Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R. Duraikannu today urged the agriculture scientists and researchers to utilise various schemes initiated by the government to take the State to new heights in the agriculture sector.

Despite failed monsoon and neighbouring states refusing to share water, Tamil Nadu has achieved a record grain production in the last three years. “It touched 135 lakh metric tonnes in 2014-15 and the State bagged the Krishi Karman award three times,” Duraikannu said.

Speaking at the 46th foundation day celebrations of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University here, the Minister said the government has come out with various technology-based schemes to increase the income of farmers.

The Minister urged the scientists and researchers to develop new rice variety with increased productivity and yield as paddy was main crop of Tamil Nadu. “This year being International Year of Pulses, scientists should also focus to bring out high yield varieties, especially Urad dal, that is in short supply now,” he pointed out.

The varsity should take steps to make available adequate seeds produced by it to State farmers since they bought seeds from neighbouring states.

Stating the the Chief Minister has waived farm loans worth Rs. 5,800 crores after assuming charge for the second consecutive term, Duraikannu said the university was allotted Rs. 1,430 crores during the first term (2011-16) for research and other activities.

State Assembly Deputy Speaker Pollachi V. Jayaraman, AIADMK MPs and MLAs participated in the function. The Minister gave away certificates and medals to professors and scientists.