Coimbatore: The agriculture department has begun distributing seeds and farm inputs to farmers at subsidised rates to increase groundnut acreage and production in Coimbatore district, joint director of agriculture M Tamizhselvi has said.Coimbatore receives an average annual rainfall of 611 mm. Groundnut cultivation is taken up during April and May in Pollachi North and South, Anamalai, Kinathukadavu, Madukkarai, Thondamuthur, Annur and Karamadai blocks. The oilseed crop is currently grown in about 4,087 acres in the district, with an average yield of 1,918 kg per two acres.The district has secured a project worth Rs 1.01 crore under the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) to implement a groundnut value chain package and establish block-level demonstration fields. The key objectives are to expand groundnut cultivation, increase per-acre productivity and improve farmers’ income.During the current year, certified seeds of high-yielding groundnut varieties — K 4, K 5 and VRI 10 — are being supplied through the department on subsidy. A subsidy of Rs 125 per kg is being provided for groundnut seeds.Stocks have been maintained and distribution is under way through agriculture extension centres in Anamalai, Annur, Karamadai, Pollachi North, Pollachi South and Thondamuthur.For setting up demonstration plots, inputs worth Rs 14,000 for 2.5 acres are being provided, including micronutrients, organic manure, Trichoderma viride and neem-based pesticide. The scheme is being implemented from this year to move towards self-sufficiency in oilseeds and to promote new varieties among small farmers, enhance production and raise farm incomes.Farmers have been asked to register on the Uzhavar app and contact the nearest agriculture extension centre to avail benefits under the department’s schemes.
