Still a way to go

People often ask whether productivity can always be improved or whether after a number of initiatives, a plateau is reached. The following reminds us that because the environment changes, the situation changes, the technology available changes, etc.... there is always room for improvement.

President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil of India has suggested that it is vital that India keeps agriculture at the centre stage of the nation’s development agenda and constantly enhances crop productivity. She said: ‘We must enhance productivity on a constant basis and bring about a second Green Revolution which, along with agro-biotechnology, can translate into an ever-Green Revolution in India…. the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has already taken the initiative to establish one of the world’s largest and well organized gene bank of crop genetic resources. Agricultural growth would also depend upon technological inputs relating to water management systems, better seeds and farming practices. I am sure the institutes in the ICAR, the universities and the industry will be able to join hands to develop new technologies in these areas. The research system should intensify linkages with the public and private extension systems at all levels, particularly at the district and lower levels where the actual uptake and impact is seen.’