Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Thursday said a second green revolution was imperative in India not only to meet the growing needs of food requirements, but also to boost agricultural growth which in turn will propel economic growth in India.
Ansari was delivering the Ch Ranbir Singh Memorial Centenary lecture in Maharshi Dayanand University here.
Emphasising the need of agricultural growth for rural development, the Vice- President spoke about Importance of agriculture in inclusive growth of India.
“Accelerating agricultural growth is necessary to meet the socio-economic challenges of the nation. Need of the hour is to develop appropriate agricultural technology, effective soil and water conservation techniques, crop diversification measures for boosting agricultural growth in India,” said Ansari. He made a clarion call for Universities to focus on specialised higher studies and research in agriculture sector which would help in nation’s need in this sector. He appealed to the scientists to research on environmental aspects of agriculture and also called for increase outlay in agricultural research in India.
Underlining the importance of education as an effective tool of empowerment in society, Ansari said that education acts as great democratic force in the society.
He paid rich tributes to the renowned Gandhian, freedom fighter, member of Constituent Assembly Ch Ranbir Singh in his address. He said that Ch Ranbir Singh worked for the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden during his lifetime.
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in his address threw light on the life and contribution of Ch Ranbir Singh. He said that the ideals of Ch Ranbir Singh is the guiding light for the present Government to work for the welfare of the masses.