TAPCO’s Rice Diversity Block Visit in Wayanad
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As part of the Agro Ecology Fund project, a team from CREATE, including Prof. Dr. P. Duraisngam, Chairman, Mr. K. Suresh Kanna, Project Director, and Mr. K. Sathees Kumar, Program Officer, visited the Rice Diversity Block hosted by Mr. Rajesh Krishnan and Mr. Johnson of Thirunelli Agriculture Producer Company (TAPCO) on October 27, 2023.
During the visit, we explored the traditional paddy seed production fields, TAPCO’s rice mill, processing and packing center, and the Farmer’s Knowledge Resource Centre. Engaging with Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, Mr. Johnson, and the Resource Center staff provided valuable insights into the evolution of their Rice Diversity Block (RDB), which has expanded from a few traditional paddy varieties to over 52, including those native to the Wayanad region.
The visit offered an intriguing perspective on the collaborative efforts of farmers to connect with consumers, establish transparent and trustworthy processes, and the substantial impact of research and extension services. Particularly noteworthy were the weather forecasting and information-sharing systems that significantly benefit the farming community. We observed the influence of the Save Our Rice (SoR) campaign and how the Panavally RDB served as a source of inspiration. This experience was meaningful, providing us with valuable lessons that we aim to share widely and replicate in Tamil Nadu.
