Mahendran welcomed the delegates at the start of the three-day seminar-cum-exhibition at the AC&RI campus, saying that with new technology and expertise, farmers should focus on making full use of them.
Effective methods and value addition to the produce would result in a higher price in today's competitive environment. Farmers should pay special attention to finished commodities, as evidenced by the large output seen in the fields. Selling commodities is critical, and farmers should assume the role of market entrepreneurs, he says.
The principal guest, Madurai District Collector S Aneesh Shekhar, stated that in order to provide safe water and food to the people, farmers had the primary responsibility of protecting the soil. It is necessary, because only such preservation can provide excellent food and water.
The Collector praised the AC&RI academic members for their agricultural breakthroughs and dissemination through research and development. Students in agricultural colleges should become agricultural entrepreneurs and bring honour to the country.
Harini and Ramprasath, senior officials from the State Bank of India, attended the lecture. Sudarshan, the FICCI organizer, presented a vote of gratitude.
The three-day show was jam-packed with innovation and new products that add value to commodities like millet. On the occasion, the Collector awarded awards to the finest farm product businesses. The expo remained open through Sunday.