Reviewing the progress of agriculture research, extension and education in India through video conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed the need to adopt organic and natural farming practices on a cluster -based approach. He exhorted the need to create awareness regarding inclusion of millets like Jowar, bajra, ragi and several other minor millets in diet to ensure a healthy diet. PM appreciated the efforts towards developing varieties focusing on specific requirements of agro-climatic zones and exhorted the need for developing forward and backward linkages to assure better returns to farmers.
Reviewing the contributions of ICAR in developing new breeds of cattle, sheep and goats, PM Modi stressed the need for research on indigenous breeds of dogs and horses. PM Modi exhorted that study of grasses and local fodder crops should be undertaken to understand their nutritive value.
At the meeting, Dr. Trilochan Mohaptra, Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research cum- Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research & Extension, presented the priorities, performance and preparedness to face various challenges. ICAR has developed geo-referenced Organic Carbon Map of India, identified 88 bio control agents and 22 Bio pesticides which can promote organic agriculture.
According to the agriculture ministry, the PM directed that start-ups and agri-entrepreneurs need to be promoted to ensure innovation and use of technology in agriculture and allied sectors.
He highlighted the need to leverage information technology to provide information on demand to the farmers. PM Modi also directed that Hackathons may be organised twice a year to solve identified problems and meet design needs for tools and equipment that can reduce drudgery if farming activity, given that a large number of farm workers are women.
They said the PM appreciated the efforts towards developing varieties focusing on specific requirements of agro-climatic zones and exhorted the need for developing forward and backward linkages to assure better returns to farmers.
The PM highlighted that avenues for enhancing bio ethanol from sugarcane and other crops need to be explored.
In an effort to bolster ‘Kuposh Mukt Bharat’ (India free from Malnutrition) 70 bio fortified varities with enhanced Iron, Zinc and Protein content have been developed. Bhagwa, a variety of Pomegranate, is rich in Iron, Potassium, Vitamin C and Anti-oxidants.
Poshan Thali and Nutria-gardens are being promoted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Pilots were conducted in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh involving 76 Krishi Vigyan Kendras and 450 model farms. In its presentation ICAR highlighted the Magic seeder in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi to address the problem of stubble burning after the harvest of paddy crop. There is a reduction of 52% in burning events in 2019 in comparison to 2016.