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Venkaiah Naidu Urges Youth to Focus on Agriculture, Bridge Science-Farmer Gap

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has called on the youth to focus on agriculture as the backbone of the nation. He stressed that scientific research must move from labs to farmers' fields and warned against the excessive use of chemical fertilisers. Naidu presented the prestigious M.S. Swaminathan Award to Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao for his contributions to agriculture and climate policy. The event was attended by Telangana's Agriculture Minister and industry leaders, who highlighted the need to protect soil health and the legacy of the Green Revolution.

Key Points: Venkaiah Naidu Calls Youth to Agriculture, Honors Scientist

  • Youth must focus on agriculture
  • Science must reach farmers' fields
  • Warning against excessive chemical fertilisers
  • Award honours sustainable farming leadership
2 min read

Venkaiah Naidu urges youth to focus on agriculture, bring scientific research to fields

Former VP Venkaiah Naidu urges youth to focus on farming, warns against overuse of chemicals, and presents M.S. Swaminathan Award to Dr. Ch Srinivasa Rao.

"research and scientific advancements must reach farmers in the fields rather than remain confined to laboratories - M. Venkaiah Naidu"

Hyderabad, April 19

Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has called on the youth to focus on agriculture, stating that agriculture is the backbone of the country.

He urged the youth to focus on this vital sector and stressed that research and scientific advancements must reach farmers in the fields rather than remain confined to laboratories.

The former Vice President was speaking at an event here on Saturday night to present the M.S. Swaminathan award.

Highlighting environmental concerns, the former Vice President warned against the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and underscored the importance of soil conservation and protection of nature and livestock.

Venkaiah Naidu called it a privilege to present the prestigious merit award, named after the Father of the Green Revolution, Dr M.S. Swaminathan, to Ch Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, for his extraordinary contributions to the field of agriculture.

Venkaiah Naidu lauded Dr Srinivasa Rao's efforts in formulating essential national policies regarding agriculture and climate change. He noted that the award recognises his leadership in promoting natural farming practices and guiding the nation towards sustainable agriculture.

The presentation ceremony for the 9th Professor M.S. Swaminathan Award (2024-25) was jointly organised by the Retired ICAR Employees Association and Nuziveedu Seeds Limited at the Dr Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute.

Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, Chairman of Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, Mandava Prabhakara Rao and the president of Retired ICAR Employees Association, Vidyasagar Rao, attended the ceremony.

Agriculture Minister Nageswara Rao expressed happiness that the award was presented during the birth centenary year of Professor M.S. Swaminathan. He highlighted the need for scientific research to be more accessible to farmers and cautioned that neglecting soil health could reverse the gains of the Green Revolution.

Mandava Prabhakara Rao remarked that the award celebrates Dr Srinivasa Rao's significant work in climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management. He noted that Dr Rao has strengthened agricultural stability by expanding resource conservation technologies across millions of hectares and developing district-level contingency plans.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Absolutely correct about reducing chemical fertilizers. My grandfather's small farm in Punjab has seen the soil quality degrade so much. Natural farming is the only sustainable way forward. Hope more policies support this transition.
R
Rohit P
Good words, but the real issue is implementation. Research stays in ICAR institutes, the average farmer in my village doesn't know about it. We need a stronger extension system to bridge this lab-to-land gap.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in agri-tech, I see both sides. The youth are interested, but they need to see a viable career path. Awards like these highlight role models. Dr. Rao's work on climate-resilient plans is crucial for farmers facing unpredictable weather.
K
Karthik V
Honoring Dr. Swaminathan's legacy in his centenary year is fitting. The Green Revolution saved us, but now we need an Evergreen Revolution as he himself advocated. Focus on soil health, water conservation, and farmer incomes.
M
Michael C
While the call to youth is noble, we must be realistic. Farming is hard work with high risk. Unless the economic equation changes—better MSP, insurance, infrastructure—why would a graduate take it up? The speech needs to be followed by concrete policy action.

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