Scientist C.N.R. Rao on Saturday made a strong pitch for applying nanotechnology to develop agriculture by calling upon the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bangalore (UAS-B) to initiate serious research into it.
Delivering the 49th convocation address at the university, Prof. Rao observed that there were many areas in agriculture in different countries which had improved owing to application of nanotechnology. He described agriculture as a vital aspect of human life, particularly India.
He expressed concern over food security while referring to predictions of food shortage in the coming years.
“Food security, water and energy will be the three national missions, which should continue till India becomes rich in these resources,” he maintained.
As agricultural use of water and energy determined the quantum of these resources available for other purposes, he stressed the need for taking up studies to help improve the situation.
Prof. Rao called for promoting research on artificial photosynthesis to produce hydrogen-based energy. U.S. President Barack Obama had given the status of a national mission to such a research in his country, Prof. Rao said.
He advised agricultural scientists not to give up easily on research endeavours by observing that “to prove something in agricultural sciences, you need to wait with patience.”
A total of 845 students received degrees on the occasion and 119 gold medals were awarded. Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Minister of State for Agriculture Krishna Byre Gowda, Vice-Chancellor H. Shivanna and other senior officials of the university were present.
He pitches for application of the technology to develop agriculture
