Satellite mapping of Kerala to be completed next year: ISRO

Kochi, Dec 5 (UNI) ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair today said the satellite mapping of the state for agricultural purposes would be completed by next year.

Speaking after inaugurating the 17th Plantation Crops Symposium here today, he said the Planning Board of the state and Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) were undertaking a project to create a database by satellite mapping of the state.

He said the database, for whcih a pilot survey was undertaken.

with details like water bodies, slope, soil, forest and rivers was prepared with the help of agencies concerned like Water Resource Management.

Mr Nair said the date would help the agricultural researchers to increase the productivity in a scientific manner.

The yield of the crops would also be predicted with statellite images, he said.

He said two satellites, 'Resourcesat' and 'Cartosat', would be utilised for the purpose.

A comprehensive plan should also be drafted to make proper proper untilisation of land and to increase the agricultural productivity, Mr Nair said.

Mr Nair also urged the agricultural faternity to enter value-added products segment to effectively manage the market fluctuations.

At the function a special issue of Journal of Plantation Crops and a souvenior of PLACROSYM was released.

Spices Board Chairman V J Kurian, Coir Board Chairman A C Jose, Coconut Development Board Chairperson Minnie Mathews, Coffee Board Chairman G V Krishan Rau and others participated in the event.

UNI MA RL PM1919