Thiruvananthapuram, Saturday 23 January 2009: The first Children’s Agricultural Science Congress organised jointly by the Indian Agriculture Association, Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) and Agri Friends Forum got off to a start here on Friday with a call to adopt environment-friendly farming practices.

Inaugurating the congress, Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran exhorted the younger generation to promote farming.

The Minister scribbled a message on eco-friendly farming on an umbrella to signify its universal significance. He planted a sapling on the premises of the State Central Library, the venue of the congress.

He released the proceedings of the congress and a photo diary by handing over copies to Ansa Basheer, leader of the Children’s Agricultural Science Congress.

Students from 10 districts are competing in the research, model school farm, and local agricultural science categories.