Venkaiah Naidu Encourages Youth to Embrace Agriculture and Science
Synopsis
In a compelling address, Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu urged young people to prioritize agriculture as a cornerstone of national strength and highlighted the need for scientific advancements to be integrated into farming practices for a sustainable future.
Key Takeaways
Youth Engagement: Encouragement for young people to focus on agriculture.
Scientific Integration: Need for research to reach farmers directly.
Environmental Awareness: Caution against excessive chemical fertilizer use.
Agricultural Recognition: Presentation of the M.S.
Swaminathan award to Dr.
Sustainable Practices: Emphasis on natural farming and soil conservation.
Hyderabad, April 19 (NationPress) Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has emphasized the need for the youth to engage in agriculture, asserting that it serves as the foundation of the nation.
He encouraged young individuals to direct their attention towards this crucial sector, highlighting that scientific research and innovations should reach farmers directly in their fields instead of being limited to laboratories.
Naidu made these remarks during an event held on Saturday evening for the presentation of the M.S. Swaminathan award.
Addressing environmental challenges, he cautioned against the overuse of chemical fertilizers and stressed the significance of soil conservation and the safeguarding of nature and livestock.
He described it as an honor to present the esteemed merit award, named after the Father of the Green Revolution, Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, to Ch Srinivasa Rao, the Director and Vice-Chancellor of ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to agriculture.
Venkaiah Naidu praised Dr. Srinivasa Rao's role in shaping essential national policies related to agriculture and climate change, noting that this award acknowledges his leadership in advancing natural farming methods and steering the country towards sustainable agriculture.
The ceremony for the 9th Professor M.S. Swaminathan Award (2024-25) was co-hosted by the Retired ICAR Employees Association and Nuziveedu Seeds Limited at the Dr. Marri Chenna Reddy Human Resource Development Institute.
Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, the Chairman of Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, Mandava Prabhakara Rao, and the president of the Retired ICAR Employees Association, Vidyasagar Rao, were present at the event.
Minister Nageswara Rao expressed his pleasure that the award was given during the birth centenary year of Professor M.S. Swaminathan. He emphasized the need for scientific research to be more accessible to farmers and warned that ignoring soil health could jeopardize the achievements of the Green Revolution.
Mandava Prabhakara Rao noted that the award honors Dr. Srinivasa Rao’s significant contributions to climate-resilient agriculture and natural resource management. He mentioned that Dr. Rao has bolstered agricultural stability by broadening resource conservation technologies across vast areas and developing contingency plans at the district level.
Point of View
The appeal made by Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu to the youth to engage in agriculture is both timely and essential. His emphasis on integrating scientific research into farming practices highlights a crucial step towards a better future for both farmers and the environment.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is agriculture considered the backbone of India?
Agriculture is vital to India's economy, providing employment to a significant portion of the population and ensuring food security for the nation.
What is the significance of the M.S. Swaminathan award?
The award recognizes outstanding contributions to agriculture and is named after Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a pioneer of the Green Revolution in India.
How can scientific research benefit farmers?
Scientific research can provide farmers with innovative practices, improved crop yields, and sustainable farming techniques that enhance productivity and environmental health.
What are natural farming practices?
Natural farming practices focus on sustainable agriculture that minimizes chemical inputs and enhances soil health, promoting long-term ecological balance.
Who attended the M.S. Swaminathan award ceremony?
The ceremony featured prominent figures including Telangana Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and other key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
