Changing rural landscape, raising farm income in focus at PAU conference
LUDHIANA:FORMER member of the now non-existent Planning Commission of India, YK Alagh, has called for power to allocate funds to be given to the Niti Aayog, the body that replaced it, to ensure that the country was put on a faster path to growth.
Participating in a discussion on the opening day of the threeday 27th annual conference of Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA) that started at Punjab Agricultural University on Tuesday, Alagh added, “The planning body in China has the power to allocate funds due to which it has grown and this practice should also be adopted in India.” Alagh is a former union minister and vicechair and professor Emeritus, Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research, Ahmedabad.
The theme of the conference is Changing Landscape of Rural India and Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, chancellor, SS Johl, was invited as the chief guest. “The existing scenario can be improved, but we need people who can think of future generation and not for the upcoming elections,” Johl said.
‘PART-TIME FARMER’
Citing successful examples of Japan and China, Dr Johl suggested the concept of ‘part-time farmers’ as a solution to the problem of income. In Japan, more than 95% of farmers were parttime, he added.
United Nations Development Programme resident coordinator Bishow Parajuli said India had been facing cyclones and drought, leading to damage to crop, infrastructure and property. New varieties need to be developed in view of changing weather. “Minimising the use of water, minimising losses in agriculture, diversifying food, and studying migration of rural people to urban areas and other countries are some of the other thrust areas, which call for the attention of experts,” he said.
“If we want to take the future of agri-economics to the next level, then students, the future generations, must think out of the box,” he added. “PAU has played a pivotal role in transforming the agriculture of India,” said Parajuli.
President of AERA, PK Joshi said the theme ‘Changing Landscape of Rural India’ was decided when Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wanted to make India a $5 trillion economy by 2024.
A book entitled “Economic Policy in a Liberalising Economy – Indian Reform in this Century” by Alagh was released on the first day of the conference.
Former chairperson of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices Dr T Haque delivered the 3rd Dr GK Chadha Memorial lecture.
‘ONION PRICE SPURT DUE TO NO CHECK ON RETAIL MARKET’
Commenting on the sky-rocketing prices of onion, Johl said it happened as there was no check on the retail market. “If the present trend continues, it will discourage farmers,” he said. Laying special emphasis on research, production and marketing, Johl stressed on cooperation among the agricultural universities.