India's Agriculture Minister Calls for Adoption of Modern Farm Technologies

Pitching for adoption of modern farm technologies for better yields, India's Agriculture Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar called for adopting scientific solutions to raise farm production at a fast pace. Addressing a conference on ‘Doubling Food Production in Five Years'.  He said that farm output could only be increased through raising crop yields of the existing cultivable area. "We should not get carried away by the misplaced apprehensions against the scientifically proven developments such as GM crops," he added.

The Minister stated that India will need to ensure sustainable agricultural growth against the backdrop of limited availability of natural resources, especially cultivable land. Acknowledging that food security is a major concern for the nation, he said that the farmers have the enormous task of feeding a billion plus population. "I am of the firm opinion that we must adopt the modern scientific solutions which are based on sound and proven practices. We also cannot afford to curtail the vigor of our scientific community if they are conducting research with all the precautions." he said.

Highlighting the role of the private sector he said "Private sector seed companies have made contributions by introducing frontier technology which has truly revolutionized yields in some crops. Further research needs to be carried forward for securing breakthroughs in yields in dry land farming conditions faced with Biotic and Abiotic stresses."

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