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| Agriculture At Critical Crossroads | | | While addressing the 60th Annual Convention of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recalled how scientists and engineers contributed to the Green Revolution through mechanisation and innovations that reduced post-harvest losses.
He urged the young generation to draw inspiration from these achievements while addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity and sustainable farming.
Agriculture today stands at another critical crossroads. The challenges are different, but no less serious. Climate change is altering rainfall patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events and affecting crop productivity. Declining groundwater levels, soil degradation, shrinking landholdings and rising input costs are putting additional pressure on farmers. At the same time, a growing population requires a reliable supply of nutritious food without compromising the ecological foundations of agriculture.
This is where agricultural engineering and innovation must play a much greater role. The objective cannot simply be to produce more. It must be to produce more with fewer resources and with minimal damage to the environment. Precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, smart irrigation, renewable-energy-based farm machinery and digital technologies can significantly improve productivity while reducing wastage.
Post-harvest losses deserve particular attention. Producing a crop is only one part of the agricultural chain. A substantial portion of the value of farm produce can be lost because of inadequate storage, transportation, processing and marketing facilities. Modern cold chains, scientific warehouses, efficient processing technologies and better rural infrastructure can ensure that farmers receive greater returns while reducing food wastage.
The young generation has a crucial role in this transformation. Agriculture must no longer be viewed merely as a traditional occupation. It is increasingly becoming a technology-driven sector offering opportunities in agri-tech, food processing, logistics, renewable energy, biotechnology and entrepreneurship. Young engineers and scientists can bring fresh ideas and modern skills to rural India, while young farmers can become innovators in their own right. For Jammu and Kashmir, the possibilities are particularly significant. Horticulture, high-value crops, protected cultivation, water-efficient farming and modern post-harvest technologies can strengthen rural livelihoods and make local agriculture more competitive. Climate-resilient farming practices can also help farmers cope with changing environmental conditions.
The lesson of the Green Revolution is not simply that technology can transform agriculture. Its deeper lesson is that national challenges can be overcome when science is guided by social purpose. The next agricultural revolution must therefore be greener, smarter and more inclusive. The future of Indian agriculture will depend on our ability to innovate without exhausting the very resources on which farming depends. |
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