Interaction between farm scientists, industry inadequate: Hooda

The interaction between scientists of farming universities in India and industry is inadequate and their collaboration can help in faster economic growth, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said. He suggested the need for establishing a close linkage between farm scientists and industrial and business houses for speedy technological innovations in agriculture sector. Speaking at a conference 'Role of state government in agriculture promotion' organised by the Crop Care Federation of India in Delhi Saturday, Hooda said: 'The industry can play an important role in funding the agriculture research institutions. The interaction between farm universities and industry is inadequate. Collaboration between farm scientists and the industry will be mutually beneficial through rapid integration of new knowledge, experience and technologies.' Hooda said that a massive national effort was needed for building modern godowns to arrest post harvest losses of food grains. 'Immediate action is needed to build required infrastructure for storage through public and private sector interventions. Industry should come forward to supplement the efforts of government in this regard,' he added. The chief minister said: 'There is no doubt that the role of state governments in enhancing agricultural production is very critical, but that alone may not take us very far.' Expressing his serious concern over present state of agriculture production in the country, Hooda said that growth of food grain production of the country has either declined or stagnated during the current decade. 'To feed our ever-increasing population, the food grain production has to be doubled by 2040 with consistent 2.5 percent annual growth. Hence, there is a need for the second Green Revolution. It can be achieved only through dynamic approach, focused strategy and application of new tools of science and technology,' he added.