Kerala Agricultural University (KAU)’s Food Security Army (FSA) and allied farm mechanisation protocols are excellent concepts worth emulating, Deepak Vasant Kesarkar, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home (Rural), Finance, and Planning, has said.
Interacting with KAU Vice Chancellor R. Chandrababu after visiting the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mannuthy, the Minister said he wanted to have a tie-up with the KAU to replicate its successful models in Maharashtra.
“I am impressed by what I saw and learned from ARS, Mannuthy. The Food Security Army, Agro Machinery Operation and Service Centres (AMOSC), mobile units for agro-machinery service and repairs are all excellent models. Growth of farmers’ income is possible only through such innovative and pragmatic approach. I want to extend these models to Maharashtra, may be two districts to start with,” he said.
Mr. Kesarkar said different regions in Maharashtra had different cropping patterns. “While crops in the Konkan area are similar to those in Kerala, Central Maharashtra has sugar cane and turmeric and Vidarbha, cotton and oranges. Therefore, the FSA and AMOSCs required in different regions will be different. Integrated farming systems are what we aim for. For example, coconut plantations have to be supported with production units of neera and coir. Expertise of KAU scientists can be used to develop them,” the Minister said.
SHGs hailed
Mr. Kesarkar also praised the self-help groups (SHGs) involved in the development agenda of Kerala. “I appreciate the successful involvement of SHGs in agriculture and other productive ventures. The Kudumbasree Mission, which has a forward and backward linkage with all levels of clientele, is a great example of empowerment and entrepreneurship. Such agencies enable smooth technology transfer,” the Minister said.
Dr. Chandrababu offered guidance and support for replicating FSA, AMOSC, and other allied models in Maharashtra. “ Extending our technology for agricultural development in other States is highly satisfying,” he said.
