NEW DELHI: (AMN) Chairman of Planning Commission, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia has asked Agricultural scientists to adopt innovative approach to strengthen agricultural research and education in India.
Speaking at a meeting of Vice Chancellors of Agricultural Universities here Monday Dr. Ahluwalia said, Agricultural Universities can play an important role in this direction by providing research based projects with the help of industry.
Appreciating the role played by the National Agricultural Research System in India, Dr. Ahluwalia urged the scientists working in agricultural research institutes to re-orient themselves in next 12th five year plan amid the challenges of food security and climate change. Referring to the gap in agricultural growth rate and land productivity of China and India, he emphasized on the need for more research on these two issues. ‘Four percent agricultural growth will be needed for growing economy like India. It would require more investment in knowledge management, institutional support and diversification in agriculture, government is also willing to fund such projects’, he added. Dr. Ahluwalia also suggested a new mechanism to fund research projects instead of funding universities.
Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Education (ICAR) highlighted the role and contribution of the ICAR institutes and agricultural universities in developing new technology and seeds for Indian farmers. He expressed the hope that some institutes can be converted into the centres of excellence. ‘Institutional support, better infrastructure and faculty development can help them to emerge at international level’, Dr. Ayyappan said.