Agri trade fair aims to take technology to micro, small farmers

TNN | tnn | Updated: Jul 10, 2019, 4:06 IST

Coimbatore: Taking technology to micro and small farmers would be the focus of the 19th edition of Agri Intex, the agriculture trade fair to be conducted by the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (Codissia) from July 12 to 15. The fair would focus on small implements that could be used by micro and small farmers.
N Krishnaraj, chairman of Agri Intex 2019, said they have invited firms from Korea and Japan to exhibit at the fair with a focus on small farm implements. “We will also have a display of native breed of cattle at the venue.”
At a press meet held on Tuesday to brief on the fair, representatives from industry and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) shared their wish to work together to take technology to farmers.
N Kumar, vice-chancellor of TNAU, said industries, associations such as Codissia and agricultural engineers from TNAU should work together to make technology more accessible to farmers. “Techniques such as system rice intensification and single chip method for sugarcane cultivation need small equipment and industry could provide it.”
Codissia president R Ramamurthy said there had to be integration between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and agriculture sector for taking technology to farmers.
The fair would be held in support with TNAU, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu Fisheries University in Nagapattinam and All India Agricultural Implements Manufacturers Association in Pune. These universities are expected to display their innovations and technologies at the fair.

Pointing out that Codissia had already entered into around 40 MoUs with engineering colleges, the chairman of Agri Intex said they were seeking to sign an MoU with an educational institution for developing agricultural implements.
The fair would feature 450 exhibitors from across India and the USA, UK, Israel, China, Japan, Germany, Italy, Sweden and France. Codissia representatives said they the fair was likely to generate business to the tune of Rs 200 crore.