Kumbakonam: The Tamil Nadu Rice Research
Institute at Aduthurai near Kumbakonam, in collaboration with
international research institutes, has developed a laser
machine, which can help level agricultural land.
The machine, attached to a tractor, was demonstrated to
farmers at Thirupanipettai near here recently.
Speaking to farmers, Institute Director Jabaraj claimed
that once the land was levelled, it would stay that way for
the next seven years. Water usage from this land would be less
than that of uneven land, he said.
Jabaraj said when water stagnates in a particular point on
uneven land, crops would be afflicted by disease. By levelling
the land, farmers could avoid diseases and get good yields and
profits, he said.
The machine has been developed jointly by the Institute,
coming under Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, with the
International Rice Research Institute, Philippines and
International Maize and Wheat Improvement centre, Mexico.
The project was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation (BMGF) and United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) on 'Cereal System Initiative for South
Asia (CSISA)'.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 10:59