Shri Pawar calls for innovative technologies to face complex problems in the farming sector

by S. C.

The Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Sharad Pawar today cautioned farm scientists against complacency and reminded them that agriculture today was faced with much more complex problems than before.

Addressing scientists at the foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here today, the Minister said ‘Agriculture today is faced with much more complex problems of climate change, decreasing efficiency of input and new emerging issues of world trade. There is no room for complacency; we need to move ahead with new innovative technologies, policy support and greater investment in agriculture to sustain the food security.

Lauding the contribution made by the agricultural research and education institutions in the country, the Minister said that every ICAR Institute throughout the country has contributed substantially in developing appropriate technologies, products and services for the farmers. Agriculture sector occupies the centre stage of India’s social security and overall economic welfare. Since Independence, India has witnessed significant increase in production of foodgrains (the green revolution), oilseeds (the yellow revolution), milk (the white revolution), fish (the blue revolution) and fruits and vegetable (the golden revolution). All these became possible due to application of cutting-edge-technologies coupled with positive policy support and hard work of farmers.

Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Secretary Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, in his ICAR Foundation Day Lecture, highlighted the achievements of space technology applications for development of agriculture in India.

The foundation ceremony was attended by Dr. Mangala Rai, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR; and many eminent scientists across the country.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Shri A K Upadhyay, Special Secretary, DARE and Secretary, ICAR.

by S. C.
23 July 2009 Teatro Naturale International n. 6 Year 1

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