President Murmu calls on scientists to deal with agriculture sector challenges

President Droupadi Murmu urges agriculture scientists to develop technologies to combat climate change and protect natural resources.

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (December 5, 2024) called on agriculture scientists to develop and disseminate technologies in a timely manner to deal with natural disasters, adverse effects of climate change, and excessive exploitation of resources.

The President made the remarks while addressing the gathering of Odisha University of Agricultural and Technology (OUAT)‘s 40th convocation. She also urged the agriculture scientists to come up with ideas to protect soil, water and the environment from the adverse impact of climate change.

“Agriculture is facing new challenges such as natural disasters, adverse effects of climate change, decreasing per capita farm size, and excessive exploitation of natural resources. To deal with these challenges, our scientists will have to develop and disseminate technologies timely. We have to emphasize environmental protection, soil health protection, water and soil conservation, and better use of natural resources,” President Murmu said.

She noted that climate change-related issues such as rising temperatures and increase in greenhouse gases are affecting agricultural production in the country. “Agricultural scientists have an important responsibility to deal with all such issues,” she said, adding, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has also emerged as new challenges for the sector.

“Their fertilizer and pesticide effects on soil, water, and the environment are a matter of concern for all. Young scientists would find solutions to solve these problems,” the President said. She, however, expressed satisfaction that over the past decade, India has achieved extraordinary success in agricultural production and exporting farm goods to other countries. “This has been possible due to the guidance of our agricultural scientists and the tireless hard work of our farmers,” President Murmu said.

The President said developing agriculture, fishery production, and livestock can strengthen India’s economy. she also urged the students to contribute to the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047 through their innovative ideas and dedicated actions.