Prof. Ayyappan inaugurates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav seminar at CFTRI

Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that use of latest technology and nano-fertilisers is key for boosting agricultural production, Prof. S. Ayyappan, Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal and also Chairman of Karnataka Science and Technology Academy, expressed concern that nutritious food supplies are dwindling.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav seminar on ‘Innovation to build resilient, sustainable food supply for nutritional security’ organised  by the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists – India (AFST-I) as part of  29th ICFoST  at CSIR-CFTRI campus here this morning.

Maintaining that in Brazil, a farm owner has control over a vast area of about 250 acres, Prof. Ayyappan said that in India, it is quite opposite, where farmers owning even 4 acres of land are called as ‘landlords’.

Stressing on the need for finding innovative, smart and safe solutions for Agro and Marine food processing and for achieving sustainable Nutritional Security, he said that we have to adopt to standards and practices that are in practice at a time when food and agriculture is getting increasingly commercialised. The use of new technologies for enhancing food grain production is key for achieving nutritional security, he said adding that Millets too should be brought under horticultural crops.

Prof. Ayyappan also emphasised on the need for achieving Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG) and for effective implementation of STP (Short-term incentive Plan) and NAEP (National Agricultural Education Policy).

Prof. Ayyappan presented a power-point demonstration on Indian agriculture: Now and further and Momentous times  and wholesome approach in Indian agriculture, Global food system and Food-water-Energy nexus.

CSIR-CFTRI Director Dr. Sridevi  Annapurna Singh, who was the guest of honour addressed the event virtually.

Dr. C.N. Ravishankar, Director and Vice-Chancellor, ICAR-CIFE, Government of India, AFST (India) National President Dr. Alok Kumar Srivastava,  Secretary Dr. Nandini P. Shetty, Advisor Dr. N. Bhaskar, former DFRL,Mysuru Director Dr. A.S. Bawa and others were present.

The day-long event featured lecture sessions and power-point presentations.