Agriculture as an occupation is losing appeal

OMICS International Inc organised three global conferences viz. ‘Agri-2014’, ‘Biosimilars 2014’ and ‘Pharmacovigilance-2014’ at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre on Tuesday. The conferences were attended by 900 plus delegates from 9 countries such as Nigeria, China, the USA, the UK and Egypt. The theme of ‘Agri-2014’ was ‘Novel Strategies & Innovations in Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences’.

Mohan Kanda, former chief secretary and member of National Disaster Management Agency, said, “Agriculture as an occupation is losing appeal and it is a worldwide phenomenon. There is a lack of attachment to the land. Even after liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation, the status of farmers has not improved. They are beginning to lose confidence in the system. India stands 136th position in the Human Development Index. Once upon a time in India, everything used to wait for agriculture, but that is not so now.”

Mohan, quoting spatial scientist John Fisher, said that the world needs 70 per cent more food by 2050.

“Without improving yields, that 70 per cent increase in food would require over 34,000,000 sq. km of new farmland, an area larger than the entire continent of Africa,” he said.

“What a farmer requires is guarantee to his investment in cultivation. Let any multi-coloured revolutions come, unless farmers’ investment is guaranteed, farming will not improve. Unless we do something new and different, nothing is going to change. Why can’t we have a cabinet committee on agriculture and rural development and give farmers wholesome advice?” questioned Mohan.

OMICS MD Dr Srinubabu Gedela said, “At 157.35 million hectares, India holds the second largest agricultural land globally. All the 15 major climates are found in India. The country possesses 45 of the 60 soil types in the world.”