Mysuru: Agriculture is the backbone of the country and this was realised long ago by the erstwhile ruler of Mysore Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, a visionary who set up the Naganahalli Farming Research Centre one hundred years ago for the development of Agriculture and to help the farmers increase their income, said District In-Charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa.

He was speaking after inaugurating the valedictory of the centenary celebration of the Organic Farming Research Station at Naganahalli in Mandya District. He also recalled the contributions of the first Director of the Station Dr. Leslie Coleman and said if he had not introduced the paddy variety in the old Mysore region, Mandya would not be called the sugar land today.

He called upon the agriculture scientists and University professors for development of agriculture along scientific lines to increase productivity to meet the food requirements of a rising population. “People are showing more interest in consumption of millet, thus going back to the roots. Both agriculture and cottage industry should grow and the only way it can grow is by using modern technology,” he said.