The Directorate of Open and Distance Learning of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, is currently offering twenty one certificate courses for the benefit of farmers, entrepreneurs and self-help groups. Course details Giving details on the several courses being offered, Dr. G. Selvaraj, Director, said the courses were in bee keeping, mushroom production, waste recycling, vermicomposting, sugarcane production technology, coconut cultivation, cotton cultivation, vegetable seed production, hybrid seed production in cotton and maize, wasteland development, repair and maintenance of farm equipment and machineries, preservation of fruits and vegetables, nursery techniques and propagation of horticultural plants, gardening and landscaping, modern irrigation management, bakery and confectionary products, medicinal plants, modern weed management, Jatropha cultivation, flower cultivation, sericulture, irrigation and fertigation management. Duration of a course is six months, with a course fee of Rs.1,500. Last date The last date for reciept of applications is June 5. Classes are expected to commence from June 15. There is no age limit for applicants. Interested persons can send a filled in application form addressed to The Directorate of Open and Distance Learning, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore