Green Army members demonstrating the use of a rice transplanter at Siluvampalayam village near Nedunkulam in Salem. – Photo: special arrangement

The members of the Green Army, which has taken up mechanization of farm work in Salem district at various places under the aegis of Co-operative Agriculture Societies, have shown the farmers of Siluvampalayam village near Nedunkulam on how the rice transplantation operation could be carried out with a rice transplanter.

The army cadets utilised the machinery of Agro Service Centre of Nedunkulam Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Society as a part of their farm activities, which, senior officials here feel could transform agriculture into a viable profession.

“The farm works will be scientifically dealt with and will be free from labour shortage. Farmers will find it easy and friendly,” a senior official who supervised the works said. According to Joint Registrar of Co-operatives K. C. Ravichandran, who has promoted the Green Army concept in Salem district, a pioneer in farm mechanization in Tamil Nadu, the army members also had been asked to take an oath before embarking on such activities.

The path declared that the army members would dedicate themselves to the cause of agriculture growth and food production so that food security could be ensured to all in need.

The demonstration drew many from the near-by paddy fields, which in turn prompted them to register their names for getting the machines for transplantation with the aid of Green Army cadets.

“The demand is rising,” he said. The transplantation, Ravichandran said, would eliminate labour shortage, ensure more area coverage, reduce cost of cultivation and remove the toil of farmers in the field.

“The risk factors also will be minimized, which in turn will boost production,” he further pointed out. The same will be expanded to other pockets soon.

Source: THE HINDU