The young farmers meet that started here on Wednesday highlighted the relevance of a change in the profile of the average farmer.
Addressing the meet organised by the Kerala Agricultural University’s (KAU) Centre for Excellence in Environmental Economics (CEEE) and the All India Radio (AIR), KAU Vice- Chancellor P. Rajendran said that the Indian farmer has always been portrayed as a lonely, tired and distressed figure. But present day agriculture is technology-driven, he said.
“Present day agriculture is drudgery free and driven by technical knowhow, competence and intellectual ability as it is industry oriented. Production of quality food can be definitely viewed as an industry as it involves entrepreneurship as well. Projection of a smart profile for farmers will attract more youngsters in to farming. The successful examples of IT professionals taking up farming as full-time vocation should be projected and popularised,” the Vice- Chancellor said.
AIR Thrissur programme head M.N. Rajiv, in his presidential address, highlighted the role of youth in resurrecting the lost glory of agriculture. AIR’s long record in aiding and supporting farm sector is well appreciated, he said.
KAU Director of Extension P.V. Balachandran honoured state award winner and traditional farmer Cheruvayal Raman as well as Master Suraj, who won the state award for best organic farmer. “Assured income and stability of price are inevitable to sustain farming. Hi-tech farming has attracted many youth and price support, product diversification and social acceptance will help its progress and sustenance,” he said.
The successful examples of IT professionals taking up farming as full-time vocation should be popularised.
