Mechanization of agricultural and horticultural crops, green houses, covered cultivation, animal and fish production are the new emerging areas, which need greater attention for ensuring food security. This was stated by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas while inaugurating the 3-day Convention of Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers here today.

Prof. Thomas said that the mechanization in sugarcane cultivation with use of specific machinery, particularly sugarcane harvesters needs to be given emphasis. The Minister asked the agricultural engineers to accord priority to mechanization of hill agriculture and small farms by introducing light and low- cost power tools and machinery, to improve field operations. He said, some promising technologies have been successfully testing and they need to be demonstrated extensively for the adoption by the farming community. As energy and water are becoming scares technologies using less energy, less water and conserving soil moisture will become popular in the years to come, the Minister added.

Referring to future challenges to irrigated agriculture, the Minister called for research, development and capacity building in the area of irrigation and water management. He said, there will have to be significant investment in the training of engineers, scientists, extension agents and irrigators. Underlining the need for proper management of agricultural wastes and their subsequent disposal, Prof. Thomas said that a large amount of biomass is produced every year but the consumable portion constitutes only a fraction of the whole, be it plant or animal produce. The agricultural by-products could be converted in useful products, adding to the income and reducing the negative impact on environment, Prof. Thomas asserted.

SOURCE: PIB

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