COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) will soon sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the University of Melbourne and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture in Australia to adopt various modern technologies and promote advanced research, said minister for agriculture and farmers’ welfare M R K Panneerselvam on Thursday. He was speaking at the inauguration of the state-level Mega Farmers’ Day and exhibition at TNAU in Coimbatore.
In his address, Panneerselvam highlighted the evolution of agricultural practices in cultivating crops such as sugarcane, paddy and groundnut, emphasising the use of modern technologies in each farming method.
He said govt aims at mechanising the sector and boosting the export of agricultural products through the adoption of advanced technologies.
He said MoUs had already been signed with the University of Southern Queensland and Western Sydney University in Australia to facilitate research on climate-resilient studies and technologies.
“Soon, TNAU will sign MoUs with the University of Melbourne and the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. We are looking forward to the exchange of ideas to benefit both countries,” he said.
“Agriculture is affected by climate change. Agricultural scientists in TNAU are working on developing new crop varieties to withstand these challenges,” he said. He appealed to students and faculty in agricultural colleges to collaborate actively to further develop the agricultural industry in the state.
During the event, minister for housing and urban development S Muthusamy released a book on rural women agriculturists and young agricultural achievers. Minister for Tamil development, information & publicity MP Saminathan distributed a new crop variety package to farmers. Six farmers from Tamil Nadu were honoured with agricultural excellence awards.
The exhibition has more than 300 stalls showcasing technological advancements, including new crop varieties, crop stimulants, pest-resistant agents, drones, organic farming inputs, nanotechnologies, value-added products, digital agriculture, and irrigation tools. It will conclude on Sept 29. Entry is free.