In a major push for the farming sector, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially inaugurated a large-scale agricultural exhibition and seminar today in Tiruvannamalai.
The event, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, aims to showcase modern technologies and innovative farming techniques to the local agricultural community.
During the inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls featuring advanced machinery, organic farming methods, and high-yield seed varieties. Addressing the gathering, CM Stalin reiterated the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, highlighting the state’s dedicated agricultural budget. The exhibition is expected to benefit thousands of farmers from across the district by providing direct access to experts and government subsidies.
The exhibition serves as a centerpiece for the “Kalaignarin All-Village Integrated Agriculture Development Programme,” with over 100 stalls dedicated to precision farming and drip irrigation systems. Chief Minister Stalin emphasized that the state’s goal is to convert fallow lands into cultivable areas, noting that Tiruvannamalai’s unique topography offers immense potential for millets and oilseed production. He also distributed welfare aids, including subsidized power tillers and tractors, to selected beneficiaries during the event.
Furthermore, the CM highlighted the success of the “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam” for soil health, where mobile testing labs are being deployed to help farmers understand their land’s nutrient profile. He urged the younger generation to view agriculture not just as a traditional occupation but as a high-tech entrepreneurial venture. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pest control and drone technology for fertilizer spraying, the government aims to reduce the physical burden on farmers while increasing yield.
The event also featured a special seminar where veteran farmers shared their success stories in organic cultivation. State ministers and senior officials from the Agriculture Department were present, detailing the various insurance schemes available to protect crops against the unpredictable climate patterns. The exhibition is expected to remain open to the public for three days, acting as a knowledge hub for the entire northern region of Tamil Nadu.