THANJAVUR: Direct sowing technology introduced by Agriculture department in 1980s when there was a water crisis for cultivation has helped farmers in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts (then called east Thanjavur area) to sustain their crops overcoming the water problem said Mr. P.R. Pandian, coordinator of ‘Thamizhaga Anaithu Vivasaya Sangangalin Orunginaippu Kuzhu’ here on Saturday.
Speaking at a function organised for releasing “Pasumai” a book written by V. Palaniappan, former joint director of agriculture and member of senior agro technocrats association which sends suggestions on opening of Mettur dam to government every year, Pandian said that even now direct sowing is followed in those areas. In direct sowing paddy seeds will be sown and allowed to grow in rain water. There is no transplantation which consumes more water.
Palaniappan played an important role in propagating this technology in those days as an agriculture officer, said Pandian. He recalled his (Palaniappan’s) services as a HAM radio operator and during calamities like Tsunami and Gaja cyclone.
Mr. Thanjai A. Ramamurthy, senior politician and writer of Thanjavur released the book. Pandian received the first copy. Ayyanapuram Murugesan, general secretary of Thamizhar Desiya Munnani, members of Mullivaikkal Literary Movement, Durai Kubendran, V.Pari, Pazha Prahadeesu also spoke.
