Asserting that agriculture in India has a lot of potentiality to provide a sustainable economy; Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr Trilochan Mohapatra has called upon the farm scientists to encourage youths, particularly women, to take up farming in large scale.
Speaking at the Dhaan Diwas, the foundation day celebration of the National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) here on Sunday, Mohapatra, who is also the secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), reassured that farm scientists and farm workers of the country are now determined to fulfil the aspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in doubling the income of farmers by 2020.
“It is our responsibility to fulfil the aspiration of our Prime Minister by doubling the farmers’ income in next three years,” Mohaptra said while addressing a large gathering of farm scientists drawn from several ICAR institutes located in the State and hundreds of progressive farmers from Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand.
Highlighting last year’s achievements of different farm sectors in the country, Mohapatra, a former Director of NRRI, was extremely euphoric when he quoted the advance estimate of paddy production of 2016-17 that has pegged at a record 109 MT. He said the country is expecting a record crop production of 272 MT in last fiscal.
He said despite the challenges of climate change and vagaries of weather hazards, the productions of crops, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, vegetables and fruits have increased in the country in 2016-17. “Most importantly, the country has been able to export 9 MT of rice, including 4.5 MT of Basmati rice last year,” Mohapatra said nostalgically comparing with the days of yesteryears when India was importing food grains from other countries.
Mohapatra however, cautioned the farm scientists to remain alert and be ready with all skills in place to face the challenges of climate change as summer season is increasing and rainfall is decreasing. He even sounded a warning and called for a proper water management for agriculture as heavy rainfall days are increasing considerably resulting flash floods and most of the rainwater flowing to seas.
He also stressed upon a vibrant value chain in order to ensure that the minimum support price (MSP) is provided to the farmers, which in turn will ensure doubling of farmers’ income in next three years. “Diversification of agriculture and an industrious approach towards farming are also other vital aspects, which need to be addressed properly for a strong farm economy,” Mohapatra stressed.