Part I OF I Tamil Nadu.pmd - National Innovation Foundation

PART I : INNOVATIONS FROM TAMIL NADU
12
Groundnut sowing practice
Mukunthan has developed a sowing technique for groundnut crop. The method involves
creation of a raised bed with furrows on both the sides. The seeds are then dribbled in a
triangular shape. The technique saves labor and conserves water without any loss in
the yield of the crop. This method also reduces seed rate (10 kg of groundnut seeds are
saved per acre) and cost of weeding. Water requirement is reduced by about 62% and
this method facilitates faster irrigation and maintains good soil aeration. The crop is also
easier to harvest compared to plants sowed conventionally. Mukunthan has been
practicing organic farming for the past 15 years. His other innovations include the use of
water hyacinth as green manure and for mulching and the design of a country seed drill,
which delivers four seeds with nine inch spacing.
P B Mukunthan
Chinglepet
He received a Consolation award in NIF’s Third National Competition for Grassroots
Innovations and Traditional Knowledge Practices in 2005.
TAMIL NADU INNOVATES 23