Green revolution made the country self-sufficient in foodgrains but was not successful in the 60 per cent rainfed areas and that is why the government is now focusing on bringing the ‘second green revolution’ in eastern region which is rich in water resources, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said on Friday.
“The challenge in the farm sector is to enhance production as well as farmers’ incomes,” he said at an event to commemorate the golden jubilee of the green revolution here. The Minister felicitated agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan, popularly known as the “father of the green revolution” and other scientists.
Mr. Singh announced the government’s plan for scientists to adopt villages, where they will directly interact with farmers to solve their problems. This year the Centre has earmarked Rs. 3,900 crore for strengthening the Krishi Vigyan Kendras for dissemination of technology to farmers.
Scientists were called upon to develop new varieties that will make the country self-sufficient in pulses and oilseeds which are imported in large quantities as of now.
The country’s foodgrains output has gone up from 82 million tonnes in 1960s to 262 million tonnes in 2013-14. Rice output is up from 34 million tonnes to 100 million tonnes, while wheat production has increased from 11 million tonnes to 90 million tonnes during the period. In 1960s, green revolution helped the country overcome hunger by enhancing food production using high-yield varieties of seeds, use of chemical fertilisers and modifying farm equipment.
