Agriculture is the backbone of the country but there is need for sustainable agriculture to feed the society, said Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCOST) director general Dr Rajendra Dobhal.
He was speaking at the inauguration of a seminar organised by Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) on science and technology interventions for food and agricultural security in Uttarakhand at an educational institute here.
He explained the relevance of the theme of the seminar stressing that the world depends on agriculture in many ways. Stating that agriculture is the backbone of any country, he cited many important examples and explained various ways to maintain the quality of good harvesting. He stressed on the need for more young scientists to come forward in this field and contribute in the development of the nation.
Sri Dev Sumar University vice chancellor Dr US Rawat gave an insight into the new and upcoming methodologies and techniques regarding organic farming.He said that the need of the hour is to have availability of good market for the yield. Uttarakhand Univeristy of Horticulture and Forestry vice chancellor Dr Matthew Prasad said that the possibility of horticulture in Uttarakhand is enormous. The intervention of science and technology in horticulture is as important as water for life, he said.
SPECS secretary Dr Brij Mohan Sharma said that the seminar will explore how agricultural and food engineering can contribute to sustainable agriculture for the country to achieve self sufficiency in food production. It will enhance in shape the agro-based industry with new engineering technology.
Sharma further said that the main objective of the seminar is to provide a forum to discuss and promote the importance of “bringing technology to life” through safe-and-secured food production systems under clean and sustainable environment. It will identify new research directions and challenges that are relevant to agricultural and food technology and explore the potential of using scientific knowledge, practical ideas, and emerging technologies. This seminar will also highlight development in research and innovations in agricultural and food technology.