86th Foundation Day and ICAR Award Ceremony
Make Farmers More Empowered and Prosperous, said Prime Minister
29th July, 2014, New Delhi
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called upon agricultural scientists to make farming community more empowered and prosperous through new science and technology interventions. He was addressing as Chief Guest on the occasion of 86th Foundation Day and ICAR Award Ceremony here today. While acknowledging millions of Indian farmers for their immense contributions, he emphasized the need to disseminate technologies to farmers in the most simple, adoptable and acceptable manner. He reiterated that we must make adequate improvements in science and technology in sync with fast changing climate and agro climatic zones. We will have to strengthen capabilities of farmers so that food security can be ensured for the country along with the enhancement of profits for them, he added. Scientists should win the confidence of farmers so that they adopt their technologies with hope.
While referring present challenges before agriculture, he emphasized the need for enhancement of per hectare productivity and development of short duration crop varieties without any quality erosion. He said a judicious mix of traditional wisdom and new technologies may be developed to improve soil health and fertility. In an era of water crisis, efficient use of every drop of water and water harvesting should be promoted through public awareness and participation, he said. More crop, per drop should be our mantra for better productivity from each drop of water. He also emphasized on enhancement of livestock productivity and advised dissemination of new technologies to livestock owners.
