2nd green revolution necessary to overcome foodgrain crisis: Patil

Shimla, May 28 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today called upon scientists and researchers to usher in second green revolution to combat the impending global foodgrains crisis by increasing foodgrains production.

Speaking at the civic reception hosted by Shimla Municipal Corporation in her honour at the historic Ridge Maidan here, she said the first green revolution in 60's had made India self sufficient in food and another such revolution was needed to ensure food security.

''Since agriculture is main source of income of 70 per cent population, there is need to increase production for which accelerated research in agriculture and bio-technology is imperative,'' the President said.

She called for concerted efforts to sustain high growth rate and integrated development of all states, districts, towns and villages to ensure that no one was deprived of fruits of development and underprivileged sections of the society were taken care of.

Stressing the need for utilising the vast potential to grow medicinal herbs and aromatic planes, Ms Patil said the demand of naturopathy was increasing across the world and during her recent visit to Brazil, Mexico and Chili she interacted with leaders of these countries and found that they were very much interested in Ayurveda.

''We should grab this opportunity by patenting the medicinal herbs found in abundance in Himachal, develop standardised products and set up a 'Medicinal Bank' for quick recognition abroad'' she said adding that this should be accomplished with great speed.

MORE UNI AS PS KK BD2052