KVKs Played Crucial Role in Normalizing "Thane" Affected Area

January 13, 2012

Responding to the aftermath of cyclone Thane hit area in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is helping local farmers to normalize activities with the help of Krishi Vigyan Kendras located in affected area. Dr. K. D. Kokate, Deputy Director General (Agriculture Extension), Indian Council of Agricultural Research visited these areas on January 12-13 and appreciated the role of KVKs in providing suitable advisories to farmers.

A severe cyclonic storm “Thane” had affected the coastal districts viz. Cuddalore and Villupuram of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on December 30, 2011. The major affected crops are Rice, Sugarcane, Cashew, Coconut, Banana and Jack fruit. Severity of damage is comparatively low in other crops such as Cotton, Tapioca, Vegetables, Mango and Guava.

KVKs, Puducherry, Cuddalore and Villupuram, have played crucial role and responded immediately by joining hands with the State Governments for assessing the losses and impact of cyclone, preparing contingent plan and providing technological backstopping for keeping the production targets. Besides, they are also documenting the performance of technologies in such situations for futuristic planning.

Thane also affected the capability of KVKs in this area. Puducherry KVK is affected a lot in terms of infrastructure, demonstration units, plantations, livestock, nursery, planting materials.  KVK Cuddalore is affected primarily with regard to Cashew orchard. These KVKs immediately have started working to sort out the problems arising out of Thane cyclone.

(Source-NAIP Sub-Project on Mass Media Mobilization, DKMA)