Pawar calls for innovative technologies to face complex problems in farming sector

NEW DELHI - Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today cautioned farm scientists against complacency and reminded them that agriculture was faced with much more complex problems than before.

Addressing scientists at the foundation day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) here today, Pawar said, ‘Agriculture today is faced with much more complex problems of climate change, decreasing efficiency of input and new emerging issues of world trade.

“There is no room for complacency; we need to move ahead with new innovative technologies, policy support and greater investment in agriculture to sustain the food security,’ he added.

Lauding the contribution made by the agricultural research and education institutions in the country, he said that every ICAR Institute throughout the country has contributed substantially in developing appropriate technologies, products and services for the farmers. Agriculture sector occupies the centre stage of India’s social security and overall economic welfare.

“Since Independence, India has witnessed significant increase in production of foodgrains, oilseeds, milk, fish and fruits and vegetable. All these became possible due to application of cutting-edge-technologies coupled with positive policy support and hard work of farmers,” he added. (ANI)