By IANS,
New Delhi : President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday called upon agricultural scientists to find solutions to challenges faced by millions of small and marginal farmers
Addressing agricultural scientists and policymakers at the 85th foundation day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research here, the president drew attention to issues like quality seed production, agro-processing and post-harvest handling of farm produce and development and introduction of genetically modified crops, a statement said.
Mukherjee also asked them to prepare Indian agriculture for climate change.
Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar called for advancing pro-poor agricultural research and development.
He expressed the hope that India would become one of the leading food suppliers to the world while, at the same time, serving the vast growing domestic market of over a billion people.
The president also launched an SMS portal exclusively for farmers through which farmers can get agriculture-related information and advisories as per their needs and location, and in their own language, said the statement.
The president also presented awards to institutions, scientists and journalists dealing with agricultural research and education.