Alarmed by pollution from stubble burning, Kovind seeks solutions
Prez also speaks about need to adopt technology to generate value for agriculture
CHANDIGARH: The alarming pollution levels in north India and associated health risks from stubble burning have President Ram Nath Kovind worried. He is optimistic, however, that combined efforts by farmers and technology can help solve the problem.
In his inaugural address at the 13th edition of the CII Agro Tech India here on Saturday, Kovind asked stakeholders for urgent solutions, calling the farmers of Punjab and Haryana the pride of the country who did not shy away from challenge and responsibility.
“We are facing problems related to disposal of crop residue and of safe and clean removal of husk or stubble,” Kovind said. In an extreme form, stubble burning was leading to pollution, affecting little children too. “It is for all of us, including the state governments, the skilled and largehearted farmers, and other stakeholders, to come up with a solution. And no doubt technology will help us find a solution,” Kovind said.
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Union agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh, food processing minister Harsimrat Kaur and the governors of Punjab and Haryana were present at the event.
For yet another year, farmers in the region defied the stubble burning ban, causing air pollution not only in the two states but also in the national Capital.
Responding to Kovind’s concern, Sachit Jain, chairman, CII, northern region, said they were working on a pilot project to tackle the problem in Punjab. “We will take it forward in the times to come and fulfill the president’s dream,” he added.
NEED TO SCALE UP AGRI GROWTH
As the CII fair theme this year focused on doubling farmers’ income, Kovind said today’s challenge was to scale up agriculture growth. There was also need for the agriculture sector to renew its marriage with contemporary technology. Agriculturists had to be protected against climate change, price fluctuations and demand shocks; with sustained investment by and partnership with business.
“Biotechnology, nanotechnology, data science, remote-sensing imaging, autonomous aerial, and artificial intelligence hold the key to generating more value for agriculture. The Indian agricultural sector was still at an early stage of technology adoption. Many of our farmers have limited access to mechanised tools, let alone to cutting-edge knowledge,” he added.
Technology-based applications and services can help unlock economic impact in agriculture, Kovind said, calling for boosting investments in agricultural R&D. Meanwhile, CII president Rakesh Bharti Mittal said that as farmers had met the goal of food security, farming should now be seen as a wealth creation tool. He also called for reforms in long-term leasing of land and incentivising farmers who adopt technology.
It is for all of us, including the state governments, the skilled and large-hearted farmers, and other stakeholders, to come up with a solution. And no doubt technology will help us find a solution. RAM NATH KOVIND , President