Agriculture scientist M.S Swaminathan has said the new capital of Andhra Pradesh should be a modern ‘eco city’, entirely powered by solar energy, and a leader in rain water harvesting.
“The new capital city should be a role model in energy efficiency, with solar energy being tapped to meet its energy requirements and every drop of rain water being harvested. It should be a leader in energy and water conservation,” Dr. Swaminathan said in an exclusive interview with The Hindu .
The renowned scientist who coined the term ‘evergreen revolution’, also gave some interesting insights into the contentious issue of acquisition of thousands of acres for building the capital.
“Land has multiple uses, including farming, industry and housing. We are enjoying express highways, part of the Golden Quadrilateral project, constructed on acres of farm land. The pattern of land usage keeps changing,” Professor Swaminathan said.
He also proposed that Special Agricultural Zones (SAZ) be set up to prevent people from using good farm land for non-farm purposes.
While the consent of majority of farmers is still mandatory, according to the amendments made to the Land Acquisition Act 2013, the whole process should be transparent, and farmers should be made to feel proud that they are parting with their land in the national interest.
“Maybe, a beautiful park can be built in recognition of their sacrifice. Above all, proper discussions should be held before the State goes about acquiring land,” Dr. Swaminathan said.
Batting for the immediate lifting of a ban on field trials with recombinant DNA material available with public and private research organisations, Dr. Swaminathan proposed that an independent All India Coordinated Project on genetically modified crops with a bio safety expert as its head should be set up to address regulatory issues.
“BT Cotton is the only GM crop widely cultivated. BT Brinjal , which has been tested in Bangladesh, may soon find its way to India,” he said.
The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee, which is presently handling issues relating to GM crops has been converted into an appraisal committee further placing restrictions on field trials, Dr. Swaminathan added.
It should lead in energy efficiency,
says the renowned scientist
