Now Reading: Tamil Nadu Budget unveils diploma college for organic farming
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Tamil Nadu Budget unveils diploma college for organic farming
The Tamil Nadu government will establish a Diploma College for Organic Agriculture at Sakkottai near Kumbakonam, named after natural farming scientist Nammalvar. The project is estimated at Rs 15 crore, with an…
The Story in Brief
The Tamil Nadu government will establish a Diploma College for Organic Agriculture at Sakkottai near Kumbakonam, named after natural farming scientist Nammalvar. The project is estimated at Rs 15 crore, with an initial allocation of Rs 5 crore in the 2026-27 Agriculture Budget, presented by Minister R. Vinoth on Thursday. The budget also upgrades the Horticultural Research Station at Ooty into an Agricultural Technology Research Centre at a cost of Rs 10 crore, with Rs 5 crore allocated this year.
To promote organic farming, the government has instituted the Nammalvar Award for 2026-27, recognising five outstanding organic farmers with a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh each and a certificate. The State fund has earmarked Rs 11 lakh for the awards.
The Indian Opinion
Naming the college after Nammalvar is a gesture that resonates across party lines, but the real test is implementation. Farmers often struggle with access to formal organic education and markets. The Rs 15 crore college and the Ooty research centre upgrade are welcome steps, but the key question is whether the curriculum will be practical and accessible. The Nammalvar Award for five farmers is a good symbolic start. Will the government allocate matching funds for extension services to ensure these ideas reach the ground?
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
