VELLORE: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in association with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Virinjipuram organised on Thursday a one-day pre-kharif season crop awareness programme.
The event was organised for the benefit of farmers. Dr M Pandian, the head of TNAU, said that the awareness programme was designed to educate farmers about the new varieties of crops of paddy (TKM 13), groundnut (TG 37A, Kadri 9, TMV 7, TMV 13) and vegetables (chilli, tomato, Avarai, bitter gourd) introduced by the State government.
Over 500 farmers from across the district participated in the programme to learn about seed preparation, sowing techniques, pest management and harvest techniques.
A number of farm-based companies also showcased new equipment and irrigation systems.
Dr Sridhar and Dr Sivakumar, attached to the TNAU centre, explained new techniques developed by TNAU to produce as many as 15 value-added crops from small millets and other crops to promote organic farming but produce value-added products without using of chemical preservatives.
TNAU is also in the process of developing a bio-repellent to ward off wild animals from straying into agricultural fields and destroying crops.