Modi lists 5 Ts for farm sector revolution

Arteev Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chatta (Jammu), May 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave the mantra of five essential Ts — training, talent, technology, timely action and trouble free approach — for bringing a technological revolution in the agricultural sector.

He asked the agricultural scientists that their endeavour should be aimed at doubling the earnings of the farmers through technological innovations.

The Prime Minister was referring to climatic changes, including rapidly melting glaciers and water scarcity in the country with majority of farmers depending on rains for irrigation, and said their (agricultural scientists) approach should be “per drop, more crop”.

PM Modi said this while delivering the convocation address at the 6th convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) on its main campus at Chatta.

During his 28-minute speech, the PM urged the agricultural scientists to revisit their strategies that must meet the growing challenges of climate change and paucity of water.

“You are not carrying mere degrees, but letters of hope for the ‘ann data’ of the country — farmers — who have high expectations from you,” he told the passouts.

“We have to revisit our strategies and focus should be technological revolutions in the field of agriculture. Therefore, a new culture has to be invoked into farming in the country. I urge those passing out today to always keep their student mindset alive. Only then you will be able to develop a better model for farmers of the country,” PM Modi said amid the applause from students and faculty members.

Modi said, “Over 400 degrees have been awarded here today. I congratulate all of you, particularly our daughters who are doing wonders in sports, education or any other field. I can see a sparkle and confidence in your eyes which is needed for dreams and challenges ahead,” he said, maintaining, “Whatever you studied was within the classroom, but now, a big, open classroom is waiting for you outside.”

PM Modi further said, “Advances in the agriculture sector will be helpful in the welfare of farmers. Along with the Green and White Revolution, we should also focus on organic revolution, water revolution, blue revolution and sweet revolution. It will increase the income of farmers.”

He said the Union Cabinet approved Rs 5,000 crore for micro and sprinkler irrigation scheme two days ago and all these policies and decisions would strengthen the goal of doubling the income of farmers.

Modi also recalled how his government amended the Bamboo Act to overcome the whopping import of bamboo worth Rs 15,000 crore every year.

He also cited the example of sea buckthorn, a thorny plant with great medicinal value grown in Ladakh that withstands extreme weather conditions from minus 40°C to 40°C. He also said artificial intelligence in the farming sector would bring a revolutionary change in the times to come.

Governor NN Vohra, who is the Chancellor of the university, and the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Pro-Chancellor, also addressed the gathering.