Farm equipment catch visitors imagination

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  It seems the path to salvage the state’s agri sector from the dumps is mechanisation at all possible levels. Addressing the acute shortage of labour and also making cultivation of  any crop a remunerative proposition , the ‘mechanical’ solution was on display at an exhibition organised at the Institution of  Engineers hall here. From the simple brush cutters costing Rs 12,000 to round straw bailers  billed at  Rs 3.9 lakh which can turn 50-60 bales per hour or coconut tree climbers to cassava chopping machines and raspers, all were arranged to catch the attention of  farmers and all those interested in technological innovations. Rice transplanters with minimum vibration and hydraulic lift, mini tillers and tree pruners have also found a slot in the exhibition. The 15 HP mini tractor costing Rs 1.9 lakh is another hit, which is bound to become a common sight in farmlands soon, given its scope for easy handling and high fuel efficiency. The exhibition, which ended on Tuesday, also highlighted the foray of  new Kerala companies like the Thrissur-based Redlands Ashlyn Motors, in addition to the popular co-operative Raidco. Scores of  people from even faraway places made it to the exhibition to get a closer look at the innovations. “In fact, it was not a venue for a lot of bookings. Getting acquainted with the farm implements has generated lot of  interest among the visitors”, said T G Haridas, senior sales executive of   Redlands Ashlyn Motors.