Coimbatore : Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has begun assessing damages caused by cyclone GAJA in agricultural holdings of about 1 lakh hectares and developing suitable plans and policies for restoration, Vice-Chancellor N Kumar on Thursday.

A three-member team had already been deputed for first-hand assessment and based on their report, to be submitted to State Agriculture Secretary, the strategy would be worked out. It would join hands with other Government agencies, including agriculture do, in relief measures and restoration, Kumar told reporters here.

On the possibility of replanting uprooted coconut trees, Kumar, who took over as the vice-chancellor a couple of days ago, said it was possible for palms below three years. However, the cost involved in such exercise would be high, he said.

The university had 10,000 coconut saplings for supply to growers and TNAU officials were negotiating with their counterparts and agriculture department in Karnataka, which had nearly 5 lakh saplings.

Kumar said his overall aim was to facilitate successful implementation of all government schemes for achieving sustained increase in food production and make agriculture a profitable venture.

On education, he said he would work for enhancing employability of students through imparting skill-oriented world-class education and also by introducing demand-driven courses to improve marketability of graduates.