Importing foodgrains not a prudent step

National Farmers Commission Chairman and father of green revolution in India M S Swaminathan said national food security was the prime concern for the nation as the demand for foodgrains was increasing due to growing population.

National Farmers Commission Chairman and father of green revolution in India M S Swaminathan said national food security was the prime concern for the nation as the demand for foodgrains was increasing due to growing population. Dr Swaminathan was talking to a select group of progressive farmers of the state at Punjab Agricultural University on Tuesday.

Recalling the incidents that set the stage for the green revolution in the country,Dr Swaminathan said he had invited Dr Norman Borlaug to India in 1963 who introduced Mexican wheat variety in Punjab. Dr D S Athwal,then a wheat scientist at PAU,had played a major role in domesticating these varieties to Punjab conditions,which later brought a green revolution in the state.

If today Punjab agriculture is at crossroads,with both farmers and scientists unhappy,the situation warrants serious considerations, he said. The government has to cooperate actively to support them financially. Importing foodgrains cannot be a prudent step as the government has to make compromises that are harmful economically as well as politically, he said.

Dr Swaminathan said farmers should be actively involved in research programmes in a participatory mode. At times,farmers are very innovative and think ahead of scientists,he said adding their feedback is always important and must be the guiding force for research. He emphasised the need for women empowerment in agriculture and allied activities.

PAU to hold convocation today
The convocation of PAU will be held on February 10 in which the 355 degrees,64 merit certificates,12 gold medals,five awards and one plaque will be awarded. Dr M S Swaminathan,an eminent agricultural scientist and Member of Parliament,will also be awarded doctorate degree honoris causa on this occasion. Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil,who is the Chancellor of the university,will grace the occasion.

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Importing foodgrains not a prudent step

National Farmers Commission Chairman and father of green revolution in India M S Swaminathan said national food security was the prime concern for the nation as the demand for foodgrains was increasing due to growing population.

Importing foodgrains not a prudent step

National Farmers Commission Chairman and father of green revolution in India M S Swaminathan said national food security was the prime concern for the nation as the demand for foodgrains was increasing due to growing population.