Farmers Training on Seed Production in Tirunelveli
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A one-day training for farmers on maintaining genetic purity in traditional paddy seeds took place at Nallamuthu Organic Farm cum Training Center in Thatchanallur, Thirunelveli District, on October 17, 2023. Hosted by CREATE Trust as part of the Agroecology Fund project, approximately 50 farmers from various parts of Tamil Nadu attended the training.
During the inaugural address, Mr. Thatchai. N. Ganesh Raja emphasized the late G. Nammalvar’s vision of establishing organic farming training centers across Tamil Nadu. He highlighted the center’s role in educating farmers, fostering knowledge exchange, and transforming mindsets about the benefits of organic farming.
Prof. Dr. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE Trust, outlined the organization’s efforts over the past two decades in reviving traditional paddy varieties and increasing awareness of safe food production and consumption.
Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director at CREATE, explained the significance of maintaining purity in traditional paddy varieties and the purpose of the training in enhancing farmers’ seed-saving capacities.
The training, facilitated by Mr. Mahesh Anand, focused on identifying key morphological characteristics in different stages of the paddy crop to maintain genetic purity.
During the practical demonstration, he detailed observations during various stages of the crop, such as color, texture, and leaf characteristics, along with advice on the ideal observation times for these traits.
Mr. Anand also discussed effective storage practices and ideal transplanting days, highlighting experiences related to seed rates, weed management, and Japanese no-tillage farming principles.
He stressed the necessity of ongoing observation and documentation of these morphological traits by farmers to achieve and maintain genetic purity, indicating it as a prolonged but essential process.
An interactive session led by Prof. Dr. Karthikeyan of Thiyagaraja College, Madurai, allowed farmers to seek clarification and address queries. The session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Nel Selvam, an organic farmer from Cuddalore.
