Dr Swaminathan hears Alappuzha farmers' woes

Alappuzha, Mar 12 (UNI) Noted agriculture expert M S Swaminathan continued his visit to this district for the second day today, talking to a cross-section of farmers, coconut cultivators and representatives of the milk and poultry sectors.

Dr Swaminathan is visiting Alappuzha on behalf of the Central Government to prepare an agriculture package for the district.

Visiting the backwater paddy farms today, the main complaint that he heard from the farmers was the unavailability of due price for their produce. Though the state government had brought a purchase scheme, the farmers complained that it was not enough as the the cost of production was too high.

Among the areas he visited were Sea block, Marthandam, Rani and Chithira. Later, he left for Pathiramanal on the way to Kumarakom.

Dr Swaminathan was accompanied by civic representatives and heads of the district administration.

UNI