President Droupadi Murmu Advocates for Embracing Natural Farming Practices
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Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday underscored the importance of embracing natural farming practices to reduce the harmful consequences stemming from the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.
While addressing the 40th convocation ceremony of the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), President Murmu remarked: "The excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides has introduced new challenges to our agricultural sector. There is widespread concern regarding the detrimental effects this has on soil, water, and the environment. Considering the current circumstances, we must prioritize the adoption of natural farming techniques, the promotion of indigenous technical knowledge, and the sensible utilization of locally available natural resources."
The President further stated that comprehensive progress in the nation cannot be achieved without advancing the agriculture sector and supporting farmers.
She expressed her strong belief that the nation's economy can be bolstered through the growth of agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.
Murmu emphasized that culture and agriculture are key defining traits of India, adding that it is aptly said that 'Agriculture is Culture is our culture.'
"Over the past few decades, our country has seen remarkable achievements in agricultural production. In the past, we relied on imports for food, but today we are exporting food products and other agricultural goods to various nations. This has been made possible due to the guidance of our agricultural scientists and the relentless efforts of our farmers," President Murmu stated.
She mentioned that there are significant opportunities for agricultural development in India. The President highlighted that fertile land, diverse climates, abundant natural resources, skilled human resources, and advanced technology are sufficient to ensure the growth of the agricultural sector in India. However, challenges persist within this sector.
"Natural disasters, the adverse effects of climate change, the per capita availability of arable land, and the excessive exploitation of natural resources have introduced new hurdles for us. To tackle these issues, our scientists must innovate and disseminate technologies that are relevant to the current era. Advanced technologies such as drones, remote sensing, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence should be employed in agriculture to sustain production amidst challenging circumstances. There is a pressing need to fortify the agricultural sector," she added.
President Murmu stressed the importance of safeguarding the environment, maintaining water and soil health, conserving soil, and utilizing natural resources responsibly.
"Climate change presents a significant global challenge. Rising environmental temperatures, increased carbon dioxide levels, and the negative impact of greenhouse gas emissions have adversely affected agricultural production. It is crucial for agricultural scientists to confront these challenges," the President concluded.
