By IANS,
New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar Monday called upon the states to ensure that their agricultural universities are “adequately funded and staffed”.
“We feel that participation of the private sector is also essential to raise the level of investments in agricultural research and education.
“The vast network of agricultural universities and colleges can play a leading role in cultivating self-confidence and capabilities in the students required for taking up agriculture as a profession,” said Pawar while addressing the 84th annual general meeting of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).
He urged the ICAR to give special attention towards the northeast region, equipping the farmer to tackle the climate change and erratic behaviour of the monsoon.
“The production of pulses and oilseeds are well below the demand and major thrust needs to be given on this front. Availability of fodder has become a major hindrance in growth of our animal husbandry sector,” he said.