/stories/2007103059360300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Minister calls for raising farm productivity

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Minister for Agriculture Mullakkara Ratnakaran on Monday called for utilising scientific knowledge for the benefit of agriculture and farmers.

Speaking after inaugurating a meeting of Pokkali farmers, he said non-availability of machines for harvesting was one of the main problems faced by them.

Mr. Ratnakaran said coordinated actions of various institutions in the agriculture sector would help develop such equipment.

He cited the necessity for enhancing productivity for the growth of the agriculture sector.

He urged the Agriculture Department to increase the area of land under Pokkali farming.