Farm scientists should encourage youths to take up farming: ICAR DG

Cuttack: Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Dr Trilochan Mohapatra has called upon farm scientists to encourage youths to take up farming in large scale.

Speaking at 'Dhaan Diwas', the foundation day celebration of National Rice Research Institute here today, Mohapatra, who is also the secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), said farm scientists and farm workers of the country are now determined to fulfil the aspiration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in doubling the income of farmers by 2020.

"It is our responsibility to fulfil the aspiration of our PM by doubling farmers' income in the next three years," Mohapatra said while addressing a gathering of farm scientists drawn from several ICAR institutes located in the state and farmers from Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand.

He said despite the challenges of climate change and weather hazards, productions of crops, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, vegetables and fruits have increased in the country in 2016-17.

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"Most importantly, the country has been able to export 9 MT of rice, including 4.5 MT of Basmati rice last year," Mohapatra said.

Cautioning the farm scientists to remain alert to face the challenges of climate change, he batted for proper water management in the agriculture sector.

He also stressed on a vibrant value chain to ensure that minimum support price (MSP) is provided to the farmers.

"Diversification of agriculture and an industrious approach towards farming are also vital aspects, which need to be addressed properly for a strong farm economy," Mohapatra said.