Bad planning has led to fertiliser shortage: Prof Swaminathan

Mysore, July 8 (UNI) Renowned Agriculture Scientist Prof M S Swaminathan today said that shortage of fertiliser was mainly due to lack of proper planning and it is a national problem.

Speaking after inaugurating a Seed Processing unit at Suttur, in the district, he said that the demand for fertiliser should be drawn well in advance and there should stock at least three months before commencement of the season.

He said that at present soil has become lifeless and it is better if farming community adopt the organic, natural farming besides green farming which would give more results.

Suggesting that the agriculture system has to follow the green bank, which would help continuation of the age old crop pattern and seed bank, he said that the farmers should adopt new technology to produce seeds needed for their cultivation instead of waiting for government to supply.

Prof Swaminathan said that there was necessary for post harvest technology for food security.

He said that the IT knowledge should peculate to villages so that farmers get complete information on agriculture, climate, seed and fertiliser availability etc., He said that majority of the farmers in the country have only small holdings and unable to increase their production, but these village knowledge centres would be able to guide them in a proper way to stabilise themselves.

Prof Swaminathan said that the farmers facing big challenges due to global trend in increase of fuel and food prices. "The time has come to increase the food production and it is good opportunity to bring another green revolution in the country." UNI BSP MSP SKB2033