Renowed agri scientist, M.S.Swaminathan today said Indian agriculture will receive a big boost if the country takes advantage of its young population and woos them into the farm sector by making it lucrative.
“India has a big advantage as more than half of its population is below 30 years of age”, he said.
“If we tap this huge demographic dividend by making agriculture exciting for the younger generation a far better result can be achieved,” Swaminathan said addressing a function of international non-profit organisation CABI.
US President Barack Obama during his recent visit to India had also highlighted this fact (50 per cent of country’s population being below 30 year of age), the Padma Bushan awardee agriculture scientist said.
Swaminathan, who is a Member of Parliament, said the younger generation including women could be mobilised into the field of agriculture only by making it a profitable occupation.
The Ramon Magsaysay award winner suggested blending primary and tertiary sectors for giving the agriculture sector an impetus.
The Agri clinics and Agri business centres at grassroot level should have people from primary and tertiary sectors to make it more profitable, he said.
Swaminathan said he had given the suggestion to the government.
Swaminathan, credited with the Green revolution in the country, stressed on technological upgradation of Indian agriculture and more effective use of communications to educate farmers.
Stating that Indian agriculture had tremendous growth potential, CABI (Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International) CEO Trevor Nichollas said the organisation would expand its activities in the country in times to come.
Built in 1910, CABI activities encompass scientific publication, research and communication in the field of agriculture.
It has presence in 45 countries including India and China.
