27th November, 2015, New Delhi
Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, inaugurated the National Conference on Golden Jubilee of Green Revolution here today. Speaking as Chief Guest, he recalled extreme food shortages during pre-green revolution period and complimented agriculture research fraternity for transforming country to a food surplus nation. He highlighted the important role of science and technology in bringing quantum jump in agricultural productivity and production in agriculture during green revolution and also sustaining the momentum thereafter. He paid his tributes to Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman E. Borlaug for helping India during food crisis and also felicitated Padma Vibhushan Dr. M.S. Swaminathan for his central role in realizing the dream of green revolution. Agricultural Minister also honored Dr. N.G.P. Rao and Dr. M.V. Rao along with stalwarts and veteran scientists including the farmers and institutions that played important role in bringing green revolution in the country.
Agriculture Minister elaborated upon various government schemes launched recently for improving agricultural conditions and socio-economic conditions of farmers. He said eastern region of the country is heading towards second green revolution by the support of government and hard work of scientists and farmers. He stressed upon various steps for mitigating the impact of drought and other natural calamities and said special measures are being taken to increase the area and productivity of pulses and oilseeds to meet the escalating demand. He urged scientists to take country forward by taking inspiration and motivation from the success of green revolution.
Agricultural Minister released a special commemorative stamp on Golden Jubilee of Green Revolution and special publications brought out on the occasion.
Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, MSSRF, Chennai presented keynote address on the occasion by presenting the journey of green revolution and present day challenges being faced by agriculture and food sector. He highlighted the excellent synergy between technology and public policy that made green revolution a stupendous success. He also appreciated farmers for cooperating in national demonstrations of new varieties and adoption of same on wide scale that immediately catapulted wheat production in the country. Dr. Swaminathan recalled contributions of many fellow scientists and paid tributes to Dr. Borlaug for his help, support and guidance. He elaborated upon various scientific initiatives that can help nutritional security and freedom from hunger.
Earlier, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR and President, NAAS made a presentation on Journey of Green Revolution depicting the transformation from ship to mouth to right of food. He said innovations, inputs and incentives in agriculture need to be given prime importance to sustain the food security and move towards evergreen revolution and nutritional security. He also elaborated upon various opportunities that can be availed for addressing the current challenges and make agriculture demand driven and profitable.
Dr. T. Mohapatra, Director, IARI, New Delhi delivered welcome address and emphasized the key role played by IARI in making the green revolution a grand success.
Past Presidents of NAAS, NAAS fellows, veteran and emeritus scientists, senior officials of ICAR and Ministry of Agriculture, representatives of international agricultural research organizations, Vice-Chancellors and representatives of Agricultural Universities and policy planners participated in the event.
The National Conference was jointly organized by National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
Dr. M.P. Yadav, Secretary, NAAS proposed the vote of thanks.
(Source: ICAR-DKMA, New Delhi)
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