Agrex 2015, an exhibition on agriculture, floriculture and industry at the SDV grounds here, has been drawing large crowds.
The 10-day exhibition, organised by the Alappuzha Zilla Agri-Horticultural Society, in association with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Agriculture, has about 80 stalls displaying a variety of products and services. Apart from farm products, rare species of birds, fishes and animals draw special attention of the visitors.
Speaking at a seminar on farm development in the district, organised as part of the exhibition on Sunday, agricultural scientist K.G. Padmakumar said examination of soil could give clues on the health of people living there. Good soil produced healthy food and the people who consumed it would be healthy.
He also suggested that growing mangroves along the Purakkad coast would be capable of warding off sea erosion better than the granite walls. The Kuttanad area, with 30 per cent land and 70 per cent water, was suitable for farming of certain species of fish such as pearlspot.
Inaugurating the exhibition on Saturday, actor and organic farming enthusiast Srinivasan said the curriculum followed by agricultural university focused on farming based on fertilizers and pesticides even as the government was promoting organic farming. Courses in organic farming should be started by the university, he said.

Source : The Hindu