The district collector HSSRIKANTH visited the recipient as part of the Permenant Pandhal Scheme in Muthalaimedu Panchayat in the Mayiladuthurai district. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The growing number of farmers in the Kollidam block in the Mayiladuthrai district includes gardening based in Trellis as part of a permanent pandalous scheme supported by the Ministry of Horticulture. This initiative will prove to be beneficial for growers in regions that are vulnerable to the flood and offer a durable and profitable alternative to traditional crops.
As part of the program, intercropping is encouraged by farmers who cultivate bitter gourd, snake gourd, ribbed gourd and bottle gourd on grilles, along with crops like chilli and jasmine (Malligai flowers). The District Administration promotes this to help small and marginal farmers increase revenue and income.
Good leadership
M. Selvaraj, a farmer from Muthalimed Thitt in Muthalaimed Panchayat, said that regular visits to horticultural officials helped him remain informed and adapted to proven practices. “Our village is susceptible to Kollidam floods, but these crops help me earn stable income despite challenges,” he said. It cultivates jasmine, a bitter gourd and a mallet using a grid system. “The focus and determination offers gardening consistent profits,” he added.
S. Kalaichelvam, a horticultural officer for Kollidam, said that the region has high fertile soil because of its proximity to Kollidam. “In normal soil, the production may be around 400 kg per unit of the area, but here, for further Slights, farmers receive up to 600 kg. This directly reflects into higher productivity and income,” he said.
P. Chandra Kavitha, Deputy Director of Horticulture, said that subsidies within the permanent pandalous system were increased this year from 2 lakh to 3 ₹ and hectare this year. “In the Mayiladuthurai district, 15 hectares were sanctioned in this program for 2025-26 and are expected to benefit at least 45 farmers,” she said.
Referring to the success of Mr. Selvaraja, she said: “We recommend farmers along Kollidam-ODU is inundation frequent-arrowing from non-pebble or cotton on grids based on grids, which is more resistant and profitable.” Selected farmers received seeds within the National Agriculture Development Program with 100% subsidies, Mrs. Kavitha added.
Published – 1 August 2025 20:47
