The Hindu Business Line : `Research-technology linkage essential for development'

THE Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Dr Anil Kakodkar, today said that the food-processing sector had a lot of potential to help in the economic growth of the country.

"We are an agricultural economy and agricultural output still occupies a significant fraction of our economic output,'' he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Microtron Centre's Foundation Day and the national workshop on radiation processing of food items at Mangalore University here.

Indian economy is dependent on monsoon in spite of irrigation projects, he said, and added that value of agriculture output could be improved by value addition activities. "Much is said about migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. If you emphasise on value addition on agricultural produce then there is a potential of reversing this migration,'' he said. Longer shelf life would fetch agricultural produce the right price. And as the farmer is assured of the price, he is bound to produce more. It would not only increase income but also increase the agricultural output, he said.

The coming together of milk co-operatives and the dairy technology has made India one of the largest milk producers in the world. By enhancing the quality of food items, India can make them safe for consumption and make them qualify for export standards.

Dr Kakodkar said AEC was working with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and had included radiation technology as one of the items qualifying for their support. He said linkages between the national laboratories and universities and between universities is important if "we have to have a flourishing, vibrant, and high quality higher education programme."

It is clear that research is an important ingredient in any science education at higher level, he said adding that the DAE is concerned in translating its research for the benefit of people, industries, and society. In this endeavour, the involvement of universities is important. Just as the research-education linkage is important, research-technology linkage is also equally important, he said.

The benefits of the development of technologies in the areas such as atomic energy, space, defence, and agriculture, have been used for national development. The research knowledge should be converted into innovative technologies that are important for "our use and for the world at large".

Researchers who have a deep insight into a particular discipline and technologists who have the skills to convert an idea into practice should work together.

The Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, Prof B. Hanumaiah, presided over the function.

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