Consortium of young scientists to achieve ‘Zero Hunger’ goal

January 22, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:55 am IST - GUNTUR:

Founder chairman of M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation M.S Swaminathan speaking at the valedictory of the 6th Indian Youth Science Congress in Guntur on Wednesday. Minister P. Pulla Rao and ANU Vice-Chancellor K.Viyanna Rao look on.Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar

Founder chairman of M.S Swaminathan Research Foundation M.S Swaminathan speaking at the valedictory of the 6th Indian Youth Science Congress in Guntur on Wednesday. Minister P. Pulla Rao and ANU Vice-Chancellor K.Viyanna Rao look on.Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar

The 6th Indian Youth Congress has resolved to set up a consortium of young scientists – ‘Youth against hunger’, to achieve the goal of ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2025.

At the end of 6th Indian Youth Science Congress, executive director of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation Ajay Kumar Parida said young scientists across India working on solutions to mitigate hunger would be made part of consortium.

The Science Congress recommended that universities should establish committees on public understanding of science to provide opportunities for young scientists to disseminate knowledge about biotechnology, information technology and eco technology in public domain.

Public good research undertaken by public institutions should receive more support and anticipatory research should be given a fillip to cope with the impact of climate change, Dr. Parida said.

Professor Swaminathan, founder chairman of foundation, batted for rain water harvesting and said water harvesting should be promoted at farm lands and community centre watershed should also be set up.

“Leveraging agriculture for overcoming malnutrition should become an integral part of farming system research and development,’’ Dr. Swaminathan said.

Since 2015 has been declared as International Year of Soil Healthcare, priority should be given to improve soil health by giving attention of microbiology of soils. Sustainable food security would depend on soil conservation and soil health.

Speaker Kodela Siva Prasada Rao, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function held at ANU, said that problem of hunger reached a dangerous and fearful proportion calling for immediate action.

Vice Chancellor of ANU K.Viyanna Rao presented a paper on ‘Achieving Excellence- the role of Universities’. Minister for Agriculture P. Pulla Rao and MLA Alapati Rajendra Prasad spoke.

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