The Hindu Business Line : Green Revolution-II

The article “Green Revolution II needed” (Business Line, June 7) endorses the view that intensification of research aimed at improving farm yields, and expansion of irrigation and rural transportation is necessary for another revolution.

We should even work towards an ‘ever-green revolution’, as suggested by Dr M. S. Swaminathan, noted agricultural scientist and architect of the Green Revolution.

The idea of ‘ever-green revolution’ must be taken up for imaginative planning, formulation of concrete plans and implementation. Only an enduring Green Revolution can ensure food security on a sustained basis.

As indicated by Prof Swaminathan, the technologies that would help usher in ever-green revolution are organic farming and ever-green agriculture.

This requires blending of traditional knowledge with modern science.

Indian farmers cannot afford to meet the cost of energy-intensive farming. It is advisable to make use of renewable sources of energy.

Powering farms with solar energy, wind energy, bio-fuel, etc will make agricultural operations less costly and affordable for all farmers. India has a large number of farm animals. They constitute a large repository of renewable energy that must be tapped.

Irrigation facilities must also be expanded and the government must make make greater allocations for this purpose. Farm research must be given added importance in the coming days. Farm extension activities played an important role in bringing about the first Green Revolution. There is, therefore, a strong case for reviving farm extension activities.

Crop diversification, increasing the number of crops, ensuring that no cultivable land is kept uncultivated, speedy expansion of irrigation facilities and supply of seeds of good quality on time, supply of required inputs, timely sanction and release of farm loans and crop loans, etc must be the areas of focus.

Combination of traditional methods with modern science must form the basis of an ever-green revolution, as suggested by Prof Swaminathan.

K. K. Ammannaya Udupi

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