Per drop, more crop is PM Modis new mantra to boost agricultural sector Referring to water crisis, Modi pitched for efficient use of every drop of water and said, “Per drop, more crop should be our mantra for better productivity from each drop of water.” Calling for a lab to land approach to increase farm productivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asked agricultural scientists to disseminate technologies to farmers in simple and acceptable manner and make per drop, more crop a mantra to promote farming through optimum utilization of water. We have to find ways to produce more on less land and in less time without any quality erosion, Modi said while addressing a gathering of scientists on the occasion of 86th foundation day of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Though he did not elaborate, Modi emphasized the need to increase per hectare productivity by adopting short duration crop varieties. He also called for judicious mix of traditional wisdom and new technologies to improve soil health and fertility. We will have to strengthen capabilities of farmers so that food security can be ensured for the country and the world along with the enhancement of profits for them. Scientists should win the confidence of farmers so that they adopt their technologies with hope, said the prime minister. Referring to water crisis, Modi pitched for efficient use of every drop of water and said, Per drop, more crop should be our mantra for better productivity from each drop of water. Sensitizing policymakers about making farmers aware of new research, modern farm practices and water conservation methods, Modi said though discussions on impacts of environmental change and global warming in five-star hotels had their own importance, it would be better if such knowledge and outcome of those exchanges reached farmers. His remark is a signal to those think tanks, policy groups and research institutions that prefer to discuss issues to impress upon policymakers about the impact of climate change on agriculture, human health and overall resources, but hardly try to reach out to farmers with solutions to their problems. Stressing upon strengthening the lab to land approach, the PM also suggested development of a talent pool of progressive farmers and agriculture students for ensuring quick availability of technologies at village level. Agricultural universities may launch community radio to present solutions to immediate and local agricultural problems, Modi said. He also suggested compiling and developing a comprehensive digital platform of research work done by young researchers for their doctoral thesis. He suggested focused research on priority areas such as enhancement of production and quality of pulses and oil seeds, blue revolution for fisheries, culture of pearls and cultivation of medicinal plants including sea weeds. Before beginning his speech, the PM asked the gathering to give a standing ovation to farmers. He said, You gave me a standing ovation. I would, however, like to request you to give a standing ovation to our farmers who feed the people of India.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 12:18:10 +0000
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