Call to meet needs of growing population

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Agriculture Tariq Anwar said that the scientists should find ways to increase farm production so as to cater to the food needs of growing population.

Addressing the inaugural session of the World Agricultural Forum Congress on Tuesday, Tariq Anwar said that the population of India may increase to 150 crore by 2030 from the present 120 crore and there was a need to increase the production of foodgrains in order to serve the growing population.

He informed that farm land was being decreased day by day due to urbanisation and it was time to produce more by applying new methods in the available lands.

Referring to the genetically modified (GM) crops, he said that strong patent regime to regulate GM crops in the country. He requested the scientific community to put forth suggestions for a strong patent regime.

“Scientific community should take up valuation of GM crops and discuss their relevance to Indian agricultural practices,” the Minister said. He further stressed the need to encourage contract farming in India as it would be beneficial to farmers.

With the theme, ‘Reshaping agriculture for sustainable future: Focus on small farm holders’, the conference would discuss how to improve the fortunes of small and marginal farmers. Scientists, experts, academicians, officials, farmers and NGOs from different countries were taking part in the conference, being held for the first time in Asia.