The Hindu Business Line : Swaminathan suggests bio-rice parks in AP

DR. M.S Swaminathan, agricultural scientist, has suggested the setting up of two or three bio-rice parks in Andhra Pradesh to achieve a quantum jump in yields and quality.

He was speaking here after releasing the second volume of the atlas of mangroves in the country, with special reference to Andhra Pradesh, prepared by the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.

Dr Swaminathan said that in February, he had suggested the setting up of a bio-rice park in the genome valley proposed in the twin cities. "I feel there is a need for setting two such parks in the Krishna-Godavari zone too," he said.

He said that though food production levels were comfortable in the State, there was food insecurity as the rural poor lacked the purchasing power.

Referring to mangroves, he said the Krishna-Godavari mangroves were the third largest mangrove forests in the country, after the Sunderbans in West Bengal and the Kutch mangroves in Gujarat, and the importance of conserving mangroves could not be overemphasised.

He said the genome of mangroves held the keys for survival for the coastal people all over the world, as the sea levels were rising due to global warming. "Genetic research into mangrove flora will enable us to develop cultivation of salt-resistant varieties. This, coupled with low input aquaculture, will improve the lot of coastal people," he said.

He said every State should formulate, and implement, a clear-cut aquarian (water) policy, as water was too precious a resource to be wasted.

Earlier, at a meeting in the Rotary club, he suggested the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) of farmers in rural to better the lot of farmers. SHGs of women had made rapid strides in the State and it should encourage the formation of such groups by farmers.

He favoured setting up of agri clinics all over the country and he also lent support to contract farming, as it would lead to boost in yields.