THIRUTHURAIPOONDI: Popular film star Vishal observed that suicide is not the solution for farm-related problems. Speaking at the national-level tenth annual traditional paddy festival organised by the ‘Create Natural Agriculture Training and Research Centre’ at Adirangam near here on Saturday, Vishal pointed out that committing suicide was not a permanent remedy for the concerned farmer and his family. The actor wanted farmers to develop self-confidence.
In her address, actress and social activist Rohini said that farmers must be prepared to tackle any obstacle in their path. “Cultivate courage within you along with the crops you raise on the field and this will keep you in good stead,” she added.
Mr Vishal and Ms Rohini released a quarterly magazine on traditional paddy cultivation and practices on the occasion. In his presidential address, former vice-chancellor of Gandhigram Rural University N. Markandan pointed out that farm producers were finding it difficult to market organic agricultural products and wanted both union and state governments to help create markets for organic agricultural products at the taluk level.
There was an exhibition of traditional paddy varieties and those on show included traditional paddy varieties such as Mappillai Samba, Kichali Samba, Kaivara Samba, Singini Kar, Madmuzhingi, Iluppapoo Samba, Kuzhiyadichan, Kottara Samba, Thooyamalli, and Kattubhanam.
