New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, during the G20 Summit, highlighted the problems being faced by India’s growing population with regard to food security and climate change.
He said on Saturday that India’s population is likely to exceed 150 crore by 2030-31.
The demand for food grains for this is estimated to be around 350 million tonnes and the solution can only be addressed through agricultural research.
Because it contributes significantly to the three aspects of food security – availability, access and affordability.
Along with food grains, there will be a significant increase in the demand for edible oils, milk and milk products, meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits and sugar.
In comparison, natural resources are limited and there is also the challenge of climate change.
Tomar said during the G20 Agriculture Ministerial Conference organized by Italy that the strategy to meet the increased demand revolves around increasing productivity and increasing farmers’ income.
He said that agricultural research in India has played a major role in transforming the country from a food importer to an exporter.
Integrated research effort, a package of techniques and methodologies can be developed to improve soil productivity, water management for storage, expansion and efficiency.
An official release quoted Tomar as saying, “Technological progress is crucial to solve the challenges faced by mankind. Today, with an annual production of 308 million tonnes of food grains, India is not only meeting the needs of other countries in the area of food security but also.”
He said, “India has experienced a revolution in the field of agricultural produce due to the efficient research of scientists. Oilseeds Technology Mission has doubled the production of oilseeds in 10 years. India has made great progress in the production of pulses in the recent past.
