Farmers who rely on nature are the backbone of agriculture. When nature is favorable, there is no shortage of harvest or happiness for them. But when it isn’t, their suffering knows no bounds.
Imagine the plight of farmers who plant long-term crops, waiting years for a good yield, only to have their hopes dashed. Just as only another snake can understand the pain of a snakebite, only a fellow farmer can truly comprehend the suffering of a farmer.
In this context, Tamil Nadu Minister for Tamil Development and Information, Mu. Pe. Saminathan, recognizing the hardships faced by coconut farmers due to pests and diseases, initiated efforts to protect both coconut cultivation and the farmers themselves.
Extensive field studies and model projects beneficial to coconut farmers were conducted in the districts of Coimbatore, Erode, and Tiruppur. These studies focused on controlling pests and diseases that affect coconut trees, irrigation management, fertilizer management, and the cultivation of intercrops.
Moreover, workshops were held in various locations, including Pongalur Panchayat Union in Tiruppur District, Perunthozhuvu Panchayat in Erode District, and several others. These workshops shared insights on pest and disease control, fertilizer management, and more, with agricultural scientists offering their advice and farmers sharing their experiences.
Minister Saminathan realized that for these efforts to be truly beneficial, the findings and insights needed to reach coconut farmers across Tamil Nadu. Hence, he decided to compile all the research, workshop details, expert advice, and farmers’ experiences into a comprehensive guide titled “A Guide for Coconut Cultivation Farmers.”
This book, prepared under the leadership of Minister Saminathan, was released at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Thamo Anbarasan.
The event was also attended by Tamil Development and Information Department Secretary Dr. Il. Subramanian, Commissioner of Writing Materials and Printing Department Ve. Shobana, and Director of Information and Public Relations Department Maru. Ira. Vaithiyanathan.
M. Umapathi
