'Kodagu climate suitable for growing vegetables'

Scientist from Indian Horticulture Research Institute Dr A T Sadashiva has said that the climate in Kodagu is conducive for growing vegetables.

Speaking at a session held at agriculture technology week organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikpppa on Wednesday, he said that after the harvest of paddy, about 35,000 hectare of land will be left as it is. Vegetables can be cultivated in the paddy field after the harvest.

He further said that Indian Horticulture Research Institute has brought out  sachets of improvised seeds of different varieties of vegetables.

Steps will be taken to make these seeds available at all places, he said and added that these vegetables could be grown in kitchen garden and also on earthen pots, he said.
Senior scientist T S Aghora said that 96 varieties have been developed in 23 vegetables. Best varieties are available in tomato, chilly, cucumber, pumpkin and beans.

A beans variety called ‘Arka Sharat’ is considered as the best variety. Vegetables like cabbage, red chilly and red carrots which are grown in Ooty can also be grown in Kodagu.
District Horticulture department Deputy Director S N Sudhindra said that the department will bear 50 per cent of the expenditure of the farmers for growing vegetables. A subsidy of Rs 13,000 per acre is available under Krishi Vikas Yojana, he said.

He further said that a subsidy of Rs 1,500 per bee hive wil be provided for the apiculturists.

A honey park  will be developed at Bhagamandala to encourage apiculture.
Scientists Dr S S Hebbar, Dr Shrinivas Rao, Progressive farmer C P Sathish from Somwarpet, Gonikoppa Krishi Vigyan Kendra Director Dr P C Tripathi and others were present.

An exhibition on food products and agriculture equipment was held on the occasion.