Expert team from Odisha visits water hyacinth-infested areas in Kuttanad

A team of experts from Odisha recently visited the areas invaded with water hyacinths in Kuttanad and other parts of Alappuzha.

The team, which includes the officials of the Agricultural Department from various districts, was directed by Avijaj Dutta, a scientist at the International Crops Research Research Institute (ICRISAT). The visit was part of a program financed by Odisha Ministry of Agriculture within the scope of the innovation grant for the added value of the water hyacinth in Puri region.

The team met with Agriculture Minister P. Prasad and the regional collector Alex Varighese and discussed various methods to control the water hyacinth in Kuttanad. Using the technology developed by ICRISAT, it was presented to the organic fertilizer minister and a collector by farmers in Odisha. The team also expressed the desire to cooperate with the initiatives undertaken by Alaappuzha Regional Administration for the rejuvenation of Lake Vembanad.

As a part of the program, the expert team visited the International Research and Training Center with the authorities and farmers for the Mankombu for the Mankombu. Ways to convert water grass into value -added products were also investigated.

Experts KG Padmakumar, M. Surendran, G. Nagendra Prabhu, State Agriculture officials and others participated in discussions.