Plant Diagnostic Centre opened

PUDUCHERRY: A plant health diagnostic centre was inaugurated at the Perunthlaivar Kamaraj Krishi Vigyan Kendra here on Thursday.A Ramamourti, programme co-ordinator of the KVK, said the centre would offer a one- stop solution to farmers for various pests and diseases in an array of crops like paddy, groundnut, vegetables, banana and coconut.Ramamourti said the Indian Council for Agricultural Research had sanctioned `10 lakh to set up the centre. This was one of the first to be set up in the country.He said it was necessary to identify the nature of the damage, symptoms, type of infection and infestation using various diagnosis by observation, examination and crystallisation of plant, insect, microbial specimens. This would enable the Kendra to provide suitable inputs and advice to the farming community.Dr N Vijayakumar, entomologist, who will head the centre, said the health clinic had the equipment to identify the symptoms of pest attack, nutrient deficiency and provide remedies for the farmers. The clinic was opened by Quinquennial review team, led by Dr Mrityunjaya and Dr Prabhakaran. The team was here to review the performance of 20 KVKs in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.Farming Body Seeks Special StatusThe Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Krishi Vigyan Kendra (PKKVK), a pioneer in specialised activities in farming and the first KVK in the country, has sought special status and due recognition from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).In a note submitted to the chairman and members of the Quinquennial Review team, headed by Dr Mrityunjaya, the PKKVK stated that it had undertaken vital activities in addition to the mandatory activities of KVK, which include production of bio-control inputs, super seedlings breeder, hi-tech vegetable nursery, etc., and deserved special status on a par with other ICAR institutions.The note also sought additional funds under ICAR grants so as to meet the entire expenditure on manpower, production and cultivation expenses and maintenance of machinery and equipment.It also sought uniform pay for all staff of KVKs.