Coimbatore: The Government has plans to create
large model ponds to maintain and recharge groundwater level
in all the districts of the State, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
Minister Veerapandi S Arumugam said on Wednesday.
The department officials have been asked to identify such
ponds or lakes, where water is being wasted, and submit report
within 10 days, so that works could be started soon, Arumugam
said releasing 13 new crop varieties and implements, as part
of the two-day Farmers' Day at Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University.
Stating that he drew inspiration on the concept from
Japan, where he recently visited, the minister said canals
would be cleaned for smooth movement of water into the pond or
lake, which would them become a model pond or lake in each
district, Arumugam said.
The water would be stored at a minimum capacity and surplus
water would be diverted for agriculture as usual, he said.
Similarly, there was also plan to get quality seeds of
pulses from Canada, for distribution among the farmers in the
State and attempts would be made to increase the productivity
through imported technology, Arumugam said.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, June 09, 2010, 21:08