Investment in Agriculture can reduce Poverty: S.C. Jamir

Governor Dr. S.C. Jamir on Monday inaugurated the National Seminar on ‘150 th Year of Na-Anka (Great Odisha Famine-1866) and Food Security in contemporary Odisha’, organized by Pipili Sanskrutia Parisad and National Seminar Committee on Na-Anka.

Inaugurating the Seminar Governor said, for many decades afterwards the great Odisha famine of 1866 was simply a dark and even humiliating experience which the survivors and the survivors of survivors, had little wish to recall. The terrible realities of the past hunger present themselves to us as nightmare images. Governor urged to negotiate these past images into the facts of present day challenge.

Addressing malnutrition and food insecurity, the Government is serious to enhance food grains production and expand the sphere of food security. Indeed investing in agriculture’s development will be critical on reducing poverty, said Governor.

Around 70 percent people in Odisha depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Toe increase crop yields, poor and marginal farmers need effective agricultural extension service, better seeds and fertilizers and access to markets. Investment on agricultural research and extension, promoting innovation and new technologies are highly essential, Governor opined.

Highlighting the role of agricultural universities, Governor called upon to work with partners to introduce improved varieties of paddy and other crops which would help to boost the production contributing a lot to nutrition and food security.