Farm research land faces take over threat

Surat, Mar 19 (UNI) Internationally renowned farm research centre of Navasari Agricultural University in Surat is facing a land take over threat.

Surat district Congress spokesperson Salim Ghadiyali told UNI yesterday that the state government had decided to sell the land to a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) businessman to start a hotel.

A recent decision by the state government to sell the land for tourism related activities has invited protests from various sectors.

Congress-backed farm organisations said though they are not against development projects, they fear the move will affect the functioning of an internationally renowned institution.

When contacted, authorities from the research centre refrained from commenting on the matter.

However, sources at the research centre said the move will definitely affect cotton resarch in the state.

The institution, established in 1896, has won a number of international awards and is considered to be a major force in promoting cotton farming in south Gujarat.

Gujarat is the leading cotton producing state in the country, with an average yearly production of 528 kg against the national average of 440 kg.

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