Hyderabad: Speaking at the second convocation of the Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, on Sunday, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan said there appears to be large scale of use of insecticides and pesticides in food production and there is a general perception among the people that the incidence of cancer is on the rise because the food that is consumed is no longer pure and healthy.
The Governor said it is necessary for the agricultural scientists to ensure that the food that is available is pure and healthy and organic farming is the way forward to ensure this.
He said organic farming should be taken up in a very big way as many of the states have already gone into it. The Governor said it is not the quantity of food produced that is important but it should also provide health security.
Narasimhan also emphasised on the need to take up Herbal plantation in a big way as recent research into the ancient Indian Herbal medicines showed that it can be an antidote to many serious ailments such as cancer.
He said agricultural scientists should focus on medicinal plantation also and not just paddy, wheat etc. as people are using them in a big way. He said diversification of crops will help in doubling the incomes of the farmers. Costs of cultivation can be reduced by use of technology and micro irrigation, etc.,
He said plenty of water is available in the country and it is the utilisation that is to be taken care of and stressed on the need for a National water policy for optimum utilisation of water that is available in the country which can avoid unnecessary water wars and water disputes.
Rural urban divide and migration from rural areas to urban areas is another issue that should be taken care of, said the Governor. He said making agriculture a profitable proposition would address the issue of migration from rural areas to urban areas and stop the pressure on urban areas.
The Governor also advised the agriculture scientists to provide guidance to the farmers on utilisation of land and forming of crop colonies with different crops and not just paddy alone by linking to the aid given by Central govt. He said making farmers accept the technology is a another challenge for the agriculture scientists.
The Governor said farmers should be advised to move into solar power to ensure power security.
The Governor who is also Chancellor of the University appreciated the initiatives taken by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Praveen Rao in taking risks by way of changes in the curricular and co-curricular activities and succeeding in implementing them.
Padma Bhushan Dr. Rajendra Singh Paroda participated as Chief Guest at the Convocation. Doctoral students, research scholars, Graduates were presented medals and certificates during the Convocation. (INN)