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Ranchi, March 2 (HS). Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Arjun Munda said that in the scientific efforts related to the second green revolution in the country, ecological balance and sustainable health of the soil will also be taken full care of. Efforts will be made to increase agricultural production and productivity with minimal interference from water, forests, land and natural life systems. Munda was addressing after the inauguration of the three-day Agrotech Kisan Mela organized at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi on Saturday.
Munda said that there is great strength in the Indian way of life and Indian soil. With this strength and awareness to preserve the nutrients available in the soil, everyone will have to work for the next agricultural revolution. We got the benefits of the first Green Revolution but we could not keep in mind how much damage was caused to the soil due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and whether we were able to preserve the soil in its natural form for the coming generations or not. While our stomach is getting filled, diseases are also coming.
Munda said that the whole world is affected by global temperature rise and climate change but we all have to see what we can do in our respective areas to deal with it. Nutrient-rich millets have been a part of our ancient traditions, festivals and worship methods. We were forgetting them but the Prime Minister presented the concept of International Year of Millets and gave a message to the whole world to save and increase these crops.
Munda also honored five progressive farmers – Sangeeta Devi, Bokaro, Shivnath Kushwaha, Garhwa, Manager Hansda, Pakur, Merita Hembram, Sahibganj and Ravi Kumar Mahato for innovative agriculture.
Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth said that there is a large area of vegetable and fruit production within the 40 kilometer radius of BAU, from where the products go to Mumbai and Karnataka besides neighboring states. The potential here in the field of horticulture should be properly utilized.
Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Dr. Himanshu Pathak said that Jharkhand can emerge as a big hub in the field of horticulture, animal production and fishery production. Its products will be in demand not only in the country but also abroad. For this, along with economic cooperation, policy support is also required.
Kanke MLA Samri Lal said that Kanke is a big agricultural producing area. Therefore, many big cold storages should be opened here and the Bacon Factory of Asia Fame, which was lying closed for decades, should be started soon. Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University, Dr. Ajit Kumar Sinha and Director of Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Dr. Sujay Rakshit also expressed their views.
In the Agrotech Fair, various units of Birsa Agricultural University, institutes of ICR, manufacturers of seeds, fertilizers, government departments, banks and voluntary organizations have displayed their technology, products and services in 130 slots. Farmers from all 24 districts of the state are participating in good numbers in the event.