Date:19/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/19/stories/2008051950960800.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Try alternative crops’

Special Correspondent

Dharmana launches Rythyu Chaitanya Yatra

Srikakulam: The Revenue Minister, Dharmana Prasada Rao had exhorted farmers not to persist with traditional crops like paddy but go for other crops which would ensure better returns. Formally launching Rythu Chaitanya Yatra, aimed at educating farmers on various issues connected with agriculture and allied subjects at Alikam village, about 30 km from here on Saturday, the Minister asserted that agriculture should be a profitable proposition and farmers should opt for a crop which would give them best returns.

Officials should identify a group of progressive farmers in each village and through them demonstrate benefits of various other crops at the field level.

Average farmers would be convinced only when they saw the results of alternative crops, the Minister said.