13-07-2025
Deteriorating condition of water bodies draws attention at agricultural seminar in Coimbatore
The deteriorating condition of water bodies and its impact on agriculture emerged as a central theme during the deliberations at the seventh edition of 'Uzhave Thalai', an annual agricultural seminar organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Coimbatore. The event was held at the Codissia Trade Fair Complex on Sunday.
S. Senthur Pari, president of ExNoRa International Foundation, delivering the keynote address, said that while 65% of the country's population remained engaged in agriculture, 88% of farmers owned less than two hectares and faced persistent challenges linked to shrinking water availability, poor soil health, and rising input costs. Citing government data, he pointed out that Tamil Nadu, despite comprising only 4% of India's land and 7% of its population, had access to just 2% of the country's water resources.
Referring to Chennai's 2019 'Day Zero' crisis, he warned that Coimbatore region was dependent on neighbouring Kerala for drinking water while water for agriculture remained scarce. 'In the last 30 years, we have lost one-third of our water bodies,' he said.
He added that urban lifestyle changes, coupled with polluted water sources, were contributing to rising health concerns, including diabetes and cancer. With water scarcity intensifying, farmers were now compelled to shift towards less water-intensive crops.
The seminar featured sessions led by farmers and subject experts. Topics covered included neem-based agri-business management, tamarind cultivation in drought-prone areas, kodukapuli as a drought-resistant wealth crop, sustainable dairy practices, critical success factors for long-term viability, balanced feeding strategies, and nutrition requirements.
