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`Bio-control agents use popular in TN'

Our Bureau

COIMBATORE, Nov. 26

THE use of bio-control agents for controlling biological pests in cotton has been popularised well among the growers in Tamil Nadu, the State Director of Agriculture, Mr Arulmozhi, has said.

``There is a greater awareness among the cotton growers about the use of bio-control agents such as setting up of phermone traps and use of NPV. This has helped in rural employment and upliftment of the downtrodden in the rural areas. Further, by roping in NGOs, the technique could be disseminated very easily,'' Mr Arulmozhi told Business Line.

The Director, who participated in the review meeting of the Intensive Cotton Development Programme (ICDP) under Mini Mission II of the Technology Mission for Cotton here, said a suggestion had been put forth to the review committee for the setting up of four bio-control laboratories in the State.

Currently, the Centre had cleared the setting up of two bio-control labs at a cost of Rs 1 crore each, as per the Mini Mission II target. But recognising the enormous potential for such laboratories in the State, Mr Arulmozhi said a suggestion had been m ade to the ICDP review committee to double the number.

Expressing confidence over the successful implementation of Mini Mission II, he said Tamil Nadu was the only State to have a separate cotton cell to implement cotton development schemes.