By IANS,
Jammu : President Pratibha Patil Monday called upon the scientists to go in for a second green revolution to offset the problem of food shortage in the country.
“There is a need to enhance the agriculture production with the help of new research, technology and rationalised use of fertilizers,” she said while addressing the second convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology here.
The president said a “second green revolution is need of the hour”, with the same passion and drive as was at the time of first one in 1960s when the food imports reached alarming proportions.
“Scientists, researchers and farmers need to make a coordinated effort in this direction,” she said.
Governor S.K. Sinha and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad voiced concern over the “shrinking agricultural land” across the country, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is a matter of grave concern for all of us,” Azad said.
He said the scientists need to be the leaders in developing new seed varieties and technology to help overcome this crisis, caused by growing population and ever increasing housing facilities on the agricultural land.
Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahuluwalia was honoured atthe convocation with honorary degree of Doctor of Sciences.