Chennai, Mar 19 : The Tamil Nadu government will conduct genetic diversity fairs in district headquarters thrice a year to enable farmers to showcase their que varieties in different crops. Presenting the second agriculture bduget in the State Assembly, Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam said there are many indigenous and traditional varieties of crops with desirable traits which are unexplored and can be considered for various varietal evolvement programmes. To identify such superior varieties and use them up for the selection process, Genetic Diversity Fairs will be conducted in District Head Quarters at least three times in a year in which farmers can showcase their que varieties in different crops. These fairs help the Scientists to attend and identify the varieties based on their superior traits for inclusion in their varietal research, for which the state Government will allocate a sum of Rs.1.5 crore during 2022-23. In order to support to Small/Marginal farmers under SC and ST categories to reduce the financial burden in their contribution to avail the benefits under high value schemes, additional subsidy of 20 per cent will be permitted over and above the existing subsidy rate. To implement this initiative, an amount of Rs.5 crore will be allocated from State Fund during 2022-23. Announcing a Special Fund for pest and disease outbreak in crops, the Minister said due to effects of climate change, there have been many sudden outbreaks of Pests and Diseases in the recent years. Hence, to contain the outbreaks immediately after the incidence, a special fund will be created at an initial outlay of Rs.5 crore during 2022-23. GV 1422