The Hindu Business Line : Make second green revolution a reality: PM

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, presenting the Indian Scientist Award to Nobel Laureate Prof. Amartya Sen at the Indian Science Congress in Hyderabad on Tuesday. — K. Ramesh Babu

Hyderabad , Jan. 3

The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Tuesday called for a second Green Revolution aimed at energising and transforming agriculture and rural markets with focus on non-food crops, horticulture and new plant varieties.

Inaugurating the 93rd Indian Science Congress here, Dr Singh said this would not be possible without rejuvenation of our agricultural universities and research institution.

"The National Commission on Farmers suggested a programme for agricultural renewal that can be the starting point of the second Green Revolution. Water harvesting, soil health improvement, dissemination of new technologies, infrastructure development and application of science and biotechnology would make a difference to way we address the farm sector," he said.

Three challenges that science and technology must address to promote rural development are in the areas of increasing agricultural productivity covering land, labour, seed and plant, development of affordable and appropriate technologies for energy and water and its increased usage in both farm and non-farm business. Outlining his vision for rural India, Dr Singh said that this needs to be transformed into a modern agrarian, industrial and services economy co-existing side by side, where people can live in well-equipped villages and commute easily to work, be it on the farm or in the non-farm economy.

In some parts of the country, inter-linking of rivers may contribute to reduced dependence on groundwater and Dr Singh suggested a informed debate on utilisation of river waters and advised the Congress to come forward with suggestions as to how we can bring 10 million hectares of additional land under irrigation without associated environmental damage and with minimal human dislocation.

Professor C.N.R. Rao, eminent Indian scientist, was awarded the first India Science Award for his work on solid state and materials chemistry. This covers a gold medal, citation and Rs 25 lakh in cash. Alongside, 19 other scientists including Dr R.A. Mashelkar, Dr M.S. Swaminathan, Mr R.S. Paroda were presented the Indian Science Congress Awards.

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